In a world where creativity knows no bounds, OK Go has dropped their new single, “A Stone Only Rolls Downhill,” along with a jaw-dropping music video. Premiered on The Kelly Clarkson Show, this track marks the beginning of an exciting chapter as it’s the first single from their eagerly anticipated fifth studio album, And the Adjacent Possible. With their knack for blending innovation with artistry, the GRAMMY-winning band reminds us why they’ve been at the top of their game for decades.
Balancing Realism and Hope in “A Stone Only Rolls Downhill”
Frontman Damian Kulash didn’t hold back when sharing the inspiration behind the track. “It’s a tough time to be optimistic,” Kulash admits. But even amidst modern anxieties, the song strives for balance. The lyrics delve into the tension between realism and hope, reflecting a universal struggle. This heartfelt exploration ensures that listeners connect with the track on a deeply emotional level.
And what about the video? Oh, it’s nothing short of a masterpiece. Imagine 64 phones laid out in a moving mosaic, each screen contributing to a larger, visually arresting image. The band captured over a thousand takes across eight days to create this marvel. Kulash calls it a “DIY split-screen” that perfectly mirrors the song’s themes of contradiction and cohesion.
A Video That Redefines Creativity
OK Go is no stranger to pushing boundaries. From treadmills to Rube Goldberg machines, their music videos have consistently set the bar for innovation. “A Stone Only Rolls Downhill” is no exception. Directed by Kulash and Chris Buongiorno (Star Wars: Skeleton Crew), the video is a technical and artistic triumph.
The mosaic-style video symbolizes modern fragmented life, where harmony and discord coexist. It’s not just a visual treat but also a narrative on human complexity. The project highlights the importance of creative project management, which fans can explore further through an exclusive behind-the-scenes clip on the Project Management Institute’s YouTube channel.
The Journey to And the Adjacent Possible
It’s been over a decade since OK Go’s last studio album, and And the Adjacent Possible promises to be their most diverse work yet. The long wait wasn’t without reason. Between parenting, a pandemic, a TED Talk, and Kulash’s directorial debut with The Beanie Bubble on Apple TV+, the band has had their hands full.
Still, they’ve managed to channel nearly 30 years of collaboration into a collection of songs that push the boundaries of their musical legacy. While the album’s full details are yet to be unveiled, excitement is already brewing for its release later this year.
OK Go’s Legacy of Experimentation and Innovation
Since their inception in 1998, OK Go has been more than just a band. They’ve become a multidisciplinary powerhouse, blending music with art, science, and technology. Their work is housed in MoMA’s permanent collection, and their accolades include a Grammy, twenty-one Cannes Lions, and collaborations with NASA, Muppets, and even DNA encoding. Yes, they put music on DNA.
Through their non-profit educational initiative, OK Go Sandbox, they’ve also made significant contributions to STEAM education, using their videos to teach complex concepts in fun, engaging ways. Their career is a masterclass in what happens when creative boundaries dissolve, leaving room for fearless experimentation.
OK Go has proven time and again that they’re not just here to make music; they’re here to make art that challenges, inspires, and entertains. “A Stone Only Rolls Downhill” encapsulates their ethos of pushing limits while staying true to their roots. Whether it’s the mesmerizing mosaic video or the heartfelt lyrics, this single sets the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable album.
Stay tuned for more updates on And the Adjacent Possible as the band continues to redefine what it means to be artists in a world hungry for authenticity.
