The Duo Explains: PURPLE PILGRIMS - 'Love In Lunacy (Saturn Return)'

New Zealand sister-duo PURPLE PILGRIMS talk to us about their artistic and dreamlike black and white visuals for 'Love In Lunacy (Saturn Return)’.


Where was the video for 'Love In Lunacy (Saturn Return)' filmed? 
The video was filmed on a volcanic black sand beach, one mid winter day, on the west coast of New Zealand’s north island. The hills on which we are standing are bright limestone - as the day was exceptionally blustery we were crying white, moon-like dust for days after. The contrast of black and white was so dramatic that the fact we were shooting on b/w film almost made no difference. 

How does the video connect with the song? 
We wanted to create a feeling of weightlessness and fluidity. The director Gary War is, foremost, an incredible composer/musician - so the connection between music and visuals was viewed as one and the same. We’re really happy to have had Gary make this with us. 

Do you have any behind the scenes stories you could share with us? 
As the location was very isolated, the only people around for miles were some dirt bikers who seemed to enjoy our spontaneous dancing, ha. The most exciting moment was watching an escaped horse (seen in the opening shot) galloping off into the horizon. It was pretty magic to watch. 

Could you tell us about the ideas/ themes/ imagery used? 
The idea of feeling at odds with one’s environment, navigating a hostile terrain as a symbol of a even more confronting inner landscape. Searching, longing - a journey, a pilgrimage to one’s self. 

Is there a message the video is trying to convey?
Hopefully the message is explained in the song itself. We’d hope, as we always do with our work, to transport the viewer someplace new for at leat some of the 4 minutes 49 seconds. 

Interview feature by Karla Harris

'Love In Lunacy (Saturn Return)' is the second single from PURPLE PILGRIMS upcoming album Perfumed Earth, due for release 9th August, via Flying Nun Records.