WATCH: Old Sea Brigade Battles With Quarantine Blues In “Day By Day"

Nashville-based indie-folk artist Old Sea Brigade is back with the lead single “Day By Day” off of his upcoming sophomore release Motivational Speaking. The track strikes out with a surprisingly new sound for the artist whose previous work was a softer blend of indie and folk sounds. “Day By Day” sees Old Sea Brigade embracing an 80s synth-driven sound matched with electric guitars and soaring vocals. This new sound is reminiscent of The National, Dispatch, and Broken Social Scene with the beautifully poetic

and complex lyrics fans of Old Sea Brigade love so much.

“Day By Day” battles with feelings of monotony, loneliness, and ephemerality that many of us have struggled with during quarantine. Interestingly, the song was actually written over three years ago about the loneliness of being on the road. These emotions are certainly even more relevant throughout the past 11 months which makes “Day By Day” the perfect quarantine listen. The track slowly builds until the drums quicken and the guitar and synths soar before crashing back down into the familiarly repeated guitar riff throughout.

It is the lyrics in the second verse that inspired the visuals for the music video. “Stranger in the mirror his smile makes me shiver/He wears my features and grinds my teeth,” Old Sea Brigade sings, feeling disconnected from his very being among these depressive feelings. The video, directed by Evan Brace, begins with a dream. Old Sea Brigade stands covered in what looks like blood underneath a shiny disco ball that is perhaps a commentary on the elusiveness of happiness. Even though his first album was a huge success, and he was able to go on tour around the world, he still felt isolated and hollow amidst these achievements shining above him.

The remainder of the video sees Old Sea Brigade battling with writer’s block, monotony, and running away from himself. He is stalked by himself, the “stranger in the mirror” who stands menacingly outside his front door and hides behind doorways. But the video is not devoid of hope. By the end, he has conquered his writer’s block and packs his bags to leave his haunting second form behind.

“Day By Day” is the first single off of Old Sea Brigade’s upcoming sophomore album Motivational Speaking which is out on May 14th. The album follows the large success of his eponymous debut EP and his first album Ode To A Friend which landed him touring spots with other indie greats like Julien Baker, Hiss Golden Messenger, and John Paul White. Motivational Speaking further explores these themes of isolation and loneliness while also reflecting on the healing process and hinting at the existence of brighter days. Stay tuned for more from Old Sea Brigade!