Nevan Castañeda, the rising star from Aurora, Colorado, has done it again. Just when we thought his soulful ballad “It Should’ve Been Us” couldn’t tug at our heartstrings any harder, he’s released a music video that brings the song’s poignant lyrics to life in vivid, sun-soaked detail.
Released on August 24, 2024, the video arrives a little over a month after the single hit streaming platforms on July 14. And let me tell you, it was worth the wait.
For those who haven’t been following Nevan’s meteoric rise (where have you been?), let’s rewind a bit. This multi-talented singer-songwriter first caught our attention back in 2022 with his Elvis cover of “ALL SHOOK UP.” But it’s “It Should’ve Been Us” that’s really put him on the map, racking up an impressive 12,000+ streams on Spotify alone – and that number’s climbing faster than a Colorado mountaintop.
The song itself is a masterclass in emotional storytelling. In just over three minutes, Nevan paints a picture of lost love and lingering regret that’s so vivid that you can almost taste the bittersweetness. It’s the kind of track that has you staring wistfully out of rain-streaked windows, even on sunny days.
But enough about the song – let’s talk about this video.
Filmed and produced by Digital Myle Media and directed by K. Hunter Lamar, the “It Should’ve Been Us” video is a visual feast that perfectly complements the song’s raw emotion. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque beach, we follow Nevan and his co-star as they bring the lyrics to life.
The video opens with that iconic image from the song: “Two lovers on a beach at sunset.” The cinematography is stunning, capturing both the beauty of the setting and the palpable sense of loss in Nevan’s performance. The contrast between the sun-drenched, romantic settings and Nevan’s evident heartache is particularly effective. It drives home the song’s central theme – that sometimes, the hardest part of losing someone is seeing happiness all around you and knowing it could have been yours.
But it’s the sunset scene that really steals the show. As the sky erupts in a blaze of oranges, Nevan delivers the song’s gut punch of a final line: “Lord knows it could’ve been us, it should’ve been us.” It’s a moment that’ll have you reaching for the tissues, no matter how many times you’ve watched it.
What’s particularly impressive about this video is how it manages to feel both timeless and contemporary. Much like Nevan’s music itself, which blends his love for classic rock and roll with modern pop sensibilities, the video has a classic romantic feel while still appearing fresh and current.
This ability to straddle different eras is something of a Nevan Castañeda trademark. Known for his versatility, Nevan is just as comfortable belting out Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra classics as he is crafting his own contemporary hits. It’s this old soul in a young artist’s body that sets him apart in today’s music scene.
Speaking of Elvis, did you know that Nevan’s love for music was sparked by watching Elvis Presley’s 1977 CBS Special “Elvis in Concert”? Talk about starting with the classics! Since then, he’s made it his mission to both honor the legacy of the King of Rock and Roll and carve out his own unique space in the industry.
The release of the “It Should’ve Been Us” video marks another milestone in Nevan’s growing career. It’s clear that he’s not just a talented vocalist and songwriter but also has a keen understanding of how to translate his music into compelling visuals.
For fans wanting more of Nevan Castañeda (and let’s face it, after watching this video, who doesn’t?), his website (www.nevancastanedamusic.com) offers a treasure trove of goodies. You can snag some merch, check out his upcoming show dates, or even book him for an event by emailing contact@nevancastanedamusic.com.
In an industry that often feels oversaturated, Nevan Castañeda stands out as an artist with genuine passion, undeniable talent, and a unique ability to bridge the gap between classic and contemporary. With the release of the “It Should’ve Been Us” video, he’s not just telling us about heartbreak – he’s showing us, in all its sunset-hued, beach-walking glory.
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