The country life becomes transported to the big city as the New Love Crowd presents the DIY performance video for “Country Boy” off the band’s upcoming debut self-titled album. Lead by Brooklyn by way of Birmingham, Alabama artist Travis Swinford (known for releases via the imprints Noumenal Loom and Happenin Records); the charm of classic concept pop projects are indulged in that checks the Kinks' Muswell Hillbillies, visual nods to the Talking Heads' "Wild Wild Life" and some classic Grand Ole Opry jubilation that makes for a jambalaya mix of fun fitted for both a rural roadhouse stop or a fancy Michelin star joint in the Big Apple. All the Americana tropes are at play as the New Love Crowd brings about their own attitudes and antics of jubilation that cooks up a cosmic brew that is guaranteed to brighten your rustic porch or illuminate the stylish sunroom of your loft.

Like a public-access karaoke hootenanny where all your friends are invited; "Country Boy" is a tongue-firmly-planted-in-cheek take on down-home living that sways toward the luster of bright city lights. Watch the New Love Crowd and company have a ball, playing up the humorous elements of the lyrics that combines a love for the slower pace of things replete with the various frustrations that simpler living with minimal employment and minimal money brings about. The exodus from the farm to the beckon of the metropolitan glow is illustrated in a comedic sense of pride as heard in lines like, I work like a dog just to live like a slob, everybody's leaving cuz they don't have jobs, living in the country is for me! NLC's stylized early 70s pop pastiche is the sound of an electric jalopy making its way from dirt and pebble road paths to the interstate concrete freeways that provide passage to the cold urban avenues of NYC asphalt. "Country Boy" is the soundtrack to anyone making the geographical transition from the humble and dusty homestead to the towns of towering skyscrapers and industrious titans.

Travis Swinford shared the following thoughts and reflections on the making of the visual and single, “Country Boy”:

The “Country Boy” video was shot at the BRIC public access studios in Brooklyn and was a lot of fun. I can be a karaoke-head (sue me) and it's something I did a lot with my friends back in Alabama (there’s hardly a wait, the drinks are cheap, War Eagle), so I wanted this to be a goofy ensemble of people running amok on a karaoke stage. I was also inspired by the "Wild Wild Life" music video from Talking Head's True Stories (one of my fav movies) and thought we could incorporate some of that tag-team singing style. I think that movie still says a lot (especially tech/suburbia expanding into small rural towns) and anyone who hasn't should treat themselves to a viewing.

I wrote “Country Boy” back in 2016 before I moved to NYC from Alabama, very inspired by Muswell Hillbillies Kinks. The South is a beautiful and very complex place. There are so many amazing people but there’s a lot of issues based in fearing things you don’t understand. The song is a mirror though, and can easily be about living in NYC or anywhere [laughs]. It's about keeping yourself in check, looking around you, don't get cynical or too big for your britches. Dont hate ⁠— educate. I wrote it because I love the South and I miss it, maybe Ray missed Muswell too. Maybe one day I'll be back in the woods again.

New Love Crowd’s self-titled debut will be available September 20 via Spotify and everywhere.

Purchases of "County Boy" on Bandcamp will also be contributed to RAICES out of Texas to help aid the legal processes of immigrants seeking asylum.

Catch the New Love Crowd September 27 in Brooklyn at Trans Pecos.