If you missed the 80s, it was here all over again August 13 at Salt Lake Community College’s South City Campus.
All the sounds, colors and dance moves from a bygone era could be seen at Eminent Sol’s premiere party for the SLCC student-produced music video, “Decade.”
“I danced my butt off — literally,” says Brook Cummings-Arnold, president of Club Resonance. “I’ve had the best time at this concert.”
To the backdrop of two massive multimedia screen projections, the Center for Arts and Media multipurpose room was transformed into a hopping 80s scene, with Eminent Sol performing live on stage.
The making of “Decade”
Through a triple collaboration with the CAM Production Club, Club Resonance and SLCC FLIX, the students selected the band, conceptualized the music video, and during spring semester, shot scenes in the student television studio against a green screen behind the band performing on stage.
“I think we have the tightest support for the music scene in a college community, with support from faculty, staff and peers,” says Cummings-Arnold.
No doubt Don Johnson would have fit right in with the “Miami Vice”-themed video. Students incorporated random projected slices of 80s visuals, from President Reagan press conferences, global news clips, and a pair of cops chasing the “bad guy” to a flashy club scene with blinding disco balls, beach-partying spring breakers, and preening pelicans.
Adding fun and flare to the video was the involvement of students, staff, and faculty as extras, complete with 80s fashion, brought the club scene to life with live dancing and celebrating.
“Decade” was produced and directed by student and CAM Club president Kachina Choate, who also edited the video and added the effects. The concept was written by Cole Darner.
Eminent Sol lead singer Jimm Kjelgaard says the support from students and the college has been “absolutely fantastic, marvelous and fantabulous.”
Who is Eminent Sol?
Eminent Sol began in 2011 as a synthpop band out of Bountiful. They found an active audience locally and in Europe.
Band members include Jimm Kjelgaard on synthesizer and vocals. His brother, Bob Kjelgaard, plays guitar. Other band members include Bret Peterson on rhythm guitar and vocals, Roger Stokes on backup vocals and Mike Fewkes on bass guitar.
“I played with a lot of groups, but this is the most fun I’ve ever had for playing,” says Fewkes, who is also a music recording program student at SLCC.
The Kjelgaard brothers say they are thoroughly pleased with the professional-looking student video, and enjoyed performing at the premiere and meeting attendees to sign posters and sell CDs.
“There is life after Microsoft,” jokes Bob. “We had a wonderful time. We love everyone who helped at SLCC.”
Jimm adds, “We couldn’t have done it without you.”
The “Decade” music video may be the start of continued support and encouragement for club collaborations.
“It was great. It was a really good time. Exciting stuff is happening at SLCC,” says SLCC music instructor Steve Sue.
