The incredibly talented songstress Saint Clair (Emma Topolski) has a brand-new EP titled “in the violet hour” – to be released on the 6th of November.
Saint Clair has been dropping various music videos that are being released in “chapters.” Once all the chapters have been released, you are able to watch them back-to-back, and they will blend together in a short film. Chapter 3 “elegy in c”is out now and can be watched below!:
The project is one of the most interesting concepts that you will ever see. The music videos are truly stunning and capture the raw emotions Saint Clair was feeling whilst she was writing them. We wanted to know more about the EP so got in touch with the singer. Here is what she had to say;
Hey there! Thank you so much for taking time to answer my questions. Let’s start by talking about your upcoming EP “in the violet hour” due to be released in November. It’s certainly an interesting concept! What can you tell us about it?
Pleasure! ‘in the violet hour’ is a visual EP about grief directed by my sister Tam and shot in our family home following the loss of our dad. Each of the 4 songs represents a different stage of the grieving process and we follow our protagonist and she moves from denial to rage through numbness and eventually acceptance and hope.
You’re releasing separate music videos as “chapters” for each track on the EP. Combined, they play as a short film. What has that process been like for you? What made you want to release this collection of songs in that format?
It’s been an incredibly intense process both professionally and personally. My sister and I made the entire film independently so it was quite an ambitious undertaking. The team of creatives we assembled were extraordinary and it was extremely humbling to have them on board to help create something so personal. The intended format is a short film which will be screened in November but it made more sense to release the chapters separately first to give people a chance to come on a journey with us.
You turned to music as a way to get yourself through a difficult time in your life. Music has worked as a form of therapy. What advice would you give to someone who may be experiencing the same struggles?
I would say talk to people, especially those who can relate to what you’re going through. It feels daunting at first and I’ve often heard people describe feeling like a burden for bringing up heavy subjects but helping your friends and family support you is essential. For when you just want to be alone, I would suggest music (whether making it or simply listening to it) and poetry. My favourite writer on this subject is Rilke, especially “The Dark Interval” which connected very deeply with me.
Can you tell us your favourite song on the EP and why?
We created a stripped back version of “goddess: chapter 01” during lockdown and I think that’s become my new favourite. Maybe because it’s fresh and the others I’ve heard to death!
You’ve recently joined Bombay Bicycle Club as their new singer which is exciting news! How did this come about?
It’s been a real joy and privilege to join Bombay! Hopefully we’ll be able to start playing live again in not too long – it’s something I’m really missing.
What is one question you wish someone would ask in an interview, but nobody ever does? By all means, answer whatever question you come up with!
Mmm great question. I think I’d just like some real curveballs once in a while like would you rather every time you walk anywhere you have to have a goat on a lead or every time you walk through a door you have to scream “I AM LORD OF THE GOATS” 7 times…?
Finally, what are you currently working on? Can you tell us of any future plans?
I’m gearing up to release chapter 03 of our film, elegy in c, on October 1st as well as planning a live show to accompany the film screening in November. I’ve also just finished recording the new CHILDCARE album so I’m very excited to share that when it’s ready.
Big thank you to Saint Clair for having a chat with us. We wish her best of luck with the visual EP. It will truly captivate you from the moment you press the play button. It’s something that you don’t want to miss so be sure to follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates.
Are you excited to listen to “in the violet hour” in full? Let us know your thoughts over on our Twitter! – @AboutThe_Noise