As Nick Batterham gears up to release his new album, Lovebirds, he’s shared the video for “Turbulence”, the latest single taken from the record.
Originally released earlier this month, “Turbulence” is a deft slow-burner of a track, with gentle instrumentation helping turn Batterham’s smooth, soaring voice into an almost otherworldly instrument of beauty. Heartfelt and powerful, yet featuring a darker undertone, a song such as this needs a fitting visual accompaniment in its corner, which is exactly what has arrived today.
Directed by James Teh, the resulting clip is one that is equal parts candid and wholesome, with its apt visuals depicting a couple awoken by their children as they offer a carefully orchestrated in-home flight service.
“The initial idea for this music video came from a Tina Fey interview I saw one day on a BBC streaming channel,” Teh explains. “She told a story of how her kids had overheard her and her husband reminiscing about how much they missed air travel since the lockdowns had begun.
“Much to their surprise their children treated them by cooking dinner and seating and serving them as if they were on an airplane.”
“An attempt to be gracious in defeat, a farewell blessing to a runaway lover,” Batterham notes of the track. “‘May everywhere you fly from here be safe and smooth, high up above my turbulence…‘ The song has gained new meaning since we can’t fly anywhere anymore.”
Much like the song itself, the sweet and nostalgic exterior of the clip hides a dark undertone, with the couple’s relationship seemingly on the brink of disaster until it is aided immensely by the creativity and love of their children.
“Myself and a director buddy Vittorio Badini Confalonieri shot this film on a sunny Saturday in Bangkok,” adds Teh. “The cast are mostly non-actors and real family members which led to some nice moments. I am very happy with the results and was very grateful to put some moving pictures together to such a beautiful song.”
While Nick Batterham was recently onstage with The Earthmen to launch their long-lost album Periscope, he’ll be officially launching “Turbulence” with a matinee show at Melbourne’s Northcote Social Club on April 11th, with support from Anna Cordell. Meanwhile, his new album, Lovebirds, is on track for release on Friday, May 21st via Cheersquad Records & Tapes.
Nick Batterham’s “Turbulence” is out now, while Lovebirds will be released on Friday, May 21st.
Nick Batterham ‘Turbulence’ single launch show
Sunday, April 11th (Matinee Show)
(Supported by Anna Cordell)
Northcote Social Club, Melbourne, VIC
Tickets: Northcote Social Club
