Future Islands - 'The Tower' (Official Video)

'The Tower' is from the new album ‘People Who Aren't There Anymore’, out now via 4AD: futureislands.ffm.to/pwata
PRODUCTION COMPANY LIGHTHOUSE FILMS @Lighthousefilms
DIRECTOR Jonathan Van Tulleken @jvantulleken
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Brad Walker @bradwalker_lfc
PRODUCER / ACCOUNT MANAGER Tyler Zibaie @TylerZibaie
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Key Pearson @keypearson
STILL PHOTOGRAPHER Genie Mason @geniethehumanbeanie
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Kadin Cobb @Kcobb_
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Brayden Roberge @Braydenroberge
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Nicholas Jamison @Nicholasjam19
A CAMERA OPERATOR Brad Walker @bradwalker_lfc
SUPER 8 & BOLEX OPERATOR Tyler Zibaie @TylerZibaie
BOLEX OPERATOR Kadin Cobb @Kcobb_
A CAM 1st AC Timmy Dwyer @tiimmydwyer
A CAM 2nd AC Robin Wood @eatbroccolihailsatan
DIT Jon Hensen @jonhensen
Equipment Manager Chris Vinopal @cvinopal
Equipment Assistant Steve Simpson @scubasteve_1977
GAFFER Derek Tindall
BB ELEC Shawn Lewallen @theshawnlewallen
KEY GRIP Richie Nannini
BB GRIP Patrick Hayden
EDITOR Brad Walker @bradwalker_lfc
ASSISTANT EDITOR Paul Sitler @peetree910
COLORIST Brad Walker @bradwalker_lfc
POST PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Jon Hensen @jonhensen
Lyrics:
Threw a bottle
Across the water
To someone who’s thinking of me
There’s a tower
In the ocean
Pouring through me
That’s my will and testament
I, I, I am waiting on the other side, sigh
Looked out into everything and I lie
Tell myself, “it’s nothing”, when it’s quite right
Everything grows stronger in the light
When a boy who - played with razors
Met a girl who - opened cages
All the birds flew through the graveyard
And their laughter was contagious
I, I, I am watching on the other side, sighs
Looked out into every, nil and nigh
Lie, tell myself it’s darkest when it’s quite bright
Everything grows stronger in the light
In the light, In the light
Standing at the sea and swallowing
Without you, beside you
But you knew
What I knew
I, I, I am waiting on the other side, sigh
Looked out into everything and I lie
Tell myself, “it’s nothing”, when it’s quite right
Everything goes
Everything grows
I am watching, I am waiting
I am waiting, I’m not breaking
I lie, tell myself, “it’s okay”, when it’s not quite
Everything grows stronger in the light

[@ashleyrobinson4671]

I lost my husband unexpectedly in October 2022 at the age of 37. He loved the beach, fishing, and grew up in the Outer Banks of NC. We often went on beach trips together. Some of them we camped, he taught me how to fish, and we even went on our honeymoon in the OBX. Sometimes when I get lonely I'll click on the live beach cam in NC that's available online through the local news station. I find it comforting to watch the bridge lights flashing on the beach cam and they play music too from a radio station. One night last week I was missing him terribly and clicked on the live beach cam, maybe around Midnight, and this song was playing. I found the words to be so comforting and the way he sings, "I, I, I am waiting on the other side." I felt like it was a special message from my hubby, just saying hello and reassuring me that he is still with me and that I will see him again. I immediately Googled the lyrics and saw it was called the Tower by Future Islands. When I read all of the lyrics I was brought to happy tears bc it sounded so appropriate for my situation. I knew it was a special message from him and I will now always hold this song close to my heart! And play it when I'm missing him. 🌊💙

[@andrewhunter3831]

I am so sorry for your loss. I read your comment and it humbled me. I hope you continue to find solace in music. I hope your life at some point in the future, finds less pain 💙.

[@miskiabicha]

qué hermoso, es triste pero hermoso.

[@fonzisalgado512]

Your words bought teary eyes yes you right it was him.

[@Cmac2112]

This is the greatest comment to any song I've ever seen

[@katgeraghty4081]

I just heard this and had a similar feeling with my love❤ it's real.

