Desiree Cannon | “Latigo” | Western AF

Shot in Oakland, CA at the Starline Social Club. Which unfortunately after making this video, has shut its doors for good. I never got to see the place in it’s prime, but I hear it was a staple of the Oakland music scene.

Desiree’s performance stunned me. Goddamn! I admitted to her after the first take of our shoot, that I didn’t listen to her music before the shoot. My musician friends told me that I’ld be an idiot not film with her. Goddamn. Always trust your music amigos. They know best.

What I liked most about Desiree was her acknowledgement at the beginning of this film. Most of the time I ask artists stupid questions that may or may not make it into the video for context. But Des answered mine and then proceeded to honor the history of her genre. I enjoy talking about music. I really enjoy talking about the history of American music. But there seems to be some pushback from the music lover community on acknowledging this history. Black artists started what you and I know as country music. The truth has never mattered more. So, thank you Des for taking the extra step to honor Black history.

I have tested and surrendered to her album “Beach Sleeper.” Don’t fight it. It’s a great album. Her song “Mountain Lion Mama” is required/essential listening for all sad song listeners. “Rose of No Man’s Land” is a cinematic favorite. A one hellova country album. These beautiful songs with unhappy endings are why she’s my new favorite singer-songwriter.

We’re very lucky to have record labels such as the Long Road Society. A castle of ‘Cosmic American Music’ as their byline says. A club you want to belong to after you listen to their collection of talented artists, like Mikayla McVey, Aviva le Fey and Dawn Riding. All are amazing artists who I can’t wait to make films with. When making these videos, it feels like capturing history. I think the history of music will owe a lot to record labels like this. May I also reference Mashed Potato Records? Simply the best.

Special thanks to Casey Jane & Sam Doores for helping make this shoot possible. All hail the musicians of this world. They are truly the greatest collaborators.

Watch more Desiree films at The Long Road Society
https://www.youtube.com/c/thelongroadsociety

More music from the Desiree on: desireecannonmusic.bandcamp.com/album/beach-sleeper
Instagram: www.instagram.com/desireeshotfromacannon

Producers: Brian Harrington & Mike Vanata ( Square State Film )

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