Stephen Wilson Jr. Unleashes a Psychedelic Fever Dream in New "Cuckoo" Music Video
Stephen Wilson Jr. is your favorite singer’s favorite singer, and it’s not hard to see why. The Indiana-born, Nashville-based rising star has once again pushed the boundaries of country music with the release of the official music video for “Cuckoo,” a standout track from his critically-acclaimed debut double album søn of dad.
Directed by Tim Cofield, the video is a mesmerizing, off-kilter portrait of life in an Indiana holler, blurring the line between reality and a full-throttle, psychedelic fever dream. From a rowdy dive bar performance featuring Joey Breaux to a hauntingly cinematic Midwestern Gothic family dinner, every frame oozes with raw storytelling and a healthy dose of eerie, small-town mystique.
One of the most striking visuals? HARDY and Wilson Jr. playing catch with a literal ball of fire. If that doesn’t scream ‘next-level artistry,’ what does?
The video brings "Cuckoo’s" sonic intensity to life, capturing the song’s restless energy and rebellious spirit. Much of the imagery is inspired by real people and experiences from Wilson Jr.’s own life, grounding the surrealism in something deeply personal. The result? A music video that feels as unhinged and exhilarating as the song itself.
Wilson Jr. has long been known for his unconventional approach to country music, blending gritty storytelling with an alt-rock edge that sets him apart from the pack. His signature “grunge country” sound—a mix of raw, unfiltered vocals, haunting lyricism, and jagged guitar riffs—has earned him a dedicated following and critical acclaim.
Beyond just the sound, Wilson Jr. has a unique ability to paint vivid, unconventional portraits of small-town life. His ability to straddle the line between nostalgia and modernity, tradition and rebellion, is what makes søn of dad such a compelling body of work. “Cuckoo” is no exception, standing out as one of the album’s most electrifying and deeply personal tracks.
“‘If one don’t drive ya then the other one will…’ running on cognitive American fumes at times,” shares Wilson Jr. “we’re all afraid of something. this video is a fiery glance at the ones whom haven’t given up but have given up on the game. these are not actors. a kaleidoscope of humans living and being. unashamed of their shame. ‘cuckoo…’”
“‘Cuckoo’ is the eighth video SWJ and I have made together,” shares Director Tim Cofield. “While ‘Holler from the Holler’ was the most ambitious concept we've co-directed, ‘Cuckoo’ is a planet in its own solar system. All these ideas come from Stephen's brain. For example, the character driving backwards in the truck. Stephen actually knows a guy who has to drive to work backwards ‘cause his truck only drives in reverse. My favorite thing about the ‘Cuckoo’ video is that all these characters you see are real people, not actors. There's also some easter eggs hidden in there for diehard fans (look for wolf heads and aliens).”
In an era where mainstream country often leans toward the polished and predictable, Stephen Wilson Jr. refuses to color within the lines. Instead, he leans into the chaotic, the unexpected, and the deeply personal—qualities that make his work resonate with listeners looking for something real and raw.
Take 4 minutes and 32 seconds out of your day to watch this masterpiece—you won’t regret it. With "Cuckoo", Stephen Wilson Jr. proves once again that he’s not just playing the game; he’s rewriting the rules entirely.