The Artist Explains: Locate S,1 - 'Personalia'
Locate S,1 speaks to us about the creative process behind her visuals for brooding yet joyful indie rock single, ‘Personalia’, which is the title track and first single taken from her forthcoming album, due for release April 3rd.
Where was the video for 'Personalia' filmed?
The video was filmed in our neighbourhood, our backyard, our driveway, and the driveway of a neighbour who did not want us to be filming a video in their driveway.
How does the video connect with the song?
The video is just what I imagined while listening to the song. I have a lot of music industry nightmares about being trapped in the headlights and imploding under the pressure. I wanted to face down the bright lights with such a tremendous force that I could move a car backwards.
Do you have any behind the scenes stories you could share with us and is there a message the video is trying to convey?
I don’t know if it’s much of a story. I doubt myself in all things I do and this video was no exception. I had proposed the car-driving-backwards idea weeks before the video needed to be turned in, but I felt certain I wouldn’t be able to execute it in a cool way without a ton of help and fancy equipment. My partner Kevin was about to leave for a show on the other side of the country and it was our last chance to make it happen even though it was just the two of us and it was cold and raining outside. I duct taped my camera to his dashboard and we drove around and got the footage we needed. I got very wet and cold, but it turned out to be a fun night. Much more fun than if I had sat around stewing in my fears of failure.
I don’t want to encourage any music writers prone to over-analysis, but I do think that speaks to the spirit of the song, as well. It’s an incredible feeling to have any amount of industry support (getting signed to a label that I really respect) but it often feels uncomfortable to start looking at your work and yourself as a product. It’s very hard to remember when I’m trying to make a name for myself as an artist that receiving accolades is not the reason I create things. I do it because the process makes my life joyful, fulfilling, and survivable. Music has always been my psychic salve, and it’s from that very honest place in my heart that I want to connect with people who care to listen. From that point of view, you can't really fail as long as you're making the work you love. Whether or not I "succeed", I want to stay grounded in a love of music rather than go mad trying to sell the world things it doesn't in hopes of enriching myself.
Interview by Karla Harris
Personalia is available to pre order, here.