Riotron (aka Jeff Fettes)Acclaimed Canadian electro-pop recording artist Riotron returns with his uplifting new track “Life Is What We’re Living,” complete with an eye-popping video starring actor Tyler Posey (Teen Wolf) and 80s icon Lea Thompson (Back To The Future).
The cinematic video – directed by Alissa Torvinen, who has helmed award-winning videos by Phoebe Bridgers, Pink, Black Eyed Peas, and Melanie Martinez’s ‘K-12’ feature film (100M views on YouTube) – has a wildly gonzo Spike Jonze edge to it.
The short film follows the poignant emotional arc of a man who has recently lost his mother, and is struggling to deal with their unresolved and complicated relationship.
Riotron’s Jeff Fettes explains the song was inspired by a good friend who lost his mother to cancer. “He was devastated but eventually found peace and even inspiration in her continued ‘presence’ in his life.”
“He inherited this incredible sense of urgency about living. Death turned into life in a way that I found so beautiful. The video is a metaphor for his journey through the stages of grief, from denial and anger all the way to acceptance and hope.”
Lea Thompson says she immediately fell in love with the song: “It was so haunting and yet hopeful. And then when I saw Alissa’s work, I was so interested in being a part of this young director’s vision.”
“I have been directing lately and I thought what an exciting scary thing to be a part of – dancing in a music video,” she adds. “It was great fun to explore dance in a way that was so devoid of pressure and so profoundly full of expression.”
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Teen Wolf star Tyler Posey says the concept itself was “something creatively and artistically I really wanted to check off my list.”
“My mother passed away just like my character’s mother,” Posey shares. “She was my best friend, my biggest support system, my good advice, my laughing buddy, my crying shoulder. I really resonate with my character and wanted to bring that storyline to life.”
“Reliving the funeral scene was a heavy moment for me. I haven’t portrayed that in any project. Also l’m a huge fan of Lea’s and was honored to share the set with her.”
“Life Is What We’re Living” is available now on all digital music platforms.