[@andrewhunter3831]

I'm a 53 year old man, who likes dance music, trance, house, indie stuff like the stone roses. A few weeks ago I heard a song can't even remember where, I instantly loved it. It was Born in a War. I've listened to this amazing band every day since. They are just truly, truly wonderful. My new goal is to see them live in 2024! The future is Future Islands. 💙

[@dorianbeleau825]

It seems like people who are into house(particularly Chicago house) are drawn to bands like Future Islands. Maybe check out Stereolab, SeaPony, Yo la Tengo, Alvvays, Tennis, Best Coast, & Beachhouse. That should be a good start

[@alejandroalvmar]

You won't regret it. No artist has moved me during a live show as much as Sam and the crew.

[@davidhook4018]

I've seen them a bunch over the years. Always a killer show; they never disappoint.

[@alejandrogonzalezquiroz8154]

They're awesome live. I've seen them twice and can say it is quite an experience.

[@bruceabecker187]

I am a 77-year-old…their music makes me feel 25 again.

[@AaronFernandes__]

​I hate seeing Sam get his heart broken but everytime he does a masterpiece is produced

[@redsunflowers7322]

I guess he's not with his Swedish girlfriend anymore? Sorry to hear that, but you're right, a masterpiece is coming for sure. Few singers channel their emotions through their lyrics better, imo.

[@pennylope8138]

Lol.. The best songs come out of the beginnings and ends of relationships

[@Scranton66]

You all sound like a bunch of swiftees

[@sergiomayorga9385]

Oh no he looked so happy during. What a shame.

[@JJ-qm7nd]

Who says? I don't believe its over....

[@SloopJohnB91]

Future Islands has been the soundtrack to my life for the past 13 years, from a moody 18 y/o kid to a happy married 32 year old dude, but mostly helping me through all the heartache, grief, and different seasons of my life in-between. Thank you guys!

[@destroyerofturtles5024]

@@James-if3kcyes we do

[@finnodriscoll7134]

I care cause I'm the same

[@diarmuidmcgrath3044]

Legend 👍🏻

[@NBAballToWalls]

Special

[@johngray9314]

For me, this is a band who have not made a single bad song. Great track!

[@rhiannondethomas]

The Far Field was tough for me. Maybe a few songs I like enough, I really wasn’t very fond of that album. It felt like they were just pushing out an album to push one out. As Long As You Are made me say “okay…it was just a glitch in the matrix”. These most recent songs have been spot on. I’m so excited

[@Rghybkt]

@@rhiannondethomasthat’s wild! I love that album. Was also the album that gave us North Star. One of, if not my favourite song of all time, so underrated. Would die to hear them play it live.

[@Biffmin]

​​@@rhiannondethomasI agree that the first half of The Far Field isn't too amazing (to me), but that second half is so good. Candles, Day Glow Fire, and Shadows are just phenomenal.

[@obelix703]

Rebuttal: Wave Like Home.

[@scottejacques]

What about Aladdin (one of my favorites). Time on her side is brilliant. Cave - Beauty of The Road.... Through The Roses. Its an astonishingly solid album with so many great tunes. @@Biffmin

[@dfg12382]

Future Islands songs are like a massage for the soul

[@iamclydieCS]

❤❤

[@JessBijoux]

You just have to love this band. Sam's charisma and presence is simply unmatched. ❤

[@sierra-papa4972]

Samuel, William, Michael and Gerrit without you all, life would be just a life...Thx for all that Magic..lovely regards from Dresden/ Germany ❤🎉

[@jamiechristoffersen1879]

So grateful for their art. Painted a watercolor painting to this song. Love them!

[@myp3tmonster]

How are they this consistently brilliant, it doesn't seem possible

[@tylerlet6537]

He has made a pact with the Devil, so every song is brilliant.

[@TheMasonater100]

@@tylerlet6537oh?

[@ProfessorSikowitz-ni7he]

​@@tylerlet6537every artist makes a deal with the devil even the christian ones. If you are gonna play the bullshit make the deal with the devil crap realize everything in this world wouldnt exist without making a deal with the devil

[@iamclydieCS]

❤❤❤

[@intangiblesnail]

Depression is a helluva influence.

[@christianpinchbeck3518]

This might be their best yet. They can do no wrong it seems.

[@Lareinedesfritures]

The best band of the Musical Universe. Greetings From Italy

[@jeroenkoppies2164]

Salute from Germany.Future Islands are so brilliant

[@ktownc936]

Well forza milan. But I'm expecting more from this fantastic band.

