PREMIERE | OTNES, "BLU3"
Introducing the new electro aesthetic expressions of inclusivity, affinity and emotion courtesy of OTNES; press photo courtesy of Luke Harvey.
Life itself is composed of many leaps of faith. For every decision we make, big or small, we stand at the precipice edge of the springboard hoping for the best as we swan dive or belly flop into the deep blue of the unknown. Immersed into the depths of new bodies of water, we discover new experiences, new life, new realizations, reflections that reveal new things about ourselves and others as we tread new waters. Prismatic beams of light from the terrain of our familiar breaks in abstracts that highlights the deep end ground of the oceanic floor, providing a solar lamp to guide the way until the subterranean corridors of underwater tributaries reach the points beyond the auspices of the sun’s shining glare. It is here where you find the self, where meaning and the dawn of epiphanies emerge within the submerged and uncharted kingdoms that are not found on any map.
Embarking on this voyage is Nashville by way of Chicago pop art upstarts OTNES who make their debut with the deep rich hues of “BLU3”. Formerly known as Emily Blue, they embrace the intersections of identity and queerness that welcomes all beyond the binary pale of convention. Compositions that bridge exhibitions of electronic inflected artifices with the constructs of a full band assembly — OTNES embodies the acts and arts of catharsis beyond bedroom square pushing and into the expansive arenas of a larger than life presence. Like the points where land meets the liquidity of lakes, streams, rivers and seas alike; OTNES edifies the disparate juxtapositions where contrasting elements and opposites informs the other in synthesis of symbiotic relationships.
“BLU3” revels in the total abandon of turning to face the strange of limitless, forever changes. OTNES basks in the danger and fear of what might be next, the thrill of embarking upon new chapters with, and without a partner, where everything is possible from the risks of uncertain danger to newfound knowledge and personal growth. The tension is palpable in the production from pulsing synths and effects that evolves into cascades of visceral rhythms that roar like a mythic leviathan echoing its song beyond the seven seas. “BLU3” is a ballad that shatters the static notions of life as a staid concept, a reminder that everyone is in a state of perpetual growth, moving to the beat of their own drum kit or MPC/808 machine. OTNES carries forth the call of the chrysalis, an anthem for breaking out of the cocoon and living your truth (even when it is difficult or maybe a little scary). It is a song of understanding, dedicated to the relentless pursuit of unlimited learning about the self, the discovery of new worlds, new depths, new spirits, new life forms and the renewal of the spirit within.
The vertically scaled visual co-directed by Luke Harvey for Mossflower Pictures showcases “BLU3” like an art house thriller. Mixing montage performance sequences with pensive poolside meditations, the midnight moods and vibes of OTNES are accelerated into an assembly of hyper-sensory scenes that accentuates the immediacy of the song’s dramatic arc. The sink or swim stakes are elevated in saturations of color and light that casts a glow on the artists’ expressions and presence that feels both serious, intense and liberating all at the same time. The editing moves at the rate of song’s growing intensity, where the audience is jolted from witnessing OTNES live, privy patio hang outs to being caught in the chlorinated undertow of bubble jet fueled rip currents. The visual elevates “BLU3” to a destination after party event where the exact location is revealed by way of a scavenger hunt type of relay where if you know, you know.
OTNES provided the following reflections on the inspirations behind the new single and vertically captured visuals:
With “BLU3” I wanted to combine the otherworldly nature of electropop textures with the grit of a live band. In my past project (Emily Blue) I was a big proponent of glitch sound design, and with this song being an homage and official goodbye to that project, I wanted to incorporate what sounds like a digital world breaking down and rebuilding itself into something new. This song is about committing to my inner journey, sorting through my traumas, and finding myself in the music.
The first lyric is I’m ready to dive in, signaling that OTNES is here to explore and grow not only as an artist, but as a person. I hope that others can feel the bravery and empowerment in this song, and realize that no matter how untraditional our paths might be, we will always land back at the self.
For the video, I was inspired by film noir, and spy movies I watched growing up with my family. James Bond comes to mind, with the dramatic lighting and fast zooms. Also wanted to do something new by shooting the entire thing in vertical. As a director it was a fun challenge to make everything look just as dramatic with so much less space in the frame. Mossflower Pictures (Luke Harvey) was an amazing co-director and brought my vision to life so beautifully. Couldn’t have done it without him!
OTNES’ “BLU3” is available now everywhere.