Emilee South urges you to let loose on her latest single, “Control” – roller skates being optional.
The Melbourne musician’s new track is a robust rock cut, touching on themes of burnout and the struggle to let go. In her own words, she says, “Trying to let go and find freedom from self-imposed pressures. But the grip is tight until the end.”
Below, you can watch the accompanying music video for the very first time. Directed by the always excellent Nick Mckk, the clip sees South skating around a warehouse, performing with her band on all wheels. The video also showcases the talents of professional skaters Zülfiye Tufa and Beth Allan, whom South met during Melbourne’s COVID-19 lockdowns.
“Skating became an amazing source of community, friendship and fun during this time, when there were no gigs happening, so having them in this clip to support me, as they have done at the skatepark for the past few years, was very special!” reveals South.
“They’re both incredible skaters (on the Chuffed Skates team) and beautiful drivers of community. I’m very grateful for them lending their incredible skills to the video.”
With its anthemic guitar sound reminiscent of IDLES and Sharon Van Etten, “Control” sets the tone for South’s upcoming debut album, LUXURY, set for release on June 27th.
The album was recorded with Anna Laverty, best known for her work on albums by Camp Cope and Stella Donnelly.
“Control” joins previous singles “Rat Race“, which also featured a roller-skating video showcasing South’s impressive speed around a velodrome, and “Weekend”. All three tracks are set to be included on South’s forthcoming album, which is set to explore themes of privilege, capitalism, feminism, and the power of community.
South first made her mark with her debut EP, Aloha, Au Revoir, in 2014, featuring a duet, “You’re a Fool”, with Marlon Williams. In 2017, she followed up with her second EP, Motel, and released impressive singles including “Old Flame”, “Heartbreaker”, and “Shotgun” along the way.
Last week saw South and her band begin a residency at The Gem Bar in Collingwood – head down every Friday night to catch a gem at The Gem (see full dates here).
Emilee South’s “Control” is out now.