[@AlessandroCarpi]

Esatto!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼❤️😍🇮🇹(Bologna)

[@EliAlexanderClark]

This band makes me feel life again. Thank you.

[@heracrossjack]

Future Islands always release music when I really need it. Incredible as always.

[@matthewmaki]

Almost prophetic

[@iamclydieCS]

Yes i love them

[@Golden_Age_Of_Sound]

Yes!! Very Synchronistic!! The world definitely needs them at the moment, can’t wait for the new album to drop

[@dylancourville8708]

I think everyone becomes a better person after hearing Future Islands. I feel great. Thanks for the Joy!!!

[@desert_holly]

Dammit, sam speaks with his heart EVERY DANG TIME and im here for it ❤ we all love you

[@SandraLovesRoses]

2015 was a great year. My ma was still alive and I saw FI on a repeat of Letterman the night I arrived in London. A few months later, I flew to NC to see 1000th show and was happy to have met Sam. I was a little weird stepping into a conversation, sorry about that. 😅😂

[@Abcxyz-vy7bm]

I was there too! and when I met Sam I couldn't even concentrate in forming a convo with him 🤣

[@SandraLovesRoses]

Thanks for the reply and for sharing! That's cute! Maybe we will cross paths again at a FI concert and not even know it! Maybe you are one of the people I describe. Friendly people there! Sam goes: "Hello, Sandra, this is Karen." I complimented, then we took photos. Person next to told me that Sam was just over there - how I spoke with him and he saved my place. I petite woman protected me from the mosh pit behind me with her arm and leg (remember Danny Brown? It got serious at the stage!) I pushed a man in a wheelchair across the lawn, because it looked really hard to get across. And that taco truck in town afterwards was lit! Was glad I flew up on my own for a day and a night to celebrate the 1000th. They know how to party! Cheers! @@Abcxyz-vy7bm

[@regplasma7906]

One of the best songs of 2023 .A truly brilliant track.xx

[@Golden_Age_Of_Sound]

I put together a best 23 of 23 and this was my numero uno 😎 good call brotha

[@chrishayes7999]

An amazing band, with its unique sounds. Can't wait to see them live. Have a great day all!

[@Vonyccc]

Happy tears here, honestly. I love you guys so much! Best band in the universe, period

[@donnapalange6382]

This song is so spectacular can listen to it all day!!

[@gf301]

I need to check this band out, this is one of the best songs of the year. Makes your heart sing, beautiful piece of music.

[@bryanlabchuk]

Sting is just so relieved someone finally found the bottle

[@gt4654]

Everytime I hear you, I get chills in my bones and goosebumps in my head ... or I keep telling myself to hide my millenial arthritis and hair quickly abandoning the ship...

[@catmobile20]

This is one of the best music videos I’ve ever seen!

[@carlospires7411]

Making magic again! Maybe one of the best XXI century band!🖤🖤🖤

[@BryTheNiceGuy]

The feeling I get of nostalgia with Future Islands music is beyond words and understanding. Timeless and to the soul.

[@kylekinton7299]

Ironic they aren’t past islands right?

[@BryTheNiceGuy]

@kylekinton7299 absolutely! It would have been maybe too easy to "click" with that name. Future Islands is theirs and it's unique.

[@jerryramsey4236]

Future Islands are pushing themselves to such great music, loving the melodies and the perfection, such an amazing band and this how you make great music, much love...

[@davepickworth2061]

Just heard it on BBC 6 Music in the UK, it's brilliant!

[@maxdillon8889]

First 10 seconds sounds like a Tycho track. Then back to old loveable Future Islands

[@dawnstoner]

God this song is gorgeous.

[@lizzichu]

Ahhh!!! Another great hit!! The vocals, and the tune 💕 it’s magical! 💕

[@magdalenepoole-ml1io]

My favourite band. I love their work, never fails to impress.

[@Golden_Age_Of_Sound]

No doubt. Agree

[@ladycplum]

This is gorgeous. Takes me back to the 80's with the crisp synth and vocals.

[@anjanettemorton]

This is a today discovery for me and one that I desperately needed! Like a piece of seaglass.

[@emmachainani7989]

Damn that was good, I couldn’t stop smiling the whole time!

[@Rue_Fo]

Just a beautiful song. Future Island just touches my heart all the time.

