This is what a 100% independent music video from Chicago looks like. Not a single record label, recording studio, manager, promoter, advertiser, or organization of any kind was involved. We received not a dime of funding. The dancers and choreographers rehearsed on free time. Wardrobe consisted of used clothes. A west side garbage dump and Ballet Chicago graciously let us film in their homes. What you're viewing is a group of talented creative individuals independently making beautiful work, for no other reason than that they are artists. Like most other Americans today, artists are progressively earning less and less. Unlike marketers and accountants and insurance execs and administrative assistants, however, when we don't get paid, we still work. It's a good thing, too. We play weddings and funerals. We answer the call to "write something," "play something," "make us feel," "inspire." And we do. Not because we're profiting, or shilling some crappy product, but because it's who we are. So here's our song. Consider it an ode to the good man, the good human, who does good not because he or she has an audience, not because it's hyped, but because it enhances the soul. Because it helps someone else. Because it spreads some kind of love. We hope we embody this spirit in our work. -- Rebecca F.
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UNDERGROUND
by Rebecca F.
This goes out to my fellow bugs out there
that no one pays attention to, but they're still there.
Doing the hard work now, but no one cares.
What you gonna do, yeah?
Even if you're a bug, you're a good one.
You're a good one.
Just trying to live my life under the ground
Used to be so clean in here without a sound
But suddenly the poison's spewing down, down
What you gonna do, yeah?
Even if you're a bug you're a good one.
You're a good one.
Even if you're a bug, 'cause you have fun,
and you're no one.
Do you want to be a bug now?
Nobody knows who you are, and ain't that fine
I want to be a bug now
And ain't that fine.
Pollution, mind pollution.
Mind pollution, Earth pollution
So even if you're a bug you're a good one.
You're a good one.
Even if you're a bug, 'cause you have fun,
and you're no one.
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"Underground" © Rebecca F.
Written, recorded, and produced by Rebecca F.
Vocals, keyboards, bass by Rebecca F.
Mixed and mastered by Brian Paturalski
Video conceived of and directed by Niles Maxwell of Balanced Productions
Cinematographer: Matthew Hughes
Choreographer: Carlton Bradley/Shorty Joey
Dancers: Melissa Hughes, Mary Jo Ola, Jules Roth, Erin Clyne, Julie Kostynick, Jennifer Jasensky, Christina Ola
Dancing/drumming man: Colin McGeehan
Wardrobe: Sarah Vidosh
Make-up supervisor: Diana Abrams
Hairdresser: Tennia Williams
Bike builders: four cool ass dudes who wish to remain anonymous
Editor: Maxi
Assistant Director: JC Farris
Script supervisor: L'Tisha "Tiny" Vaughn
Make-up assistants: Heather Busulovich, Michelle Oguendo, Alexis Miller
Photographers: Venu Vinod Dam, Adeline Sides
Wardrobe assistant: Jan Kaschner
Transportation coordinator: Bernadette Mercurio
**Video independently created by volunteers with zero funding in Chicago 2009; finalized and published without funding in 2014. Thanks to everyone who made this happen!