Emily Blue‘s latest dual-single “17 / Heartland” is a bold, unexpected mix of hair metal and contemporary pop (think Whitesnake & Heart meet Lana del Rey). The Chicago artist known for genre-bending, patriarchy-smashing, and overall audacious musical choices paints a romantically surreal portrait of her midwestern roots, combining producer Max Perenchio’s virtuosic guitar with icy electronica (Bon Iver-style vocoder choirs, 80s synths, and lush string pads).
Watch the video for “17” below and remember a simpler time when hard rock solos and dancing in fields were all the rage:
The classic rock tone of “17” is a slight departure from the polished pop sound of the *69 album, but the song and video are still 100% Emily Blue. The song packs a key change, guitar solo, and passionate vocal into less than three minutes. The chorus is catchy and definitively pop, yet maintains the nostalgia of classic rock in group vocal stacks and belty ad-libs.
Dreamy visuals bring the project to life, filmed in multiple rural locations around Chicago by filmmakers Morgan Paije and Matt Bordman. “17 / Heartland” is a reminder that Emily Blue’s unapologetic, exploratory nature is her superpower. Look out for new tour dates, visuals, and even more in Fall of 2019.
Catch Emily Blue live tonight at Lincoln Hall (2424 N. Lincoln Ave.) with Michigander and The Edwards. RSVP and grab your tickets via Facebook.
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