The Von Tramps Ease Into “Summer Nights”

Summer is right around the corner as we ease into a radically revised world. Images of what summer involves, how it feels, and all the childhood activities come rushing back every June. This year will certainly look and feel much different but The Von Tramps just released a time capsule with their new music video “Summer Nights.” It definitely will fill you with childhood nostalgia and some familiar memories.

The video is filled with teen actors, from first time to seasoned pros, with the youngest cast member at 9 years old. It stars Rocko Roberts and Ava Justin and was shot in two main locations in Minnesota, directed by Taylor Scott Olson and Jenna Enemy. There’s also a very special guest star in the video. Mel Garcia (The Von Tramps biggest fan) flew in from California to play DJ Mel.

The song was written about the most innocent time in a relationship, when you first tell each other that you like each other. The first crush is always the deepest. There’s a bundle of nerves, anxiety, and innocent love that swirls around. Unfortunately, most of these first times end in heartbreak. But we never forget the magic in those feelings.

The highly professional video features a tricky match cut shot of the two characters still together as adults. Using a hatchback station wagon as the moving dolly, they had to match the speed and moves of both sets of actors without breaking focus. It’s a beautiful part of the video and ties everything together. There’s a hopeless romantic in all of us, isn’t there?

Featuring cootie catchers, view-masters, bike rides, and finding cloud animals, the video is visual cotton candy of what summer means for all of us. There’s also a visual twist in the garage shots in the video. The Von Tramps wanted the garage to look like a gorgeous soundstage and at the end reveal them just spending time in a normal garage. That DIY spirit of the band shows that you can make something out of nothing if you have imagination.

Have a watch below and start making your cootie catchers.

Keep an eye out for more music videos, new merch, and some special fund raising through their online merch store for the next record.