If you ever had to imagine what sort of video could provide the antithesis to Radiohead’s “Just” from their 1995 album The Bends, it might be Postdata’s “Black Cloud.” Rather than having the protagonist collapse in the street under the weight of some terrible secret, we’re presented with Beatrice, who had shed the oppressions of society to dance wherever she can.
Created by Canadian filmmaker Caraz and choreographer Brittney Canda, the video explores “the concept of an invisible shell that is worn in order to fit within societal norms, and the consequences that come when that shell is broken” – or in other words, everything that keeps us from dancing like no one is watching.
“The music video is dedicated to everyone whom once sought out the courage to be a Beatrice.”
Postdata’s Paul Murphy explains that he began collaborating with Canda shortly after the release of the 2012 album Hello Hum from his other band, JUNO award-winners Wintersleep.
“I reached out to her after seeing a video she made dancing to a song from that record,” says Murphy. “Just this really eerie cool dance that I’m pretty sure came out of some sort of stream of consciousness approach. I wrote her asking if she’d be interested in making a video for us properly sometime.
“She knitted me some hats and we had some coffee. We got together from there tried collaborating on a song for Wintersleep’s Great Detachment…. Got pretty far along, but the label didn’t end up allocating it as a single, so that didn’t end up working out.”
Happily, it landed on Postdata’s Let’s Be Wilderness, which solidly cemented itself in the running for our favourite album of 2018.
“I released this Postdata record not really having a budget either, but Britney and Caraz pushed through and made it happen. I didn’t have a part in the making of the video. I just liked Caraz’ treatment and knew Brittney would deliver something incredible. It totally blew my mind when I first saw it,” says Murphy. “The wardrobe and the routine and the setting. It really elevates the track. So happy with it!”
Tour Dates:
08.31.19 – Halifax, NS @ Halifax Urban Folk Festival