The Montana History Behind Tim Montana’s New “Watch Me Drown” Video
I have been friends with Tim Montana for years now. While he's done a lot of exciting and cool things over the years, I think this last project may be the most exciting thing he's ever done.
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Today, Tim Montana officially dropped the video for his song “Watch Me Drown,” which is off his brand new album titled Entire State of Tim Montana that includes traditional Crow Nation Artist First Crazy Dog as well as the traditional drum group WolfBear.
This project stands out from the rest because of where and how it was shot.
Filming on Sacred Ground
Most of the music video was filmed on land owned by Shawn Real Bird (a Crow Elder) located near the Little Bighorn Battlefield. Tim explained to me that this land holds some amazing historical significance. Tim says that the property the video was filmed on is where Sitting Bull had a sweat lodge shortly before the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Additionally, the property surrounds a portion of the massive encampment of Lakota, Northern Cheyenne & Arapaho peoples before the battle with General Custer and the 7th U.S. Cavalry.
This isn’t just Hollywood History. Portions of the 1970 film starring Dustin Hoffman called Little Big Man were shot here. In addition, Shawn Real Bird made his own way into Hollywood when he played a role in Taylor Sheridan’s 1883. At the very end of the season, he performed a traditional sweat lodge ceremony.
That’s a great deal of history for a single music video!
Beyond a Montana Backdrop
While filming in Crow Country, Tim could have easily shown up, pointed a camera at the beautiful scenery, and called it a day. However, the video showcases Apsaalooke people and culture through traditional clothing, horses, and performances by both First Crazy Dog and the WolfBear Drum Group. Not to mention a look at what everyday life looks like on the Crow reservation. There is also a clear respect towards the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Movement. As you watch the video, you’ll notice Crow women appearing with red handprints on their faces. A powerful symbol used in recent years to raise awareness regarding Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People.
In addition, the video supports Apsaalooke Immio. A Crow Reservation-based non-profit organization founded in 2024. Their mission is to help build strength within their community while preserving Apsaalooke Language, Dance, History and Land Connections.
Sharing Montana with the World
To me, that’s exactly why I find this video so damned cool!
Throughout his successful career, Tim Montana’s travels will continue to take him across America and around the world. However, Montana will forever remain a huge part of who he is. Today, he’s taking his music platform and working alongside other Crow artists and Elders to showcase to millions of people a small aspect of Montana’s culture and history that would likely go unseen.
I've watched Tim proudly carry Montana with him throughout his career.
With "Watch Me Drown," he's helping carry an important piece of Montana's Native culture and history with him, too.
And that's something every Montanan can be proud to see shared with the world.
Famous actors from Montana
Gallery Credit: Stacker
