The space in which it took place was starkly different to what I’d imagined as a teenager. It was cold and sterile. Brightly lit, but not with candles, as one may expect for the pending transmutational experience. And it was as silent as sleep. The subtle scent of low toxin chemicals, from the night before when I had painted the floor with my then girlfriend, lingered and was softly present in the studio.

The atmosphere grew warmer as the room filled with members of the crew and the band. Excitement built as equipment was placed, and the space transformed. The band and I took our turn in the makeup chair, as we prepared to film the video for Burning Venus.

Melinda Pell was in charge of hair and makeup. She also styled us.

“Simon, you are NOT wearing that shirt!” She exclaimed in a horrified and commanding tone.

I was utterly puzzled as my understanding was that fishnet shirts were in! I thought it was going to give me a real edge. Apparently, they were never in, and Right Said Fred got it wrong, no matter how sexy they thought themselves to be. Secretly, I think Melinda just wanted to see me taking my shirt off. Some people are odd like that.

Running slightly behind schedule, which from my experience can be common for creative productions (from recording sessions, to live performances, and, apparently, video shoots), we were finally ready to commence filming (or video-ing, or I suppose technically, hard-disking??). We took our places and Larry, the production assistant engaged playback of the CD.

After several hours of miming to Burning Venus; in slow motion, as if we were performing underwater at half speed; soft-rocking out at normal speed; and sweating it out like hyperactive monkeys in a new form of aerobics I’m calling ‘Step Film Clip’ (at double speed), we were ready to call it a day.

Gaetano suggested we take some portrait and group photos before exiting the premises. With little resistance, in our near state of delirium, we complied, and posed what was left of our asses off.

Stay tuned for Part Two, which will feature my first ever Vlog.

Photographs by Gaetano Mazza | © 2009