Who among us can’t relate to suffering from mental stress? We all experience it, whether it’s our own personal burnout, or helping a friend through a similar struggle.

Philadelphia rockers Civil Youth are taking on the subject on their upcoming album, Conversations (due out May 19), the latest single of which is “Dark Debts.”

Myspace has the exclusive premiere of the video for “Dark Debts,” which features the band’s lead singer, Michael Kepko, battling an inner demon.

Wanting to know the story behind the clip, Myspace caught up with Kepko to ask him about both the video, and the song.

Tell us about the inspiration for the video for “Dark Debts,” and how you feel it represents the song. Incidentally, I love the can on a string. That was everyone’s first cell phone!



“Dark Debts” was based upon the theme, as well as the concept, of the entire record, Conversations. It’s a visual interpretation of self-struggle, and breaking old ways.

Within the video, “Dream Mike” holds a conversation with “Real Mike” where then “Dream Mike” dissipates once the inner battle is won.

By the way, [guitarist] Dan [Chapman] still uses the can on a string.

What was the most challenging aspect of filming the video?



I think the most challenging part in making the video was probably having the most minimal budget ever. It really limits every aspect of the production. However, I really think it forced the director, Eric Griffin, and us, to be more creative.

As for the location and props, that wasn’t [as much of] an issue as you might think it would have been when using a hotel, and trying not to wake up the guests.

With the song, and video, being about battling inner demons, what’s been the toughest inner demon you’ve had to battle, and how did you defeat it?

This is a hard question. I feel as demons can come in many different forms, whether it be a self-issue, or involving someone who is close to you.

Because I’ll never forget this, I’ll tell this story.

Our new album stems from an experience I had one night during tour. I was dealing with a lot of anxiety and paranoia at the time. To be honest, I’m not even sure why, but it made me have these occurrences at night where I would see things that weren’t there – commonly known as sleep paralysis.

I remember waking up in the back of the van to the sound of footsteps, and laughter. I go to look out the window and see words and faces drawn in the fog of the glass. These literal demons surrounded the van, and were taunting me.

I freak out, and wake up [drummer] Evan [Seeberger], and Dan, who tell me nothing is there.

I can’t help but to keep hearing these things as I try to go back to sleep.

The next morning I explain the whole night to the guys, but the part I still don’t get is the face of this creature on my side of the glass, and the word written in the fog was “Conversations.” Maybe someone wanted to tell me something.

You’ve stated “Dark Debts” personifies your upcoming album, Conversations, which is due out May 19. Where else do you go, musically, and lyrically, on Conversations?



Conversations is our most unique, yet cohesive, album to date. With this record we incorporate heavy guitar riffs that would be found in metalcore and post-hardcore, all the way to electronic sampling of vocals, and utilizing electric drums and synths. It’s really a testament to the music we love, and always want to hear.

It’s very much a throwback to ’04 post-hardcore, and early 2000s pop.

Lyrically, it’s always what we write about, which is mental stress, but in a way that’s more aggressive, and personified.

Personally, I had melophobia [fear of music] going into the writing process, just from fear of falling back into old habits, and depression, so the theme of this album was very literal. I was telling myself it’s okay, and to overcome these fears. It was a literal conversation.

We probably sound like a bunch of lunatics, but this album is very fun, and nothing quite like what’s out right now. We really can’t wait to show everyone this fusion of genres, and to play these songs live.

Watch more exclusive videos by visiting our Premiere page.