God Is In The TV can exclusively show the video for Fred Abong‘s new single ‘My Way.’ It’s the second single to be taken from his forthcoming album Fear Pageant.
Despite sharing its name with the Frank Sinatra song, it’s most definitely not a cover. ‘Unlike the Sinatra song of the same name, this is not a manifesto of self-determination or a reflection on individualism and world-beating fearlessness. It’s also not a send-up of that attitude or sentiment. My ‘My Way’ is, accidentally, closer to the subject matter (but not the sentiment) of the original French version of the Sinatra song. In the French version, of which I only recently became aware, the gradual erosion of marriage and love by the crushing boredom of mundane life is the focus,‘ says Abong.
He adds, ‘While I may be able to relate to both versions on some level, they were neither the inspiration nor the reference for my song. That said, ‘My Way’ is definitely a kind of self-portrait and a meditation on love and marriage. But it is not triumphant or regretful. It’s more about the mixing of romance and resignation than anything else. It also recognizes the omnipresence of death, both physical and spiritual. And it explores the longing, conscious or unconscious, for wholeness and ‘completion’ present in intimate relationships. Given that these things are universal, I probably should’ve called the song ‘The Way’ rather than ‘My Way’. You can call it that if you want.’
Abong started out in 1980’s Rhode Island as a drummer, bassist and guitarist in a number of hardcore punk bands, and spent the early 1990s playing bass for 4AD bands Throwing Muses and then Belly. He then put music as a profession on hold for academic pursuits, earning a PhD in Humanities and serving as a professor at various universities for eight years before returning to music. In addition to his work as a solo artist, Abong is also currently bassist in the Kristin Hersh Electric Trio.
On June 29, ‘My Way‘ will be released on fine music platforms. The ‘Fear Pageant‘ album will be released digitally and on vinyl on July 20.