Making a good music video is one of the hardest things to do. There are so many cliches a group or an artist can fall victim to, it’s hard to imagine why they even make them anymore. But, every once in a while a video will transcend the form and become as much a short film as it is a simple promotional tool for a song. Tristen has done a good job so far in her career creating interesting visuals to accompany her music.

At the beginning of the video for her latest single “Catalyst,” I have to admit I thought (hoped) we might be getting a new low-budget version of Paula Abdul’s “Rush, Rush” clip. Instead, Seth Pomeroy delivers a dark and brooding depiction of a modern young woman who meets a man that sparks a passion lacking in her current relationship. In under 4 minutes we’re taken on an emotional journey starting with that chance meeting.

Tristen is a talented singer/songwriter who has barely scratched the surface of her capabilities. Her 2013 album C A V E S made a good number of Best Of lists, with good reason. I’ve seen her perform live two times, and I can’t wait to see her again next week at Dunn Dunn Fest. If you’d like to join me, you can pick up tickets for the show February 20th at Tonic Room here. She’ll be joined by Ryan Joseph Anderson and Chicago Farmer. If you’d like to save some money you can buy a 3-day pass for all of the festival for $30 here.