Photo credits: Kris Herrmann. Article by Ryan Getz.

Vagabonds, the alter-ego of Luke Dean, lives up to his name. Dean is in many ways a vagabond, in both geographical location and spiritual journeying.

I can always count on Luke to be a friendly and genuine face when I run into him, and this authenticity comes out in all of his music, whether he built it from the ground up or not.

I can’t say I’m familiar with the group Red House Painters, but when he reached out to me about premiering an adaptation of their song “Have You Forgotten,” I knew I’d be remiss not to accept. Not only is Vagabonds a long time favorite of Tuned Up staff members, but I know he would strive to honor art that influences him in the best way possible.

I don’t have it in me to tour with the rigor that Vagabonds does, but I (and probably everyone) can relate to being on a journey that is both beautiful and confusing at the same time. Have you ever gotten lost in the forest yet stopped to admire the beauty of the outdoors around you?

That’s sort of how this song makes me feel. The music video, viewable at the end of this article, is an eight minute long piece that will leave you feeling nostalgic, calm, and thoughtful. It was recorded on VHS tape, and depicts travel through several natural landmarks in the American West. I have yet to experience these natural wonders in person and hope to navigate a back road trip by car to these places at some point in time. In turn, I hope to reflect on where life has taken me thus far and get closer to my Creator.

I’d like to hear this song while driving during a sunrise.

This project was a musical collaboration with Willem Mudde and Austin Stawowczyk, two friends of Luke.  Mark Kozelek was the original songwriter. Follow Vagabonds on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.