In the music video for “Set In Motion,” which premieres exclusively on Popdust, singer and composer Gabe Acheson, aka GOLDWASH, is seen chasing a never-ending phone line across a somber Long Island.
While thematically simplistic, the video takes a frank look at our dependence on technology. “The video really captures the ideas of journey and love, but also the idea of becoming progressively more trapped,” GOLD WASH told Popdust. The video, directed by Josh Sondock and Sam Cutler-Kreutz, is the result of what Acheson described as a “really intense” four day period, both physically and emotionally. “Dawn and dusk shoots, wrapped in 40 pounds of cord, locations all over Long Island,” the singer said. “[But] on the last night, we were filming some shots in this parking lot, and the sky just exploded into one of the most incredible sunsets I’ve ever seen. It’s like our hard work was being rewarded.” GOLDWASH’s hardwork is about to be further rewarded, as “Set In Motion” will be featured in the October 14th episode of CW’s All American. GOLDWASH spoke more on the video, his new album, and what the new year holds for him.
How did you come up with the idea for “Set In Motion?”
Sam and Josh came up with the concept for “Set in Motion” after we talked extensively about the song’s themes. I loved that they used a surreal, funny, analogue-era metaphor for technology dependence rather than just show someone staring at a smartphone. I think the video really captures the ideas of journey and love, but also the idea of becoming progressively more trapped. Last week I showed a draft to my family, and they all completely disagreed with each other about what the ending means, so you’ll have to reach your own conclusions.
It sounds like your family has been supportive of you. Tell me a little bit more about your background and how you got into music.
I’ve been making music from an early age, studying classical and jazz piano, composition, and producing and writing in many different genres for myself and for other people. My GOLDWASH project starting getting a little attention in 2016 and 2017 with electronic-influenced music, but since then I’ve learned more about songwriting and live arrangements, so I’ve made the sound a bit jazzier and more acoustic.
How did Flat Earth Surf Club come about?
Flat Earth Surf Club was a real labor of love. I moved from LA to Baja, Mexico for the winter to focus heavily on the writing process for a few months. I wrote most of the melodies, chords, arrangements, and lyrics in Ensenada. I was working almost in a flow state—noon to midnight or later, 7 days a week, broken up by a little evening surf. I drove across the border a few times to record horns or upright bass, and then I’d go right back down to comp and edit the parts. I knew that when January was up I’d have to return home and go back to my day job. I knew that I wouldn’t be able to give music my full attention anymore, at least not for awhile.
Well have you still been able to make time for music this year?
We’re playing an LA release show with my band on October 20th at the Moroccan Lounge with some other awesome acts, and I hope to announce a little show in Mexico City too… Other than that, I’m mostly writing new music, composing for various projects, and experimenting.
Flat Earth Surf Club
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