LCM #SongOfTheDay: We have something very special for you today. The exclusive first play of Cerian's new video for the excellent and beautiful 'Wasteland'.  

Wasteland is the much anticipated debut single by London-based singer songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Cerian. It is the first single to be released from Cerian’s upcoming EP Caught in the Dark - a series of songs written in the middle of the night. This debut single is the first of five songs to be released one at a time, which will result in the full EP in February 2019. The single has already garnered glowing reviews, and Cerian now releases the official video to accompany the song. 

A lifelong insomniac, Cerian is almost completely nocturnal, and these profoundly personal songs have grown out of her struggle with both the literal and internal darkness felt in the isolation of the early hours of the morning, when she would stay awake writing until dawn. Written just as she was trying to gain the confidence to share her own music with the world for the first time, Wasteland explores those feelings of loneliness and paralysing fear. Cerian explains: “In the dead of the night, terrifying existentialism takes over: seemingly frozen in time, you feel unable to traverse the space between where you are and where you want to be. The precipice of the unknown future is calling, but you don’t know if you’re going to fly or fall, if you can find the courage to jump.” 

It felt apt, therefore, to film the video for Wasteland at night. Shot and directed by film-maker Ioan Holland of Cumulo Media, filming was meticulously planned for the video to be shot in one-take with a series of timed smoke grenades. The smoke provides a constant wash of changing colours which gradually get revealed throughout the video. Starting in black and white, lines encroach on the screen to reveal the colour underneath, and these lines increase in number and intensity throughout the song until eventually at the emotional climax of the song, full colour is revealed. The lines also reveal a kaleidoscope effect underneath which reduces throughout the song, reflecting the sense of distortion evolving to clarity. Cerian explains, “We wanted the video to be a visual representation of the themes of the song - the journey from feeling lost and trapped in darkness and the search for freedom in light and colour. I’m joined in the video by Robert Taira Wilson, who also features on the song, and the evolution of the way we interact in the video charts human relationships and the notion that ultimately our journey through life is one we all have to take alone.” Shot during one night, the calm and entrancing smoke effect belies the frantic behind the scenes efforts it took to create this ethereal backdrop, which involved over 50 smoke grenades, several house fans and a dedicated crew standing just out of shot wafting the smoke with planks of wood and cardboard!

 Classically trained in harp, piano, and guitar, Cerian brings her varied skills together in atmospheric production, with Wasteland featuring entrancing soundscapes of dark ethereal indie folk pop which may be likened to London Grammar and Active Child. Recorded with collaborator Robert Taira Wilson, the single features Wilson’s intricate guitar playing and a soulful duet of Wilson and Cerian’s perfectly complemented voices dramatically building through rich layers of acoustic guitar and piano on top of epic orchestral drums, interwoven with dreamy eight-part choral backing. Twinkling harp is juxtaposed with its electronic manipulation to allow the instrument to be showcased in a uniquely dark pop setting.

Having just toured Europe, and with a series of shows planned in the UK and a tour of America this year, Cerian is set to continue seducing listeners with her heartfelt, honest and spellbinding music.

 DOWNLOAD / STREAM Wasteland here: http://smarturl.it/WastelandSingle

cerianmusic.com

"In its entirety 'Wasteland' is a breathtaking, emotive, punch to the gut. Cerian has that rare type of compelling vocal that effortlessly captures its listener's attention with its extraordinary range and purity. 'Wasteland' is a flawlessly executed track." (Karla Harris (When the Horn Blows))

“Absolutely wonderful.” (BBC Introducing)

"Voice of an angel." (Music Injection)

"Cerian has a long, long solo pop career ahead of her." (Comeherefloyd)