Like many other songs whose titles feature the names of people, “Hey Rachel” is a song that sticks out on As It Is‘ newest album, okay., which has only been out for almost three weeks. Obviously an apology from a brother to his sister, “Hey Rachel” is a song that is heartfelt and intimate, both of which are difficult to express on a one-on-one level, let alone on such an exposed platform such as a song that millions of As It Is fans have already listened to.
Vocalist Patty Walters wrote a statement on the band’s Facebook page, explaining the story behind “Hey Rachel”:
“’Hey Rachel’ was an especially cathartic song to write, reopening old wounds after nearly ten years. Writing the song demanded being painfully honest with both myself and my sister, neither of which I was particularly comfortable doing. I had to relive past feelings of fear, sorrow, anger, pain, and, most of all, regret. The song is an apology I’m relieved and proud to have finally said.
The video was written and directed by Joshua Halling, who also spearheaded the video for Pretty Little Distance. I love his interpretation of the song – reimagining mine and Rachel’s story with an empowering, inspirational feel with a happy ending in hindsight. It’s such a beautiful and powerful music video, and I’m ecstatic to finally be sharing it.”
A combination of cute home video footage and directed video content, “Hey Rachel” has its happy ending, and it might take everything you have in you not to sob all over your keyboard.
okay. was released via Fearless Records.
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