“Never Come Down” Rises Again: How a Film is Rewriting a Synth-Pop Song’s Unexpected History
The critically acclaimed film Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie isn’t just generating buzz for its inventive storytelling; it’s unexpectedly offering a second life to the 2014 synth-pop track “Never Come Down” by Brave Shores. The song, initially a modest radio success, found itself embroiled in an unlikely political narrative, becoming a favored anthem within certain online communities following the 2016 US presidential election. Now, thanks to the film’s narrative, “Never Come Down” is undergoing a remarkable reclamation, shedding its controversial past and reclaiming its place as a piece of pure musical artistry.
From Synth-Pop Jingle to Political Meme: The Bizarre Journey of “Never Come Down”
Brave Shores, the synth-pop duo comprised of Jay McCarrol and his sister Stefanie, released their self-titled debut album in 2014. “Never Come Down,” a track reminiscent of MGMT’s infectious energy, quickly gained traction, even appearing in a cell phone commercial. However, the song’s trajectory took a decidedly strange turn. Following Donald Trump’s victory in 2016, the track was adopted by supporters as an unofficial victory anthem, fueled by its upbeat tempo and seemingly optimistic lyrics.
McCarrol himself addressed this phenomenon in a 2018 press release, noting the song’s transformation “from television jingle to radio hit…to being adopted by online troll types as a sort of Donald Trump victory meme.” The internet didn’t forget. A particularly jarring example is a now-viral, ten-hour loop of Donald Trump dancing to the song, accumulating over 200,000 views on YouTube (watch here). Even years after the initial surge, Brave Shores’ social media remained inundated with comments linking the band to the former president. A 2019 Instagram post featuring their La Hoo La La vinyl (see the post) drew comments like, “Are you guys the trump band?”
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie: A Narrative Reset
The film, directed by Matt Johnson, cleverly incorporates “Never Come Down” into its storyline. (Spoiler alert!) Within the film’s time-traveling narrative, McCarrol’s character revisits 2008, abandoning his band Nirvanna to pursue a solo career fueled by the very success of “Never Come Down.” The film even features a cameo from music critic Anthony Fantano, who delivers a characteristically blunt assessment of the song, calling it “a really stale psych/indie/pop hybrid from the late 2000s” (view the cameo).
The impact has been immediate. The film’s popularity appears to be actively displacing the song’s previous association with political rhetoric. A quick scan of the song’s YouTube comments reveals a shift, with discussions now overwhelmingly focused on the film rather than its past political usage. It’s a testament to the power of art to reclaim its narrative.
But can a song truly escape its past? The internet has a long memory, and memes are notoriously resilient. What does it mean for an artist when their work is co-opted for purposes they never intended? And how much control, if any, do creators have over the meaning assigned to their art?
The story of “Never Come Down” serves as a fascinating case study in the unpredictable life of a song in the digital age. It highlights the complex relationship between artists, their creations, and the ever-evolving landscape of online culture.
Beyond the film’s influence, the story also underscores the importance of understanding how music can be appropriated and repurposed, often in ways that are entirely outside of the artist’s control. This raises important questions about artistic ownership and the responsibility of platforms to address harmful or misleading associations.
Revisit “Never Come Down” and experience the song anew.
Frequently Asked Questions About “Never Come Down” and Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie
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What is the significance of “Never Come Down” in Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie?
In the film, “Never Come Down” becomes the catalyst for Jay McCarrol’s solo success after he travels back in time, offering a narrative reset for the song’s legacy.
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How did “Never Come Down” become associated with Donald Trump?
Following the 2016 US presidential election, supporters of Donald Trump adopted “Never Come Down” as an unofficial victory anthem, sharing it widely online and creating memes.
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Is Brave Shores actively involved in reclaiming the song’s narrative?
While Brave Shores haven’t been actively commenting on the situation recently, the film’s portrayal of “Never Come Down” is effectively helping to shift the conversation away from its political associations.
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Where can I watch Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie?
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2025 and is expected to have wider distribution soon. Check local listings for showtimes.
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What genre would you classify Brave Shores’ music as?
Brave Shores’ music is best described as synth-pop, drawing comparisons to artists like MGMT with its catchy melodies and electronic soundscapes.
The story of “Never Come Down” is a compelling reminder of the unpredictable nature of fame and the enduring power of art to transcend even the most unlikely of associations. What other songs have experienced similar unexpected journeys through internet culture?
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