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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- The new music video for “Subway” pays homage to the groundbreaking radio DJ, Rita Houston (a New York City legend who passed away from cancer in 2020). I met Rita in the ’90s. She was so dynamic and true to herself at a time when homophobia was well established in the music industry. Rita rooted for artists in the queer community and ended up driving a lot of people’s careers.
I was sitting at home during the pandemic and missing NYC, thinking about how liberated I always felt there as a young queer person just starting to get comfortable with myself. And I was thinking about what I would say to Rita if I wrote her a letter- sort of a letter from all the young queer songwriters…
I still treasure the unfettered joy of the nights I would walk the city streets to and from shows, or just walk for the feel of it, not wanting to miss a beat, and taking in all the action. Rita embodied that action and that joy.
In the video, Atlanta Director, Scott Lansing (Flint: The Poisoning of an American City (2019), Electric Jesus (2020)), takes us into a dreamscape with the "current Amy" walking through NYC, contemplating her own journey and its inspirations, and the “young Amy” moving through her paces, growing up into her life as a musician. We are brought to the fore with the rebellion and strength of the protests that occurred in the summer of 2020, and the message that independent voices can help drive social justice movements.
“Turn on your radio!”- Amy Ray
Credits
Actors
Young Amy - Sarah Jane Von Hagen
Girlfriend - Iris Rubin
Crew
Director / DP / Edit - Scott Lansing
Junior Edit / Grip - Zachary Bromberg
Production Manager - Jennifer Lansing
Production Assistant - Abigail Donkor
New York Locations Scout & Driver - Ryan Selvy
Atlanta Locations - Scott Lansing
Wardrobe - Jill Grinstead Von Hagen
Drama Mama - Rebecca Rubin
Still Photography / Supplemental Video Footage - Amy Ray
Props - Abigail Donker
Compositing - Sabotage Film Group
Studio Green Screen - Sabotage Film Group
Amy, you may not know this, but there is a little more to the story. 21 years ago, you and Emily came to our Decatur home to sing to our daughter a few hours before she died of cancer at the age of 17. Her name was Sarah, and, because of family connections and the inspiration given by Sarah to all around her, Jill Grinstead Von Hagen decided to name her daughter after her. It felt like things came full circle when Sarah Jane was chosen to play a younger version of you in this video. Thank you for all you and your music have meant to our family.
Wow!! Small world!
Thank you for being so generous with that difficult story. I've been moved to tears by it.
Back in the '90s, a remarkable woman named Rita walked into my life too. Dynamic and full of life, she remained steadfastly true to herself in a world where authenticity was often a rare gem. Those were times when homophobia clung to the music industry like a shadow, making Rita's unapologetic honesty even more extraordinary.
Rita was more than just a presence; she was a force of nature. She championed artists and technicians within the queer community, standing up for us when the world was less accepting. It wasn't just talk for her either - her actions drove careers, mine included. It's almost impossible to fathom how many paths she helped shape.
Thinking back, I realize that Rita was more than a guiding light; she was the catalyst for change in my life. She took my hand and steered me toward a better direction, one I might not have found on my own. To say I owe her a debt of gratitude would be an understatement. There's a depth of appreciation within me that words can't encapsulate.
Now, she's no longer with us, but her memory persists, etched into the very fabric of those whose lives she touched. Rita, you may have left this world, but your spirit lingers on, a constant reminder of what it means to be unapologetically oneself.
I'm grateful to Amy for weaving Rita's essence into a song. It's as if the melody carries a piece of all of us who were fortunate enough to know her. As I listen, I can't help but feel that Amy sang those lyrics for me too, for all of us whose lives Rita illuminated.
Rest in peace, dear Rita. Your legacy is an enduring testament to your vibrant spirit, and your influence will echo through the ages. Thank you Amy.
