Boombox Blitz: Nick Tabron maps out a weary ‘Exodus’

Welcome to Boombox Blitz, an artist spotlight series showcasing overlooked singers, songwriters and musicians who are quietly taking over the world.

The cyber world is a dark and dangerous abyss of hate-mongering and torment. Recent statistics indicate one in four kids have been bullied more than once with 68 percent of teens believing cyber-bullying to be a very serious problem. More than 20 years ago, the rise of internet chat rooms jump-started keyboard abusers who can remain anonymous while heaping invectives on their victims without fear of recourse. Over the past decade or so, with the advent of social media, a double-edged sword of communication, digital predators have even more ammo in their arsenal for emotional and psychological destruction. In fact, 81 percent of youth are fully aware that cyber bullying is far easier in which to engage than real life.

It’s a wretched state that is growing grimmer by the day. Independent musician and singer-songwriter Nick Tabron has had about enough, and for good reason, and seeks a resolution with his new song and video for “Exodus,” a genre-blurring ballad that is soaked in painful experiences. “I travel down this lonesome road, a million footsteps all alone / But your love it carries me further / But your love it brings me home,” he weeps into his hands, tears slipping through his fingertips onto broken, bloody concrete and gravel. Even as treacherous as the sojourn might seem in the moment, in hindsight, it was key to his story arc, from downcast victim to mighty, compassion-fueled warrior.

The accompanying visual, directed by Sheeraz Balushi, sinks further into that fiery hellscape in staging a potent metaphor, scattering the wreckage of negativity and mental decay for a redemptive thread. “I thought about how online bullying can often be the cause of much of the depression and anxiety people suffer from today. So many of our peers are so malicious towards others on social media. I wanted to use my music to spark conversations that help put an end to this negative stigma,” says Tabron, whose presence onscreen is one of remarkable authority.

Imagery of chains carves into the outer layers of humanity and taps into primal urges of rage and grief. The rusted edges of cold metal wrap around skin, feeling nothing but imparting everything. It’s a troubling display to “signify how victims of status shaming and bullying can become chained with low self-esteem, loneliness, anxiety and depression,” he adds. “We see the effects of one person speaking negatively to another in an Instagram comment. Then, karma comes back to get her later, once she’s been ‘chained.’ The only way to break these chains is through positivity.”

Tabron is a wise, otherworldly messenger we oh-so desperately need right now. “Exodus,” proceeds to benefit The Cyber Smile Foundation, is a warning to us all before it’s far too late. We should take heed or beware the dire consequences.

Watch below:

Photo Credit: Sheeraz Balushi

Follow Tabron in his socials: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website