The Artist Explains: Emilie Kahn - 'Island'

Emilie Kahn, formerly known as Emilie & Ogden talks us through the creative process behind her aesthetically pleasing visuals for ‘Island’.
’Island’ is taken from Emilie Kahn’s stunning sophomore full-length album, ‘Outro’ , which is out February 22nd via Secret City Records and will feature in the reviews section of the first issue of our physical magazine, due out January 14th and available for pre-order, here.

Emilie Kahn Explains
Where was the video for 'Island' filmed?

‘Island’ was filmed in various locations here in Quebec, in and around Montreal. One of the main locations was a motocross track in Oka, plus a local diner nearby. Other shots were done in studio — the scene where I appear to be laying on a beach I was actually on the roof of the studio.

How does the video connect with the song?

The song is about feeling disillusioned and defeated, and just wanting to disappear to another place. Many of the images in the video are meant to portray myself instead finding refuge either internally or by leaning on other women, while still existing in the centre of a crowded, chaotic world.

Do you have any noteworthy behind the scenes stories?

This was the first set I’ve been on that was made up of mostly women, both behind and in front of the camera, which created a very special and fun energy for the two days of shooting. For instance, while we were trying to get the shot of all the girls laying together in a pile none of us could stop laughing. When it came to the outdoor scenes, it was actually super cold outside, so when I appear to be relaxing in a bathing suit in reality I was freezing and the team had to run and cover me up between shots.

Could you tell us about the ideas/ themes/ imagery used?

Director Marie-Soleil Denault has an incredible talent for creating striking, of-the-moment images. The styling and art direction portray a sort of tongue-in-cheek vision of feminine glamour, which is then subverted by placing myself and the girls in not-so-glamourous, often “masculine” locations.

Is there a message the video is trying to convey?

Rather than being in competition with one-another, we can find liberation through solidarity.

Interview Feature by Karla Harris