Having last week released his second double a-side single of 2020, today Dan Croll unveils the video for ‘Actor With A Loaded Gun’ shot in his local diner in Los Angeles, where he relocated 18-months ago (more on that later!)
Giving some insight into the track and its visual, Dan explains, When I moved to LA I knew hardly anybody, I was spending a lot of time alone stressing about the fact that I had to make an entirely new social circle. One of those places I found a bit of solace from was my local diner, and so we thought actor would be the perfect fit for this location.
Having started 2020 with the release of double a-side singles Yesterday (an ode to opportunities missed whilst being mentored by national treasure Paul McCartney) and Stay In L.A. both chronicling the beginning stages of a seismic shift in Dan Crolls life and the decision to relocate halfway round the world – after the release of his second album Emerging Adulthood, Croll, like many in the latter half of their twenties, questioned the very fibre of his being; career; relationships; life choices; future; so he upped sticks and moved to L.A. on a whim and hasnt returned. The resulting transition to life in California, going back to basics with his songwriting and taking inspiration from the music that truly inspired him (James Taylor, Burt Bacharach, Joni Mitchell), many of which are part of Laurel Canyons musical heritage, bore these musical fruits and a new chapter for this prolific songwriter.
On March 4th came the release of the next couplet of singles along his journey of acclimatisation to life in California. Rain and Actor With A Loaded Gun. Produced by Matthew E. White at Spacebomb Studios in Richmond, Virginia, acoustic psych-pop gem Rain being inspired by the most British of all weathers and how hes come to miss it having moved to Los Angeles 18 months ago. Actor with a Loaded Gun sees Croll trying to adjust to L.A. life and attempting to make friends in a city full of aspiring actors. This second batch of singles comes off the back of upgrading his forthcoming London show date to Oslo, Hackney due to high demand.
Speaking about the new singles Dan gives some insight… I wrote Rain as I was packing my belongings a few days before the move to California. I knew the weather was good, Id been to LA a couple of times on tour (mainly in the summer) and it was always hot and sunny, but this was near winter and I was unsure about how many coats and jumpers to pack (the typical British problem of having to own so many). I asked a friend of a friend and they bluntly told me not to bring any. I found that hard to believe, especially when he said it never rains, which I guess I found a little sad, as its obviously a big part of British life, to not have even a little bit of it would be strange. Since moving, I still dont own a coat, there is no need, and while it has rained a handful of times its still definitely something I miss about home.
Actor is about my first step in to the social aspect of L.A. life, I didnt know anyone is Los Angeles, and had to rely on one friend of a friend. He did a great deal for me to get me on my feet, including inviting me to some parties. The first one I went to I was so nervous about, itd been years since Id ever needed to actively make a friend and was desperately trying to remember how to. My social anxiety was in full swing when I was there, and I was trying to not tank every conversation, but what I weirdly found comforting was that a good chunk of people there were pretty awful, hilariously so in fact, the stereotypical LA social climbers, and it somehow calmed my nerves to know Id be ok here because at the end of the day, I wasnt there to be an actor.
Over the course of 2020 Dan Croll will be releasing new material in couplets like this, which chronologically document the results of the life-changing decision to move from Liverpool to L.A. From the impetus to go, the reason he stayed, to the people he met and the universal challenges he had to deal with along the way.
Speaking about the experience and his return to the music scene Dan explains, The past two years have been a rollercoaster, starting from scratch, alone in a different country, but Im so happy to have come out the other end with this collection of songs. Feels great not only to be back on the music scene, but to be doing it with songs that I finally feel represent the influences and music I truly love.
Previous single Stay In L.A. is accompanied by a video fittingly shot in Echo Park, Los Angeles. Watch it here – https://youtu.be/HZxDmQIjaNU
See Dan Croll live at:16th Mar Amsterdam Cinetol17th Mar Berlin Curfew Bar19th Mar London Oslo, Hackney20th Mar Paris Hasard Ludique30th Mar New York City Rockwood 21st Apr Los Angeles Gold Diggers