Behind the Video: Kenny Hotopp Discusses His Introspective Video for “Shifting Gears”

With his great Americana folk-soul sound, Kenny Hotopp delivers a deeply personal and visually intimate reflection on growth, sobriety, and self-discovery. The song of the video, “Shifting Gears,” blends raw storytelling with warm, Nashville-inspired tones, which capture a pivotal moment of change and clarity in Hotopp’s life.

The video offers a unique, day-in-the-life perspective, beginning with quiet morning scenes filmed over coffee at Hotopp’s home before shifting into live concert footage captured later that evening during a performance in Milwaukee. This contrast between the everyday and the stage highlights both the human side of being an artist and the emotional release that music provides. The result is an authentic visual narrative that mirrors the song’s themes of transition and renewal.

“Shifting Gears” is a relaxed yet powerful Americana track that leans into reflection while pushing forward with purpose. Written during a period of personal reassessment, the song was inspired by a milestone birthday and the realization that it was time to make meaningful life changes. Influenced in part by seeing musical heroes embrace sobriety and reach new creative heights, Hotopp channelled that spirit into a song about letting go, moving on, and rediscovering oneself.

Kenny Hotopp joins us for a Behind the Video interview to discuss the “Shifting Gears” music video.

Who directed the video?

Kenny Hotopp: “Chad and Drake Hensiak from CAH Promotions.”

What’s the concept behind the video?

“The concept was to capture a day in the life of me as the musician, from waking up to playing the gig at the end. The song is called ‘Shifting Gears’ and is about making changes in your life and pursuing what makes you happy, even in the midst of having made mistakes or stumbled a bit in life. It is never too late.”

Did the band have a concept in mind based on the song, or were Chad and Drake given full rein to come up with a suitable visual companion?

“We came into the video thinking one thing and changed the story day of, very organically, and it felt really good to create in the moment.”

Where was it made?

“Milwaukee, Wisconsin.”

What was your favourite part behind the creation of the video?

“The footage at my house was very fun and relaxing to capture.”

Based on how this one was made, are you looking forward to doing another?

“For sure, I love working with Chad and Drake.”

What are some of your favourite music videos?

“Don’t really have a favourite, but I did grow up in the early days of MTV, and I remember watching music videos and thinking they were pretty cool.”

What should a music video set out to accomplish? Do you feel like yours did that?

“To tell a story and evoke an emotion. I think we did that.”

Any mishaps on set?

“No mishaps, but we did film in my bedroom, which was a little strange at first!”

Any concepts where you started and midway through thought, “What the fuck are we doing?”

“The entire shoot!”

Tell us about any good, bad or crazy director or film crew-related incidents.

“We made more coffee together than I thought possible!”

How important are music videos in terms of increased exposure?

“I feel this gave people a sneak peek at a day in the life of a musician.”

How important a role does social media play in sharing videos and increasing exposure?

“It’s the elephant in the room. I don’t enjoy feeding the algorithm, but it is something we have told ourselves we have to do. However, it is an effective way to get content out and available.”

How much more effective or beneficial is creating a music video now compared to 20 or 30 years ago?

“Man, we are all so visual now vs. album-driven. I like to think the video can capture someone’s attention and drive them to the music.”