Michael Alexander Releases His New Single and Epic Music Video For “Take Me Up”
Hey Michael, congrats, on the new single and amazing video for Take Me Up. How did this concept come about? Obviously, it was also just in time for spooky season too, which is amazing!
Hi, so, “Take Me Up” is the sequel to my 2020 single “Stress Dreams”. Before I even filmed the music video for “Stress Dreams” I started formulating the plot to “Take Me Up”. It’s a story I can’t get out of my head. It’s been a long, exciting ride to finally see this song out for the world to experience. The video was also directed by the immensely talented, Jacob McCaslin.
What inspired the lyrics and feel for the song?
There are three layers to this story. The first basic level is The Evil Hypnotist is trying to trap me in his nightmare world. I fight back but I’m not strong enough to take him. A Coven of witches then tries to come and rescue me. The second deeper meaning: The Evil Hypnotist represents sadness, depression, darkness and he wants to trap me and keep me down. I then realized what he is and decided to fight back. Sometimes you need some help, so that’s where the witches come in. They represent the women in my life that have lifted me up and given me so much support. (Some of them are actually playing the witches). The third and deepest meaning is personal and staying that way.
The idea of the mini movie music video very much reminded me of how Michael Jackson used to approach his music videos and make them into full productions. Did you feel inspired by this, also?
What music video isn’t inspired by Thriller? I would say it’s the most popular music video of all time. I still love watching it! This song/video though influenced by real life events, is also heavily influenced by my love of witches. “Hocus Pocus”, “The Witches”, “Practical Magic”, “Buffy”, and so on. I’ve been obsessed and fascinated by witches my whole life. Could also explain my love of capes!
How long did the shoot take and whereabouts was it filmed?
We filmed it in my hometown of Butler Pennsylvania and had two and a half days to shoot. It was a lot of prep work of getting all the costumes, and cast, finding a location, getting everyone to the location. Then a year of editing and post-production. It’s been quite the saga. Everyone came together to make it work, which really made it magic. There are professional actors in the video such as “Robin Walsh” (The Lead Witch) and then friends of mine who have never acted a day in their life. I can’t thank them all enough.
What are your next projects coming up?
This is the lead single for my third album. I think a second single before the year is over, then an album early next year.
Anything else you would like to share?
Just that “Take Me Up” is streaming everywhere now. Make sure you also check out the videos. I’ve been working on some really cool merch, stay tuned!
Check out the amazing video for “Take Me Up” here:
