When Gabrielle Papillon released “Last Deep Breath” as part of her 2019 album Shout, she likely wasn’t intending for it to be interpreted so literally. Two years later, a significant world event, and a video including an anxiety-ridden woman struggling to leave the house, and this call to arms hits a bit differently.
Papillon is, however, addressing a much broader carpe diem; “Last Deep Breath” is a recognition is that every day is a battle of sorts that you just have to toss yourself into. Never mind that we’re all worried about breathing in public spaces at the moment, there are a plethora of battles in all shapes and sizes standing between you and your happiness.
The video, directed by Stephanie Joline, “Last Deep Breath” emphasizes the importance of taking the plunge. Half the battle is just showing up and giving it your best, whether it’s someone actually taking the steps to leave their house (Christine DiGiosia), the couple moving forward in a relationship (Felicia Casey & Jessica Churchill), or the dancer going all out on their art form and getting lost in the moment (Zomi Tombing).
“This is a different kind of battle song and we are readying for a different kind of battle. We are putting on our armour. Your armour is that outfit that makes you feel powerful, that makes you feel shiny, that makes you feel like yourself. It’s YOUR outfit. Only you know what makes you feel strong,” says Papillon. “Battle is saying no. And setting boundaries. Battle is coming out. Battle is a declaration of who you are and how you want to live. Battle is anything that requires you to be brave, in order to do something scary, in order to survive. It’s not always obvious to others, but it is to you. It’s your battle and this song is for those kinds of battles. The future you is calling.”
Speaking of getting out, Papillon will be headed to Europe for a series of tour dates in support of Ben Caplan later this fall.
Tour Dates:
10.27.21 – St-Niklass, Belgium @ DeCasino
10.29.21 – Ramsgate, UK @ Ramsgate Music Hall
10.30.21 – Brighton, UK @ The Brunswick
11.01.21 – Cambridge, UK @ Cambridge Junction
11.02.21 – Nottingham, UK @ The Bodega Social
11.03.21 – Manchester, UK @ Night & Day Cafe
11.04.21 – Birmingham, UK @ Kitchen Garden Cafe
11.05.21 – Bethesda, UK @ Neuadd Ogwen
11.06.21 – Bristol, UK @ The Louisiana
11.07.21 – London, UK @ Oslo
11.09.21 – Sheffield, UK @ Crookes Social Club
11.10.21 – Newcastle upon Tyne, UK @ The Cluny
11.11.21 – Pocklington, UK @ Pocklington Arts Centre
11.12.21 – Leeds, UK @ Hyde Park Book Club
11.13.21 – Glasgow, UK @ The Glad Cafe
11.15.21 – Rotterdam, Netherlands @ Rotown
11.16.21 – Middelburg, Netherlands @ Spot
11.17.21 – Tilburg, Netherlands @ Paradox
11.18.21 – Zaandam, Netherlands @ Flux Option