Matthew Williams Directs Monochromatic Indie-Pop Video for Dreamshow

Newly-formed Indie-pop sensation Dreamshow recently released its debut single, “Chasing Control.” Helmed together by an all-star team — Constantine V on vocals, Jahphet Landis of TV on the Radio on drums, Mason Orfalea of Cerebal Ballzy on guitar and Michael Amacio on bass — the emotive, string-led track is a blend of punk and shoegaze sensibilities, and speaks on Constantine’s love for a girl who he could never control. To match the disheveled mood, the band enlisted art director Matthew Williams to direct the music video. Shot in striking black and white, enjoy the visual rendition to “Chasing Control” above and a snippet of a conversation NOWNESS had with Williams on the collaboration and the current state of his co-founded brand, Been Trill. For the full piece head to NOWNESS.

What drew you to work with Constantine V and Dreamshow?
Matthew Williams: I worked with Constantine because I’m his friend and we have a really great, honest discourse and trust. One of the successes of Gaga and Kanye was that we had a personal and direct relationship. Kanye hired me to develop his first clothing brand with him when I was 21 and then for three years I created Gaga’s image with her. We were able to communicate freely and that informs my decision making.

What was your approach for the “Chasing Control” video?
MW: I’ve always been a rock fan yet I’ve never done a video for an artist like that. It’s an introduction of Constantine to the world, but something minimal. There was a TV show filming next door and we basically drummed all over their scenes, even though we got foamcore and taped up the doors. It looked like we were having a slumber party or getting ready for a peyote trip.

You have previously said that Been Trill wasn’t supposed to last past 2013. It’s almost 2015…
MW: It was a mistake, an accident. Been Trill is moving to something that’s more of a brand or a platform for other people and we just want to have it be something for people that we like or are inspired by. I’m definitely willing to have something happen, but there’s no plan of attack.