Kai Straw - Chokin' (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
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- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
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Chokin' is available on all streaming platforms:
kaistraw.fanli...
This song is from my album 'To Dream Beneath The Scorpion': fanlink.tv/tod...
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For my blog, lyrics and merch: www.kaistraw.com/
Video Credits:
Luke Cho - Assistant Director ( / the.aesthetic.collective )
Nina Zepeda - Makeup & Costume Design ( / nightcreep.fx )
Zachary Sweet - Makeup ( / zacharysweets )
Kai Straw - Writer, Director, Editor, Cinematographer & Costume Design
Starring:
Serra Naiman - Annie Ward ( / serra.naiman )
Kyle McCarthy - Aiden Ward ( / shamaswholesome )
Spencer Schultz - The Collector ( / battle_buddies_pod )
Mary Kuznetsova - The Seer ( / maryk.ontrary )
DJ The Bonebreaker - The Dancer ( / bonebreakingdj_ )
Song Credits:
Written, Produced & Performed by Kai Straw
Mixed & Mastered by Fred Miller ( / fred_miller_mastering )
A little bit about me:
I lost my job to the pandemic and ever since then I’ve been making music full time. I was a nightclub manager getting ready for the events that weekend when I got the call telling me my salary had been cut and the nightclub would be closed due to a state of emergency in California, and due to a city ordinance in San Francisco. I’d held that job for eight years. I invested my life into it. It seemed to me like I’d get married, have kids, and feed a family with it. And then in one week, on one day, it was gone.
Moments like that can wreck you. And if you only take one thing from following me on my journey, it’s this. In your lowest moments, when you feel lost, when it seems like everything around you has crumbled, there are seeds in that rubble - seeds that otherwise would not have been set free had your world not fallen apart. With those seeds you can grow a different life for yourself; one that’s greater and more fulfilling than the one before. In brokenness, there is opportunity. When your life falls apart, build a better one. My making this music is an expression of my own resilience. It’s me rejecting whatever darkness has tried to reach for me after I lost the life I’d built.
Alright, second part. I’ve been sober for over ten years, and if you're curious as to why I use skulls in some of my artwork, my merch and so on, here’s why. The last bottle gifted to me before I went sober was a bottle shaped like a skull. I still have it, unopened in my living room. When I see that bottle, and I see it every day, I don’t see a crutch or a temptation, I see the strength of my own will. I believe reinterpreting the darkest points in your life as sources of strength and personal growth is key to blooming as a human being. The way I’ve flipped that skull to mean something positive in my world reflects that way of thinking. When you see the skulls I put out there, I want you to see that - and in the same way, when your life gives you challenges, I hope you see the light that wreaths them.
Wow, 2,100 views. I've never reached this many on a release day ever, thank you. If this gets to anyone who hasn't heard of me; hey, I’m Kai, I'm an independent artist, and I'm over 10 years sober. My creative work is me reaching back into the dark to grab whoever may be reaching up from it. If that's you, imagine my music and my art as my grip on your hand, and imagine whatever inspiration you might derive from it as you seeing and feeling the light and heat from the sun pushing through the surface of your shadow as you rise from it. Let's make it out of the mud. I made this video something like a puzzle box. It is meant to be engaged with. I wrote, directed, filmed and edited it myself - and I wrote, performed and produced the song. Thanks for giving me a shot. Gonna keep at it.
Totally see the Spencer resemblance
That video is a journey. Nice work dude
@@BAHLINNNN Thanks, man.
Hi Kai, long time soundcloud fan here. You honestly deserve what is about to come, you WILL grow faster than you will ever think possible - I and many others are manifesting this. You have saved lives keep up and help expose the WEF please in some of your songs
Day 3 over 3.333 views! Cheers
RenMakesMusic sent us. Thank you Ren Gill.
Huge thanks to you, Ren and everyone else diving in because of him. I sincerely appreciate it. Buncha new music on the way.
