Editorial

Meet the finalists: Lilly Million

Please sum up your music video concept with a single line, and a single picture.

It is a glorious Technicolor wonderland filled with strange, loveable beings inspiring us to dream and wear cool clothes.

Can you tell us where the inspiration for your idea came from?

The inspiration came from the 1972 film ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’, as well as the 2010 release with Johnny Depp. I always wanted to be Alice in some way because I enjoyed the idea of the strange happenings she encountered once she went down the rabbit hole. The weird and wonderful people and creatures, the colours and the fact that she survives every adventure no matter how scary or out of this world. The song ‘Change is Hard’ is exactly about that – the struggles we go through to change or accept change; all the discomfort, the emotions, the madness, the strain and relief. I felt an Alice in Wonderland style video would visually complement or express the message and emotion of the song.

Why the decision to self-direct your own song?

Truth be told I found out about the Jameson INDIE Channel music video grant the night before the competition closed, so I only had a few hours to write and develop an idea. I am currently in the final stages of my new album, so I figured it made sense to submit a concept with my own song because I had already engaged with the music for a few months. And if I eventually got to win the grant it would be double the prize. Also, I like the idea of being able to direct my own video. I know what I want as an musical artist and as a storyteller, and doing both simultaneously gives me an opportunity to excel at both passions at the same time. Sure it’s pressure, but I think it fuels the desired outcome.

Jameson’s family motto is ’Sine Metu’ and it means ‘Without Fear’. How would you define “fearless authenticity” as an artist?

Simply put – don’t go with the flow. I know there is so much pressure in the creative industry to do what has been done, what has already worked, what people already like. However I believe you sell yourself and everyone else short of what makes you unique. It may sound cheesy but it’s true. You rob people of a new experience because of fear. So don’t just go with the flow. Do what is true to your art, whatever that make look like. Express, be daring, be safe, be creative, be simple, be true. But most of all, be excellent.

What are your top 3 music videos of all time?

Kanye West – Diamonds