As the world continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, Maryland-based trio Pressing Strings – Jordan Sokel, Nick Welker, and Brandon Bartlett – have released the video for their single “Brave” to honor the COVID-19 frontline workers who are putting their lives on the line to help others. With soothing instrumentals and uplifting lyrics such as, “Hold the light when you’re scared of the darkness / And when the days get tough / And you get tired and you’ve had enough / Be brave like I told ya, be brave,” the visual features footage sent in by fans and essential workers interspersed with snippets of the band performing a quarantine-style version of the song. Watch the video now below.
Speaking on the inspiration for both the song and video, frontman Jordan Sokel said, “The song ‘Brave’ was originally written about my daughter Norah while she was still in her mom’s belly. It’s a snapshot of what I was feeling as I was getting ready to be a father for the first time. For the video we obviously wanted to showcase bravery, so we decided to take to social media and ask medical workers, first responders, grocery workers, delivery drivers, etc. to submit videos of themselves and others on the job during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Basically, we wanted to show our appreciation for the people who stepped up and kept the society afloat during this strange and stressful time. The song really lent itself to that concept.”
“Brave” is the latest single from the band’s latest album Settle In. The track follows the release of soulful singles “The Madness” and “Always Around”. The video for “Always Around” showcases a behind-the-scenes look at the band rehearsing and preparing for a live performance. Watch it HERE.
Blending indie, folk, and soul influences into a signature sound, Pressing Strings was formed with its current line-up in 2014. The trio deftly mixed a thoughtful soulfulness with union hall rock and roll for their Owe The Source album. They then took the band’s new energy and linked up with Grammy-winning producer Scott Jacoby (Coldplay, Vampire Weekend, Ronnie Spector) for their 2016 album Most Of Us. The band has toured with the likes of Rachel Yamagata, The Allman Betts Band, Joanne Shaw Taylor, and more.