The Band Explains: Of Light And Night - 'Forgiving Isn't Forgetting'
Post Hardcore outfit Of Night And Light talk to us about their affecting single and music video, ‘Forgiving Isn’t Forgetting’, which is a rallying cry concerned with standing against injustices and abuse of power.
Where was the video for 'Forgiving Isn't Forgetting' filmed?
It was filmed here in Buffalo, NY in various locations including Lake Effect Martial Arts and Stamps Bar, as well as one of the parks.
How does the video connect with the song?
The song was written out of a place of anger and frustration, a place of feeling helpless. A friend of ours had a something incredibly horrible happen to them. This was also at the time when it seemed like all we saw/heard in the news were story after story of people in positions of authority abusing it and taking advantage of people who didn't have a voice. In the video we tried to convey that. The little girl is in a home where she sees injustice and feels powerless to do anything, as the video progresses we see her taking time to better herself and grow. In the end she is in a situation in which she sees injustice and decides to act. When she does others follow.
Do you have any behind the scenes stories you can share with us?
When we showed up to the Bar to shoot the crowd that showed up with us was there to help but all of the Patrons didn't know we were shooting that day so they just continued like everything was normal. A few however thought it was cool and wanted to participate which we didn't mind at all except that they were kinda drunk and tried to get into every shot even when it didn't call for it. It was a fun night of trying to balance including people, distracting people who were too drunk to listen when we said they weren't in the shot, and getting the shots we needed. All in all it was a fun night!
What do you hope people take away from watching the video?
There is a message we hope people walk away with. In short it's that anyone can stand against injustice or abuse of power and often if one person steps up other follow. It doesn't need to be included but the song is also about what the title says. Forgiving doesn't mean we have to forget, when people experience traumatic or horrible things part of the healing process is forgiveness but it doesn't mean they need to be door mats or that we have to act is if it didn't happen and they get a pass if that makes any sense.
Interview feature by Karla Harris