The Grand Rapids rock band enlists a gang to help them out of a jam and shootouts ensue. See what happens in Slumlord Radio’s new video.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is Week 3 of a year-ending Local Spins series featuring unusual and compelling music videos created by local artists. After reflective and serene videos from Grand Haven’s Dave Palmer and Rockford’s Jim Spalink, today’s boisterous offering is all rock ‘n’ roll bluster, courtesy of Slumlord Radio.
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The real story behind Grand Rapids rock/punk band Slumlord Radio’s new video – featuring a U-Haul truck with a girl gang wielding bullet-firing bananas – is, of course, way different than the group’s “official” line about the project.
But their fictional tale is also way more fun, so here it is:
“Slumlord Radio is a rock quartet out of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Originally hailing from Sweden, where they had jobs as truck drivers and models, the boys got a little too heavy into gambling and super behind with a bookie. They decided to relocate to the United States in 2010 and form a band to make some cash to get back into good standings.
Dig explosions, girl gangs and shootouts? The Slumlord Radio boys got themselves in quite a bind, and they need to find a way out in this latest adventure. Check it out: “Holy Smokes.” Fun Facts: We are banned in China for our previous music video “Bullwhip” (filmed by Three Goats Moving Pictures) and now we are banned from renting U-Hauls after shenanigans featured in this video.”
VIDEO: Slumlord Radio, “Holy Smokes”
The video, directed by Drake Whelton of White Knuckle Films, was filmed in Saginaw (at Steamers Pub, Pops Skate Shops and Counter Culture) and features band members Tommy “Capt. Hollywood” Erickson (vocals, guitar), “Rattlesnake” Matt Claucherty (drums), Mike “Ace” Todd (bass) and “Dangerous” David Flynn (guitar).
Making special guest appearances: Chris “Big Rig” Riggie, Stevie Nipsrules/Amie Burke, “Sensational ”Shanda Hopkins, “Heartbreaker” Joseph Henry, Ashton Pokojski, Tyler “Trucker” Watts, Randy Russell and Emma Loo.
Catch Slumlord Radio live when they play Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill in Grand Rapids on Jan. 12 (with Left Lane Cruiser and Black Jake & The Carnies), the Winter Beer Festival at Fifth Third Ballpark in Comstock Park Feb. 23-24, and Mulligan’s Pub in Grand Rapids on March 17 (with Ten Second March).
Watch other West Michigan Videos of the Week online here.
Copyright 2017, Spins on Music LLC