Exclusive: The Artisanals Remember the “First Time” in Semi-NSFW New Music Video

The Artisanals have shared the video for “First Time,” premiering right here at Paste. The song is from the band’s debut self-titled album, out now through AWAL Records.

The Artisanals’ heartland rock is the sound of American radio iconography, from lead singer John Delaware’s Petty-esque lilt to the War on Drugs-like atmospherics that twinkle in the background like distant street lamps. It’s all very romantic, very rooted in the traditions of that lineage. “First Time” is a memoriam of various firsts in Delaware’s relationship with an unnamed muse—the first time they met, they first time they made love—and while the details may be specific, the shape of the story feels timeless. Watch the video: The black-and-white dream scenes, the eating fruits off of each other, the aimless drive with no destination in sight—it feels like a Mellencamp story told in impressions.

Perhaps this is because of Delaware’s experiences in the industry. After dropping out of college to pursue music, Delaware moved to Nashville, but soon became disillusioned with the cutthroat pace of music industry executives, and the baggage and bloat of hangers-on. He moved around the country, living in trailer parks and crashing on couches until he found the people who would become The Artisanals. It is, again, a story that feels well-worn. It’s indicative of the type of music Delaware and company make, and the type of story they tell on “First Time.” It’s a dusty, road-worn American fairytale.

Watch the video (dir. Toucan Films) for “First Time” below, and see the band perform the track for Daytrotter in a session recorded earlier this year. The Artisanals will be touring throughout the remainder of the year—find a full list of dates further down.

The Artisanals Tour Dates:

November
17 – Bozeman, Mont. @ The Filling Station
20 – Spearfish, S.D. @ Crow Peak Brewing Co.
24 – Davenport, Iowa @ Raccoon Motel – SOLD OUT
25 – Iowa City, Iowa @ Gabe’s
27 – Evanston, Ill. @ SPACE
28 – Omaha, Neb. @ Reverb Lounge
29 – Kansas City, Mo. @ Knuckleheads Saloon
30 – Little Rock, Ariz. @ Stickyz

December
02 – Knoxville, Tenn. @ The Outpost
04 – Louisville, Ky. @ Zanzabar
06 – Milwaukee, Wis. @ Cactus Club
07 – Appleton, Wis. @ Mill Creek
08 – Eau Claire, Wis. @ The Plus
09 – Maquoketa, Iowa @ Codfish Hollow Barnstormers