Franklin Gothic Premieres His Grooving “Bygones” Music Video

When it comes to songwriting and the way he characterizes his music, there’s certainly some irreverence when it comes to Franklin Gothic. The brainchild of singer and songwriter Jay DiBartolo, today marks the debut of the music video for the new Franklin Gothic single “Bygones.” The song is a great combination of musical styles, with a more traditional rock n’ roll guitar riff combined with a shoegazey atmosphere and dream pop production. Similarly, the music video is on the psychedelic side, colourful, mesmerizing, playful, and certainly lighthearted. The song comes from the new Franklin Gothic record, Echoes, his latest full-length record. Released in March, it’s the follow-up to his 2022 debut album Into the Light.

Describing the song to us, DiBartolo says:

“‘Bygones’ is a cheeky song about needing to get something off my chest, but instead, pretending like everything is ok. I never want any problems, so I’m an expert in avoiding conflict. I lie to convince myself it doesn’t matter or I don’t care. Just pile on the resentment and put on a smile.

Commenting on the creative process behind the music video, he adds:

“I made the video with my old NJ friend, Ricky Lorenzo, who is based out of Portland, Maine (the other Portland). Against a background of visual chaos, the video depicts two versions of me coexisting quite harmoniously; one reflecting my true experience, the other masking my insecurity.

As an album, Echoes fits much of the mould you hear in “Bygones.” It was written and recorded by DiBartolo, with the assistance of producer Erik Blood and drummer Alex Westcoat of the band Pickwick. The album is centered primarily around the themes of repetition and self-reflection. These are emotional states that DiBartolo often finds himself revisiting, so it made sense to try to flesh these topics out through songs. Throughout the album, he hones in on the importance of embracing growing pains, emphasizing that sometimes, it’s the right move to indulge yourself in the associated discomfort. There are melancholy moments, but the songs tend to be quite catchy with predominantly positive vibes. He characterizes the album as a mixtape that summons the emotions of long-forgotten, but important moments. In hindsight, these moments went on to shape important aspects of our lives.

Echoes is a very fulfilling listening experience, on many levels. It’s relatable to listeners, both young and old, and in between. Franklin Gothic has been DiBartolo’s primary musical endeavour since the pandemic grounded him as a touring musician. Blood has been a valued collaborator, both on this record and Into the Light. It might not have been the way Dibartolo drew it up, but Franklin Gothic has become his most fulfilling musical and creative undertaking, and he is happy to be in the place he finds himself now.

Tour Dates:

08/13 – Seattle, WA @ Chop Suey (w/ Megadose)
08/14 – Portland, OR @ High Water Mark (w/ Perimeters, and J Graves)
08/15 – Arcata, CA @ Moss Oak Commons (w/ Kept)
08/16 – Fresno, CA @ The Layover (w/ Knuckleball, Beach Fiction, and Inspite)
08/17 – Bend, OR @ Silvermoon Brewing (w/ J Graves)

Franklin Gothic ‘Echoes’ album artwork