The Artist Explains: Isadoré - 'Raven'

Electronic producer and singer-songwriter Isadoré speaks to us about the ideas behind her single/music video ,‘Raven’, which explores the themes of love and fear and promotes kindness and compassion.

Where was the video filmed?
We filmed in dance company Lucy Guerin Inc studios in Melbourne. It was a dream space and so happy we were able to fulfil the project there.

How does the video connect with the song?
Fear is blinding, sending us down a dark path of ignorance. If we can act out love we are open to learn, accept and move forward. Visually I always knew this song needed to expose the light and shade of the contrasting environments of love and fear. The day and night idea felt like the right world for these feelings. The vast empty space still standing at the end of time whilst urban dreams crumble at our feet, together but alone.

Do you have any behind the scenes stories you can share with us?
We were under the pump though because we only had 12 hours to shoot it all but we all seemed to be on the same page. We had to get all day shots done before nightfall and hit that magic hour on schedule. We got so close but didn’t get everything we wanted. Luckily we were able to get the studio a couple of days later and shoot the extra bits like the mirror scene. As I was setting up the mirrors I shattered a full length mirror into hundreds of pieces. It was horrific but it also forced me to slow down. Picking up the pieces carefully, forcing myself to take a minute and quieten the mind. I ended up using some of the bigger pieces anyway and it actually worked a treat and and can’t imagine without! Oh and don’t worry i told the 7 years of bad luck no strangers welcome.

Could you tell us about the ideas/ themes/ imagery used?
‘Raven’ was inspired by a poem called “Travelling Raven” by Skaay a mythteller of the Haida village of Ttnauu (BC, Canada). Haida mythology has stood time and I was fascinated to have stumbled upon these transcriptions. I was really drawn to the character of the Raven. In a lot of different mythology around the world the Raven represents a powerful spiritual being. A mischievous, sneaky creature who shapeshifts, steals and causes chaos. In ‘Travelling Raven’ his actions however result in the creation of the world delivering trees, land and water. I found these contradictory characteristics humouring and recognised them in our behaviours. I want to believe most people have good intentions but go about it acting out of fear, leaving a trail of damage behind us. It made me think about my choices and what is fueling the fire to keep going in life. Choosing kindness over hate, choosing love over fear is what will get us through alive. We can learn from our ancestors and not make the same mistakes. Like I said before fear is blinding, sending us down a dark path of ignorance. If we can act out love we are open to learn, accept and move forward.

What do you hope people take away from watching the vid?
I hope people feel the two environments of love and fear. I hope people can experience how easy it is to fall into the chaos of the darkness. I hope people can continue compassion. Our lives are constantly weaving delicate threads of love and fear.

Interview by Karla Harris