Video Premiere: Tommy Emmanuel Captures The Outback’s Ambience on “Initiation 25”
Photo Credit: Luciano Viti
Tommy Emmanuel has revealed the official music video for his new textured instrumental “Initiation 25.” The track was initially released as a part of the Australian guitarist’s first solo album in a decade, Living In The Light, which arrived on October 10. Filmed at Sputnik Sounds in Nashville, it captures the compelling nature of Emmanuel’s wordless banter, versatile guitar work that combines strums, taps, slaps, and slides to weave a multi-hued tapestry of sound.
The video for “Initiation 25” was directed, edited, and produced by Neilson Hubbard and Joshua Britt and takes the viewer inside the studio, offering a glimpse of Emmanuel at work. Surrounded by a creative workspace, he elucidates the connection between sound and roots, evoking tonal shifts akin to the rustling of critters in red sand and whipping granulated wind, mimicking the natural movement of his genesis.
“During my teen years touring the outback of Australia, I played mostly to Aboriginal audiences. With this song, I tried to tell a story of a ceremony with just a simple theme. It’s a ceremony that I am not actually allowed to attend, but I imagined it. When I played it for the Aboriginal people, they seemed to relate to it. Over the years, I’ve played it many times with digeridoo players and dancers improvising the performance with me. I felt like it was time to revisit this theme, and I’m pushing the boundaries of digital technology as I play this song live in the studio.”
At its core, the video showcases the skill set and musical sensibilities of a guitar virtuoso, with a willingness to experiment with tone and texture. “Initiation 25” is tied to a deep, time-honored understanding of the possibilities of sound and sensation, administered by an axe master. It’s a song for driving with a purpose. Long haul down I-90, here’s your instrumental motivation, head bopping, and exploration approved.
Watch the official music video for “Initiation 25” below. For additional information and the musician’s live schedule, visit tommyemmanuel.com.
