There’s always been plenty of criticism for young people. In 2017, the gripe is that they’re always on their phones, obsessed with social media platforms and refusing to live “real” life. Odds are, those kids are more self-aware, caring, and engaged than most adults. That’s where Declan McKenna comes in. A few months back, we sat down with him for a chat about the themes in his music and his forthcoming debut album. This week he released a new song called “The Kids Don’t Wanna Come Home” and shared the music video.
It features young people from all walks of like talking about homophobia, racism, Islamophobia, and more of the very real things they deal with on a daily basis.
The video is about highlighting the genuine concerns of young people, and so in that light, it’s not all about convicting acting performances, but merely letting them talk. It’s something the human race has shied away from doing to its young people throughout history.
The video was directed by i-D Magazine’s Bunny Kinny and shot in North London. McKenna’s as-yet-untitled album is out this Spring on Columbia Records.