[@dougieb2159]

this is absolutely beautiful, this gentleman has such a great voice

[@AntonyBall-hm4jo]

Good song - I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, they don't do a bad one. Saw them in Edinburgh April 22 - good gig. As a 63yr old Brit, my favourite 3 bands over the past few years all appear to be American - Future Islands, The War on Drugs & Manchester Orchestra.

[@alannewbury7833]

Totally agree especially manchester ochestra

[@edwardgilhooly4534]

it's because our bands here in America are starting to do what your bands in the UK have been doing for decades.

[@blackandpurpledreamss]

I LOVE THEM SO MUCHH !! THEIR MUSIC IS VERY PRECIOUS TO ME ♡♡♡

[@elizabethhernandez6453]

I'm from El Salvador. You guys are one of my favorites bands. You heal my broken heart.❤

[@BryTheNiceGuy]

So am I! So good to heat fellow Salvadoran into Future Islands. I've seen them 3 times here in California and each time I considered myself so lucky to be able to witness them. Their music is so nostalgic and potent.

[@Golden_Age_Of_Sound]

That’s awesome you know of this band!! They are from North Carolina where I live, and have been one of my favorite bands for about a decade hope you have a blessed 2024,

[@BryTheNiceGuy]

@@Golden_Age_Of_Sound what do you like about them and their music? I love the nostalgic feeling I get when I listen to them. I feel so much love for people I've loved in the past when I sing to the lyrics by FI.

[@elizabethhernandez6453]

@@BryTheNiceGuy this year, I hope to see them live in Cali!

[@elizabethhernandez6453]

@@Golden_Age_Of_Sound awesome, three times (a true fan). ;) I hope to see them this year!

[@robinkreck3670]

Definitely my favorite song.

[@Klayre73]

Pure bliss to me. Future Islands take my soul and make it dance, cry and rejoice with many different emotions. Such great songwriting and engaging lyrics. Thank you once again for moving me ❤

[@gyro_moment4759]

Found this song through the radio at my work lol. Deserves more recognition

[@reggiBB]

This already sounds like it's going to move me. Like I'm already wow'ed

[@maryfrancesoconnor4770]

Saw these guys on Sunday Brunch today and that's it for me now....hook, line and sinker....their music makes me feel like anything is possible. Hopefully getting a ticket to see them at Glasgow Kelvingrove bandstand will be possible too :)

[@romstar]

I sense a real commercial breakthrough with this upcoming album/ music 🎵🎉❤ Much deserved and long overdue 😄❤🎉

[@kathryn8304]

Great song & music video guys!! I love seeing you all in your music videos🎼🎵🎶 📹 ✨️❤️ ✨️ well done 👏 looking forward to having the new album 🙌 Cheers ✌️

[@danielsuarez335]

Gracias por estar en el 2024 en Perú 🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪..los esperamos

[@berrychronicjr]

Love you guys can't wait to hear the album can't wait to see you again

[@hemulik.8117]

My English friend made me a Future Islands fan years ago .. and .. since then.. I have not hated him for done it... this is incredibly good new song .. I reeeeely love this 😊

[@danieldorfsman9093]

I too learned of Future Islands from a brit lol. My friend was visiting NYC and asked if I wanted to go see this band he was into called Future Islands. I went along for the ride. I think they only had their first two albums out at that point.

[@Johnny_Utah242]

Love you guys. Best music vibe in the world.

[@rrodolfocruz]

Mi estabilidad emocional depende de esta banda, y no hay manera de explicar lo emocionado que estoy por esta nueva canción y nuevo álbum, espero pronto volver a verlos en México 🇲🇽

[@hellypod]

As ever charismatic and deeply moving with such a lovely voice 😊

[@cooper47]

Brilliant band live no words can describe going to a future islands gig simply breath taking

[@itzelsilva1761]

Que gran canción 🥹❤️ y que letra! Te amo Future Islands

[@snowyherge1549]

Excellent stuff - new album is great- lots of super tunes!

[@greatheightsu]

Can't wait for the album. Wish it was sooner, I have these songs on repeat!

[@dafa1868]

Woooow What a magical song ! As always ! Thank you guys 🙏

[@stuartcaine1818]

Patiently waiting ❤❤️❤️🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️

[@zimh92]

I miss you guys, thanks for one more track!

[@djflowerz]

This video is absolutely perfect 😭😍

[@hollyhoneysuckle]

C’mon-best Future Islands song yet?! Need this ASAP!!! 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@frankenstein1671]

This song fills me with light.

