Catch five entertaining new videos by Minnesota artists Just Pete, Lunch Duchess, Taylor Rouge, Jillian Rae, and Yung Gravy.
Do you know a Minnesota music video you’d like to see featured in the Friday Five? E-mail fridayfive@mpr.org.
Just Pete, “Still Holding My Phone”
Drummer, singer, producer, and now kickass video creator Just Pete gets “physically” abducted into the wonky universe of the digital realm for his latest single. Just how addictive and inescapable is social media, particularly for artists/musicians? “Still Holding My Phone” offers a satirical, fast-paced, and trippy experience of the conundrum. Just Pete recruited a team of established virtuosos, including bassist Anthony Crawford and keyboardist Kevin Gastonguay, to create this slap-happy track that is dazzling, funky, and purely awesome.
Lunch Duchess, “How It Ends”
Lunch Duchess' new single and video, “How It Ends,” depicts folk-music legend Neil Young running down a trail of farm fields in the style of a deteriorating, low-budget ‘90s video game, designed by New York-based animator Michael Jensen. Lead vocalist Katharine Seggerman’s sardonic affectation weaves into the style of melodic and playfully rhythmic alternative rock music. What’s Neil running from? Perhaps Joe Rogan. But most definitely the existential dread that the planet is burning and no one seems to care.
Taylor Rouge, "Pull Up"
In a room full of encouraging besties, Taylor Rouge gets the courage to call up a handsome man for her new single, “Pull Up.” Much of this video was shot in the evening and in slow motion to fit the vibe. Accentuating makeup, jewelry, leather suits, and choreography give this sultry song and music video just what it needs to entice. Tried-and-true R&B fans may especially dig the production and stylistic features. Think Janet-Jackson-meets-Tweet-meets-Ciara.
Jillian Rae, “Stuck Inside My House”
Acting responsibly certainly came with its grievances during the pandemic. “I’m sick of being stuck inside my house” is probably a tune we’ve all “sung” at some point in the last year or two, and Jillian Rae just so happened to aptly capture the phrase and give it life via a catchy pop-rock song and video. The moods of annoyance, boredom, angst, and dazedness are entertainingly manifested in the video while Jillian ho-hums around her apartment. The track is a suitable (and dance-worthy) contemporary anthem for conscientious humans alike.
Yung Gravy - “Betty (Get Money)”
Thanks to the crew at Racket, I’ve been informed of rap-pop star Yung Gravy’s Minnesota roots. He’s originally from Rochester. And he’s one of those artists that proves just how entertaining it is to watch someone act, walk and talk with unapologetic bombastic energy. His latest single “Betty (Get Money)” samples Rick Astley’s ‘80s dance track “Never Gonna Gonna Give You Up.” Yung Gravy raps with a flat, practically lazy affectation, strutting around in bougie designer clothing surrounded by beautiful women. See his antics live and in person at The Armory on November 25, 2022.
