Ruston Kelly is a jack of all trades. While currently on tour with Katie Pruitt, Kelly squeezed in time to perform at Austin City Limits Festival just two weeks ago. During his time at the park, Kelly performed his song “Mockingbird” in the Austin City Limits Radio backstage live lounge. And adding to his nonstop schedule, on Oct. 21, Kelly released a captivating music video for “Son of a Highway Daughter” off his newest album A Dying Star.
Believe it or not, before choosing to follow his dream of being a musician, Kelly was a competitive figure skater. Combining his two passions of skating and music, the “Son of a Highway Daughter” shows Kelly and a female partner in an empty ice skating arena. Following the slow beat of the song, the pair wistfully skates across the ice in all black, simple outfits. Their interpretive dance moves parallel the lyrics that speak of solitary and longing.
Halfway through the song, the instruments get louder, as do the movements of Kelly and his companion. The two begin leaping and spinning to the intense beats and repetitive lyric of “That town kept calling me”.
Followed by a spotlight in a dark arena, Kelly’s music video of “Son of a Highway Daughter” gives an artistic picture to an emotional ballad. His album, A Dying Star, is full of meaningful, deep-rooted songs that allow listeners to find a personal connection to the message. But when given a visual as mesmerizing as the “Son of a Highway Daughter” video, one feels a whole new wave of emotions.
Check out the video below
And check out his performance with ACL Radio during ACL Festival
Photo Credit: Jennifer Barajas