[@brittneykimura]

come back to honolulu guys. most melancholy, soul aching amazing show I've ever experienced. need it again.

[@watcherunknown981]

Going through their discography, I try to pay attention to the lyrics and tone. Like many others, FI has a special place in my heart. Every album I cry and dance and feel alive. Accepted. They've matured over the years in sound and style and this upcoming album I feel is very mature and tame. The case of the morbs? Taking stock of what was and is. I've only heard the 2 they put out but I'm loving this one. The sea means a lot to me and I'm glad to see the reoccurring reference to a safe space. Heal in peace and grace. I feel like the message/song lyrics in the bottle are reflective of the messages we recieve from the songs. S.H and crew will be waiting on the other side for our feedback. But things can have multiple meanings and I could be just fubarring it all. The music video is beautiful and well thought out. I would love to have a photo of all 4 from this I could put up in my record room. I'll be listening to this on repeat 10 more times though. ..just 10 or 11 times.

[@markpigott5544]

Good lord! Stretches my heart beyond the beyond.

[@jessicamcharg3131]

Wonderful video at the Oak Island Lighthouse!

[@simonejaninefrank3577]

We, we, we' ve been waiting for you....everything is better with Future Islands. Fan from the bottom of the ❤

[@myah.hausen]

Well done, sirs. Can't wait to see you live again.

[@yankbbq6913]

Best group since Art Lord and the self portraits!!!!!!

[@DarklYcithO]

Future Islands son lo máximo.....👏👏👏👏

[@glyn780]

These guys... so talented....

[@ashleyg8633]

Beautiful!!! ❤🤗❤

[@squarecircle5522]

I love how 80s the video is with subtle 2023 editing technology.

[@yaniquewest455]

This song is so beautiful. Randomly heard it on the Sunday brunch show. Instantly fell in love ❤

[@ferricry]

This one is even better! Can't wait for the whole album!!

[@tracydaniels7909]

Loving this song....never get bored of future islands ❤

[@intangiblesnail]

Sam, I needed this. Thanks. Hope everything is going okay.

[@musiconlyplease98]

spotted this band on David Letterman... fan from day one ... 🎹🎸🎶🔥🔥

[@jennstarr]

I have to be at work at 9... guess I'm going to be about 5 minutes late!!

[@jaelsilk]

Gorgeous music as always. Best live show I've ever seen too.

[@djdragonhalf]

My sister just passed away last month. The 3rd anniversary of my mother's death is this week. This whole album resonates with me deeply.

[@vasilljones1283]

Sorry for your losses.

[@paultaroni7201]

You guys make me cry like a heartbroken teenager every time, so beautifully written, so deeply felt in the performance it feels like Sam tears a piece of his heart off and shares it with us every time.

[@bretlycodfish4955]

My friend got me into FI in 2013 and we went to a random bar in Long Beach for a show. Was the craziest and amazingest dancing performance I ever did saw.

[@slimane90yoo68]

Last week, I travelled in Japan, Tokyo. I was stopped by tower record which is big music shop. As soon as i got 6th floor (Vinyl, pop genre) I faced this music and get inspired me. I searched through Shazam app and got the name of song. Since i found their music, i’m a big fan of future islands

[@themindactionconflict]

I really like the edit on your video! well done!

[@4ad_official]

🚨🚨🚨

[@JJ-qm7nd]

Its agood season for a new sound of comfort❤

[@imastrackisalexisdiomedes7892]

Excelente

[@babyprincess4071]

I’m here, finally.

[@emilyponcetta797]

so much love for this band xx

[@ignaciogaetem.7506]

I loved this song ... I will preorder the album right away!

[@johnvine8858]

Thanks future islands for this new amazing song

[@robbygrossman315]

I can't stop playing this song. I'm late to the future islands party but God damn what a party

[@Fad0rizzor]

wow ... amazing Song !!! cant wait for the new album 🙂

[@BlackBuck777]

Definitely a grower. Great to hear a new FI tune.

[@leomariamandy007]

Been a fan.. before hearing Future Islands...been waiting... I'm 72 and glad of patience!

[@Biffmin]

First Wye Oak, and now Future Islands. If a band from Baltimore makes a song titled "The Tower", you know its going to be amazing.

[@rodgercostello9814]

Identifiable always, great job as always