From the vast network of PNW upstarts that low key run the independent art undergrounds in the Northern States; the Portland pop landscape practically rivals the neighboring Seattle scenes in terms of DIY dominance. From these foggy corners of the Northwest, an array of enlightened artists cast light of experiences and expressions from the heart and soul that enamor and enrapture the consciousnesses of the international communities of creatives and pop culture fans alike. Exemplary of this is PDX artist Cat Hoch, who unveils the video world premiere for the Riley Geare-produced track "Say U Love Me" from renowned visual artist Evan James Atwood. Featured off Cat Hoch's upcoming full length album Temptations available later this year, invitations to love are displayed like mystic visions of amour and enchantment like an inspired daydream in the autumn's orange light. An aesthete whose collaborations and contributions include an impressive resume that name checks Eternal Tapestry, Tender Age, Jackson Boone, Daydream Machine to current work with BlackWaterHolyLight and Bryson Cone—Cat Hoch weaves holistic narratives that speak to a collective universal sense of wonder that recalls the most illuminated and sacred thoughts of the unconscious.

"Say U Love Me" starts off with Cat seen surrounded by a botanical array of blooming cherry blossoms that become a colorful motif seen throughout the visual. Jumping out of a tree, the synth arranged she says and he says sentiments follow our heroine along the sidewalks strewn with leaves to floral places and cryptic passages of heart. Atwood's direction utilizes a hazy lens that is seen throughout the entire video where everything from a magical gold hoop to a circular mirror portal device create the feel of being immersed in a storybook lullaby. Gestures and poses with arms and hands (assisted by stylist/hand & arm model Kerry Yamaucci) embrace the desires for sharing a dance with one's beloved as the shining keys and understated rhythms accentuate these elements of desire. All of the components combined creates the feel of something timeless where aspects of late twentieth century art house fare are invoked to illustrate the passions of the present. Cat Hoch's lyrical requests in "Say U Love Me" beckon the audience to take their respective lover by the hand to the clandestine dance floors that exist only in those secretive and privy places of parts unknown (and known only to the shared hearts and spirits involved).

Cat shared the following insightful thoughts on the making of the visual for "Say U Love Me":

Evan James Atwood directed this video over the course of nine months, from spring to fall in his home studio as well as his neighborhood. The haziness of the footage is supposed to question reality—spring in the birth and fall is the death—transformation from unconscious to subconscious- through love, light, and personal experience. Evan's conceptual ideas amazed me, he's an incredible photographer that has these still visions he translates into moving images. From the soft finger to finger touches inside the circles, the up-close facial shots, and his sense of editing—perfectly to sync up with the lyrics, Soon they came up, they're hearts inside of us, we could feel every touch, but it's never enough. Kerry Yamaucci and I were the only ones featured in the video. Kerry initially did my make up and then we were able to get her in some shots as she became in an incredible arm/hand model. He has worked with artists such as Chanti Darling, Jared Mees, Haley Hendrickx, and many other projects. You can view his work below. 

http://www.evanjamesatwood.com/

Catch Cat Hoch playing on September 29 via Portland, Oregon's exquisite Lose Yr Mind Fest with Sugar Candy Mountain and L.A. Witch and more.