The National’s Matt Berninger has teamed up with Meg Duffy of Hand Habits for this stripped-down collaboration. Collectively, they’ve shared a very groovy new single called “Breaking Into Acting,” which is incredibly exciting. This new track features on Berninger’s forthcoming second solo LP, called Get Sunk. Prepare yourself for its launch on May 30th! The collaboration marks a significant moment in Berninger’s solo career, showcasing his ability to blend his distinctive sound with Duffy’s artistic style.
The album’s first single, “Breaking Into Acting,” is supported by a colorful, high-energy music video directed by Hopper Mills. This colorful visual representation does an amazing job of displaying all of the themes in the song by way of an inside a video, inside a video concept. In the music video, audiences follow along as detectives, agents, and other mysterious figures pursue Berninger and Duffy’s every move. They recreate dazzling tableaux in front of a bright yellow background. This creative method deepens the song’s storytelling. It asks the viewing public to engage with the musicians on a personal level, underscoring the beautiful tension between spectator and participator.
Berninger has partnered with Sean O’Brien to make Get Sunk. Although not all collaborators were artists himself, together, they made sure the album represents his artistic vision while catering to his fans. The single “Breaking Into Acting” follows another release from the album, reinforcing Berninger’s commitment to his solo endeavors alongside his work with The National.
Every moment bounces off of the stunning skills of both Berninger and Duffy. It raises important questions about the formats in which we consume media today. It invites audiences to reflect on the ways technology shapes their interaction with art. The performance art video for “Breaking Into Acting” brilliantly blurs the lines between performer and spectator. From start to finish, it provides an engaging experience paired with challenging and clever critique on the contemporary performance world.