The Artist Explains: Papi Shiitake - 'Do What You Say'
Brooklyn-based, indie dream-pop producer/artist Papi Shiitake talks to us about the creative process behind the music video for his woozy single, ‘Do What You Say’
How did you decide on the video treatment/visual for the ‘Do What You Say’ music video?
When we started the one thing I knew is that I wanted to make a music video that was less “music video” and more “art”. We did some funny and cool videos in the past but for this I really wanted to make it sexy. Something with a lot of vibe. I used to watch James Bond movies all the time as a kid and I’m really the intros for them. Every video I’ve made is just something I’ve always wanted to do so this seemed like another one to check off the bucket list.
How does the video connect with the song?
Well the song is about the sunset of relationship. Those final days when you start to break free and reclaim your independence. In the video Jadée Nikita, dancer and choreographer, goes through that same transformation. Except in the video she is now the protagonist and I am the shadow she frees herself from.
Any unforeseen behind the scenes/making-of stories you can share?
Well I was actually supposed to be in the video with Jadée the whole time! But when we started looking at the footage it was immediately clear that this video was about her. I hadn’t realized that Jadée hadn’t performed since before lockdown. When I watched the first take footage of her just freestyling I was floored. I saw the magic in that and we ran with it.
Could you tell us more about the ideas/themes used?
I really wanted the video to be a tribute to the feminine divine. I truly believe that the feminine is the most powerful force on the planet. It’s the motion, emotion, the ocean and it can either bring you back to life or send you to your death. There are so many sides to the feminine that can change in an instant. I believe that the feminine is directly linked to the planet. So that’s why there are all the nature shots in the background. She is commanding the earth through her dance and movement. I really love the idea of it.
What do you hope people take away from watching the video?
I really hope viewers get to feel the emotion of Jadée and the music when they watch. You really need to look into her eyes and watch the small details and the video really starts to get deep. It’s one of those things you can’t take at face value. You almost need to sit with it before it opens up to you. Very much like the feminine.