Earlier this year, Eliza Gilkyson released her stunning new album “2020”. In his review of the album (read it here), Mike Davies concluded:
“Fuelled by resonant songs that are both about and for the world today, this is an album of the year in more than just its title.”
Eliza has now revealed an accompanying animated video for album opener “Promises to Keep” which premieres today on Folk Radio UK. The animated video was made by folk songwriter Antje Duvecot, who says that the ideas for the visuals were drawn from the song’s lyrics and inspired by the tumultuous year we have been living through.
Gilkyson says: “‘Promises to Keep’ was written as an affirmation of my commitment to get involved in the struggle for human decency at a critical time in history, utilizing the imagery of fire to describe our drought-ridden and dangerously polarized world, to inspire like-minded souls into action, to fire ourselves up to form strong bonds and community so that we can resist complacency and demagoguery and rise above the worst aspects of human nature. Although we bought ourselves some time with this latest election, much will be required of us in the immediate future to affect real systemic change.”
Duvecot says, “The images give a nod to social isolation, anxiety about Covid and loved ones, the giant political challenges of this year, the natural disasters like the fires out West and global warming, the battle for social justice. The video seeks to mirror the song as it turn the concept of “fire” from a symbol for chaos and a world spun out-of-control to the “fire of the heart” that represents passion, love and bravery in the face of immense challenge. The main character draws strength from music, nature, and her community to rise up in the fight against the many destructive forces.”
A renowned folk songwriter, Duvcot discovered her passion for stop motion in 2019/2020. When the pandemic shut down her usual livelihood as a touring singer-songwriter, she threw herself into learning to make music videos and was approached by Eliza based on some of those releases, including videos for Toad The Wet Sprocket, Martyn Joseph, Eliot Bronson with Lori McKenna, and Dar Williams. The set and the characters of “Promises To Keep” were built out of various materials like paper, cardboard, and clay and filmed on an iPhone with a stop motion app. The post-production was done in Final Cut Pro.
“2020” is out now on Red House/Compass Records
Photo Credit: Rodney Bursiel