Irish singer-songwriter amy michelle's music bridges the gap between childhood innocence and the often harsh realities of adulthood with an admirable sense of realness. The fact the 22-year-old titled her debut EP is that all there is? sets the scene for an artist who has come of age and found things lacking. The EP is out today, March 25, and The FADER is sharing a video for "welcome to the sidelines," an existential anthem that wraps its fears and insecurities in a whirlwind of vocal effects and big, buttery melodies.
"I have trouble caring about a lot of things right now," she sings while surrounded by teddy bears. To be care free as a child is to be happy and safe, to be unable to care about anything as an adult, however, is a different story and the "welcome to the sidelines" video taps into this using horror movie tropes and nostalgic references from amy's own life.
"The concept of the video plays with themes of childhood, growing up, and mourning the innocence and loss of love for yourself in the process," she explains. "The song deals with the feeling of rejection and putting your defenses up by becoming hostile towards the people who care about you. It’s a journey of longing to be loved, but understanding you must find that love within yourself first. I found inspiration in films that have a focus on themes of childhood such as The Shining and Hereditary. Making the video was a really fun experience, it helped me quite literally give my insecurities a seat at the table and address face to face."
is that all there is? is out now. Take a listen below.