Chloe Lilac Claps Back at Sexual Objectification in "Here's Your Song"
Has the objectification of the individual become an unavoidable element of exploring romanticism? As we traverse the uncharted territories of online dating and the struggles of finding real connection amid our overly saturated social environments, it's easy to warp both our views of others and ourselves. Yet, once we achieve that moment of clarity, an epic clap back must be had, and Chloe Lilac's? "Here's Your Song."
We have consistently championed Lilac's unwavering dedication to delving into deeply personal subject matters, collaging snippets of memories and experiences, and reminding us all that parts of Lilac's story may not be too far off from our own. "Here's Your Song" is no exception to this trend, marking her first release of 2020 and displaying distinct creative growth as an artist.
READ: Chloe Lilac Is Sick of You Romanticizing Mental Illness [Q&A]
Produced by rising pop producer Martin Wave of Silo: Music / Ultra publishing and co-written by the gifted Prescription songwriter Grace Fulmer, the trio take a simple sentiment and transform it into an epic reclamation of power.
The smash of a single is a slight departure from Lilac's former dreamy, bedroom pop sound, as we see a grungier, more punk-pop leaning side to Lilac; and we dig it, sparkly bra and all. The track begins with the focal instrumental, a riffing electric guitar, guiding us gently through our story. Lilac kicks off with the blunt opening line, "I was 15 and I needed a friend / You had just got out of rehab," setting up our narrative and relaying the vulnerability she felt at the time. Wasting no time, she addresses her former toxic lover stating, "If you're listening to this / You're sorry don't mean shit."
We are then catapulted into an epic earworm of a chorus, the type of chorus you roll your car windows down for, blasting it at full volume while bustling down the 405 freeway late at night, tears of power streaming down your face (fine, yes, I've already done this and I highly recommend it). Wave's production is smooth and versatile, as he subtly interweaves ear-perking sonics and effects throughout the track, inducing the perfect blend of quirk and cool. As we move through the rest of song, we hear elements of No Doubt, The Cranberries, and even Radiohead interlaced throughout, creating a mesmerizing concoction of sound fit for this new decade of Chloe Lilac.
Paired with a jarring visual companion, Lilac describes the video as a "passion project," symbolically representing her own experience with sexual objection. In her own words,
“This video was a passion project for everyone on my team and was the most I’ve been involved in writing the treatment and creating the video. We used a sex doll to symbolize only being viewed for my sexuality rather than my character as a woman. In the beginning of the video it's just me, symbolizing how alone and uncomfortable I felt, and by the end I'm with all my friends who supported and uplifted me."
Watch the "Here's Your Song Video" below:
