Local Nomad AKA Michael Desmond is a synth-pop artist, whose self titled debut EP dropped back in July 2020 and has since been praised by media outlets. Following the success of his debut EP, Local Nomad is now releasing the music video for his new single “Snakechild.”
Directed by James Morano and Michael Desmond himself, the video shows Local Nomad being tattooed while completely beaten and battered. The song is about the legend of Snakechild - a real life friend of Michael’s and a well know musician in the NYC scene. The video represents a snapshot of a typical night in the life of Snakechild: _debauchery_.
FLAUNT had a quick Q&A with the artist about the meaning behind the single and his place in the music scene.
**Who is Local Nomad and what is the meaning behind the name?**
A Local Nomad is a person who neglects a sedentary lifestyle for mischief and adventure. I've come face to face with the strange and always found myself in unusual situations where I learned to embrace my reality for what it is and write songs through my own lens.
**What was the inspiration for writing "Snakechild"?**
"Snakechild" is my friend and collaborator from New Jersey and he actually goes by that name. My goal was to capture his debaucherous essence and bundle it all up into an experience that felt like a real night out with the 'Elvis of New Jersey'. When thinking of how we would shoot the video in the midst of this global pandemic and a shoestring budget I got together with my brilliant friend James Morano and we used whatever resources we had in our orbit to make this song come to life. I was fortunate enough to be able to collaborate with The Holy Black which essentially has the same aesthetic as “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”. They have old cop cars, a vintage barbershop, animal heads, a classic jukebox, and 1950’s merchandise scattered around a warehouse. At the last minute, I felt the urge to actually get inked up during the video, and I somehow managed to get the wickedly talented Courtney Raimo from MTV's "How Far is Tattoo Far" to do it on camera - she rules and so does the artist that created the cover art - Braelinn aka @brae.ns. The skeleton crew came to play and I couldn't be more grateful for all of them.
**Where do you see yourself fitting into the music scene?**
I grew up in Billy Joel's world on Long Island so in a way I feel like this chameleon alt-rocker infused version of him channeling his narrative-driven style of lyricism with my sole purpose in life being to keep you on the edge of your seat. I will make you laugh, cry, and even piss you off sometimes, but I always tell the truth. Once the song is out in the world it's no longer mine and whether you agree or disagree with what I have to say the music belongs to you and I'm grateful you listened.
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