The universe has a funny way of aligning us with the people that we are supposed to have in our lives. Shooting the “All Day” music video was an example of this cosmic occurrence. If you recall from a story posted a couple weeks ago, I was reluctant to enter the Warped Tour Battle Of The Bands in 2011. However, it was through that contest that we met up with Braden Barrie (SayWeCanFly) and his group of talented and passionate friends. They were high school kids with big dreams and wild ideas. Something I could easily relate to. But there was something else. These were the only dudes, from my perspective, who were enjoying The Dean Project the way it was meant to be enjoyed. In a group, laughing and shouting the lyrics. Saying things like “Who the fuck are these assholes?” and “Are they 
fucking serious?”
When we entered the contest, for some reason, we dominated in pure votes. Their online voting system was very simple at the time. If you voted for a band, they would vote for you in return. So if you were the band that did the most networking, by default you’d rank highly regardless of the quality of your music. For two straight years we were #1 in Toronto and were never chosen to play. The second year we entered, there was an Acoustic Tent option. And you guessed it, we won and were not chosen to play. In fact, they removed the Acoustic Tent from all Canadian dates that year.
I must reiterate that I did not wish to be chosen. This was a big joke to me. To be chosen is a ridiculous concept to me. This was merely a new crowd of morons to fuck with. That’s all. Then this kid shows up on the charts. He starts to climb with a bullet. Dean hated him instantly and openly. He sounded lovely. So much more lovely than The Dean Project. We set out to squash him but ended up really liking and respecting him. His name was Braden and his act SayWeCanFly was already starting to melt hearts all over the internet.
From the outside looking in, you’d never expect that two polarizing acts would find so much in common. One is making accessible music and targeting a specific group of people while the other is satirizing all the concepts that the first act is built upon. It seems to me like it’s a recipe for a feud, not a friendship. However, The Dean Project and SayWeCanFly hit it off instantly. A shared sense of humor and a common love for music and comedy can really close a generation gap and open the lines for a wicked connection. Our drive to create content and connect with an audience is what bonded us. We loved the lifestyle that came along with being an indie musician. We loved the road and all the challenges that came along with it. So, it was only natural that I would end up meeting the people that recorded his first demo and shot his first video. They were buddies of his and shared a similar creative passion. Dean and I didn’t grow up in Ontario, so our resources and budget were limited and these guys were willing to work for free. It kinda just…happened. Organically.
Our first music video was for our song “All Day”. A gritty little number I crudely recorded for our 2012 Big Clouds EP. It was shot on location in Oshawa with our friend Kriztee Bryan starring as Munchie’s love interest. Braden’s friend Micah directed the video. I was very happy with his work. The color pallet was sharp. The cuts were clean and my story was told. It felt good that I found someone passionate and eager to help direct this. I would rather work with smart students of the game over industry pros any day of the week. It’s a very stimulating and enjoyable experience when all the fire is still there. When the realities of business haven’t set it yet. Before politics enter into the decision making process. For me, I try to stay in that area. For most people, it’s a stepping stone to get chosen for a job. You don’t need to think like that. You can DO. You can STAND. You’re allowed to do your thing. Isn’t that exciting?!
Thanks again everyone,
Have the best weekend,
Dan
The Dean Project 