Growing up in the suburbs leaves a lot to the imagination. For British artist Jay Lewn, "Zone 9," a song about his childhood hometown, catches the British R&B singer eagerly anticipating his return over a bright, drum-programmed beat. The song feels like the welcome trip back home after a long departure. But the Sam Mulvey-directed video provides a stark contrast with the soft, black and white palette featuring interpretive dancing from a masked figure. The imagery feeds into the running around and playing make believe as a kid in a boring town.
In an email, Jay Lewn explained how the video and song play into each other despite their differences: "Growing up on the cusp of London is strange split between city and country but really helped me to shape a unique understanding of my surroundings. The director understood the vision and was able to help me create some magic in sleepy suburbia."
"Zone 9" is taken from Lewn's FORM 01 project, released last month. He will also be performing in L.A. at a secret location on February 27.
Photo: Lou Jasmine