In light of the recent crisis in Ukraine, multi-million selling and streaming rock band Simple Plan is offering support to the people of Ukraine with their new single ‘Wake Me Up (When This Nightmare’s Over)’. The new music video was directed by Ukrainian filmmaker Jensen Noen and was filmed with a Ukrainian cast and crew. VFX and post-production work were also performed by Ukrainian artists. Jensen Noem alsodirected the band’s recently released clips for their singles ‘The Antidote’ and ‘Ruin My Life.’
“When we saw the first images from the war in Ukraine, we felt so heartbroken and powerless. The impact on young children and families felt especially devastating and made us want to do something to help.” says Simple Plan
“The idea to do this video was sparked by discussions with our good friend and director Jensen Noen. We could feel just how important and personal the events in Ukraine were for him and from there, the concept for the video emerged.”
Director Jensen Noen adds, “Since the war started, I’ve gone through a range of emotions. From depression to rage, to an overwhelming sense of helplessness. I can’t describe what it’s been like to watch my home country being torn to shreds. Its people being raped and killed, innocent children and civilians dying every day. Many of my family and friends have already been affected by the war. I’m so grateful to Simple Plan for giving me an opportunity to tell the story of what’s going on in my country.
To be able to help raise awareness and money for this cause means the world to me. It feels so good to be doing something instead of just sitting around feeling helpless. To use my art to help tell the story of my people. And the fact that I got to work with a mainly Ukrainian cast and crew, made this whole experience even more special. I’m grateful to Simple Plan and all of our incredible cast and crew that donated their time to this cause.”
“It was very special to see all these talented Ukrainians actors, actresses and crew members come together for this cause and create such a moving and emotional music video. We always believed in the power of music and we hope this video can have a positive impact and raise as much money as possible for the people of Ukraine,” says Simple Plan.
With this new video, the band hopes to raise awareness and funds for those affected by the war in Ukraine. All money generated by Youtube views will go directly to Ukrainian relief efforts, through the UNICEF Ukraine Emergency Appeal. In addition, the group is pledging to donate a portion of the proceeds through The Simple Plan Foundation, from tickets sold throughout the current tour.
The group is collaborating with Ukrainian organisations – Canada-Ukraine Foundation and Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) – to help amplify the video and its fundraising efforts for Ukraine.
Watch the touching behind the scenes video for
‘Wake Me Up (When This Nightmare’s Over)’ below: