As an artist whose music focuses heavily on themes of relationships, something we all experience on a day-to-day basis in some form or another, Laroie has already found herself connecting with a fanbase on what can only be described as a more personal, intimate level. Her songs create a feel-good vibe and express strong messages about embracing yourself and connecting with others. Her latest single “Can’t Let Go” is one such track and having just dropped the video, PopWrapped caught up with Laroie to find out about the creative process to and inspiration behind it.

What inspired you to film your music video in one take?

I’ve always liked videos shot in one take. I find it impressive. When building the concept, the director and I thought it would be all the more captivating if the video took place in a sequence shot, creating a powerful connection with the subject. 

Is there a particular story to or behind the video?

I think there’s a lot of space for interpretation. I personally like to think of it as not just a woman dancing in an unknown location but what’s going on inside her mind and her soul at that moment. The director, Maïlis, describes it like this; I wanted to portray the process of a woman freeing herself through movement. By witnessing the raw balance of her vulnerability and strength, we peer at the core of who she is. Simply, purely.

I picked up a similarity of dance movements between you and Lorde. Are your dance moves inspired by the singer’s stage presence?

No not at all! I wasn’t looking for specific inspirations, but to really connect with how the music was moving me. This song is very personal and it was easy for me to enter a bubble where I could let myself feel free. 

Was your dancing choreographed or all freestyle?

The dancing is 90% freestyled. I had help from a choreographer who was there to give me some directions and channel my energy, but it was all coming from my heart and soul and how I connect to the song. 

In the entirety of the video, the lighting was a somber blueish green hue. What caused you to choose those tones in color for the aesthetic of the visuals?

We wanted to create a world around the dancing and the video itself. Vincent Gonneville, the director of photography, suggested a direction we all agreed with! That gloomy vibe makes the audience feel like they’re entering another dimension/universe. We’re inside my head and we have access to a strange, unique and powerful place. It also creates a contrast with the song that has a more uplifting vibe 😉

Does the outfit and wet-haired look have any meaning in the music video?

Well, when we were building the concept and the general vibe of the music video, water and the movement of it was kind of at the center of our brainstorm. Something that would flow. We ended up doing a look where it almost seems like I’m a creature from the sea in my own personal world. I don’t know if that makes sense – ha ha! But it’s how I wanted to represent myself in the video. 

How did you stumble upon the location for your video?

We were actually considering doing the video in a bar and we were focusing our research around that but then the idea of doing it in a bigger and empty space became interesting. We were so lucky to find this spot and it fits perfectly with the general direction of the video. A little bit inspired by the movie Climax.

Is there a particular message you want your fans to take away from the music video when they watch it?

To me, the video really portrays the inner battle one can have within themselves and the power of giving your emotions the place they need. It’s okay to feel conflicted. It’s okay to be confused and frustrated or sad and it’s important to make space for those feelings. I want my fans to know that. I want them to connect with themselves on a deeper level. 

Can you elaborate a little on the ending? What does the glow from within yourself signify?

I’m imploding. I’m releasing all of what’s keeping me from moving forward and letting go of what’s holding me back. 

Finally then, for fans and those new to your music wanting to find out more about you, where should they go?

They can visit my website and find me on pretty much all their favorite platforms – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.