Back home in Australia the video for the John Butler Trio’s new single ‘Revolution’ will be serviced to TV this week. Made in Los Angeles whilst the band was on tour it was directed by James Minchin III. It’s an emotive black and white clip featuring a band performance interspersed with a large cast of fascinating characters from all walks of life depicting the diversity of humanity and the world we live in today.
Of the inspiration for the track, John Butler said,
“Revolution is such an overused impotent word nowadays, I just wanted to explore the subject and find out what it meant to me. We live in some pretty extreme times .I think a lot of people are considering living in a drastically different way on this planet and with each other. They have to. But the old ideas of reform and revolution are not applicable nor have many “revolutions” really ever brought about meaningful change before they turn into what they were fighting. My idea of revolution is basically taking the R off the word. It’s evolution. It’s not gonna be some fanciful day that comes where everything is going honky dory utopia. That’s bullshit and a practice in futility. You can’t stop evolution. It’s sometimes painfully slow and other times brutally quick but never the less it is on-going. You can rev it up however; accelerate it from time to time by being engaged in your community, by being compassionate. I see that around me. That’s what I concentrate on when I’m being bombarded by the intense images and news of these times. Stay engaged but not inundated. By knowing that the revolution is underway and not some fantasy about to come I’m able to have the energy and optimism to keep being part of this eternal, unstoppable REVOLUTION.”
Check out the Video here:
http://jbtserver.com/blog/videos/revolution-2010/
was at your bundaberg show ! you were insane ! so much respect! you aer awesome! brong your amazingness back to bundy soon please!
I have a farm.
Albury show 10/05/11 -Thank-you to you all for sharing your "gifts" with the world.
You all are uniting people in one way or another for everyone will have their own journey to make in life and choose what they need to learn throughout it. No matter which path each of us choose, your music touches all souls who choose to listen. Love to all. Kez
I have an extrordinary amount of respect for you John, not only as a musician but as a person. Whenever Ive heard you speak in an interview or read about you in a magazine you've always spoke with pure honesty and heart. You are one of my biggest inspirations, and without sounding too corny I say "Thanks".
It is really, really heartening to hear this from someone.
That there is another way.
I love your music, you are beautiful.
A comment, if only to let you know that it's a winning sensation - I'm sure - to cause a viewer to stop breathing and yet not notice it; only to continue breathing when the musician has deemed it correct. As an artist, you're embracing your potential to induce mindstates and notions - the peak of the translation of artistic ideas. And thusly, my respect is very much in order.
I hope to be able to make sculpture, in my lifetime, that encapsulates your same potency.
with warmth,
anais.
Can someone tell me the make, model & type of ukulele that John Butler plays with?
Thanks!
-Amanda
everything that you say is extremely beautiful! i just love listen your music and read your comments! You are incredible!!!! I LOVE YOU!
im sorry if i wrote something wrong but im from Brasil and my english is far from perfect!
i want to know somenthing if isnt to private.. what means you tatoo, the circles in your arms?
i hope you continue provinding us with your beautiful songs!
thank u!!!
Well said John Butler. I have immense respect for you as well as your band and the music you guys continue to create. The way you defined the word “revolution” was simply phenomenal to read. Very well spoken, sir. You guys need to come back down to the Southern United States (aka bum fuck nowhere). It has been way to long since I’ve had the opportunity to see you guys live.
-Continue to produce beautiful and awe-inspiring music!