In the midst of international sensationalism and associated chaos theory, (past, present, and future) Frank Iero has always found sanctuary in one place and one place alone. His basement. Hot off the heels of some BIG announcements pertaining to his “other job” and in “cellabration” of his most accomplished and successful work to date – the critically-acclaimed 2019 Steve Albini recorded double opus ‘Barriers’ (out now via UNFD) Frank opened up his inner sanctum home studio to a camera crew in order to document a visual representation of the most personal track on the album: ‘Basement Eyes.’
A true look beyond the candelabra, the ‘Basement Eyes’ video is a fascinating insight into the psyche and process that Frank utilizes in creating music. Featuring studio reels, recording notes, tape mixes, and title boards from the actual recording of ‘Barriers,’ the grainy “heart on the sleeve” celluloid also features never before seen documentation of Frank’s ever-expanding collection of instruments, guitars, pedals, and most importantly fan art gifted to him over the years that adorns the walls of his home.
“We are proud to present you with our latest music video” says Frank excitedly. “It was directed by the talented David Brodsky and Allison Woest for My Goodeye Visuals. This song is very much about beginnings and ends. Many incredible feats have begun in a basement or a garage. I personally have started almost every musical or creative project of my career in a basement somewhere” he continues. “I have learned to play instruments, started bands, painted, filmed videos, played shows, written and even recorded records there. It is my preferred creative space and the nucleus of where inspiration and ideas get formed into living, breathing pieces of art.”
When speaking about the song itself, Frank says: “The song ‘Basement Eyes’ was written in a basement. It’s about the feeling you get when starting something new and the fire that burns inside the creative mind. That fire pushes us forward. It urges us to continue making things, not for the hope of fame or glory or the pursuit of monetary reward, but because it is a necessity for survival. The saddest thing about getting older is watching that fire go out or dull in other people’s eyes. Living a creative life, we tend to gravitate towards other like-minded people. Real recognize real. Sometimes you start bands together or collaborate in some way. Sometimes just being around one another is enough. Even though these partnerships may be fleeting, you tend to continue in a strange orbit, occasionally meeting again somewhere along the way. Time passes, life happens, and I have seen people I hung out in basements who neglect their fires. Like a body needs vitamins and nutrients, our souls need to create. When that fire is extinguished, the hunger dies. ‘Basement Eyes’ is a song about that experience. Enjoy.”