Michael Alexander Releases His New Single and Video ‘Above the Nightmare’

What was the genesis of “Above the Nightmare” — how did you arrive at this title and concept?

“Above The Nightmare” is the third chapter in The Stress Dreams Saga, a project I’ve been developing over the past five years. It began with Stress Dreams in 2020, then Take Me Up in 2022, and now Above the Nightmare in 2025. I actually wrote the song first, then wrote the script, which ended up being the first script I’ve ever written. I’m not sure yet if this will remain a trilogy or grow into a full true saga, but there’s definitely more to explore in this world.

In the video, there are powerful visual motifs (darkness, light, dreams, etc.). Which imagery was most important to you, and why?

I really wanted to create an entire world, not just three music videos. That’s why this newest video leans more into the territory of a short film. There were plot points that really needed dialogue. I wanted the story to have more depth.

Take the Evil Hypnotist, for example, on the surface, he’s just that, An evil hypnotist. But he can also represent depression, sadness, or anything that keeps you down. He could also represent a specific person. To me the Witches represent the women in my life who support me. My goal was to turn my real-life struggles into a mythological world with high stakes.

Could you walk us through one sequence or shot that changed meaning during production (i.e., evolved from how you first imagined it)?

One of my favorite scenes is the flashback. Initially, it was going to be just a few quick flashes of the Witches dying. Then it evolved into something more theatrical, almost like a vaudeville stage dream sequence.

Eventually, with the costumes and cast involved, I decided to flesh it out and show the actual events rather than go full dreamlike. The Witches’ Mansion looks amazing on camera, and it helped give the trilogy a more complete backstory. It shows why the Witches are part of this story. Plus, hiding little Easter eggs that tie the three videos together was a really fun layer to add.

How did you choose the location, wardrobe, lighting, and color palette — what mood were you trying to evoke?

Stress Dreams was shot in LA, Take Me Up in my hometown in Pennsylvania. For Above the Nightmare, I returned to LA, mostly because I knew I needed a large cast of extras to play goons, and LA made that easier to pull off.

We filmed in a bunch of great locations though, but what I really love is the contrast of these magical characters set against the LA cityscape.

As for wardrobe — I love capes, so figuring out the costumes was honestly a blast for me. I don’t have a fashion background, but I think the Witches look incredible. Most of the outfits were put together during the last video, and I’m proud of how cohesive it all looks.

Were there any symbolic or metaphorical elements in the video that viewers might miss on the first watch?

My answer is Yes, because I hope the audience watches it many, many times. If people go to TheStressDreamsSaga.com there is some more info, there. The more they watch all three chapters the more they will discover. I really hope they find moments that connect and relate to their own lives.

What role did collaboration play (director, cinematographer, choreographer, etc.), and how did those collaborations shape the final outcome?

Jacob McCaslin directed and edited all three videos, and you can really see the growth throughout the trilogy. He’s incredibly talented across the board. This world wouldn’t exist without him.

We approach things with different eyes and references, which helps us refine and push the final product to be its best. That contrast in perspective is part of what makes our collaboration work so well.

I was extremely fortunate to have not only Jacob but so many of the cast from each video return. Their dedication to telling the story and embedding themselves into their characters is the only reason this project was possible. We have become a sort of family.

Was there a moment in the shooting process that presented a challenge (technical, logistical, emotional), and how did you respond?

The prep was honestly more stressful than the shoot itself. I wanted as many cast members involved as possible, and getting everyone to LA at the same time was a logistical nightmare. I had seven people staying in my house!

We were up at 5AM and didn’t get home until after midnight. We squeezed about 14 days of work into just 4. It was intense, but none of it would’ve been possible without that prep — and the 100% commitment from everyone involved.

Special shoutouts to our makeup team led by Kelton Ching (who’s worked on all three videos), and The Stunt crew lead by Andreas Alfaro. Everyone showed up and gave everything.

If you could point to one emotional truth or experience you wanted the viewer to feel, what is it?

Good things are always just around the corner, even when it seems hopeless. Work hard, fight for what you want, and see things through. The effort is worth it.

How do you see this video connecting with your previous work or future projects — is it an evolution, departure, or bridge?

This is definitely the most rock song I’ve ever written. I imagined it as if Journey had to write an anime theme song about witches.

Earlier this year, I released a remix of my song “I Love You Still” — the Heartstring Remix — which has a nostalgic 90s dance vibe, in the vein of David Morales. People tell me they love when I go full dance, like with Attention Seeker, But most people know me for Swear on Mariah which is more R&B.

I don’t think I’ll ever stick to just one genre. I do love that I have this spooky Stress Dreams universe that I can always return to.

I have a Duet on Liv Gibsons new album called “Worry” That is coming out on the 24th of October. It’s also spooky. Liv played The Witch Of Heart and Path in this series.

Have audience reactions (or early feedback) surprised you in any way? What meaning or interpretation have viewers shared that you hadn’t originally intended?

A lot of people have been commenting on how high budget the video looks, which is a huge compliment, especially since it was self-funded. That’s really a testament to Jacob’s talent and how much he poured into the project.

Even though the video is 15 minutes long, people keep saying it feels shorter which I take as a compliment! Someone said it was like an episode of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”. Buffy is my favorite show of all time, but I wasn’t intentionally doing that.

Watch the video for “Above the Nightmare” below: