Written By Big C
Ben Kweller has unveiled the visually gripping alt-anime video for his single Optimystic, a poignant track born from personal tragedy and resilience. Directed and animated by Dallas-based tattoo artist and musician Mistery Matter, the video explores themes of loss and hope through gritty, dystopian visuals. This collaboration marks a stunning fusion of artistic mediums, blending Kweller’s heartfelt lyricism with Mistery Matter’s raw animation. Over three intense weeks, Matter hand-drew 2,000 frames, channeling his admiration for Kweller and the deeply resonant song. Kweller notes:
I’ve always admired Mistery Matter’s unique aesthetic. His natural, gritty style perfectly complements the raw emotion of this song. He nailed it.
Matter admits:
I underestimated the logistical challenge, but the emotional depth of the song made it a labor of love. I went in without much experience in animation... but as anyone in a creative industry knows, you always say yes and figure it out. This is the most rewarding creative project I’ve ever done.
“Optimystic” serves as the emotional cornerstone of Kweller’s forthcoming album, Cover The Mirrors, set to release on May 30, 2025, a date that would have been his late son Dorian Zev’s 19th birthday. The album is a deeply personal reflection of grief, strength, and creativity, crafted in collaboration with an impressive roster of artists, including Waxahatchee and The Flaming Lips. Recorded in Dripping Springs, TX, the album blends Kweller’s signature indie-folk style with contributions from luminaries such as MJ Lenderman and Coconut Records’ Jason Schwartzman. Tracks like Oh Dorian and Killer Bee offer a raw yet hopeful exploration of healing and memory. Presave the album and let us know your thoughts on the official video below. Connect Ben Kweller on X, INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK, FACEBOOK, and YOUTUBE.
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