Air Traffic Controller – Silent

Indie pop mainstays Air Traffic Controller return with a visual to their powerful new single, “Silent.” The video arrives after the single’s September 18 digital release. Listen to “Silent” here.

It’s safe to say that most of us are deprived of sleep, money, time, sunlight, good news, and peace of mind. The rippling effect this has on our minds and bodies leaves us all — tired. “Tired of what?” asks lead singer-songwriter Dave Munro. The list is long, and this song is short, but in times like these, Air Traffic Controller makes every second count with a universal statement: “We’ve been silent too long.”

The music video, directed by Jasper Hamilton, uses hands reaching from the dark, symbolizing “what’s wrong,” what’s holding us back, keeping us down, silencing us. Munro paces on a city rooftop strumming, shouting, struggling to be heard as the sun goes down and the fight continues. With a pounding rhythm section held by drummer Adam Salameh and bassist Joe Campbell, head-turning guitar noise by Bobby Borenstein, and frenzied synths by Emi McSwain, this raw and powerful production by The Arcitype demands we talk, cry, yell, take action, anything but remain — silent.

Air Traffic Controller — “Silent” single artwork

Founded by Munro, a former U.S. Navy air traffic controller, the band began its musical journey recording demos during deployment that sparked a grassroots following back home. Emerging from Boston in 2009, ATC has developed a reputation for crafting songs that feel cinematic yet deeply human, blending indie pop accessibility with elements of folk and electronic production. “Silent” continues that trajectory, leaning into the band’s ability to translate complex emotions into songs that resonate immediately, while revealing deeper meaning over time.

The band’s steady rise has been fueled by a loyal, engaged audience and high quality short-form content, with over 400,000 monthly streaming listeners and tens of millions of streams across their catalog, including a top track surpassing 50 million plays. Rather than relying on viral moments, Air Traffic Controller has built long-term momentum through consistency, authenticity, and a strong connection with listeners. “Silent” also reached the 100th spot on the AAA radio Billboard monitored chart.

Serving in the US Navy as an air traffic controller, singer/songwriter Dave Munro sent home demos written during deployment — the early songs that circulated through family, friends, and beyond, sparking the band’s initial fanbase.

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