Nowadays all we seem to hear is bad news. In fact, it is so bad, many have tuned it all out all together for the sake of their own sanity. Thankfully we still have our good old, reliable friend…music! That in mind, Guitarist/Singer/Songwriter Steve Conte looks to brighten the darkest of days with his brand song “Dog Days of Summer.”
Known for his work with New York Dolls, as well as with former Hanoi Rocks frontman Michael Monroe’s band, Conte’s new single takes inspired from the memories created by a relaxing summer with friends and family. A time we often take for granted, before we known it, summer is usually gone, leaving nothing but memories. Conte’s song reflect on these emotions, and remind us to cherish the moments we have with those that we love. Now bringing even more good vibes, Conte debuts the music video for “Dog Days of Summer.” Check it out below:
Filmed in The Netherlands during the summer of 2021 by Director Jacoba Cornelisse, the video beams the positive sensations everyone is yearning for. A family event of sorts, Conte, as well as his wife and kids, all appear in the video as a complimentary visual to lyrics which remind us to appreciate the simple things in life, embrace them, and never let go. When asked about the inspiration behind the song and the music video Conte said, “The song started out as an ode to those hot and lazy days at the end of the summer but it also turned out that I was writing about the difference between younger and older people. I knew that I wanted a few specific things in this video; me, lazing in a hammock on a hot summer day, energetic kids running around me in contrast, and doing it all outdoors in nature.
It all went down the way it did for a number of reasons; it’s still COVID time and that makes it difficult to film anything indoors, especially with unvaccinated children. Also, the song is about laying in the shade, being under a parasol, the heat coming up off the concrete, etc. and there is no part of the lyric that relates to anything indoors so that part was a no-brainer. (Not to mention that it’s always more affordable to film outdoors.)
And finally, I was going to be in The Netherlands visiting family during summer 2021 so I knew that was where I had to get it done. My boys and my little niece would be there and I wanted them in the video, plus my mother in law who directed & edited it is a filmmaker and she was eager to do another video. (She directed my 2019 video “What Would I Do If I Were Me” from my album Steve Conte NYC, filmed in Morocco.)
So, all round, WIN-WIN! I got a lovely video that serves the song and my family members got to use their talents…”
Straight from the heart, Conte’s sentiment is something everyone can dig. Furthermore, “Dog Days of Summer” is as a prelude to his first solo album in five years, Bronx Cheer, due out on Friday, November 5th through Wicked Cool Records. For those interested, Conte’s band consists of himself on guitar and vocals, his brother John Conte (Southside Johnny & The Jukes, David Bowie, Ian Hunter) on bass, along with Charley Drayton (Keith Richards, Iggy Pop, The Replacements) on drums. Additionally, the forthcoming album will feature guest appearances from Clem Burke (Blondie), Andy Rourke (The Smiths), and Jesse Malin. Interested yet? You should be! Until then, sit back and enjoy the bittersweet “Dog Days of Summer.”
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