Jason Lyles watches his world slowly collapse in his dynamically downbeat new alt-rock single and stop-motion animated video Deflated — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
In an expressive processing of loss, the Chatanooga multi-talent presents a heartfelt first-person narrative about the process of dying and coming to terms with it. The alt-rock piece was written on a sad night on the living room floor, and created with long-time producer and collaborator Andrew Preavett, as well as violin virtuoso Stephanie Brooks at Breaker 17 Studio. The song is deeply personal, but also resonates with a wide audience as it deals with a topic that touches everyone eventually.
Witnessing the slow decline of a beloved pet, Jason turned to songwriting for catharsis, by expressing the lament from the point of view of the dying. “This song is definitely the darkest thing I’ve done, but I hope others can find the release I did with it. Deflating is a metaphor for life slipping away from a living thing.” By giving thoughts and emotions to a suffering animal, Deflated confronts the reality of mortality and provides comfort in acceptance.
Following the success of his video for The Light, Jason once again turned to 2D stop-motion animation for Deflated, this time collaborating with print artist Alex Birghenthal of Fox and Fish Printing. The video uses a balloon character as a metaphor for someone facing their own slow demise and all they encounter along the way. Birghenthal provides animal characters and backgrounds worthy of a best-selling children’s book to tell a dark story in the most adorable way. It has been described as the cutest video to cry to, and like a pop-up book about loss.
Deflated is not just a single and art video, it is a consolation and reassurance to all who experience the death of a loved one. The song is dark with grunge inspired guitar and drums, yet also uplifting with a beautiful string arrangement and lush vocal harmonies. Through this song, Lyles connects with those on the arduous journey of loss and healing. It affirms that “I see you, and you are not alone.”
Watch the video for Deflated above, hear more from Jason Lyles below, and find him on his website, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
