Ethan Hawke music video directorial endeavors took a personal and enthusiastic turn when he decided to helm the video for Lisa Loeb’s “Stay (I Missed You),” marking a memorable moment in both their careers. The moment unfolded in New York City during the early 1990s, with Hawke, then known for intense roles and celebrated for his genuine approach, showcasing yet another passionate facet of his artistry through his love for grassroots music and creative storytelling.
Known for his approachable attitude in Hollywood, Hawke’s enthusiasm shines through both in his acting and personal interactions. On the set of “Training Day,” his sheer excitement at working alongside Denzel Washington stood out, and during Richard Linklater’s lengthy “Boyhood” project, he was readily seen guiding the cast like the supportive dad in a close-knit group. His ability to connect warmly resonated not just in movie circles but also in his wider artistic pursuits.
The Collaboration That Brought “Stay (I Missed You)” to Life
Hawke’s transition into music fandom and advocacy was a natural one, as he embraced the chances to explore and support the burgeoning talents around him. In Manhattan, he befriended Lisa Loeb, an aspiring singer-songwriter who frequented the city’s acoustic venues. Hawke’s belief in supporting emerging artists became clear when, after landing an acting role in Ben Stiller’s film “Reality Bites,” he passed along Loeb’s demo of “Stay (I Missed You)” to Stiller, who included it in the film’s end credits. Loeb’s song quickly rose to number one on the charts, cementing her success.
Hawke later emphasized Loeb’s groundbreaking feat:
First unsigned artist in the history of rock and roll to have a number one single
Hawke professed. He also shared,
I was named best music video of the year by Spin magazine for a little music video called ‘Stay (I Missed You)’.
Visualizing the Video: Inspiration from New York and His Cat
After witnessing Loeb’s rising achievements, Hawke wanted to further contribute by directing her music video. Drawing inspiration from the authenticity of small New York apartments and the pets that often share those close quarters, Hawke’s vision was shaped by practical creativity. He recounted his realization about the song’s structure:
The chorus begins the song and ends the song. And I realised, ‘oh wow, so if a song doesn’t repeat, I wouldn’t need to cut!’
His passion for an organic, uninterrupted shot came alive as he elaborated on the process:
I could do the whole song as one shot. And it will literally be like, all right, we start with the cat. We’re going to come off the cat. And then we’re going to see her. And then we’ll go around. And we’ll go back around. Like a lunatic on a street, just like this,
he revealed, energetically describing his unconventional directing method.
Mardot the Cat’s Special Role and the Joy of Art
What truly set Hawke’s music video directorial effort apart was his personal investment, blending his artistic impulses and affection for everyday moments. At the heart of the video, Hawke’s own pet made a debut:
Making music videos is cool. It’s really fun. And that was my cat, my cat named Mardot.
This unique, mildly positive energy infused the project with a fresh, memorable touch, aligning perfectly with Hawke’s reputation for sincere creative exploration. By merging his enthusiasm for art, his friendships with fellow artists such as Lisa Loeb, and his desire to spotlight grassroots creativity, Hawke set a precedent for stars championing local talent in a highly personal way.
The collaboration not only elevated Lisa Loeb’s profile and celebrated unsigned artists but also highlighted Hawke’s ongoing role as a passionate supporter of music, film, and the creative community at large. The music video for “Stay (I Missed You)” stands as a testament to Hawke’s dynamic approach to creative projects and his knack for turning ordinary moments—like a pet cat’s cameo—into lasting cultural milestones.