Ren sent me here. Maybe yall should colab Liked and subscribed
@@KaiStrawHad heard of you, but not heard you until Ren shouted you out. CoIor me impressed
@KaiStraw hey I feel like I already heard this song, was it on spotify already? Is this the video release? (Very cool by the way)
Real sht I had Ren on and this just popped up and damn am I glad it did 😅
I came because of Ren. I am subbed because of you . Much Love .
Man, thanks for diving in - and thanks to Ren as well. I have a bunch of other songs, too, for whenever you might have the time and interest. Bunch of new songs in the works as well.
@@KaiStrawI’m in❤️😊
Love ren but somehow I came across this on my on and it's dope
It's so cool that ren is out here promoting others art.
Ha sidenote, just went to ren's channel and he called it dope too
This.
Same here!
Some of the visual effects, like with the blindfold and the apple changing color, were amazing. It was a very beautiful video for an amazing song.
Thanks!
Never heard of you till Ren recommended so I’m going to now explore your music…🫂 for your sobriety and persistence, it’s a hard journey. Daughter of a 30+ year recovering alcoholic dad who I’m beyond proud of. This is an amazing piece of music, and I wish you success and hugs n love from Scotland 🪽🤍🫂🏴
Thank you, hugs back to you, and I'm beyond proud of your dad as well.
@@KaiStraw thank you 🤍
I came because of Ren. I'm subbing because this is straight fire!
Ah, amazing, thank you.
Grateful Ren linked this today 🙏 There is often a link between music and current conversations in my life, sometimes inner and sometimes outer. Today is the latter and got to share this with an incredibly important friend of mine! Thank you for your music Kai 🫶
Ah, so cool, glad my stuff could be a part of that conversation. Thanks for diving in, and thanks to Ren for sending you my way.
Definitely going to explore the rest of your creations my good sir!
Wow! Amazing artistry!
Congrats for those 10 years! 🎉
With love from me and...Ren ❤
Thank you! ❤
Kai-Ren.. a collaboration ?! An upcoming space opera we never knew we needed.
We've actually talked about it so we'll see, we'll see.
@@KaiStraw my imagination is exploding.
What a beautiful scene.. hopefully a science fiction epic opus. . Or a little folk ditty . . about two aliens.
Ok. I'll stop.
However or whatever you two create will be delicious.
Love from a caravan in a field.
Here because Ren shared, and can I just say, wow. 👏
Thank you!
Here because of Ren ❤
I'll have to thank him! Thanks for diving in.
@@KaiStrawHe had shared a song by Asaf Avidan, who thanked him afterwards. RenEffect! Renegades blindly trust Ren's music shares.
Same here
@@Rachelorten No...not blindly...but if he's right, he's right 😂 ..👍🤝🙋♀️
Wow this is high quality ! You Sir are definitely a talented artist, glad Ren's linked that, your work has darkly brightened my day ❤
Like others, Ren sent me here. Awesome work brother, i have tears in my eyes. Thank you 😊
I really appreciate it, brother, thank you. I had tears in my eyes when I edited some of this. Glad that emotion made it to you on the other side.
Chills. Haha thanks again @@KaiStraw
Thanks Ren this is 🔥🔥🎶🎵🤌👏🙏💪🐝🍀
Glad you're feelin' it, thank you! And thanks to Ren for sending you my way, too.
who is Ren, that British singer?
I love when Ren puts us on to new artists!! You're awesome!! ❤
New to you Kai has been around
Ren sent me. I am so glad this is brilliant!
Thank you!
Yep - Ren made me do it 🤣 but glad he did! ❤️
Haha I'm glad he did, too, thanks for diving in.
Haha - will definitely be checking out more of your work. Loved the video too!
Captivating video and song! Loved it....... Ren recommended i take a look.
Ren building people up! Great song, subbed.
Thank you! Many more songs on the way.
What an incredible video and song. Well done Kai!
Thanks to Ren for sending me your way..😊👍
I really appreciate it, Vicky, thank you! And thanks to Ren for sending everyone over. I have a bunch of other songs out there so if you ever have some free time, all that's ready for you. 'Euphoria', 'Freedom' and 'Mr. Rocket Shoes' are a few that people who like this one have also been into.
