Washed in an '80s new-wave nostalgia and stabby yet gleaming synthlines that introduces Sarah Stockholm's latest release, 'Everything To Me' basks in shimmering electro-rock rhythms and Sarah's beguiling vocals.
There's a frenetic energy to the beat as well that builds in intensity throughout, as Sarah sings about relenting to one's own fears about connecting with other people, to abandon the pretence of presenting ourselves through a highly filtered lens (of our own making)."'Everything To Me' is about the courage to be vulnerable, and the dance we do with shame," shares Sarah.
"The idea it's written around is our basic human need to form connections, and the sense that deep, honest connections requires a kind of bravery – true intimacy takes courage, to let others in and see all your flaws. We want it but we also seal ourselves off from it.
"There is nothing wrong with feeling alone and craving connection, but often it gets tangled in shame – we still don't have a healthy conversation about loneliness, it tends to remain hidden."
Ahead of the song's release tomorrow (5 October), scenestr is stoked to premiere the 'Everything To Me' music video today. Enjoy.
The writing of 'Everything To Me' also presented Sarah with one of those 'lightbulb moments' that doesn't happen all that often.
"A friend gave me an old keyboard – a micro-Korg XL. It's pretty basic, but mighty," Sarah says. "I started scrolling through the settings and tweaking, stumbling onto this incredible bass-synth sound.
"It was like a lightbulb moment and 'Everything To Me' was born about five minutes later – I could hear all the parts all at once, from drum pattern to the synth lines, and couldn't get it down fast enough.
"It's a great feeling when that happens 'cause it doesn't happen very often."
For the creation of the song's film clip, Sarah quickly found herself outside her own comfort zone but still embraced the process.
"The film clip was a hugely collaborative effort and I was fortunate to work with a very talented team in Isabella Moore, Rhys Tyack and Buddy Malbasias. Everyone was just incredible.
"Before the shoot, Isabella asked if I would be willing try some very basic dance moves even though I'm not a dancer, and arranged for us to meet up.
"I thought we would be having coffee and a chat. It turned out to be a dance lesson with the choreographer. Let's just say I was not dressed for the occasion.
"Luckily Isabella and Buddy were so kind and patient, they got me through and despite my terror and two left feet, it was actually heaps of fun! I'd definitely say yes to dancing in any future film clips."
Sarah will be joined by Ben Ely for a co-headliner show at Can You Keep A Secret (Brisbane) 14 October.
