We haven't heard much from Mikky Ekko since his "Stay" duet with Rihanna and his indie pop tune "Kids," but the singer, born John Stephen Suddath, seems poised for a pretty big breakthrough, thanks to a combination of buzz, genuine talent and the sort of expectations a Grammy nomination can set up. He's back with a new folk-pop single, "Smile." The lead single, off his upcoming debut album "Time," has an accompanying summery video that is the perfect summer send-off, sees Ekko and his on-screen girlfriend lying on a field, just passing the day smiling and cuddling and going back home on their roofless car at night time.
Discussing this gleaming soul-pop song "Smile," the Nashville-based electronic-pop/soul songster told SPIN that he was looking to capture "that moment when you're a teenager and you lose somebody for the first time and you don't know what to do about it," while marching forward to a stomp-along beat. In keeping with the onslaught of contradictory feelings that can grip a person in a time of loss, its big, buoyant chorus revolves around what is perhaps one of the most cynical-sounding lines he's ever pegged: "Smile, the worst is yet to come."
"Time will eventually knock on my door," Ekko sings, "and tell me I'm not needed around anymore." Foreboding! Filled with positive lyrics, the "Smile" clip had to go in line with this mood. Director Sarah Chatfield creates a similar feeling of emotional whiplash, tells a juxtaposed story, tossing and turning between idyllic scenes of Ekko snuggling up with a female love interest on a grassy hill and an ominous police scene. The bittersweet clip, both good and foreboding fresh.
Discussing this gleaming soul-pop song "Smile," the Nashville-based electronic-pop/soul songster told SPIN that he was looking to capture "that moment when you're a teenager and you lose somebody for the first time and you don't know what to do about it," while marching forward to a stomp-along beat. In keeping with the onslaught of contradictory feelings that can grip a person in a time of loss, its big, buoyant chorus revolves around what is perhaps one of the most cynical-sounding lines he's ever pegged: "Smile, the worst is yet to come."
"Time will eventually knock on my door," Ekko sings, "and tell me I'm not needed around anymore." Foreboding! Filled with positive lyrics, the "Smile" clip had to go in line with this mood. Director Sarah Chatfield creates a similar feeling of emotional whiplash, tells a juxtaposed story, tossing and turning between idyllic scenes of Ekko snuggling up with a female love interest on a grassy hill and an ominous police scene. The bittersweet clip, both good and foreboding fresh.
As we see Ekko and his special lady friend in reverse chronological order through a pleasant, lazy day, with some ominous shots of the aftermath of a train-related car accident interspersed along the way. There are scenes too where Ekko is locked up in a windowless somber room and belts out the song chorus. He even "attempts" to cry. I guess this symbolizes the powerful love he feels for his girlfriend. How will it end? Will Ekko and his gal make it?! You've got to watch below to find out.
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