Folk rock singer and songwriter Brandi Carlile has shared the official music video to her single “Party of One.” The video, which premiered today, features actress Elisabeth Moss, who also serves as creative director and producer of the video. It is impressive to note that the crew behind the video is mostly female including Bérénice Eveno (Director), Nicole Disson (Co-star), Diane Pellegrino (Producer), Garen Barsegian (Executive Producer), Kate Siegel (Executive Producer), Tara Bassim (Line Producer) and Cristina Dunlap (Cinematographer). Watch the video below.
“Party of One” is, at the core, a love story between two women and it hits the theme hard as Carlile sings; “I loved you the first time I saw you / and you know I love you still.” Though the video for the song is just as tragic as any love story because there is pain and loss woven throughout. As you watch Moss close a chapter in her life, throwing white sheets over furniture, packing suitcases and breaking down with emotions. Memories of love slips through as the colors change and the flashback begins. It is a nice touch, as the past is filled with bright colors and the present dark and cold. Carlile’s voice pains and grows even more heartbreaking as the song progresses and for those hardcore fans know, she does this vocal progression well. The video for “Party of One” is visually stunning and moves like a movie and emotions stir all thanks to Moss’s acting. There is pain in her eyes and as she breaks down emotionally as the video goes on, we feel that pain.
On the reason why the singer chose Moss to star in the video was a clear one according to Carlile who wrote; “When I thought about making a video for ‘Party of One’ I couldn’t stop picturing Elisabeth’s face. I believe she is the absolute best actor out there right now, no one has ever impacted me so much without saying a word. I never even asked anyone else. I sent Elisabeth a letter and she called back and suggested creating a love story about two women and using a female crew. A brilliant group of women are responsible for every part of this incredibly human love story and I’m more proud of it than anything visual I’ve ever done.”
“The main reason I wanted to be involved in this music video was because of this incredible song.” Moss states in the press release, “I had accosted Brandi when we were both on ‘Ellen’ because I had been obsessively listening to her cover of Bryan Adams ‘Heaven’ to help me prepare for a cover I had to do of it for the movie, Her Smell. When she sent me this song and shortly afterwards had asked me to be involved in the creation of the video, I said yes immediately because I fell so head over heels in love with the track. It’s one of those most beautiful musical pieces I’ve ever heard, right down to the string arrangement at the end.”
2018 has been a monumental year for Carlile. According to the press release, the singer is the most nominated female artist and the third-most nominated artist overall at the 61st GRAMMY Awards. Carlile earned six nominations at the upcoming awards including album of the year with By The Way, I Forgive You, record of the year and song of the year with “The Joke,” best Americana album, best American Roots song and best American Roots performance.
Photo credit by Boston Lynn Schulz
