Dance Lessons - 'New Job'
Heartbreak. Experienced by most, hated by all.
It is tough at the best of times, and people who have experienced it will agree that keeping busy is one of the best ways to cope. But have you heard of someone getting a brand-new job just to stop thinking about someone? Well, that is exactly what is going on in London-based band Dance Lessons’ new single ‘New Job’. This will be the second single from the female-fronted and produced trio, following their ‘domineering debut’ single ‘SMABTO’.
Oftentimes, lining up electronically produced sounds with vocals can be tricky, yet Dance Lessons make it look easy. The track is fruitfully blissful, with a relaxed infusion of jazz and pop. The song begins with a cool riff that is quite frankly euphoric to listen to. Much like the song’s sound, the lyrics give a giant middle finger of ironic positivity in response to heartbreakers:
‘I know things now that I didn’t know before’.
Dance Lessons have made a song that will be a cry of relief for those going through heartbreak, and points to the light at the end of the tunnel with the lyrics:
‘gotta keep moving on’
‘New Job’ incorporates a smorgasbord of popular, floaty dance-pop beats, for example the drumbeat, making this an instant hit. Yet, Dance Lessons’ superpower is that they take these beats and create their own unique sound, which the band define as ‘Serrated Pop’. This is no easy feat, but the band have successfully done just that, making their sound quite unlike any other.
The song ends with the punchy lyrics:
‘I got a new job so I don’t have to think about you’
‘New Job’s’ message is all about healing, and trying to reclaim the missing piece that is lost when you lose someone.
Ann from the band say that the single ‘has been like a self-fulfilling prophecy. It was never meant to become personal. I initially wrote it late last year – before a break-up. Afterwards, I went on a mad search for new ways to distract myself. The song shows the similarities in perspective of two people post-breakup, both using distractions to mask the sadness’.
The accompanying music video was shot in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic and is directed by Sarah Chatfield. Sarah has worked with the likes of Lily Allen, Lykke Li and The Cribs. She has created a beautiful music video that juxtaposes the empty streets with a breath-taking dance choreographed and performed by Gbari ‘GQ’ Gilliam and Shantel Urena.
Words by Alice Mason