New video from local band highlights the essence of Stanwood-Camano
A local band has recently released a music video that serves as a tribute to the Stanwood-Camano region, showcasing the beloved spots that both locals and visitors have grown to cherish. The mastermind behind City of Pines is Nick Clack, the band’s frontman, alongside Tyler Cutforth, Justin Dobbelaar, and Andrew Sweeting. Clack shared that his decision to form the band stemmed from a year of globe-trotting experiences in 2016. “I took a break from my teaching stint in Ukraine, returned to the United States, and opted for a year of self-expression through music and travel,” he stated.
During his travels around South America and the western part of the U.S., Clack honed his musical talents by performing intimate shows while deepening his connection to the craft. Reflecting on this pivotal time, he emphasized the importance of dedicating time and effort to nurturing one’s talents. “We all possess unique abilities, but often lack the time to nurture them,” Clack observed. Returning to his roots in Stanwood-Camano, his hometown, Clack began recording the tracks that would eventually bring City of Pines to life.
The band took its current form with the addition of Cutforth in 2020, marking the inception of City of Pines. Both Cutforth and Dobbelaar hail from Stanwood, and Sweeting comes from Federal Way. In their latest single, “I Want to be Free,” the band chose to spotlight their hometown in the accompanying music video. Under the direction of Dobbelaar, the video was conceptualized, capturing the essence of the region with imagery of iconic locales like the Stanwood Cafe, Huntington’s Corner Grocery, Danielson Farms, and familiar local roads.
Clack expressed the band’s delight in emphasizing the community’s essence in their video, celebrating the unique allure of Stanwood-Camano. As a vacation destination for numerous individuals, the area boasts a plethora of distinctive attractions. “Stanwood and Camano draw many tourists, offering a variety of appealing spots,” Clack acknowledged. “We wanted to integrate these features into the video, shining a spotlight on our community and paying homage to Stanwood and Camano.”
Reflecting on his younger years, Clack reminisced about his family’s relocation to the area when he was a child. The bond forged with the region during his upbringing played a significant role in shaping his identity and artistic expression. City of Pines’ video serves to encapsulate the band’s deep-rooted connection to the Stanwood-Camano area, immortalizing the picturesque landscapes and treasured landmarks that define the community’s character.