Exclusive Video Premiere: ‘Money,’ The New Respects

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID BEAN.

Money can be divisive. Possessing paper and coins, or a lack thereof, affects people in unimaginable ways. For the New Respects—a band of three siblings (Alexis, Zandy, and Darius Fitzgerald) and their cousin (Jasmine Mullen)—finances even informed a song. Aptly titled “Money,” the upbeat track speaks to how they were formed by, and resisted, the limits of their humble beginnings. “When we started writing this song we had zero dollars between the four of us,” recalls drummer Darius Fitzgerald. “But we still had a good time living life.”

Below, we’re pleased to premiere the accompanying visuals for “Money,” which open on a framed photograph of the band hanging on the wall of a dark mansion. Their faces are severe and unsmiling, reminiscent of a Victorian family portrait. Lead singer Jasmine Mullen is lounging on a sofa, ostentatiously caressing a leopard, as she sings the first lyrics: “If I was a rich girl / I’d spend my days alone.”

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“When I was brainstorming ideas for the video, I wanted to display the opposite of what the song was about,” says Darius Fitzgerald of the video’s visual concept.
“[Alexis] and I created extravagant caricatures of ourselves to contrast who we really are.”

As soon the chorus hits, the video sheds its stern façade and bends to the will of the New Respects’ signature blend of rock and soul music. The storyline takes a swift turn; gone is the photograph and suddenly the band is throwing a raucous party in the empty mansion.”The carefree spirit is what drives the song, and allows the listeners to let go and have fun,” says Darius Fitzgerald. According to him, both the song and video are an accurate reflection of the band. “We like to have a good time,” he says. “We want to create music that invites people to have a good time with us.”

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