The Star Prairie Project’s “Hello Darling” Video – A Cinematic Americana Story with a Surreal Twist

The Star Prairie Project’s “Hello Darling (feat. Rudiger)” – A Cinematic Americana Journey

The official music video for “Hello Darling”, from The Star Prairie Project’s 2021 album Surreal, is a masterful fusion of heartfelt Americana and dreamlike visual storytelling. With its nomination for the Tarzana International Film Festival in Los Angeles this September, the video breathes new life into a song that has slowly but steadily found its audience.

A Song That Bloomed Over Time

Originally released in 2021, “Hello Darling” was one of the hidden gems on Surreal. While the album went on to become the band’s most-streamed work with millions of plays, the track itself quietly built a following over time. Its mysterious lyrics and somber tone stood apart, contributing to the album’s success alongside favorites like Hang in There Becca, Contemplating Plato, and The Crying.

Written by Nolen R. Chew Jr. and Rudiger, the song was built on a foundation of minor chords and a foreboding, reflective mood. “From the start, ‘Hello Darling’ was one of our favorites on the album,” says Chew. “It just took some time for listeners to find it.”

Visual Storytelling with a Sci-Fi Twist

In 2025, the band teamed up with Los Angeles screenwriter and producer Kazie Kane to create a music video that would fully explore the song’s emotional potential. The concept? A surreal and tender encounter between Rudiger and a mysterious alien presence.

Filmed in Los Angeles, the video follows Rudiger as he discovers a crashed spacecraft near his property. In the shadows of his backyard, he finds an alien being hiding. What begins as cautious curiosity soon turns into an unlikely bond. Through small acts of kindness—tossing snacks, extending a hand—he lures the frightened visitor into the light. The two eventually sit by a fire together, and the video ends with the alien dancing in the firelight as the scene fades to black.

Surreal Atmosphere and Emotional Depth

The video’s warm tones and otherworldly atmosphere perfectly complement the song’s emotional weight. The combination of Americana roots and sci-fi imagery transforms “Hello Darling” into something cinematic, pushing its story beyond traditional boundaries.

Tarzana International Film Festival Recognition

The artistic risk has paid off. The “Hello Darling” music video has been officially nominated for the 2025 Tarzana International Film Festival, an event that celebrates independent voices in film and music.

A Song Reborn

“Hello Darling” shows how a song can evolve long after its initial release. From a beloved track on a successful album to a fully realized visual narrative, it now stands as one of The Star Prairie Project’s most memorable creations.

For fans of Americana with a cinematic edge—or anyone who enjoys stories that blend grounded emotion with imaginative visuals—Hello Darling is a must-watch. The music video is now available online, and the track can be streamed across all major music platforms.