Creative Conversations 004: An Exclusive First Look At Isadore's 'Raven'

Interview by Luke Byatt

We’ve been following Melbourne’s Isadoré since the release of ‘Lose Control’ in 2017. The pop producer, writer and vocalist’s subsequent releases throughout the following years were an exhibition of growth and evolution for the project. With each development, Isadoré employs a layer mystic conductivity, engrossing the listener into a world of spellbinding alt-pop. We caught up with Isadore to have a chat about her forthcoming single ‘Raven’, have an exclusive first look into the accompanying music video, amongst more!

Futuremag Music: Hey Isadore, how're you doing?

Isadore: Well, what incredible times we live in right now. I had to cancel my gig on Thursday because it was confirmed I made contact with someone who tested positive with COVID19. It has been a wild ride the last couple of days and I'm in self-isolation now with some friends who are looking after me in Melbourne. I can't help but be totally absorbed in the frenzy of this virus. It kind of ties in with this song so well it is terrifying. People are lost and hostile acting out of fear. Being so quick to judge and pointing a finger. Having said that I have encountered so much light from people who are choosing acts of love and kindness. I'm about to deconstruct 'Raven', inspired by stories from the beginning of time but I feel it will reflect upon these times all to well. 

Futuremag Music: Congratulations on the release of 'Raven', the associated music video! You're doing it all, could you talk us through the broad strokes of how 'Raven' and the surrounding came together?

Isadore: ‘Raven’ was inspired by a poem called “Travelling Raven” by Skaay a myth-teller of the Haida village of Ttnauu in BC, Canada.  Haida mythology has stood time and I was fascinated to have stumbled upon these transcriptions. I was really drawn to the character of the Raven. In mythology around the world the Raven represents a powerful spiritual being. A mischievous, sneaky creature who shapeshifts, steals and causes chaos. In ‘Travelling Raven’ his actions however result in the creation of the world delivering trees, land and water.  I found these contradictory characteristics humouring and recognised them in our behaviours. I want to believe most people have good intentions but go about it acting out of fear, leaving a trail of damage behind us. It made me think about my choices and what is fuelling the fire to keep going in life. Choosing kindness over hate, choosing love over fear is what will get us through alive. Fear is blinding, sending us down a dark path of ignorance. If we can act out love we are open to learn, accept and move forward. Visually I knew this song needed to expose the contrasting environments of love and fear. The day and night idea felt like the right world for these feelings. Social constructs and urban dreams crumble at our feet, we are together but alone. I was eager to choreograph this with my dear friend Tegan Nash-Ollett. Together with the help of another good friend Abhishek Samariya we pulled together this incredible team to pull off this impossible vision.

Isadoré by Abhishek Samariya

Isadoré by She Is Aphrodite

Futuremag Music: You've noted novelist, Clarissa Pinkola Estés as an influence for 'Raven' and your forthcoming EP. Could you please talk us through this connection?

Isadore: Yes that is right. The reason I became inspired by ancient oral storytelling and mythology was because of Estés. Estés is a first generation American who travelled the world collecting stories around campfires. In her book Women Who Run With The Wolves she studys and uncovers the Wild Woman archetype of the feminine psyche. I was at the Banff Centre of Arts and Creativity in Canada participating in a residency writing songs inspired by her book when I suddenly realised I wanted to find more local mythologies and that is how I stumbled across Skaay. 

Futuremag Music: To coincide with the single's release you're releasing a soulful and engrossing music video, directed by Abhishek Samariya. How did you two loop together? What was it like working with a full production crew to achieve your vision for 'Raven'?

Isadore: Well Abhi and I met a long time ago, we were housemates in a dive of a place in Richmond.  When we met we had no idea where our creative journeys would lead us to. Abhi and I have worked together many times now so it felt right to bring him on board. He is very good at transforming my ideas into something possible. It was incredibly invigorating to have all the other collaborators on board too. You could feel this bubbling energy in the room as we navigated our different skill sets into the giant puzzle. I’d love to add credits here to truly give praise to these wonderful folk:

Director - Abhishek Samariya , Choreography/Dancer - Tegan Ollet, Dancers - Aimee Schollum and Pia Lauritz, Cinematographer - Nathan Guy, Video Editor - Geraldine Docherty, Colourist- Jack Thompson, 1st AC - Lachlan Wright, Gaffer - James Thomspon, Hair/Makeup Ben Dniprowskij, Styling/Costumes - Matcho Suba, Space/Location - Lucy Guerin Inc, Choreography/Projections/Art Director - Myself (Isadore)

Futuremag Music: Are there any interesting, insightful, or funny stories from set you're willing to share?

Isadore: We were under the pump because we only had 12 hours to do it all but we all seemed to be on the same page. We got so close but didn’t get everything we wanted. Luckily we were able to get the studio a couple of days later and shoot the extra bits like the mirror scene. As I was setting up the mirrors I shattered a full length mirror into hundreds of pieces. It was horrific but it also forced me to slow down. Picking up the pieces carefully, forcing me to take a minute and quieten the mind. I ended up using some of the bigger pieces anyway and it actually worked a treat and and can’t imagine without! Oh and don’t worry I told the 7 years of bad luck no strangers welcome! 

Futuremag Music: To wrap it up, you were set host a launch event at Melbourne's Loop Bar where you curated a night of music and film. How did you discover each artist and creatives that were going to featured?

Isadore: Well I curated a night of women who have all come into my life and inspired me. Grace Ferguson, Marcella Wright and LOUV are incredible music makers that have their own unique sound I wanted to celebrate. Because of the focus of dance in the Raven music video I also wanted to bring the artform of dance to the foreground. Pia Lauritz was in the Raven clip and makes dance films. I then was introduced to Jaala Henson and thought wow these women are killing it. Dancers, choreographers and filmmakers. I wanted them to have another outlet to get featured. As the event has had to be cancelled much to my disappointment I do hope we can reschedule the gig! I do however like the idea of me playing my show from self-isolation and live streaming it to anyone who wants a concert from their home. If people still want to purchase tickets I will split it with everyone who was counting on making a little bit of money that night.