Cleo Reed's "American Dream" Video Explores Queer Life

Musician Cleo Reed has released the music video for "American Dream," the lead single from their upcoming EP, Is This How Empires Die?. The EP, scheduled for release on December 4th, continues Reed's examination of queer and working-class life in America. The "American Dream" video was filmed at the Demery Family Rodeo in Oklahoma on the Fourth of July.

Described by Reed as an "anti-anthem" and "afro-surrealist," the song confronts themes of AI music, environmental crisis, surveillance, and national identity. The visual juxtaposes images of Black youth enjoying traditional holidays with the artist's silhouette against a backdrop of flames, symbolizing a stark awakening from a false sense of security to face contemporary realities.