Does Humboldt County need an anthem? Local farmer/songwriter Brett McFarland certainly seems to be staking claim to the honor of penning it with the release, today, of his music video for “Humboldt” off the album Humboldt. 

The five-and-a-half-minute song touches on a number of facets of local life and history — from the back-to-the-land movement, to the massacres of Native Americans, and, of course, weed — and the accompanying video features cameos from a handful of folks deemed sufficiently Humboldt. McFarland cites the musical outing as being one of the most significant accomplishments of his life.

“I’m a farmer. I feed people and regard that as highly important and valuable work,” McFarland states in a press release distributed to herald the release of his new music video. “But working on this project with the community here on the North Coast has been as meaningful as anything I’ve ever done in my life.”

That’s how Brett does it in Humboldt! Tune in and sing along to “Humboldt” in the clip above and read McFarland’s full release below:

Humboldt County farmer, Brett McFarland, has released the official music video for his song Humboldt on YouTube today. A social impact project off his album Humboldt, McFarland aims to celebrate unity and inspire environmental change through these uplifting short films. 

From loggers and ranchers to Wiyot, Hoopa, Karuk and Yurok Tribal members, the video highlights the resilience of this diverse Northern California community. Notable cameo appearances include:
TV Star and renowned craftsman Eric Hollenbeck

Local celebrities and regenerative farmers, The Foggy Bottom Boys

Hoopa Tribal Member Inker McCovey who serves as Director of Parks and Recreation and a cultural ambassador for the Hoopa Valley Tribe

Huckleberry Hill Farms’ Johnny Casali, who was sentenced to 10-years in prison before founding the first fully-licensed CA cannabis farm to grow for Willie Nelson’s brand Willie’s Reserve

Owners of the only oxen farm west of the Mississippi, ShakeFork Farm’s Cunningham duo

“I’m a farmer. I feed people and regard that as highly important and valuable work. But working on this project with the community here on the North Coast has been as meaningful as anything I’ve ever done in my life,” said McFarland. 

This video release is on the heels of his successful kickstarter campaign. The next video, Klamath, is already in the works and will tell the powerful story of the river’s demise, tribal-led undamming and restoration. The release for Klamath is slated for late November. 

The Official Music Video for Humboldt is now live on Youtube. To listen to the full album or learn more about the music visit www.brettmcfarlandmusic.com.