Extra Time, the visionary musical project spearheaded by Brendan McNamara, returns with its third compelling single, “The Boy Who Dreamed of the Stars,” from the critically acclaimed album ‘Songs With Long Titles’. This ambitious track not only serves as a musical tour de force but also addresses one of the most difficult and sensitive topics in modern pop music—child abuse. In this poignant offering, McNamara courageously transforms personal pain into art, using his music to shed light on an experience he knows all too well.
“The Boy Who Dreamed of the Stars” is more than just a song; it’s a narrative woven with vulnerability and grace. Through haunting metaphors and a richly cinematic soundscape, the track reveals how predators can lure children with promises of wonder—here, through a telescope and the allure of the stars. The combination of innocence and exploitation strikes a deep emotional chord, with Brendan’s own story embedded in the very DNA of the music. It’s a piece that doesn’t shy away from the darkness but instead turns it into something illuminating and healing.
Brendan explains: “As a survivor of this situation, I finally wanted to address this subject through a song as my way of dealing with something buried in my past. The song is an attempt to process this experience and deal positively with the trauma that life can throw at you, and hopefully, still come out the other side. I’m not looking for sympathy with this tune—I’ve had a good life, and I take responsibility for my mistakes. But I also felt it was time to voice this story.”
McNamara’s lyrics approach the subject with maturity and insight, reflecting the struggle of processing trauma without allowing it to define one’s future. His decision to frame this deeply personal narrative against the backdrop of stars and the vastness of space creates a powerful contrast between the limitlessness of dreams and the oppressive confines of trauma.
Musically, “The Boy Who Dreamed of the Stars” is a journey of its own. Extra Time is renowned for producing cinematic pop music, and this track is no exception. The song opens with delicate piano chimes, which then unfurl into a symphony of intricate vocal harmonies and expansive, sweeping melodies. Brendan’s voice, tinged with a futuristic ‘70s flair, carries the emotional weight of the song, resonating with raw emotion and authenticity.
The arrangement itself feels like a dream, with layers of male and female vocal harmonies cascading over one another, creating a sonic depth that mirrors the profound emotional layers of the subject matter. Each instrumental detail, from the ethereal keys to the atmospheric guitar work, serves to underscore the complexity of the narrative, pulling the listener deeper into this introspective journey.
Brendan McNamara’s deft touch ensures that the music does not overstate its message. Instead, it gently guides the listener to feel the story without forcing a reaction. It’s an elegant balance between message and music, making “The Boy Who Dreamed of the Stars” stand out as both a deeply personal expression and a universal story of resilience.
Accompanying the single is a visually striking music video, crafted by renowned animation director Nikita Kibirev, based in Portland, Oregon. Known for her expressionistic style and narrative depth, Kibirev brings Brendan’s story to life through a hauntingly beautiful digital collage. The animation marries 2D backdrops with stylized 3D elements, drawing inspiration from German Expressionism and the surreal, magical realism of films like ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ and ‘The Shining’.
Kibirev captures the tension between reality and dreams in a way that resonates deeply with the song’s themes. The visual narrative takes us through a dark and disturbing experience but, crucially, offers hope through transformation. “We wanted to show how trauma can be turned into something positive and healing by finding a community that truly understands,” says Kibirev.
Janelle Barone, the Melbourne-based illustrator and character designer for the project, adds another layer of emotional depth with her evocative designs. “I immediately envisioned a house as the central element,” says Barone, “to contrast the claustrophobic suburban world with the vastness of space—symbolizing the contrast between reality and dreams.”
This marriage of powerful narrative and striking visuals creates an immersive experience for the audience, drawing them into the dreamlike world of the boy who once gazed at the stars and imagined a different future. The delicate balance between trauma and recovery is portrayed with empathy and subtlety, allowing viewers to engage with the story on their own terms.
“The Boy Who Dreamed of the Stars” is not just a song but a collaborative masterpiece, involving an array of talented artists working together to tell a difficult story with elegance and empathy. From Brendan McNamara’s deeply personal songwriting to the visual brilliance of Nikita Kibirev and Janelle Barone, the project represents a creative synergy that enhances the emotional impact of the song.
As with the rest of ‘Songs With Long Titles’, the production of “The Boy Who Dreamed of the Stars” was expertly handled at Damien Gerard Studios in West Gosford. Released on Foghorn Records, the album continues to build upon Extra Time’s reputation for harmonically complex and visually immersive pop music, available now on gatefold vinyl and all major streaming platforms.
With “The Boy Who Dreamed of the Stars,” Extra Time has crafted a work that is as emotionally profound as it is musically sophisticated. Brendan McNamara’s ability to transform personal trauma into a message of resilience and hope is nothing short of remarkable. The single serves as a reminder of the healing power of art and the strength it takes to confront the past while dreaming of a brighter future.
The accompanying video, with its evocative animation and surreal imagery, adds yet another layer to this multifaceted project, making it a must-see and must-hear for anyone who values the intersection of music and storytelling. In tackling such a difficult subject with grace, empathy, and artistry, Extra Time has not only given us a song but an experience—one that will stay with listeners long after the final note fades.
OFFICIAL LINKS:
https://open.spotify.com/album/3Qcfxwz359vsOWFv4udbwt?si=i4pBpfEwRQK-dZUCPW08UA
https://www.instagram.com/extra_time_music/
https://www.janelle-barone.com/
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