Released a week and a day ahead of Remembrance Day 2020, Andrew Waite’s new video for his track “Cash It In” is a tribute to his great-great-grandfather, Private John Thomas Love, as well as all other veterans who have sacrificed their lives for Canadian freedom.
In writing the track, Waite formed the lyrics using words from the final letter his great-great-grandfather’s wrote before dying in combat. After serving in the New Brunswick regiment of the Canadian Infantry in World War I, Private Love was killed in action in 1916.
“It has been over 100 years since this letter was written by my great-great-grandfather,” says Waite. “My grandmother remembers the family, but each year there are fewer and fewer veterans to share stories like this one. This letter, along with others, are important in allowing future generations to remember the sacrifices made by Canadian families, and build towards a future where this never happens again.”
With the Coronavirus impeding regular Remembrance Day ceremonies this year, Waite wanted to find a creative, contemporary way to pay respects to those who have fought for our freedom. He is endeavouring to remind us all of the impact the wars have had on our society and why they should not be repeated.
Though the video was created mostly to showcase the song’s lyrics, the clips do depict a World War I soldier writing his letter and take on a vintage image style, putting the viewer in the setting of Private Love as he wrote his original letter.
“Cash It In,” which won Waite the 2020 Music PEI SOCAN Songwriter of the Year award, was released in 2019 on his album Tremors. The album also received the 2019 Music PEI Rock Recording of the Year and was nominated for the 2020 East Coast Music Awards Rock Recording of the Year.
Andrew Waite will be performing with his band at the Trailside Music Hall on December 18 and 19, 2020. You can find more information, including tickets for upcoming shows, HERE.