Rare Americans - Balmoral Hotel (Unplugged Music Video)

Announcing our latest release and the Animated Music Video for 'Today' featuring NOAHFINNCE here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQsBWpqU8TY Listen to 'Today' now: social.tunecore.com/linkShare?linkid=pqZdFRcz9sB7I…

thank you james for spreading awareness of drug abuse and addiction,wether it's balmoral hotel or ryan and dave, you're so talented, Love you guys :)

Frankly this is what I love about you and your brand. Instead of overproduced garbage you care about your community. You guys are amazing people along with musicians. Also please have the person singing in this one do more songs. I love whenever he does a song.

ive been listening to rare americans forever now, its so amazing how they spread awareness and still have such great music!

This is a real problem. Comment your thoughts and opinions on the subject below, and let’s have a healthy dialogue. Nearly 90,000 people die annually in Canada and the USA from opioid-related deaths. That equates to over 200 lives lost each day. I live in East Vancouver, a stone's throw from East Hastings Street, Canada's epicentre of the opioid crisis. I have a front row seat to this epidemic. I hear the heart-wrenching screams of people at rock bottom. As I walk my dogs, I sidestep needles strewn across the ground and witness a community with nowhere left to turn. Why? The available housing, known as SROs (Single Room Occupancy), are in such deplorable conditions that many choose the streets over these rooms. Bed bugs, contaminated water, and blood-smeared walls paint a grim picture. When we shot the music video for the OG version of "Balmoral Hotel," we rented an SRO because I wanted it to be real. The experience was haunting. How can one fault anyone for rejecting such living conditions? I would probably rather sleep in a tent too. Yet, there's another perspective: that of residents like me, my neighbours, and visitors to our city. It’s not pleasant. It smells like piss everywhere. There is trash thrown all over the street. Puke. Shit. Used needles. It’s also gotten a lot more violent post-pandemic. In my house, we decided my gf shouldn't take the dogs out past 9pm for safety concerns. With the elicit drug supply as strong as it is, the people are unpredictable. Their physical dependence drives them to extreme lengths, whether stealing, rummaging through trash, or, in the worst of situations (which happened to us), they will break into your home in the middle of night when you are asleep. Yes, this really happened to us. A home invasion. It scared the living shit out of us and made us not want to live here anymore. Yet, every evening, as I walk my dogs, I'm privy to whispered conversations. I watch as people pitch tents and makeshift shelters, clinging to their few possessions in life. It's heartbreaking to witness the city coldly disposing of their belongings during “sweeps”, showing no compassion. The stark truth is that nearly all of these individuals are good-hearted people who faced unimaginably challenging childhoods. They started life on an uneven playing field. The consistent confiscation of their belongings by authorities is an injustice they don't deserve. They have nowhere else to turn, with minimal support available. But my family, and my neighbours, also want to feel safe. This is a real problem.

I just have to say once again, I'm glad that James (and the others of course) picked this path. His voice is just absolutely wonderful and I love that you don't only do random songs about partying and s*x ect. but also songs with extremely important messages like this one right here or love is all I bring, carson, ect. the songs you guys produce are always amazing ❤

My family thinks that when you are addicted you will die addicted. I think everyone deserves an opportunity to live again. I didn't expect this song to come up again in your channel, and it feels so good to hear a new version of it. I'll always love your music whatever you do RA, but I also love your way of spreading awareness, and for me it's the reason of why this band is different from any other band.

James you are an Angel of Mercy ministering on the streets with your music. Holding you up in intercesory prayer Warrior son!! 🌬✝️🙏💪🎸🇨🇦💙

When a video from you guys comes out I'm always blown away. The amount of care taken in the subject matters displayed and all. Another wonderful video. And a subject that should have more light shined on it.

Always considered this song your best, and this gives me a whole new appreciation for it. ❤

I've never been so touched by people talking about drugs. It's very heartwarming to show that they're still humans. They just need help to feel better. Thank you for spreading awareness about drug addiction ! Maybe we can start a petition so the Vancouver city can try to help them

Balmoral Hotel has always been one of my favorite RA songs so like seeing the full story behind it is awesome. Heartbreaking too, but definitely an issue that deserves more awareness. Also the dude rapping at the end was amazing, pleaaaaase include him in one of your future songs it would be amazinggg

Another top shelf set of lyrics. ❤

I got chills 17th time watching this man

That man at the end, beautiful lyrics, sad but beautiful

One of my favorite rare american songs! Keep doing what your doing❤❤

this song, both the unplugged and og one on RA1 NEEDS to be more recognized

absolutely incredible work that you're doing. i came straight from the insta story post and i am blown away by the care you've taken to give these people a voice and chance to speak up. i don't know how to help, i really don't know what could work and how to treat the issue, but i would be more than happy to follow someone's lead

Damn a somber ballet for a tragic situation that needs a real solution. Keep fighting the good fight RA.

I Love Rare americans so much for talking abt these topics