Clea - Sugar
Captivating Brisbane-based artist Clea returns with an emotive new single Sugar, accompanied by a stunning and cinematic visual. Sugar was born during the Australian bushfires in early 2020. Clea was feeling a sense of dread and hopelessness as the inferno engulfed the country, and was struck by the reality of a planet in turmoil and a deep sadness for humanity's inability to recognise an issue until it’s literally on the doorstep.
“I was overcome with emotion and felt the strongest desire to cower and crawl in the corner. It is the nature of humans turning a blind eye to a situation to save oneself of hurt, but in this instance there was truly no way of hiding. It saddens me deeply that it takes for the country to burn and our chests to fill with smoke to truly start to take seriously the issue of climate change and the great stress humans place on this incredible earth. The world is in great pain and the systems in place have failed us, true change is crucial otherwise we can literally kiss it all goodbye.”
ODE TO AUSTRALIAN LANDSCAPES VIA CINEMATIC FILM-SHOT VISUALS
Tides Magazine spoke to Clea on the creative process behind the video and what ir was like creating such a piece during a worldwide pandemic.
“Sugar is a conversation I am having with myself about the different stages of grief when coming to terms with our current climate crisis. The video is based around wind, earth, fire and water and how each element is so utterly beautiful and all encompassing and yet so brutal. The bubble is a symbol of our disconnect from nature even though we benefit from natures resources in every regard, it’s very much a one sided relationship.”
Clea explains to us the trusting creative relationship between herself and director/film maker Jack Birtles “Jack and I have worked together on a couple of photoshoots as well as the video for my song ‘Soft Blow To The Head.’ It is such a joy to feel entirely trusting of someone to fulfill your creative vision, and that is exactly how I feel about Jack. He is an incredible filmmaker as well as director and is so willing to try new ideas and do whatever it takes to get the shot.”
We then go on to discuss the importance to her of self styling to keep her visual identity true to her image as a singer and songwriter, as well as the affect Covid-19 has had in the aspect of making videos and imagery for an artist/musician. “My visual representation is an extension of my music so styling has always been important to me. In saying that, I am always open for styling input and help but I was restricted this time round due to Covid-19. The crew was only myself, Jack and my partner Alistar so we had to take on several rolls in order to get the job done.”
Each individual take more precious when shot on 16mm film
“I have shot on 16mm for four of my clips now and I’m not sure I’ll be going back. Not only do I love the quality of film but also the process. Each take is so precious and requires your utmost patience and concentration. Then you have to wait for the film to be developed, the time in-between making it ever so sweet when you are finally able to sit down and start editing.”
We briefly touched upon how daily life and the music industry has been affected by the pandemic “not much has changed for me personally in regards to making music as I am still able to work out of Alistar’s studio, but it’s definitely been disruptive not being able gig and translate the new songs live. Overall I’d say I’m doing okay, with so much happening in the world, for worse and for good I’m learning to take each day at a time day, making sure my mental health is at the forefront, as I’m sure so many others are needing to do.”
Listen to Sugar, bellow.
Behind the scenes imagery kindly provided by the artist. Words by Lilja Hrönn.
