Remember Maddie Ziegler from the music video of Sia's smash hit, Chandelier? Well, the young performer is back and dancing to the unique singer-songwriter's latest music video; entitled 'Elastic Heart'. You can check out our review of the track itself, right here. The track featured on not only 1000 Forms of Fear but also on The Hunger Games: Catching Fire soundtrack, the latter of which originally featured The Weeknd singing the second verse. On this second (album version) however, only Diplo features. But whilst Ziegler returns dramatically to the centre stage for the new music video, she is accompanied by actor Shia LaBeouf, who performs a intriguing routine with Ziegler.
The two take part in a tussle (or type of wrestle) and appear to be struggling with each other throughout the video, ending with Ziegler's character trying to free LaBeouf's but the latter can't seem to fully escape his cagey prison. There are many metaphors this could stand for and no doubt multiple interpretations but it is certainly an interesting spectacle to watch - and a though-provoking one at that.
Sia's videos always do contain a certain element of creativity and 'Elastic Heart' is no exception, with a unique visual take that reflects the sentiment of the song, and compelling performances by LaBeouf and Ziegler, 'Elastic Heart' is definitely one to watch. Will it become the next Chandelier and see Sia rise again to the most watched ranks of video content?
Get in on the action and watch below, and tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Spider-Man. The Avengers. Batman. X-Men. These superheroes have taken to the big screen in recent years and proven to be incredibly successful amongst audiences and critics alike. It’s no secret that there’s big money to be made in the sub-genre that has been dominating contemporary cinema, and many studios are hoping to emulate the success of the big names and draw in the masses with their version of the ‘superhero movie.’ But what is it about these types of films that make them so popular? Why are audiences so inclined to go and see films that effectively feature people dressed up in unusual costumes, swinging around town and battling villains?
This is the beginning paragraph for a piece I wrote for newspaper, Concrete, and if you're intrigued to read more, you can check out the rest of the article right here.
Full link: http://www.concrete-online.co.uk/rise-superhero/
Soaring in as a new release is Demi Lovato's song 'Nightingale' (watch the music video below). The track comes straight from Lovato's fourth studio album, entitled simply Demi, and was written by Lovato alongside Anne Preven, Matt Radosevich and Felicia Barton - and boy does it pack a real emotional punch. 'Nightingale' is no doubt a particularly personal song for the singer, who has had numerous personal struggles that the song can be seen to highlight. In the track, Lovato talks about needing "a light to take me home/ I kinda need a hero/ Is it you?" as she sings the ballad-esque track with full volume, reaching impressive notes for such an underrated singer. I heard Lovato's 'Nightingale' track recently, and upon seeing the video it is particularly clear what the song is about and what type of message it is projecting to the singer's fans, many who are young and no doubt deal with their own struggles in life.
I admit, I was surprised to see Lovato come out with such a powerful song that does a great job of reflecting her as a music artist, and it's intriguing to see what she will follow this up with - but one thing's for sure - all eyes are on her at the moment. 'Nightingale' is an emotional song and has that deep level of connection that will make it appealing to multiple audiences, but also a powerful chorus fuelled by Lovato's vocals that make sure the track is thoroughly memorable; you almost can't help sing along. The music video matches the track's sentiment perfectly and it's a very confident addition to the singer's discography.
Marina Diamandis (Marina and the Diamonds) has released the music video for her third track 'Immortal', which is taken from her third upcoming studio album. The album, entitled FROOT, is set to be released on the April 6 next year (In the US and UK). 'Immortal' is the third track from the album to be released, with it's predecessors 'Happy' and title track 'Froot' garnering much attention online. 'Immortal' has the familiar solitary, slow-paced sound as 'Happy', and is the ending track on the album, which sounds more than fitting for the nature of the song - which talks about wanting to be immortal.
But 'Immortal' has that kind of brashness to it with it's lyrics, as Diamandis sings rather openly "everybody dies, everybody dies/ If I could buy forever at a price/ I would buy it twice, twice". Despite its slow pace, and the fact that the song takes a rather long time to build (compared to your average song), it does possess a catchy chorus even it is surrounded by a certain sense of solemness but also enlightenment. This is of course aided by Diamandis' vocals which sound rather angelic in tone and soar above the slow rhythmic beat. So far, the album is shaping up to be a rather emotional affair of mixed feelings (from the burst of sexuality in 'Froot' to the self-discovery and emotional journey in 'Happy' to this new life-reflecting 'Immortal').
Have a listen to (and watch) 'Immortal' below - what's your favourite track so far?
Another new Lana Del Rey track? Oh yes, also from the upcoming biopic Big Eyes, is the airy 'I Can Fly'. The song sees Del Rey's ethereal vocals be put to their limits in this dreamy ballad. It's all very reminiscent of the 'Born To Die' era, with sweeping vocals and core strings and piano instrumentals. So this is definitely one you want to check out if you were a fan of that particular Del Rey style.
Once again, 'I Can Fly' has key lyrics which reflect the nature of the film; "I had bright wishes in the summer, I was bathing in sunlight/ I was painting in the garden like a ghost in Mid-July/ Running fast from something with my eyes wide like/ Saucers spinning in the sun". Whilst the lyrics of the songs are filled with a certain poignant sadness, the acoustics are particularly heavenly, and reminds an eager listener just how well Del Rey can perform these kinds of ballads. Listen to the sickly sweet 'I Can Fly', below:
