The Artist Explains: Felix Räuber - 'Colors'
German multi-instrumentalist Felix Räuber talks to us about his powerful single and music video for ‘Colors’, which shines light on the surge of domestic violence during the course of the COVID-19 crisis.
Where was the video for ‘Colors’ filmed?
The video was filmed in the `Roger Paletti´studio in Berlin-Kreuzberg, run be filmmaker Sascha Lasarzewski. His studio‘s got the charm of the old Berlin that you know from the 80s. An artist workshop in the backyard that hasn‘t been renovated, with a lot of creative space and a great atmosphere.
How does the video connect with the song?
In ‘Colors’ I’m dealing with the dependency of toxic relationships in relation to domestic violence which have gained a lot of attention in the course of the Corona crisis. You can see this confrontation in my video in which I’m getting beat up symbolically.
Do you have any behind the scenes stories you could share with us?
Here is a picture I’d like to share with you, by my friend Guido.
Two of my colleagues hid themselves behind me to touch me with their hands. This was really unfamiliar. We have performed the song in full length, so the hands appear and disappear in real time, roughing me up so hard that I had muscle problems for the next days.
Could you tell us about the ideas/ themes/ imagery used?
My team and I work independently in a small office in Berlin where we are constantly exchanging visual ideas. I had done some research already about how to present ‘Colors’, but then I saw a video of the latest release ‘Jonsi’ by Sigur Ros. That was the final push to go this direction.
Is there a message the video is trying to convey?
Don’t let yourself get taken in by anything, stay true to your ideals. You can stand up for those towards others and you´ll be loved nonetheless - or just for that resiliency.
Interview by Karla Harris