Slowburn - Hit the Ground (Music Video)

About This Footage

This 1996 music video for Slowburn's "Hit the Ground" is a rare gem that offers a glimpse into the Canadian alternative rock scene of the mid-1990s. At the time, Slowburn was one of the many bands emerging from the fertile musical landscape of Vancouver, British Columbia. Formed in 1993, the band consisted of Robert Watkins on drums, Harvey Windsor on bass guitar, Cliff Boyd on vocals and guitar, and Charles Boname on guitar and vocals.

What makes this footage notable is its raw, DIY aesthetic, which was characteristic of many underground bands at the time. Shot in black and white, "Hit the Ground" has a gritty, high-contrast quality that adds to its nostalgic charm. The video's low-fi production values are a testament to the band's independent spirit and willingness to take risks. In an era when major labels were dominating the airwaves with polished, commercial fare, Slowburn was part of a thriving underground movement that prized authenticity over slick production.

The mid-1990s saw a surge in popularity for alternative rock, with bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Radiohead achieving mainstream success. However, beneath this surface-level phenomenon lay a rich tapestry of local scenes and independent labels that were pushing the boundaries of what was possible in music. Slowburn's self-titled album, released in 1996, was one such example of this underground energy.

One of the most striking aspects of "Hit the Ground" is its use of imagery drawn from everyday life. The video features the band performing in a cramped, dimly lit room, interspersed with footage of people going about their daily routines – walking down streets, riding buses, and working in offices. This juxtaposition of the mundane with the musical adds to the video's sense of urgency and immediacy.

For those who grew up in the 1990s, watching "Hit the Ground" will likely evoke memories of the era's music scene. The video's rough-around-the-edges quality and lack of pretension are a refreshing respite from the overproduced, glossy fare that dominated mainstream airwaves at the time. For younger viewers, this footage offers a unique glimpse into the early days of alternative rock and the DIY ethos that defined it.

The fact that "Hit the Ground" is tagged as "rare" on YouTube speaks to its relative obscurity even among fans of 1990s alternative rock. Despite its significance within the context of Slowburn's discography, this music video has largely flown under the radar until now. Watching "Hit the Ground" is like stumbling upon a lost artifact from the past – it offers a fleeting glimpse into a bygone era and serves as a reminder of the power of independent music to shape cultural attitudes.

As the final notes of "Hit the Ground" fade away, one thing becomes clear: this music video is more than just a relic of the 1990s alternative rock scene. It's a testament to the enduring spirit of creativity and experimentation that has always defined underground music.

Curated from public records and music databases.