NY-based up-and-coming talent, cool girl island, recently premiered the music video for her latest single “do not disturb” (airplane mode). The impressionistic visuals, shot in France, are inspired by European cinematography, evoking feelings of nostalgia and intimacy. We had a brief chat with the singer-songwriter, where she talked about her experience traveling around the charming French towns and the approach she chose to capture the overall vibe of the song.
cool girl island also opened up about her alter-ego and how she, just like any other human on the planet, has both a good side and a bad side. The emerging artist confirms that she is currently working on an EP and planning to release another music video. Her next single is set to come out in April.
Read below to find out more.
We loved the music video that you just released for “do not disturb” (airplane mode). Tell us more about the shooting experience, the concept, and some of the most interesting moments that happened during filming or behind the scenes?
Thank you!! We were in the middle of nowhere in France, we traveled on so many trains for hundreds of km. I felt like we had quite an authentic French experience and we filmed things quite European style in the sense that we didn’t have any concrete storyboard. We wanted to capture a feeling that’s not forced. We missed our train while touring these little French cities/towns and it was a hectic experience in the most peaceful setting. We played around with a lot of ideas, a lot of which weren’t used and settled with this moody, more visualizer type of music video. I am very happy with it and grateful for the experience.
What is the first album you ever listened to? How did you get it?
The first album I ever bought was Avril Lavigne’s Let Go. I remember watching her music video “Complicated” for the first time in primary school. It was showing on the telly at our school. I thought she was the coolest girl ever, which started my tattoo choker wearing phrase. It’s funny thinking back to that time.
What are the first things you look for or notice when you see an artist play live?
I am such a feeling based person, so definitely the feelings their music evoke in me. I am open to feeling a rage of emotions, but all I ask is to be moved.
Who is your superhero alter-ego and why?
I think I have too many alter-egos, but the first superhero that comes to mind would be Harley Quinn. I have trust in the process like how she has trust in the Joker. I think I am both an angel and devil depending on who you ask and I think they are both true, I act accordingly. I don’t hold back a lot of the time and I don’t think of consequences as much as I should.
Do you have anyone that you consider your mentor? How has their help or advice shaped you?
My mindset is everyone is both a student and a teacher. Honestly, the best lessons in life are learnt from experiences. Experiences are so valuable. I think it’s important to put yourself in uncomfortable and unfamiliar situations from time to time. People can give you all the lessons and advice they want, but sometimes it’s hard to truly understand until you’re put in an environment where that lesson is applicable.
How does your creative process differ now compared to when you started?
I always aim to be over-prepared, so I can have more creative freedom. By that I mean the freedom to maneuver away from original plans. Things don’t always go as imagined, truthfully they rarely do. It’s important not to get too attached to any idea, stubbornness will kill creativity.
What are you currently working on? Tell us more about your new projects.
I am currently working to finish up an EP and planning to release another music video for that. The next single will be out in April, so look out for that!
Watch the official music video for “do not disturb”(airplane mode) below:
Listen to “do not disturb”(airplane mode) here:
