'Morningstar' / Vexa Violet [Music Video]
“Industrious little elves” Vexa Violet release their goth-soaked single Morningstar via Holiday Maker Records.
Riding between alt-pop, moody electronica and psychedelia, 5-piece band Vexa Violet have released their latest single “Morningstar”. Releasing today via Holiday Maker Records, the track is an emotionally charged comment on the need for authenticity, and a bid to the band’s genre-bending creativity which you can witness for yourselves at their single launch May 19th at Colour Upstairs.
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Alongside “Morningstar” is a music video directed by Liam Harrington which features contemporary dancer Alec Katsourakis on a beach. Honing in on the motif of a photograph and it’s inability to ever pertain to total clarity expressed in the lyrics, the video shows Alec always obfuscated - whether that be by a veil, editing choices or a mask.
The mask itself was created by vocalist and songwriter Ryan Rickard, which he made from ceramic, broke and then reconstructed. “I think the practice of breaking/reforming is incredibly lovely and cathartic and central to being alive”.
We got to speak to Ryan more about Vexa Violet, “Morningstar” and their upcoming show.
I love the music video and how it really focusses on the ideas of disconnection vs connection in the o.g. song as well as the idea of façades through the mask, veil and post-production editing choices.
Can you tell me more about why you chose to explore the theme of being masked?
When we wear a mask we both hide ourselves and become something else. This is both liberating and confining. I think we all wear many masks of our own making everyday. The video was directed by Liam Harrington and we wanted to represent that inner/outer dynamic through the visuals too. We managed to do this by layering two shots on top of each other. This creates the ability to watching someones inner experience while also seeing their outer. The inner being a dry, rocky landscape and the outer being a more lush, watery one. The contrast feels powerful to me; I’m not sure why.
While most of your band knew each other up in QLD, this iteration formed when you moved down to Naarm, sort of relating back to that idea of reformation. How do you think your move to Naarm has influenced these ideas you explore in Morningstar? How about in relation to your band?
My old guitar teacher used to say “we’re all milkshakes, you just have to decide what flavours you wanna be”. Moving to Naarm has opened our eyes to so much culture and music that has, and continues to, influence what we’re playing and what we want to make in future. It’s also such a massive expanse so it can sometimes feel like you’re lost in it all as well. There’s always something to write about though, so I never go hungry.
Captured by Matt Geronimi (@mattgeronimi)
So many genres in one track it’s hard to pinpoint - with such a diverse platter of inspo and styles, where do you envision your tracks being played? What type of spaces do you hope Morningstar occupies?
I hope Morningstar can find a home in lots of places. From bumping in clubs or a nice background while you’re cooking in the kitchen. We as a band love playing clubs and pubs and I pray to the ghost of Prince every night to let us play festivals like Inner Varnika and Hopkins.
Your single launch show is May 19th at Colour. What can we expect from the show, how does your live act differ from your recorded tracks? :~)
Yes! The 19th of may! At Colour! I want the show to be kinda freaky and moody so I plan to decorate with some nice fabrics and flowers and burn lots of incense and have very low lights. The live show is a lot funkier because we have a beret wearing percussionist who has magical boots (come see for yourself).
What’s next for Vex? Can we expect an EP soon?
Vex has an E.P in the works so keep your ears peeled. We’re always working on new tunes like the industrious little elves we are, so plenty on the way!
Header image still from video by Liam Harrington (@____jap__________)
Interview by Margarita Bassova (@rxtabass)
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