Australian singer-songwriter Jess Macc's newest single, 'Troubled Waters', is an ode to those secretly holding onto a crush or are in the midst of discovering a possible soulmate yet handcuffed by feelings of vulnerability.
The follow-up to her rollicking country-tinged Valentine's Day release 'Chemistry', 'Troubled Waters' is a more retrospective piece, its folk-pop tones slowly sweeping you up in its flow.Jess' heartfelt vocals voice the hope and exuberance that arrives with newfound love balanced by the trepidation and anxiety that heartbreak is only a knife's edge away.
The lyrics echo the inner dialogue of a heart caught in free-fall: 'Will it land us in troubled waters?' It's a question rooted in fear and longing, and one that lingers long after the song ends.
"This song came from that space between knowing and not knowing," Macc says. "When feelings are mutual but unspoken, and you're bracing for either bliss or disaster. It's that scary, beautiful limbo where everything feels like it could tip either way."
The song's music video is somewhat of a family affair. "I saw a video of my cousin Ella Coady dancing a few months ago and cried watching her.
"Her emotion and movement are just so beautiful so I asked her if she would dance in a music video for 'Troubled Water'. She said she knew a guy to partner with, Lachie Harkness, and a choreographer, Bek Dunn.
"I decided to shoot and cut this video myself. Team brief: 'Just tell the story!' These guys are so unbelievable talented and just such great people. Thank you team for all your hard work on this. I am so in awe of how you told this story. 🙏🏼."
For a bit of fun, Jess has tipped out the contents of her handbag sharing what she carries around with her on a daily basis with us. Bless.
