REVIEW BY EMMA SCHOORS
INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY
PHOTO BY DENNIS MORTON
The recent music video from Soliema for “Low Life” relies on simple imagery and concept tactics that are easy on the eyes yet interpretative to the mind. Directed by Jonas Bang, the video depicts a circle of events you can’t seem to get out of. It represents the idea of circling around a bad situation and being able to get out of it, Soleima saying that she had a person in mind while writing it, and that “though they’re still struggling, they’re fighting to get somewhere good.” The music video is just that. It catches the viewers attention for more than just a laugh or a moment of thought, but for the entire video, a time of understanding what the song is all about.
The video is the second of collaboration with Mercedes Benz for their culture laboratory Prxjects, the first being “Paper.” On working with Soliema and Bang, the Prxjects team says that it has some “interesting underlying themes,” also admiring Sarah’s ability to “unify the mass appeal of pop music”.
The video is a stunning visual with a true meaning deeper than any over-produced pop song. It therefore strengthens the appeal of the meaning of music for listeners, rather than capturing their attention for a couple of seconds. It leaves you wanting more.
Read our interview for this project below.
How did you first get your start in music?
SOLEIMA: "My mom has always introduced me to loads of different kinds of music. She brought me to this West African dance camp for example, which later allowed me to travel to Tanzania and stay with a dance group in Sukumaland, Tanzania for a year. Her influence has definitely made me understand and adore many kinds of music!"
Where do you find most inspiration when writing?
SOLEIMA: "I get inspired by lots of things. Other arts and artists often inspire me. But mainly I think I get inspired by what I experience in life and what goes on in the world. I guess that is how it is for many, you can’t avoid being effected by the structure of the world, I think. My mood definitely determines what I write about and what vibe it has."
You just released your new music video/single for your song Low Life. Can you tell us a little about the song and video?
SOLEIMA: “'Low Life' is a song for a person who is struggling, yet still fighting to get to a better place in life. I had a very dear someone in mind when writing this. The video is very much related to the feeling of being stuck in something. I keep on walking and walking, never really getting anywhere, and the guy in the car (Collins) just keeps going round in circles. All of this was a way to exemplify the meaning of the song - that it can be tough to break out of certain circles in life. But I absolutely admire people who fight for a good and happy life no matter what."
Do you have any favorite memories from filming the video?
SOLEIMA: "It was all super fun. Jonas Bang (the director) is amazing to work with and we all had a lot of fun."
In your own words, how would you describe your music?
SOLEIMA: "My producer Vasco and I like to call it ‘Garage Pop.’ I think that is a very good way of understanding what we do :)"
Is there anything else that we can expect from you in the near future?
SOLEIMA: "Ummm, lots of good things in the future. New music, many concerts, and a few secrets up my sleeve, haha :)"