I’ll definitely be checking out more of your work Kai. Kind of you, and unexpected of you to reply. Take care.
Funnily enough, one of your tracks, Freedom, kept popping up in a Ren Spotify playlist a while ago.
Since then, Ren has shared links to a couple of your tracks.
Love the layers in sound to your music 🔥🔥
Ren shouted you out, said this was dope. Boy was he right, friggin loved it!
Phenomenal... as anticipated! You my friend, are a gift to be cherished. Thank you, Kai
We appreciate you dearly!
Wow, man, thank you. And I appreciate you, too!
This is some seriously high quality production! Dope af!
Thank you!
Ren put me on
Thanks for giving me a shot, and huge thanks to Ren as well.
This is incredible artistry and pain on show. You got a sub from me. I'll be watching your reach grow. Congrats on 10+ years sober !
Mught want to give Dirt Miller a listen Kai.
Ren sent us and you are incredible!
I'll have to give Dirt Miller a listen and thank you! Many more songs on the way.
That bass sound hits haaarrrrdddd!!! Love it. The whole song and video is amazing man, nice one.
I appreciate it, brother, thank you!
Ren introduced me
Yes!!!
Ty ren !!
WOW kai
Thank you!
Whoa. That was different.
What a wild ride. I'm adding this to some playlists and I'm watching this again.
Makes me happy to hear that, man. I wanted to make something that engaged with you the more you engaged with it.
Kai, when this song came out it burrowed its way into my brain. I have a constant battle with life and motivation to even get up in the morning. The moment i herd this....I changed. To see this in a video form blew my mind like no drug. Sometimes i want to quit, but your music keeps me going and striving for a better me. Thank you for all the emotion you pour into each song you give us. We feel you brother, and you help us keep going!
Ah, man, amazing. Your light will keep growing, brother. Thanks for sharing all this with me.
It's impossible to listen to this track just the once. No matter how many times you come back to it. ❤
Ren sent me....awesome job! 🫡💪🇺🇲🔥 Subbed😍
Wow, great work! Ren sure knows good music! I will continue to watch this space!
❤
Thank you! ❤
Ren sent me here so I knew it would be something great and special and indeed it is! Going to listen to more of your stuff and subscribe now 🖤
Frightfully amazing. I couldn't take my eyes off
of the screen. Now I will listen again, this time without my eyes.
Thank you!
Holy hell, this video is amazing. Simultaneously heartbreaking and heartwarming. I've loved the song for a while, but damn does this video really make it shine.
Ah, man, I really appreciate this, thank you.
Brillant ;welcome with the Renegades...
Looks like I'm one of the few who weren't sent here by Ren!
Just the UA-cam algorithm throwing out a very cool suggestion for a change.
Of course there's a good chance that I'll see Ren recommending this after a bit more scrolling!
Ah, so cool, glad the algorithm sent you my way. Thanks for giving me a shot.
The concept of the video is mind-blowing! Glad to see its streaming to the public now! ☠️💕
🏴☠️🏴☠️🏴☠️
Ren showed me you but this is one of my top songs I'm so glad you made a music video
Glad Ren sent you my way, and honored to have been a top song. Thanks for diving in.
Wow... The voice, the lyrics, the production on the music and the video.. Utterly blown away by this and the originality of it, only thing better than finding a new great song on yt is to see a tonne of other songs by the same artist that I can just deep dive
Just awesome ♥
Obsessed with this... both the music and the cinematography - just astonishingly good.
Wow, thank you. I’m excited to start production on another video sometime soon. Love filmmaking.
I have to say I had to listen the first couple times with my eyes closed. Thanks so much for your viewpoint!
This music video is wild!! What a way to start this weekend
🍎🍎🍎
Yeh, we love our Ren. If he suggests someone we check them out. You can expect many more of us. The song and visuals are amazing. I’m gonna check out your other material. Did you know of Ren before this? He believes a rising tide lifts all ships. His tide has been advancing quickly as of late. 😉❤️✌️
Hi Kai, yes life throws challenges at me and I see the light that envelops them, thanks to you, thank you❤
great video🔥 Merci
There’s always a light, Eveline. Glad you’re seein’ it. ❤️
Dude. Everytime I listen to this song, it brings me chills. Jesus this song has so much fucking emotion to it.
