After spending several years shifting lineups and band names, Madison-based rock group The Selfish Gene released their debut album Self-Defeating Human Beings in the spring of 2005. Containing 11 tracks of their harmonized and prog-tinged pop rock, the album helped propel the band to the top of the local rock heap, winning the 2006 MAMA for Best Overall Artist. One standout track from the album, "Prince Anthony," is now accompanied by a music video. This video was directed by Mel Eslyn and Ryan Corcoran of In the Clouds Motion Pictures, which produces shorts, full length films, music videos, and promotional videos as part of their visual repertoire.
The music video follows below.
One particularly notable aspect of The Selfish Gene that all of its members contribute vocals to their music. The four base components of this particular gene are Matt Allen on guitar, Eric Andraska on the bass, Mike Weber on guitar and keyboard, and Mark Marsh on the drums, just to list the basics of their sundry instrumentation. More of their music can be found on its MySpace page. Also, several photos from the band's shoot for the "Prince Anthony" video are available here, and an Isthmus review of Self-Defeating Human Beings is available in a scanned form. The Selfish Gene are currently working on a follow-up to that album, with 12 new tracks currently in production. Details about the track list, album title and release date should be coming soon.
There are a couple of other music videos featuring local bands created by Eslyn and Corcoran. They are:
- A video for "Zombie" by Awesome Car Funmaker
- A video for "Transportation" by Screamin' Cyn Cyn and the Pons
In addition to his work with In the Clouds, Corcoran serves as the front man for ACF and staged a brief campaign in 2005 for a downtown aldermanic seat on the Madison Common Council. Eslyn served as a production assistant for the 2002 comedy No Sleep 'til Madison, and has also contributed to Wis-Kino productions. All of these productions are part of a series they are creating for a local music video DVD compilation set. More information about In the Clouds Motion Picutres is available on their MySpace page.
If you wish to let us know about more videos by, of, and about Madison and Madisonians, please consider adding them to the Isthmus YouTube group or send a message.
