This Friday, we have an audio-visual treat for you from the creative world of Scottish singer-songwriter and blockchain pioneer Emma Miller who has transformed her 2024 EP, Artifacts, into a short film. Directed by Jamie Korn (Grow Up Sad) and filmed in the grandeur of Newcastle’s Civic Centre, this cinematic live performance immerses viewers in the raw beauty of Miller’s songwriting. Every moment is meticulously crafted, yet it retains the unfiltered magic of a live session, offering an awe-inspiring masterclass in intimacy, artistry and innovation.
The one-shot filming technique has had a hold on the music industry ever since The Verve’s iconic video for ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ was released in 1997. However, Miller’s vision breathes new life into this approach by floating effortlessly from one track to the next through the imposing space. Even more impressively, there were no second-takes and certainly no edits. The cinematography enhances this intimacy. Those fluid movements maintains the spell of Miller‘s unwavering performance and the rich colour grading emphasises the depth of feeling she conveys.
Throughout five songs, her voice acts like a gossamer thread connecting each shifting soundscape together. You can’t help but resonate with the quiet intensity of her performance, which is further amplified by the intricate piano, soothing acoustic guitar and warm production. While it’s difficult to pick out a favourite moment, it’s perhaps ‘Downstairs’ that just takes the lead. Taking a symbolic route down some steps into a mirrored backroom where a laidback guitarist awaits, Miller takes a hand-held microphone and pours her soul out. The refrain “I don’t want to go downstairs” takes on an even deeper meaning with each repetition with such effective that by the end you’re practically holding your breath from the weight of emotion.
If this video had as much of a profound impact as we expect it might have had, then you can purchase the Live Session EP from Emma Miller’s website. For those of you lucky enough to be in Edinburgh this month, you can also capture the magic of these songs in person at Miller’s show at St Cuthbert’s Church on February 20th.
You can listen to ‘Downstairs’ in our Shades of Pop playlist.
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