This brings all the tools out of the toolbox! Masterpiece!
‘Preciate it! Really loved scoring the new intro / outro music.
Ren is always spot on in his recommendations. Very well executed on all aspects. The recording is crisp and very well edited. Video is marking. Congratulations!
Just realized you're the one who did Pinocchio Soliloquy !! Love your music man. Pinocchio, Sushi, and Soul is Lemonade have all made it onto my Spotify wrapped in previous years ❤
Yeah, that's me! And awesome you've liked songs across such a wide spread of my different sounds / styles. Thanks for listening. ❤
"How many more 'I'm OK's do i got" is so real 🥺❤️
❤️
I was not ready for this level of quality
Haha thank you.
Ren also sent me, and I'm honestly glad bc this is a bop.
Thank you! And thanks to Ren as well.
Was listening to a Ren song & idk how but ended up here. Heard that first Wobble & went, wait what, & restarted. Super eclectic. Sick bars. Poignant poetry. Reading the comments I guess Ren lead me here too. Clicked on Hole Hearted & then the subscribe button. Dude's going places
Literally cannot wait till you do live shows, come to Atlanta!!!!!
Not doing shows at the moment but I am creating new music as I stay in different cities. May swing by Atlanta and see what inspiration strikes!
Ren send us .
gr8 work guys!
Thank you! And Ren as well. I have a bunch of other music if you've ever got the interest / time. Thanks for giving me a shot.
@@KaiStraw bro, Renegades already push it to reactors.. just enjoy the love and keep feeding us
@@aixmhros I got you, new music's definitely on the way.
This is A M A Z I N G! The lyrics are mind-blowing, but the video is sooo powerful! 🤯 Just superb! ❤
Thank you!
This is absolutely phenomenal. Amazing music, and the cinematic experience 😍. Well done holy shit❤
Here because of Ren 😀 Great song 👍🏻
Thank you! And thanks to Ren for sending you my way.
Please collab with Ren Gill ❤️❤️❤️
Followed a recommendation from Ren and as always he's right, love the song as the visuals are 👌🏻👏🏻
Thank you!
This song is just incredible. As is the video. Very unique. This should have a million views.
Wow, man, thank you. I really appreciate this.
Nobody sent me here but a UA-cam rabbit hole for new music and this is an absolute banger. Love it. Beyond earned that like and subscribe.
Thanks, brother! Many more songs on the way.
brazil love !!! thanks, very nice music!!!
Thank you!
Feliz por saber que possuem mais brasileiros como eu que estão amando as músicas dele 👊 - Happy to know that there are more Brazilians like me who are loving his songs 👊
@@doglasvr muito foda esse trabalho!!!
one of my favs, glad its finally got a visual. The production is sick - so unique 💚💚
Thank you!
Man, that was dope. “I’ve had a devil in my mind but I’m done listening.”
Such a powerful words.
This was great. Super impressed you did all of that yourself. Glad to see you upload again. I got worried when you didn't upload for a month.
Thank you! And I've decided to take as much time as I need on everything I make, so that's where I've been. New music on the way, too.
We have written many many songs on this topic,,,, but I feel that so much of the pain of the residual guilt of being part of a terrible terrile pact. When the soldiers went overseas to Afghanistan I was there at the fobs with them.... and to hear them.... to be there while walking around at my lowest of lowest of I allowed myself to do in my life, dieing my hair, wearing make up full of chemicals.... allowing people to get into my head.... NEVER selling out..... DONE BEING STOLEN FROM EVERY MOMENT.... thank you so much Kai... this is so monumental... this is a time capsule this is a Master Piece, this is a musical theatre three part act like Les Miserables in ONE song... danced with self made devils in my favourite dress.... but I didnt do it for the money, they all knew every single one of them that I had a shadow... but I didnt want to let it go.... I didnt want to let go of the sacred gift of being from a sacred lineage... KAI THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!
