The Artist Explains: Nico Casal - 'Ready To Talk'

Neoclassical artist Nico Casal talks to us about the cinematic black and white visuals for ‘Ready To Talk’, the lead single taken from his beautiful debut album, ‘Alone’.


How does the video connect with the song?
We sent the track to several directors and we got back some amazing treatments, every one of them completely different to the others. Although we had an open mind and we didn't know exactly what we were looking for, as soon as we received the treatment from Savannah Setten we felt that one was the one. The song talks about being brave to speak out for yourself, take a step forward, do things on your own way... I always saw this from a mature perspective but Savannah placed a kid as the main role and I completely loved it.

Where was the video for 'Ready To Talk' filmed? 
It was filmed in couple of locations in Kent, South East Of London, not far from Leeds Castle. The house in the film was over five hundred years old and it’s still lived in by a very kind family who allowed us to shoot inside. The countryside around the location was beautiful. 

Do you have any behind the scenes stories you can share with us? 

Well, I learnt that filming with any animal, in this case a horse is tricky. We had some smoke cannons, which started to freak the horse out. Thankfully the boy Micky was a good horse rider so was able to cope when the horse became a little jumpy. We had planned some more shots riding the horse but our animal star made it clear that was enough fun for one day. 

Could you tell us about the ideas/ themes/ imagery used? 
This is probably more of a question for the director Savannah who had a strong vision for having it really cinematic and classic feeling, shot in black and white with an interesting grain. I watched a couple of reference films and liked it. Maybe the next video we’ll do it colour! 

Is there a message the video is trying to convey?
When I composed the song I was going through a personal moment when I had to make certain difficult decision and make a step forward. I think the video, in a subtle way, tries to support that idea. But we don't see the kid acting very angry, violent or afraid. It's more about a self exploration and getting to know yourself better. And that was exactly the way I was when I composed the song. I hope people can take away that feeling or connect to the kid's story in any way. It’s a coming of age story for the kid, being brave and overcoming your fears. 

Interview feature by Karla Harris