by mariah estran
photo by niles gregory
After much anticipation, LA-based artist Nyiko has returned, dropping a visual for his latest single, "LA On Fire."
Now, the scene is set for the indie-pop tune. A reflection on the recurring natural disasters, and a metaphor for the lasting effects of the entertainment business. Through the film direction of Milo Mitchell, the LA lifestyle is front and center in the newly released music video.
“Milo and I are part of a movie club that meets up to watch low-budget and fringe horror films. With that shared connection, we wanted to make a video that drew inspiration from the more bizarre and campy horror films,” Nyiko explains.
With three characters: a photographer, dancer, and skateboarder, we see Nyiko play mad scientist. He overlooks their lives through television surveillance, but when a few buttons are pushed, things escalate. Smoke appears, each person taken over, engulfed by the overwhelming aspects of the Hollywood dream.
Through use of over-the-top, silly horror, it allows that nostalgic, dance-inducing sound to flare. Burning that memorable chorus and illuminating keys right into your mind.