“Desire,” the new music video from Emily Brooks, probes beneath the surface of semblance, delving down into the depths of intense longing, wanting something so badly that it consumes and changes you.
Brooks explains, “I wrote the song to cope with my own longing, and I co-produced it with Matt Chiaravalle. Visually I wanted to take the concept even deeper to tell a story of repressed desire. Growing up in the church, I was surrounded by the condemnation of the LGBTQ community. I wanted to challenge those deeply ingrained beliefs by exploring the idea of forbidden love from a female perspective within the church.”
“Desire” presents a question of vast consequence: if the church didn’t denounce homosexuality as a venal sin, how would it affect societal perception?
Because of her refusal to blindly accept her church’s dictum on homosexuality, Brooks was kicked out of her church’s choir, followed by being asked to step down until her beliefs aligned with theirs, belying their assertion that “everyone is welcome.”
After moving from Pennsylvania to Los Angeles with little more than hope and a dream, Brooks developed her unique sound, a blend of pop and retro-flavored rock harking back to the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘90s. Her music reflects the human soul, encouraging listeners to challenge their beliefs, welcome change, and connect with who they are and the world that surrounds.
“Desire” opens on low-slung, echoing tones topped by Brooks’ edgy, evocative vocals. As the rhythm enters, the melody elevates, taking on weighty textures and a deliciously burning energy that swells with smoldering colors. Brooks’ splendid phrasing imbues the lyrics with immense passion.
“And the needle tears thru flesh to sew / A cut too deep for love to grow / There are chemicals inside the ground / They’re eating at the harvest now and I’m about to blow.”
The video, directed by Brooks, depicts her as a nun confronting her powerful emotional and physical desires for love.
Highlighted by Emily Brooks’ haunting voice and moving phrasing, “Desire” reveals big ideas and profound, undeniable feelings.
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