The latest video from Chicago-based alt-country rocker Joe Rian is an absolutely delightful hand-drawn animation. The self-created visual was painstakingly put together by Rian himself, a triumph of perseverance and personal creativity over the AI-generated material we are beginning to see routinely. The result is an absorbing piece of art, full of heart, to accompany an equally joyful song, New Day. The drawings take us through the song’s nostalgic narrative while, musically, New Day eases along with an engaging melody and light rhythm from drummer Jack Conley and bassist Mike Dumont. Layered guitar work from B.C. Carter and Rian himself swirls around Rian’s characterful voice. Like a stream of positive thoughts and memories, Rian’s words lift us up: “You’re gonna wake up to a beautiful day.”
Rian shares: “Fatherhood is interesting. You quickly find out that this world isn’t about you anymore. I’ve become twice as productive since I’ve had kids. I’ve learned to be very efficient with my time. There’s no time for hangovers and bullshit. You’re last on the totem pole in the tribe. It’s a wonderful thing.”
This charming video follows previous release, Think Yer In Luv, also shared below, the title track from Rian’s forthcoming album, which will be out on 2nd October 2026. It’s an album that reminds us of the joy to be found in sharing adventures and making memories with people we love; life-affirming stuff.
Rian talked AUK through the video-creation process exclusively: “When I finally finished the record, I knew I’d need a couple of videos to visualise the songs. I reached out to a few artists I loved, but I just didn’t have the money to pay them what they deserved—champagne taste on a beer budget, I guess. And these days people watch music as much as they listen to it, so I wanted something undeniably recognisable, honest, something that felt legitimately authentic to what I was trying to do with the music. Since I couldn’t afford to have someone else do it, I figured—like anything else—you just roll up your sleeves and do it yourself.
“The first one, ‘Think Yer In Luv’, took me an entire summer and into the fall. I taught myself as I went. I did a little research and had some help from friends who knew more than me. When it was finally done, I couldn’t believe it. I’d made this thing with my own hands. Honestly, making the art was a means to an end. I needed to raise money for the record, and I figured I’d make the videos and see if anyone liked them enough to help fund it. Surprisingly, it worked. I sold digital editions of the video to collectors, and it covered the mastering, which isn’t cheap and it’s so important to get right. I was so excited by how it turned out that I went right into ‘New Day’ next.
“I figured since I’d already gotten through that hurdle, the next one would be easier. It was the exact opposite. What I didn’t know going in was that a slower tempo and more storytelling means a lot more drawing. It was way more than I’d planned for. I worked on ‘New Day’ all through the winter and finally finished it up this spring. As a way to pay back the people who’d collected and bought editions of the first video, I started reaching out to them and asked if they wanted to be in this one. They’d send me a selfie, and I’d draw them in as a little thank you. First it was one, then two, then seventy people, which floored me. There’s something really neat about drawing people who’ve supported you, and spending those nights with each portrait ended up being some of the most therapeutic time in the whole process. I won’t say they all came out looking exactly like the photo. I’ve got one guy I call Mr President now because he ended up looking a bit like George W. Bush, even though he doesn’t at all in real life. He knows it too.
“By the time ‘New Day’ was finished, it had been about a full year since I’d started all this. A couple of people reached out on their own and said they wanted to help. They loved how the record sounded, loved the work ethic behind it, and just asked what I needed. That ended up helping fund other parts of the record too, like radio. I always say community is my record label, and in this case, it surely was.
“There’s some genuinely incredible stuff happening with AI making art in an instant these days, but that’s just not really me. If I’m going to make art, it’s probably not going to be that way. I went to art school. I like making music. I like making art. I think art matters. It’s an important thing. I don’t want to prompt it, at least not right now. Who knows what the future holds, but starting with a pen, some markers, watercolor paper, pencils, and scissors is just kind of fun.
“I’ve got a few new songs in the works now, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I do this again. Maybe not a full video every time, but I’m sure you’ll see more short-form stop-motion and hand-drawn stuff from me, because it really is enjoyable. It’s all just art, and someday when I’m pushing up daisies, maybe my family can enjoy this stuff long after I’m gone. That’s really all you want.”
We definitely think Joe Rian should keep this up; optimistic music reinforced by charming, self-created animations. Enjoy.
