NYIKO’s “LA On Fire” Music Video Brings B-Movie Flair to the New Wave Tune - 21 Sept 2022
Ikram Lakhdhar, Screenshot from LA On Fire Music Video, Directed by Milo Mitchell
LA-based NYIKO teams up with director Milo Mitchell for the official “LA On Fire” music video available September 21st, 2022 on Digital Formats via Trailing Twelve Records.
Los Angeles-based crooner, producer, and multi-hyphenate NYIKO releases the music video for his most recent single, “LA On Fire,” set for digital release on September 21st through Trailing Twelve Records. Since its release, “LA On Fire” has garnered nearly 150k streams. The indie pop tune, produced and co-written by U-Tern (Kim Petras, Chromeo, Holy Ghost!), tells the story of a Los Angeles in disrepair “Is it enough to see / All the Hollywood dreams / In a blood-red sky? / LA on fire”.
The music video, directed by Milo Mitchell, takes the apocalyptic scene set by the lyrics and creates an over-the-top visual which blends the literal themes of fire, natural disaster, and its metaphorical themes of fame, desire, and failure. Nyiko and Milo go more into detail on the ideas behind the production of this video below.
“Milo and I are part of a movie club that meets up to watch low-budget and fringe horror films. With that shared connection, we wanted to make a video that drew inspiration from the more bizarre and campy horror films"
NYIKO, Screenshot from LA On Fire Music Video, Directed by Milo Mitchell
After a blissfully retro title card introduces the song, the video opens on establishing shots of a typical sunny day in Southern California. The video then cuts between different scenes of people living the prototypical “LA lifestyle”, (a skater, a dancer, a photographer, etc.) before turning to some sort of laboratory with Nyiko decked out in mad scientist garb and fiddling with a myriad of levers and buttons. When asked about the unique set design Nyiko and Milo said
“My favorite location was the broadcast room where Nyiko tracks down his victims. A friend of ours had access to this vintage AV studio from the 80s - it was a perfect backdrop for our protagonist’s lair.”
Sheri Alzeerah, Screenshot from LA On Fire Music Video, Directed by Milo Mitchell
Brandon Raman, Screenshot from LA On Fire Music Video, Directed by Milo Mitchell
The video retains the dark undertones of the song while not being afraid to play with the more out there ideas present in the B-movies which inspired it. The cast is made up entirely of Nyiko and Milo’s friends, including actor Brandon Raman (known for appearances in 9-1-1 and Brooklyn Nine-Nine), which contributes to the loose, relaxed tone of the video.
The music video for “LA On Fire,” directed by Milo Mitchell, will be available on digital formats worldwide on September 21st through Trailing Twelve Records.
Written and Produced by Vaughn Oliver (ASCAP) & NYIKO (ASCAP)
Performed by NYIKO
Mixed by Vaughn Oliver
Mastered by Steve Kitch
Artwork by Nyiko Beguin
Directed & Edited by Milo Mitchell
Cast: Nyiko Beguin, Ikram Lakhdhar, Jason Oppliger, Brandon Raman, Jack Livingston, Kat Wong, Zachary Nussbaum, Sheri Alzeerah
© & ℗ 2022 Trailing Twelve Records. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized Copying, Reproduction, Hiring, Lending, Public Performance, And Broadcasting Strictly Prohibited.
NYIKO - LA On Fire (Official Music Video)
TTRS-049
Release Date: 21 September 2022
Length: 04:16
BIO
NYIKO
NYIKO (“nee-koh”) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, label owner, and visual artist based out of Los Angeles, California. Over the past decade, he has released synth-pop, new wave, and hip-hop projects with Disney, Sony/ATV, Heard Well, Trailing Twelve, and more.
With coverage including MTV News, Popdust, Atwood Magazine, Grimy Goods, and AV Club, NYIKO’s music has been described as sophisticated, nostalgic, and spellbinding. Tackling themes of mental health, self-love, online dating, and gender identity, NYIKO crafts accessible pop with a meaningful message. Their music has been featured on Hulu’s Love Victor series, Spotify's official playlists including Indie Shuffle, Fresh Finds: Rock, Verso Casa, and more.
NYIKO has performed alongside artists including Beach Fossils, Alvvays, Vacationer, Pure Bathing Culture, and more.
Vaughn Oliver/U-Tern
Vaughn Richard Oliver, also known as U-Tern, is an American songwriter and producer, previously half of production and DJ duo “Oliver”. Besides his work with OLIVER, he has written and produced for artists such as Kim Petras, Yelle and Poppy.