Exclusive Video Premiere: Miles Recommends “You’re Never Alone” (2019)

This morning we’re excited to bring you an exclusive first look at music video for “You’re Never Alone”, the latest single from Melbourne-based Miles Recommends.

Given that the band was conceived whilst guitarist/vocalist Des Atkinson was living through a military coup in Bangkok in 2014, it perhaps shouldn’t come as a surprise that, “You’re Never Alone” is a slice of politically charged Indie pop and rock. Atkinson used to work for the UN, whilst vocalist Lou Cadell worked as a journalist, so their work is often in-line with their backgrounds in social justice and political activism. “You’re Never Alone” and its accompanying music video is no different. 

The single, whilst not so much a rallying cry for change, has a message of reassurance: we’re in this together. As Cadell notes: “The world is a crazy place at the moment and it’s hard not to feel disheartened and anxious about what’s happening. Climate change, the growing global disparity between the rich and poor, the weakening of democratic institutions, mass pollution – it’s overwhelming. You’re Never Alone is that voice that says, ‘I’m overwhelmed too, and whilst I can’t make it better for you, I am here with you’”. 

The accompanying video, in some ways, attempts to take this further, and is an attempt to redress the empathy fatigue many of us experience in life. The video explores notions of apathy and the silent majority within contemporary society. As Atkinson states:

“There’s always been so many problems in the world. But, I think the greatest underlying problem has always been apathy en masse. Whilst there are so many wonderful standout figures in history and unspoken daily heroes willing to help in and be a part of something bigger than themselves, there is also the silent majority quietly sitting on the fence, or those happy to be grossly preoccupied by idle entertainments. It would be astonishing to think what could be achieved if we all made a small but collective effort to make the world a better place. In this video we tried to demonstrate this ongoing social tension, as Lou expends all her energy to get Ken and I to pay just a little attention to the issues going on around her, so that she’s not alone.”

Check out the video below.

“You’re Never Alone” is available now, find it HERE. You can keep up to date with the band via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and their Official Site. You can also catch the band live at the Mr Boogie Man Bar in Melbourne on May 10th

Simon Clark

Books Editor. An admirer of songs and reader of books. Simon has a PhD in English and Comparative Literature. All errant apostrophes are his own.