A fresh mix of electronic rock with a few drops of synth pop are the secret ingredients of the Vancouver-based band, OurGlassZoo. In 2022, they released their album, Aftermath, which included the single “Free” in collaboration with JUNO-award winning hip-hop artist Prevail (Swollen Members). The track was remixed by producer KutMasta Kurt (Linkin Park, Beastie Boys) and features hip-hop legend Moka Only.

This all-star team has come together again for “Free Remix” with a catchy hook, a retro vibe and a powerful message about equality that encourages freeing yourself from stereotypes and moving forward as one. OurGlassZoo has been nominated for, and won, multiple international Music Video Awards (Munich Music Video Awards, The Berlin Short Film Festival, Rome Music Video Awards, Vancouver Independent Film Festival, Prague Music Video Awards).

We caught up with the group, below!

1.    Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically? 

The central theme behind ‘Free’ is equality. It is a subject matter that the whole team was passionate about and tackled in a playful manner while still giving it a lot of meaning.

2.    What was the inspiration behind this video(visuals, storyline, etc.)? 

As the hook of the song bridges the story, the hip hop lyrics were illustrated through engaging visual metaphors. Directors Diego Lara & Josias Tschanz worked with local graphic artist / illustrator Euan Murphy and editor David Balista to create a homage retro feel to the 80s & 90s. The grainy / washed out color grade adds to that vision.

3.    What was the process of making this video?

The video was shot at Cineworks studio in Vancouver. Four cameras were mounted on a rig and recorded at different focal lengths. The performers & extras stood on a turntable-like platform that was motorized and was able to spin them around 360 degrees while the camera rig stayed locked. This method added a unique sense of movement to the performance.

Here is a behind the scenes video that includes interviews with the directors as well as Juno Award winning Hip Hop artists Prevail & Moka Only.