The Artist Explains: Jenny Jam - 'Better Than You'
LA-based, London-born artist Jenny JAM speaks to us about her intelligent music video for soul pop single, ‘Better Than You’, which explores abusive relationships and the oppression of women throughout history.
Where was the video for 'Better Than You’ fimed?
The video was filmed in North London at Musion 3D’s holographic stage, various locations around downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles Arts District and Echo Park (for the fight/dance scenes, street scene, bedroom, living room and hotel scenes), Venice Beach, the Venice Canals and Santa Monica.
How does the video connect with the song?
The video tells the story of a woman (me) in an abusive controlling relationship and how she found the strength to fight her way out of it. The video shows different eras where women have been suppressed throughout history - the 1950s house wife in the beginning, 1920s singer, 1980s Freddie Mercury who plays a house wife doing house work singing “I want to break free”. It then shows flashbacks of the romance before the abuse, followed by fight scenes in the form of fierce dance - fighting against the man she once loved. She finally drops the mic at the end as she’s found someone better, as described in the lyrics. It is essentially all about breaking free from a toxic relationship and being with someone you deserve.
Do you have any behind the scenes stories you can share with us?
My makeup artist was 8 months pregnant and worked 12 hour days throughout this shoot, with zero complaints. She didn’t have to stay on set but she wanted to oversee the project. Without all her hard work and input on styling and of course her amazing makeup, the video would not have looked anywhere near as good. I am eternally grateful! Follow her on instagram @annelise_makeup
The male model who played “The Ex” could not ride a tandem bike AT ALL, so I had to ride in front, which in the end we thought worked better anyway because it was showing the days where we were more equal (before the abuse). We spent a fair amount of time practicing this and nearly running people over on Venice Boardwalk! It was hilarious... for the team anyway!
Could you tell us about the ideas.themes/imagery used?
The themes were all about dressing in costumes that represented different eras where women were suppressed (more than today). I picked 1920s for the hologram and stage because when I think of the 20s, I think of the silent movie era and live stage performances. Even when the woman escapes to a hotel, the phone is still a 1950s landline. The theme runs throughout until the fight scene. That scene was filmed in a warehouse in downtown Los Angeles which had bar like windows - this I thought well represented breaking out of the jail that was the relationship. It was also filmed in 100 degree heat- no jokes! It was horrific! Heat of Summer with no AC!The 1980s TV scene was inspired by Freddie Mercury who wears this outfit in the “I want to break free” video by Queen. I thought this was fitting.
Is there a message the video is trying to convey?
The message is that no matter how trapped, controlled and scared you may feel, abusers find and prey on your weaknesses. Be strong, stand up for what you deserve and leave. There is always a choice and you are not alone. I left with nothing, I lost everything and honestly at times was scared for my life. It is important for people to discuss abusive relationships and create more awareness around them. There are also many support groups out there.
Interview by Karla Harris