Bryson Roatch is a creative director/touring content creator for Papa Roach and The Struts. His videos and photographs that he creates while on tour with these bands are nothing short of brilliant. His use of creative color and in your face filming bring a new dynamic to what we usually see from bands on tour.
Roatch directed this video for Papa Roach’s Come Around and well, no words I can type will even compare to what you are about to see:
If that didn’t get to all your feels you might want to check your pulse.
Roatch was kind enough to spare some time in his busy schedule to answer some questions for me.
What is the best part about being on the front lines taking videos and photos of such amazing bands?
The best part of taking photos and videos of bands is…seeing the world. I live where travel has taken me. It has helped me grow as a person, and given me a life people only dream of. I also love creating with musicians because they are some of the most talented people in the world. It pushes me to get out of my comfort zone daily.
You directed Papa Roach’s heartfelt video for Come Around what was that experience like?
Filming Come Around was one of the most special moments in my career. The inspiration of that came from meeting fans daily who express to me how the band I work with has saved their lives. Fans inspire the hell out of bands so I thought I need to make a piece of content that shows the power between the fan and the artist and what they do for each other. It’s always about showcasing the band. But, fans are just as important to the success of the band as the [awesome music a band puts out.] That day in particular was wild because I went all over New York City to tell this particular fan’s story, again, was out of my comfort zone, but moved me and remind me why I do what I do!
I am really enjoying the new videos you are doing with The Struts. Where do you pull your inspiration for those videos?
The inspiration for all these videos with The Struts really come from the fact that I am tired of seeing the same content from every band. I’m tired of seeing photos of a band onstage and backstage. We have seen it a million times. So, my goal is to create something unique as often as possible. Also, the other inspiration and reason I do it is because most band’s record labels only have to pay for one or two music videos per record. I think that’s bullshit. With all the great music bands out there I feel each song deserves a visual to bring it to life and help the fans fall in love even deeper. I hate the fact that labels only deliver the minimum and I just wanna do my duty and respect the artist to full capacity.
The most recent video Roatch has done with The Struts is outstanding. It is cover of The 1975 song Inside Your Mind. Not only are Luke Spiller‘s vocals hauntingly beautiful but his band mates, Gethin Davies, Adam Slack, and Jed Elliott, add such a richness to this song, a very rocking edge. But the visual that Roatch discusses above just gives this song a feeling I can’t explain. Watch for yourself:
I whole heartily agree with his comment about the connection fans can make with a song when they have a really good visual to go a long with it.
Be sure to follow Bryon Roatch to see what else he will think of next.