To tell a story that evokes emotion in others is the greatest gift any artist can possess, and as a listener, the greatest gift we can receive is to feel understood. Have you ever been to Chicago? You may not have seen the Windy City for yourself, but Ciaran Lavery‘s “To Chicago” weaves a tale of far-away love, and it’s clear from the first line that his heart yearns for the one that’s not near. The ache is so vivid, you’ll find yourself feeling it too.

“To Chicago” is powerful as it is, but Lavery has now gifted us with a music video to accompany the song. Directed by Kris Platt (who previously directed Lavery’s videos for “Everything Is Made To Last” and “Wells Tower”), the video was shot by Jamie Neish at Neish’s family home. It’s a story within a story, as the characters on screen are making a video themselves. Lavery said of the video:

“What was special about this video was that it was all shot in one entire take without edits or any of that post production magic. This was something we all felt strongly about so it not only flowed but there was a sense of realism about it that could not be achieved from many angles or cuts.
 
“The creative idea was that we were making a music video & letting the viewer in on this. In essence it is a video within a video. The purpose of the characters represent the very real concept that on an average day you are likely to unknowingly walk into or through so many complete strangers lives.”

“To Chicago” is taken from Ciaran Lavery’s forthcoming third album, Sweet Decay. Sweet Decay will be released on April 13 and is available for pre-order on his website. He’ll be touring throughout the UK and Ireland beginning that day (dates below); while he’s yet to announce US tour dates, we’re hoping they come soon. Follow Substream on Twitter so you don’t miss an update on all things Ciaran Lavery.

Ciaran Lavery – UK / Ireland Spring Tour Dates:

Friday 13th April – Belfast Empire Music Hall
Wednesday 18th April – Kilkenny Set Theatre
Thursday 19th April – Dublin Whelan’s
Monday 23rd April – Edinburgh Voodoo Rooms
Tuesday 24th April – Glasgow Glad Café
Wednesday 25th April – Newcastle The Cluny 2
Thursday 26th April – Manchester Castle Hotel
Friday 27th April – Leeds Hyde Park Book Club
Sunday 29th April – Liverpool Buyers Club
Monday 30th April – Birmingham Hare & Hounds
Tuesday 1st May – Cambridge Portland Arms
Thursday 3rd May – London Sebright Arms
Friday 4th May – Bristol The Crofters Rights
Saturday 5th May – Cardiff Clwb Ifor Bach