Music / music video
‘The Sunset People’ – A video about community and activism
Phoebe Ashford is on a mission to intertwine the worlds of music and community.
While juggling a full-time role at a restaurant, the artist, whose real name is Harrison, leads The Sunset People, a project that thrives on collaboration and aims to provide a platform for diverse artists, ranging from musicians to poets.
The Sunset People is “a carefully crafted music video” about community and activism that draws inspiration from sunsets and their connection to the earth.
is needed now More than ever
Bristol24/7 speaks to Phoebe, 24, about the city that shapes his work, sustainability and the importance of collaboration.
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“I’ve always been fascinated by sunsets and how they make me feel and that connection from the earth back to us,” Phoebe tells Bristol24/7 about the inspiration behind and name of the project.
Phoebe is from Hanham and says it was important to him to shoot the video in his home city. “As a Bristol boy through and through, I’m in love with the city and I think it’s got so many beautiful spaces,” he says.
Locations like Snuff Mills, nearby allotments, and the NPC car park were deliberately selected to showcase Bristol’s diverse beauty, capturing it in different lights and feelings.
Collaboration lies at the heart of Phoebe’s creative journey, particularly with Samuel Wulf and Soul Libra.
Describing their relationship, he says: “Samuel Wulf and Soul Libra are like brothers because they’ve worked together for so long.” Their music, he says, which is often characterised as gritty, is a reflection of their creative journey marked by love, openness and honesty.
“They have a very unique perspective on life and Earth,” adds Phoebe.
A commitment to sustainability is woven into the fabric of The Sunset People. Phoebe chose to collaborate with a sustainable fashion brand that he says is “amazing”. Garments, created from recycled clothing, play a crucial role in conveying the project’s broader message of togetherness and environmental responsibility.
Coordinating a part-time team over a six-month period presented its challenges, but Phoebe found joy and learning in the process.
He tells Bristol24/7: “It was really fun and I learned a lot about my processes going forward.” The resulting music video features approximately ten Bristol musicians, a testament to Phoebe’s vision to reinvigorate and showcase the city’s diverse music scene.
“My favourite quote is seeing the sunset is true consciousness,” Phoebe adds, explaining the inspiration behind the project’s title, The Sunset People. It embodies the essence of being present in the moment, appreciating life’s beauty, and building a community through special art.
Engaging the Bristol community is a key goal for the artist, who adds: “It’s about collaborating with other artists and using each other’s platforms and supporting each other.”
Through showcasing diverse genres and vulnerability, The Sunset People aims to leave a lasting impact on Bristol’s cultural landscape.
Main photo: Phoebe Ashford
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