Glad you didn't disappear while on your trip! Dope video
Haha still at it. New music on the way, too.
🔥🔥
Thank you!
I feel every song in my bones, every song hits home... I could never find the words on my own. I love his voice, it's an instrument all on it's own!
This is so good
Thank you!
Found this whilst relapsing last few days. Had managed 7months clean. Need to give the devil in my mind some love and pray for some divine signs. Back to the “show them who it made you” headspace again. Inspiring music brother ❤
I was expecting Death Metal from the preview but this is awesome too. 🔥🖤
Thank you!
Absolutely captivated by this video. The song has always been dear to me but to see it in action is truly marvelous. Thank you for sharing your creativity with the world.
I can't wait to see what colour you paint the world next
Thanks for being here watching and listening, means the world to me. I've got more on the way.
@@KaiStraw I can't express how much your music resonates through my home. Would love to see you visit Australia !
i always felt connected to this song anyway and it's grown to be one of my favourites of yours. maybe it's because of how my past few days have been or because it's simply this song or maybe both, but i can't begin to describe how i felt watching this. incredible how well a story can be told in just a few minutes. thank you for your music and thank you for speaking of your experiences through it.
Ah, thanks so much.
While I love Ren, I didnt see his recommendation, youtube algorithm recommended this and I am very glad. This is sooo good, gl in future projects Kai
Been a Ren fan. Now a Kai Straw fan... That was a fantastic journey, quite riveting audio and visuals! I applaud your honesty and commitment. May you keep the strength it takes to stay sober and have the courage to reach out if in need.
Hi Kai you were introduced to me by Ren, I'm glad he did it, absolutely fantastic song, don't let me start with video, fire❤🔥
Came b/c Ren and staying b/c of Kai 🔥
Here because of the algorithm and I'm digging this song!! Subbed!
Thanks, Katrina!
This is excellent.
Edit: The more I watch this the more incredible it becomes.
this is so good, i just can't stop. ASAP/New orleans may be my second fav i've came across so far
Wow... just wow. This hit hard in the best way! Thank you!
Thanks for watching!
Me being the horror fanatic that I am this just popped onto my feed and I got dragged in by the picture. the fact that you did all that yourself is insane to me! I love horror but I also love it when its a metaphor for addiction because that is the true horror most people face on a daily basis. congrats on the 10 years sober! looking forward to whatever else you create! 💗
Absolutely love it
Thank you!
10/10 I can't wait to watch and listen again.
Like lots of others...Ren sent me. Listened to this track, and 5 or 6 others, read your bio on your website and subscribed here. Sounds like you're killing it - living the way you want, conquering the things you need to conquer and sharing some wicked music with the world. Nice! Will explore a little more, add a few tracks to the playlist and keep my eyes open for new music.
For a small and independent artist, your production value is so extremely high. 😮 Well done!
jesus, this imagery is mad!
i love this
Came here from Ren. Fire recognise fire 🔥!
Similarly to so many here, here because Ren. Stayed because You.
Solid work!
My Dad sent me. Ren is my dad.
Haha I thanked your Dad for sending you. Glad you're here.
日本からです。
偶然UA-camのオススメに登場し、それから何十回も聴いてます。
和訳が無いので歌詞が分かりませんが、音として大好きです。歌詞も勉強して理解したいと思います。大好き🫶
If chokin wasn’t amazing as is you just made it better your a inspiration man and I can’t wait for what is next love it man keep it up
Thanks, brother!
Excited for you and the journey, everyone will be one once they find your music. Helium Balloon!
🎈
Ren pointed me in your direction. Very interesting and creative. Enjoyed it. Keep it going fella.
Bro straight up. I just learned about you and I'm going through all your tracks. You're really good and I love it so much. Thank you
I appreciate it, man! I've got a bunch of songs out there and new songs on the way, too.
Dope !! Bring that dark to punish the dark.
Haha you got it!
That was incredible!
Thank you!