American record producer, musician, and songwriter Boots has released a short film, titled “Motorcycle Jesus”.
Unlike the traditional music video format, “Motorcycle Jesus” takes the viewers on a 30-minute trip through the arid red backdrop of the Mojave Desert. It was shot in the style of a short feature film, and had been derived entirely from Boot’s creative vision. A press release points out that Boots even took charge behind the camera working directly with the film’s director of photography, Hunter Baker, to ensure that the set up of each shot matched up with his vision.
In a press release, Boots spoke of the intentions and inspiration behind “Motorcycle Jesus”, saying:
“This film was created out of necessity… While I’m alive — while I’m here, I want to find a way to leave my own drawings on the insides of caves. Someone will find them.”
“Motorcycle Jesus” is also set apart, because it is one of the first music video shorts to be presented in 4K HD, or 2160 pixels.
Check it out:
In addition to the five original Boots songs that appear on the soundtrack for “Motorcycle Jesus”, original music was also contributed by Run the Jewels rapper El-P, and multi-instrumentalist Carla Azar, who is best known for her work with the American experimental rock band Autolux.
Boots, who’s given name is Jordan “Jordy” Asher, gained recognition in 2013 for his work as a co-producer and songwriter on Beyoncé’s critically acclaimed self-titled album, according to a Buzzfeed article.
In June of that same year, he signed with Jay-Z’s entertainment company and Sony Music imprint, Roc Nation, as Boots. Before joining the Roc Nation label, Asher had been a member and fronted the Florida-based band Blonds, along with another group called, Young Circles. He had also been in Blond Fuzz and Stone Fox, according to an artist Q&A in the Broward/Palm Beach New Times Blog.
In February 2014, Boots released several new songs, including his first vocal lead performance on “Dust”. Beyoncé’s official Facebook page shared the link to Boots’ website that had a video of “Dust”. Check out that video here, via Boots’ official Youtube channel.
And, in March of 2014, Boots would release two new songs. One “Ride Ride Ride” features backing vocals by Australian singer-songwriter Sia, according to TIME.
The second song, “Alright”, showcased Boots rapping. And, in the lyrics of “Alright”, Boots mentions selling “1 million in one week”, which could be a reference to Beyoncé’s album surpassing 1 million in digital sales, during its first week, according to the Huffington Post.
Boots would go on to score the July 2014 trailer of the 2015 film, “Fifty Shades of Grey”. He had taken a version of Beyoncé’s “Crazy In Love”, slowed the track down, and added a string arrangement, according to an interview Boots gave to Complex.
He wrapped up the year by performing with Run The Jewels on the Late Show with David Letterman, according to Pitchfork. And, on November 6th, 2014, Boots released a new song, “I Run Roulette”, which you can listen to here.
Lastly, be sure to look for the “Motorcycle Jesus” soundtrack. It will be available March 3rd, 2015, on Canvasback/Atlantic.