The Artist Explains: Crow - 'Go'
LA-based electro pop artist Crow talks to us in depth about her visuals for ‘Go’ - a video about letting go of what doesn’t serve you to trust the mystery of the future.
Where was the video for ‘Go’ filmed?
At a top secret alien hotspot in the California hi-desert.
How does the video connect with the song?
The video is the visual manifestation of ‘Go’. It’s what I saw when I closed my eyes in long mixing sessions, and the exhilaration I felt blasting it in my car on my L.A. commutes. The bold contrast of colourful plexiglass against a vast desert landscape, the power and emotion conjured between my dancers and I, it all evokes that same angsty and determined jolt of energy you get from the song.
Do you have any behind the scenes stories you can share with us?
After Marina Fini delivered us her plexi pieces in her silver sprinter, we started shooting the second scene (solo shots on the heart chair). I’m getting the take done, staying focused and into it until my AC mentions that my entire cast and crew, in full costume nonetheless, were pushing Marina’s van out of the desert sand.
Getting all sorts of cars unstuck from the sand is a classic part of desert living that’s no news to me, but the sheer will, effort and joy to participate from my team was mind blowing. That was one of the first moments of the day where I saw the integrity of my crew in action. No task too big or small, everything they do, they do it with heart and soul. And caring, they’re so caring. Everyone takes care of each other, no one left behind. It was the best group of people I’ve ever had the pleasure of creating with to date.
Could you tell us about the ideas/ themes/ imagery used?
I worked with a lot of translucent pieces in this visual. With the plexiglass and vinyl garments on the costumes, I wanted to convey the idea of something clear, yet elusive, much like the concept of change. You know you have to take a leap of faith but it’s not something you can truly see, only feel. There’s layers of mystery waiting to be discovered, while some are never meant to be understood. The plexi also represents seeing things through different eyes. Sometimes you have to shift your perspective or release unconscious judgments to find your truth.
Another translucent piece I used were the water glasses. The water magnifies and distorts parts of my face as a sway behind the glass. This represents movement, shifting, allowing things to change and take shape without judgment.
The cast in the video wore my signature “Crow” eye makeup which was meant to connect us as different fragments of one being. They are my fearful psyche, using elastic red instruments to constrict my mind until I fall to break free.
What do you hope people take away from watching the video?
I hope people feel inspired to seek more for themselves than they were taught to expect, to see beyond what is visible, view obstacles as opportunities for change and growth, and transmute pain into colourful action.
Interview feature by Karla Harris