Austin David – Here I Am (Music Video)

It could be the beautiful weather, or the beautiful people, or the constant presence of creative endeavors. Whatever the reason, Southern California continues to lure artists across the country, promising adventure, community, and nonstop fun. The latest outstanding songwriter to make the trip – from frosty Michigan, no less – is Austin David, and he’s brought with him a genre-straddling, convention-defying, irresistibly exciting pop sound that takes heartbreak, love lost and the growth that comes with it as its subject. ”Here I am” is a 3 minute emotionally packed roller-coaster ride. This story-line captivates with a visceral, emotive and decidedly explosive aesthetic.

Why are we so confident? It’s because “Here I am” has everything that makes modern pop a commercial and creative force: mile high soaring melodies inspired by ‘80s and ‘90s classics, a gripping lyric that instantly pulls on the listeners heart-strings, and a winning, impassioned, rhythmically compelling vocal performance by Austin David, and production that nods to – but is not defined by – EDM. This is a track that demands visual accompaniment, and director Chad Schollmeyer has paired it with a clip that underscores its strengths and amplifies its detonating mood. Schollmeyer, like David, is a new face in California pop; also like David, he’s got the talent that’s bound to get him noticed. Nothing raw about that talent, either – these two artists arrive fully developed and ready to thrill the pop audience.

Just like the song, the video for “Here I am” emphasizes the dramatic effects of a break up story. In Schollmeyer’s clip, we are lead through slow-motion reverse sequence scenes that turn the 3 dimensional lyric into a 4 dimensional experience. The scene changes happen seamlessly, just as Austin David’s and co-star Brittany Risner’s on-camera quick-changes – seem to defy limitations of time and space. One thing is for certain, “Here I am” packs a powerful punch, and with all of its progressive elements, it still maintains a classic and original feel.