Kendall Street Company Premier Music Video For “Petrified” [Exclusive]

Halloween just got a little spookier with Kendall Street Company’s music video premiere for their new single, “Petrified.” The band — comprising Louis Smith (Rhythm Guitar/Lead Vocals), Brian Roy (Bass), Ryan Wood (Drums), Ben Laderberg (Lead Guitar), and Jake Vanaman (Saxophone/Keys) — has delivered a video that’s equal parts eerie and thought-provoking, capturing the track’s message in a creative, costume-laden production. The video was shot on a picturesque farm near Chesapeake Beach, Virginia, adding authenticity and a rustic setting that fits the band’s playful yet socially aware aesthetic. The single, released as part of the band’s ambitious “2024 KSC Singles Project,” marks their latest effort to release new music at the end of each month.

“Petrified” was initially written as a poem by lead singer Louis Smith, who was frustrated with the endless negative news cycle, capturing a raw emotional reaction to daily life that many can relate to. Rather than channeling the lyrics into a somber tune, however, Smith took the concept to the rest of the band, and together, they crafted a classic rock-inspired track that balances pensive lyrics with an unexpectedly upbeat arrangement. Drawing on ‘80s Halloween sounds reminiscent of Michael Jackson and Billy Idol, Kendall Street Company added a theremin solo — an instrument notorious for its haunting vibe — to make the track even more Halloween-ready. 

Louis shared insights on the song’s inspiration in an exclusive interview: “Conceptually, the song is about oppression. We thought about George Orwell’s Animal Farm and thought it would be cool to dress in animal Halloween costumes on a farm,” he explained. “It’s like Animal Farm meets Halloween meets the three-stooges.” With their tour manager, Samantha Rinchetti, taking on the role of “Farmer Death,” the antagonist, Kendall Street Company, brings a twist to Orwell’s classic. Farmer Death menacingly patrols with a pitchfork, while the animal-costumed band members rebel in a lighthearted yet symbolic nod to the book’s themes.

Filmed and edited by Tyler Scheerschmidt of Hourglass Sessions, who previously worked with the band on their “Eyes of the World” video, the “Petrified” video is filled with creative shots, vivid animal costumes, and plenty of Kendall Street Company’s trademark charm. From an early storyboard to a long day of filming, Scheerschmidt captured the spirit of the song and its more profound message while injecting some Halloween humor.

Kendall Street Company’s Halloween won’t stop at this video premiere. The band will open for Pigeons Playing Ping Pong tonight in Indianapolis, bringing fans a ZZ-Top-inspired set in full costume.

Known for saying “yes” to any gig that pushes their creativity, the band has promised fans that 2025 will be filled with new music, creative projects, and special performances. For now, Kendall Street Company is ready to welcome fans into the Halloween season with “Petrified,” an anthem about overcoming oppression, staying hopeful, and coming together to rise above it all — one riff at a time.

Check out the official music video and stream the single below. For a complete list of tour dates, news, merch, and more, visit the band’s official website here. Tickets to their Halloween show can be found here.

Lyrics: 

Something today made me cry

I don’t wanna lose and I don’t want to die

Seems to be a common theme

Something today made me scream

Owwwww

I’m petrified

Someone today started a scene

Danced on a grave living their dream

Seems to be a common theme

Something today made me scream

Owwwww

I’m horrified

Something today made me grieve

Come on now who do you believe?

Something today made me sigh

So much to do just to stay alive

Seems to be a common theme

Something today made me scream (X4)