Video Spotlight: Fire Away by Chris Stapleton

One of the greatest things that happened in 2015 was the rise of Chris Stapleton. He released his fantastic album Traveller in May and would go on to win not one, not two but three CMAs in the fall. It was fun watching people freaking out over him who had never even heard of him until then, even though he's been around for quite a while. A wonderful songwriter with that incredible voice to match, Chris has been a Nashville favorite for years. At this year's UMG showcase during CRS (Country Radio Seminar), Vince Gill came out and compared him to George Jones, saying something along the lines of wondering if people react to hearing Chris the first time the say way the did with George Jones. I think it's a fitting comparison. George Jones was the voice of country music in his time and it's not hard to imagine Chris Stapleton assuming that role in his. As wonderful as it is listening to his voice on his album or on TV, it is so much more powerful live. Chris sweeping the CMAs was fantastic. It was exactly what the genre needed and it is my fervent hope that it may be a sign of things to come.

One of my favorite things about Chris Stapleton is how accepting he is of all styles of country music. When people try to goad him into insulting, say, the bro-country movement, he doesn't take the bait. Instead he talks about how there is room for different kinds of music. If someone has both him and Sam Hunt on their iPods, that's just fine with him. He makes the point that so many miss: people like what they like and trying to convince them that they shouldn't like it is a waste of time. I just love that Chris, the man who has been referred to as a savior of sorts for the genre, thinks that way and isn't afraid to say so. This man gets it. 

In some ways, it's weird to think that "Fire Away" is his first official music video. It only just came out at the end of February. For those who haven't heard the song, it is a song about a relationship that has grown cold over time. The music video for "Fire Away" does what I wish more music videos did, which is to add a different and maybe even deeper meaning to the song. I feel it's fair to say that after the CMAs people have been waiting on pins and needles to see what he would do next. Well, out of all of the directions he could have gone with his first music video, he decided to partner with The Campaign to Change Direction, a coalition dedicated to mental health awareness. The charity was brought to Chris's attention by actor Ben Foster, who stars in the video along with Margarita Levieva. Chris had a vision for the video and that vision was brought to fruition by director Tim Mattia. The video highlights the five signs of emotional suffering. Namely, change in personality, agitation, withdrawal, decline in personal care and hopelessness. You can learn more about The Champaign to Change Direction here.

This video is gritty and raw and heartbreaking. Near the beginning of the song Chris sings, "choose the words that cut like a razor" and that's pretty much what the video does. It's not an easy video to watch, although nearly impossible to tear your eyes away from. Because it is so utterly real. Things like really happen and they happen every single day. There are so many people struggling with various mental illnesses, which is why it is imperative that people watch this. This may be a big statement, but it is my belief that this will end up being the most important music video of the year. It's not pretty. It's not fun. But it is important and it deserves your attention.

So here we go.

Whew. This is one of those videos where you just have to let out a breath after watching, you know? I'm almost at a loss at to what to say because this video stands all on its own. It doesn't need my words. Well. It may not need them, but it'll get a few. First, I don't believe I've ever made it through "Fire Away" without crying. It's silly to say, but sometimes you watch and hope that maybe it'll be different this time. You want it to be different. Not because it'd bad because it is far from that. But because you want to see her get better. You want to see them have a happy ending. Except that's not very realistic, is it? Not everyone gets a happy ending, do they? It would have defeated the point of the video for it to have ended any other way than it did. 

Even if you didn't know anything about the storyline going in, it's very clear from the beginning that something bad is going to happen. From the ominous opening, sans music, of her stumbling aimlessly through the field and that shot of the bathroom. Then when the music starts and you see him staggering up to the bar, you sort of automatically know where it's going. Tim Mattia did an outstanding job with this video. Ben Foster and Margarita Levieva really brought their characters to life. As for Chris, he's not in the video all that much, but he completely sold his part. Look at his eyes when you see him; they're so expressive. I truly believed the story they were telling and liked the way they used flashbacks to tell it. Kudos to Chris Stapleton for using his music as a way to raise awareness for something so important. This man is the real deal.

I don't know how many people reading this struggle with mental illness, but I'm willing to bet that if you don't than you know someone who is. That's why it's important to bring attention to mental health. We need to be more aware of the warning signs and be more willing to help out. Even if it's something as seemingly simple as lifting the people who struggle up in prayers. It could even be something simpler, like smiling at a stranger. You have no idea what kind of impact a smile can make on a person. I started writing this post early in the morning after Easter. As my pastor said this weekend, Easter changed everything. It is the reason why we have hope. As dire as your situation is, as dark as it may feel, the reality is that there is always hope. Hope that maybe we might become more open to talking about mental health. Hope that anyone who is struggling emotionally can change direction. Hope that people who need help may realize it and then seek it out. Hope that when they do that someone or multiple someones will be there for them when they do. And hope that maybe, just maybe, things will be better tomorrow.

So take some time and check out The Campaign to Change Direction and if you're so inspired, make a pledge.

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