The renovation of pop music is what filous does best. His simple, heartfelt overhaul of songs like "Let It Snow" into haunting escapes has branded him the next innovator of musical hybrids: who melts together weighty folk storytelling with erratic and polished EDM. He's only 19 years old, but he is a master of his craft, as evidenced on his 2015 debut, the Dawn EP. Earlier this year, he made a flashy entrance with "Goodbye," a smooth, caramel fixture starring singer-songwriter Mat Kearney on lead vocal. The original recording itself is innately mystical, supported with plenty of piano and guitar underneath the syrupy currents. But now, filous and Kearney strip all that away for a spiritual reworking in a brand new video (premiering today).
"Making this acoustic version was a super spontaneous decision. As I already was in Nashville for shooting the 'Goodbye' music video, Mat and I thought it would be a good idea to make an acoustic version, too," shares filous. "We decided to record it at Mat's studio, as this was also were we made the original version of the song. After rehearsing it once, we already started to record, which is what you're hearing here. I really like how natural and close it ended up sounding/looking."
That stark intimacy lets both Kearney and filous step into the spotlight but pull the viewer into the story. "My heart is on the table. Somebody's gotta try. I'm willing and I'm able. Don't you know it? I don't wanna say goodbye," Kearney yearns over a soft blanket of acoustic guitar. After the first chorus, he whips out a harmonica, which makes the whole song even more special and moving. "Nobody says it's easy. Nobody wants to fight," he later details.
Watch below:
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