Reckless Kelly Debuts New Music Video: "What's Left of My Heart"
A Night Out with Reckless Kelly: A Tribute to Friendship, Heartbreak, and Honky-Tonks
August 20, 2024 - Austin, TX – Grammy Award-winning band Reckless Kelly is back with a heart-on-your-sleeve anthem that literally gets the party started with the release of their new music video, “What’s Left of My Heart.” With their signature blend of roots rock and Americana storytelling, this video invites fans on a one-of-a-kind night out with the band, staying true to their “Sorry for Partying” mantra.
Set in the now-legendary South Austin honky-tonk Giddy Ups—just days before it permanently closed its doors—the video captures Reckless Kelly’s love for their community and the camaraderie they’ve built over decades of music-making. The video showcases frontman Willy Braun’s misadventures as he hilariously strikes out with all the single women in the bar, all while his friends sing karaoke.
This lively tribute is more than just a music video—it’s a cinematic slice of Texas life. With a video treatment written by Cody Braun, and co-directed by Braun and Tony Gates, it’s a visual love letter to Reckless Kelly’s fan base and their legendary after-show gatherings. The production was helmed by Cody Braun himself, with a talented ensemble of musicians, actors, and friends making guest appearances.
A Cast Full of Legends and Friends
The video features several prominent Texas artists, including:
Rosie Flores
Kelly Mickwee
Django Walker
Adding depth and authenticity to the video is Austin-based actor Beau Smith, known for his roles in Killers of the Flower Moon and Yellowstone 1883. Smith steps into the role of the tour manager, fruitlessly trying to wrangle the band onto their next show while the party continues at the late-night honky-tonk hangout.
Other notable appearances include Cody Braun’s wife Katy, John and Robin Dickson, founders and promoters of The MusicFest at Steamboat, Shannon Ford, producer of MusicFest, Wayne Nagel, one of the founders of the SIMS Foundation, Lisa Fletcher, owner of the iconic Arylin Studios where Reckless Kelly recorded this album, Rikki Hardy from the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, and Bruce and Susan Rampick, the original owners of Lucy’s Retired Surfer Bar, where the band got its start in Austin.
Behind the Scenes: Crafting a Visual Party
Reflecting on the creation of the video, Cody Braun says, “We’ve made several music videos over the years and have been making shorts and skits since we were kids. I’ve always wanted to write and direct for the band, and with Tony Gates’ mentoring, I finally got to do just that. This video is exactly how I pictured it: a glimpse of what it’s like to hop on the bus after a show and hit a wild after-party with us.”
Cody continues, “We shot the entire video in about five hours after a show, so a ton of pre-prep and organizing had to happen. It was amazing to have friends, family, and musician buddies join us and bring this vision to life. Giddy Ups was one of our favorite spots, and as Austin changes, we wanted to give it a proper send-off.”
Co-director Tony Gates, a longtime collaborator with the band, adds, “I’m a fan first, so working with Reckless Kelly is always a dream come true. Cody had such a cool concept—an authentic embodiment of their ‘Sorry for Partying’ vibe—that it was just a matter of executing it. My goal was simply to capture that spirit and make sure the camera kept rolling!”
A Tribute to a South Austin Staple
Filming took place at Giddy Ups, a legendary watering hole that’s been an integral part of the South Austin music scene for over 30 years. The bar’s closure marks the end of an era, and Reckless Kelly’s video immortalizes the spot, capturing a piece of classic Austin.
The “What’s Left of My Heart” video is more than just a celebration of music—it’s a farewell to a cherished place and a testament to the friendships forged through music. Reckless Kelly invites fans to join them for one more night of unapologetic fun, laughter, and memories.