Tomorrow Is A New Day

San Diego band Stray Monroe shares the music video to their latest single “We Can Always Start Over”. Members Blake Imperl and Matt Magnaghi talk about how this video portrays cheerful emotions, laying in the dirt during filming, and taking a moment to enjoy the ride.

San Diego, California, USA

Who is Stary Monroe and what is your music all about?

(Blake) Stray Monroe is a project I started while at San Diego State University. The band has taken on a few different forms, from some late 70s-punk to 90s Brit Rock vibes. After a brief hiatus, Matt and I reconnected and we began working redefining our sound and bonding over a mutual love of 80s new wave music. Our music is about everyday life and our own experiences. I think the process starts as a selfish endeavor of trying to write to entertain ourselves and making the music that we’d want to hear. As songs evolve in the creative process we attach meanings that make for more universal themes.

You just released a video to the single, "We Can Always Start Over". What is the song about?

(Blake) It’s the realization/reflection that everything in life has a beginning and an end. Even your best days have to come to an end. Take a moment to enjoy the ride, even if it wasn’t what you expected, you get another chance to change that narrative tomorrow

Why did you pick "We Can Always Start Over" as the first single release off your upcoming EP?

(Matt) Given how long it's been since the band has been active and how much has changed, we planned to release all 4 tracks together. But we were so happy with the video and figured the theme of the song lined up nicely with the start of 2021, so we decided to share the “We Can Always Start Over” video early to build some hype!

How did you come up with the video concept for "We Can Always Start Over"? What story are you trying to tell?

(Matt) We set out to give the viewer the same cheerful and contemplative emotions that we felt when writing the song. We're so thankful for the vision of director Romeo Chuffe in making this happen! And plus all the pretty spinning graphics and landscapes and shapes in the video make great content for Spotify canvas and elsewhere as fewer people have the patience to sit through a whole music video these day.

What were some memorable moments from the shoot? What were some difficult parts?

(Blake) The most memorable scene for me was the bike scene. I was freezing cold and we had difficulties with the drone which required us to lay in the dirt for quite some time, but in the end it was totally worth it. Every time I see that shot it gives me chills. Also,putting my brand new Analog Synth in the dirt gave me mad anxiety. You bet I used a lot of Clorox when I got home. One more: Keeping my wardrobe clean. The dirt in the field was incredibly loose and smeared all over my Chuck Taylors and Pants. I don’t think Ilse (wardrobe/makeup) was too thrilled with me!

What's next for Stray Monroe?

(Matt) The new EP drops on Spotify and elsewhere on Friday January 15th! We are in the early stages of writing more material and surely hope to play shows this year.