Wow. Popular YouTube singer/songwriter AJ Rafael recently dropped the official music video for "Without You," from his new album Red Roses. Not only is it a great tune (seriously, can someone tell me this guy's songs aren't playing all over the radio?), this beautifully made video comes with a stirring, heartfelt message. Take a look:
AJ says the song was inspired by the stories of his own loved ones:
My Godfather, "Kuya" Frank, passed away last October after a 4-year long battle with cancer and it struck a familiar feeling in my gut. My Dad passed away when I was 10 and the reailty of losing another father figure really hit me hard.The video was directed by Ross Ching (who also did brilliant videos for Kina Grannis and Clara C, among others), and produced by George Wang and Don Le. Nice work. If you like the song, you can pick it up, along with the rest of Red Roses, from iTunes. For more from AJ Rafael, check out his YouTube channel here.
I wrote this song not about a death or losing someone to an illness, but about wanting to be with someone so bad that you couldn't go another day without them-- but this song spoke differently to my Kuya Frank's wife Ate Rhea. She told me that she listened to this song as if it was Kuya Frank singing to her, fighting for her, and wanting to be there for her through all of this. Thus, the original concept for this video was born and it stuck in my head-- and I pray that this video helps you realize that you are not alone in your struggle, whether it is you or a loved one going through it.
Don't forget to let your loved ones know that you love them... We never know what tomorrow might bring.