Video: Mice On Stilts - Orca (UTR Premiere)

Auckland six-piece Mice On Stilts are sharing the new video for their single 'Orca', taken from their recently released album Hope For A Mourning. Directed by Adam Von Penfold, the clip is compiled of gorgeous found footage that lends an air of nostalgia to the striking song, which has been carefully cut down from the original 8-minute version for wider commercial release. Check out the video below, and then read our wee interview with frontman Benjamin Morley...

Hey! So, the album version of Orca is eight minutes long, but you are now releasing it as a single. Was it hard to slice it almost in half??

It wasn't easy! Tim was the one that cut it down but we had some discussion around how we wanted to do it. We had a few ideas but I think the final version reflects the full song really well. Tim did a great job. I'd like to think we write fairly simple music so listening back to the single its as though thats how it was always meant to sound. My hope is that both versions have some value.

How did the concept for the video arise, and how does it tie in with the songs thematic tones?

We went to Adam (Von Penfold) for the video. He edited 'Khandallah', as well as made a video for 'A Moss Ocean' for fun and both of them came our really nicely. 'Orca' is partially about striving for a life that you would be proud of at the end of it. For me, the happy families and the oceanic mountain sequence at the end echoes the spirit of the song.

Your other single ‘The Hours’ was long-listed for the Silver Scroll award. How did you feel when you found that out?

Wow, that was a headfuck for sure. Personally speaking, I love that we are part of the New Zealand music community. It has such a wealth of talent. Past, present and future. It's a community that I treasure. We are so lucky to be part of it. So to be long-listed for a Silver Scroll is a real honour.

You’re about to hit the road for a couple of album release shows. What else is on the agenda for the band?

At the moment we are working on new music. I'd like to make a folk album. I guess expanding on 'The Hours' and seeing where else we can take it.

Mice On Stilts

Friday 7th October, Kings Arms Tavern, Auckland
Saturday 8th October, San Fran, Wellington

Tickets available HERE at UTR