Watch the new Midlake video for “Bethel Woods”
Late in 2021, Midlake announced their first new album in nearly a decade, For the Sake of Bethel Woods. It’s out March 18 via ATO Records. Today, they’ve shared a new video from the album for new track “Bethel Woods,” directed by Brantley Guiterrez and starring Michael Peña.
Midlake’s Eric Pulido says in a press release, “‘Bethel Woods’ lyrically was born out of a documentary film still of our keyboardist Jesse Chandler’s dad, Dave, at 16-years-old, sitting in the massive crowd of Woodstock in 1969. I felt that moment in time embodied the perfect depiction of a paradisal place. Dave tragically died a few years ago and I was moved to write this song from his point of view with a message of peace in returning to that special place and reuniting with loved ones ‘down the road.’”
Brantley Gutierrez adds, “When Midlake approached me to direct the video for ‘Bethel Woods’ I knew I wanted to do a take on a ghost story. To play with the idea of returning to a place full of memories. The concept of emotional attachment to the people and the memories in those places, what the confusion might feel like for those who have passed on. Working with the highly talented Michael Peña was an absolute pleasure; he brought something to the character that felt honest and relatable.”
Watch Midlake’s “Bethel Woods” video below.