We saw her and the band at the 40 Watt in Athens, Ga. last night and I have never been moved to tears by a live performance in all my years of seeing shows. Amy Ray is a cultural icon and bright spirit in this world, we need her and have her. We are lucky, she is a champion for the underdogs and causes that most artists shy away from. She leans in and I've never been more proud of a Georgia artist than her. Simply stunning, Amy Ray is the real deal and never compromises. We love you!!
It was so much fun acting in this and the music video came out stunning!! Can't wait to see what Amy does next
Job well done. 👍🏻
@@andiebluetaylor thank youu!! :D
Great job, Iris!
Where did you film?
@@BeAGoodHuman88 a few different areas in Downtown Atl :))
And that’s what I’m talking about. Retro-classic-70’s -pop -80’s so good. The perfect visuals to the music and story-song… couldn’t be any finer.
I love this Amy and the video is beautifully produced as well. JD Isaacs (Susan's buddy)
I hadn't heard of Rita Houston, somehow, before I heard this song last year. But call me crazy, but I can feel her energy through this song. Very warm energy. Amy Ray is a beautiful person and iconic as always. Also any song that rips on Giuliani can't be anything short of awesome.
This is so beautifully done Amy. What a lovely tribute to a life well lived. She’d love this song.🤘🏼
With Brandi Carlile singing back vocals. this song really brings back all those memories. It speaks to me, profoundly. Thank you for this song, Amy. Also, miss Rita so much😢
Beautiful song by Amy and video by Scott Lansing!
Beautiful, moving, sweet, and still a call to action. Thank you.
I got so excited to see my friends in this!! So proud of them!!
One of the coolest vids I've ever seen, and I got the chills... thank you for being a voice we need and for remembering dear Rita.
Soul quenching, thank you Amy! A beautiful tribute to Rita, youth and those amazing NYC streets! I love this song and your new Album.
Thank you, dear lady. And thank you, Rita Houston.
Oh my word, Amy. This song! What a lovely tribute to such an impactful influence on (your) career. Loved the throwback footage and the surprise of BC’s bg vocals 🫶 Such a gorgeous love letter to a city and the hope it holds.
I have a question - the interview at the beginning of the video says 2021 but at the end I think it says she passed in 2020. What am I missing?
Love you deeper, wider and higher than you could possibly know. Thank you for your integrity and activism and for being my own personal hero. You inspired me to somehow save myself, truly. I hold you so dearly.
Whenever you find yourselves on the West Coast, my wife and I would love to host you in Long Beach with our almost 10 yr old daughter.
XO 🙏💛🙏
@Jo_Bramily_LB_CA 💓
Love this, beautifully written & expressed 💜
love this 🤞
Breaks my heart ❤️ a little just listening to this the first time - getting acquainted with these songs before seeing you in Tucson next week. You and Emily have been such an influence in my life. Guiding through music 🎶. Thank you 🙏
Beautiful. EBI more of Amy.
Thank you, Amy!
Absolutely gorgeous
Oh my gosh I am so moved. This is so beautiful.
Thank you
Dang, Von Hagen is such a good choice here. Also, great song.
this is such a cool music video!
Wow, that was really cool. I Love the "experience of time" concept, showing that growing older and wiser is the key.
Rita was a friend, and this is a beautiful tribute to her.
As soon as I heard Rita’s voice again I got emotional. This was beautiful. Thank you Amy
truly beautiful song & tribute to dear Rita who touched countless in her lifetime. thank you for the tears & seeing her magical smile again.
This is so amazing. Thank you for sharing your musical talents with us.
Nice mix😊
What a beautiful video and powerful tribute!
Gritty ATL Gritty NYC 🌈
Amazing music, amazing video. Love it.
Awesome video!
❤❤❤❤
💜
I gave you a manuscript ..."Queer Scrabble" - ( at the Black Cat in DC - at least 10 yrs ago) prob went straight to your garbage pail ( happened a lot- I needed a good editor lol) in negotiations .....wish it had been you & carrie- I like her eye on things