“This song certainly comes from the times we’re living in. It’s hard to turn away from the political climate, where autocrats and strongmen seem to be thriving. It’s not a political song by any stretch, but the bowlegged rider reflects a terrible person doing terrible things… and persisting,” says singer-songwriter and filmmaker Matt Cascella about his new song “Bowlegged Rider.” The throwback country-folk rocker that sizzles with an M. Ward meets Lovin’ Spoonful vibe is off his new album Pretty Darn Pretty (out Dec. 13) under the moniker Schmoon, his childhood nickname.
“It’s sound maybe lands somewhere in that Hank Williams ballpark. I really love this Dean Martin tune called “My Rifle, My Pony, and Me.” So that was an influence. But my tune should be viewed through more of a humorous lens,” adds Cascella.
Glide is premiering the video for the contagious rocker, and while we salute the music, we also must give a big hail to the animator Greg Condon.
This video stars a paper mache cowboy I made that’s attached to a remote control car just out of frame. It was filmed around New York City and Rochester, NY, out on the street so we could capture genuine interactions with people and the environment. I’d also be out of frame operating it with the remote control, and oftentimes people would see this thing coming towards them not knowing where from. It was mistaken for a toddler a few times,” describes Condon.
“It was an idea I’d wanted to do for a while, of an invariable puppet passing through multiple scenarios. Matt helped me refine the idea so it gelled with the themes and rhythm of the song. Filming out on the street gives it a specific energy. It was always fun to come home to watch the footage to see what had been captured.”
Cascella cut his teeth in the New York City indie scene with his band Brooms, while also recording solo under the name Owlbiter before moving to Portland, Maine during the pandemic. Outside of music, his debut feature film Hangdog (which became available at streaming on Oct. 25) was soundtracked by Walter Martin of The Walkmen and stars Desmin Borges (You’re the Worst, Utopia, Only Murders in the Building). Cascella has previously worked as editor & director for the likes of HBO, National Geographic, Buzzfeed, Vice, CNN, The Huffington Post, and Maysles Films.