“The Boy Who Dreamed of the Stars” – Extra Time’s Powerful New Single

Extra Time’s third single from their acclaimed album Songs With Long Titles, titled “The Boy Who Dreamed of the Stars,” is a hauntingly beautiful piece that dives into the sensitive subject of child abuse. The song captures both the vulnerability and resilience of childhood, exploring the grim reality of how predators may manipulate innocence. In this case, the lure of a telescope offers an entry point, symbolic of a promise to see “the stars,” masking darker intentions.

Brendan McNamara, the creative force behind Extra Time, brings a profound, personal depth to the lyrics, as he draws on his own past to confront the traumatic experience. Brendan states, “As a survivor, I finally wanted to address this subject through a song as my way of dealing with something that was buried a long way in my past… I want to point out that I am not looking for sympathy with this tune. I have had a very good life… I had a bad day as a little kid, but I can honestly say that I can count the bad days in my entire life on one hand.” The song, for Brendan, is about transformation and resilience, a way to face pain and emerge stronger.

Nikita Kibirev, renowned Animation Director, was instrumental in translating Brendan’s vision into a digital collage that evokes both beauty and pain. His work, inspired by German Expressionism, combines 2D backgrounds with a stylized, expressionistic approach to 3D. The piece draws inspiration from works like Pan’s Labyrinth, The Shining, and Over the Garden Wall, creating a haunting visual that mirrors the song’s themes. Kibirev shares, “The blend of psychological horror and magical realism tropes seemed to give our work the perfect form.”

Illustrator and Character Designer Janelle Barone, based in Melbourne, lent her distinctive touch to the project, crafting scenes that shift between reality and dreamlike visions. “As soon as I heard the song, I immediately imagined a house as the central element of the story… the visuals reflect the contrast between reality and dreams,” says Barone.

The single, The Boy Who Dreamed of the Stars, is now available worldwide through Foghorn Records, adding yet another compelling chapter to Extra Time’s discography. Released on gatefold vinyl and streaming across all platforms, this track continues to establish Extra Time as a master of harmonically complex and cinematic pop.

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