Hailing from what they’ve dubbed as the darker side of Halifax (i.e., Dartmouth), Nova Scotia, four-piece indie-rockers Sleepy Kicks have vowed to bring a sound that “connects to a generation coming of age in a world that’s full of unanswered questions.” The first order of business is to address the question of what will become of two industries, nigh inseparable, both on the brink of extinction: the service industry and the live music industry. Unfortunately, the new self-produced video from Sleepy Kicks, “Serving Money,” simplifies the answer by simply closing a door, albeit with a certain infectious energy.
“Serving Money” is the first single from the band’s debut EP HardLeft. Written by vocalist, lead guitarist, and service industry veteran Mitchell Currie, the song reflects on Currie’s time cutting up the dining room floor and both the hardships and rewards associated with it. And that’s before even taking the pandemic into account.
“I will say that I’ve come to appreciate the hard work that goes into the restaurant industry over the years,” says Currie. “In a way, it’s a lot like the music industry; people don’t see or appreciate the amount of hustle required to make a living in these industries until it’s on their plate. There is so much going on behind the scenes that the consumer will never see (or believe).”
The video, filmed and directed by Matthew Sullivan at the Ship Victory in Dartmouth and edited by band members Mitchell Currie and Braden Kamermans, captures the uncertain future of the industry, particularly without practicing a little moderation. With the band going a little overboard in the video, is this a demonstration of the natural ebb and flow of restaurant work, or a metaphor for humanity’s struggle with gluttony as we consistently outpace our environment?
“Hates each day, but loves the pay,” offers Currie with the ennui of someone who has survived at the whims of his patrons, as an explanation for the feelings they have captured in the video.
Sleepy Kicks will be releasing their next single “Maria” on October 10th, with a final release of the entire Hard Left EP on Friday, November 13th.