Today, Squirrel Flower shares the brand new music video for “I Was Born Swimming” – the title track from her stunning and critically acclaimed debut album. The Massachusetts singer/songwriter shared the following about the new self-produced video...
“The footage from this video is from a year and a half ago. I was experimenting with filming myself; distorting my body and face against glass. I recently realized this footage works perfectly with the title track of I Was Born Swimming; it’s very intimate imagery. I’m distorted but clear at the same time. Super close but with a shield of glass between me and the camera.”
Ella O’Connor Williams, who performs as Squirrel Flower, was born on August 11th 1996, the hottest day of the year, still inside of a translucent caul sac membrane, surrounded by amniotic fluid. Born with a membrane between her and the rest of the world, yet still very much connected to and dependent on a larger life force. It’s this origin story that inspired the name of Squirrel Flower’s debut album.
“I Was Born Swimming” Official Music Video
(click to watch)
Released earlier this year on Polyvinyl, I Was Born Swimming has earned overwhelming praise from the likes of Gorilla vs. Bear, NPR Music, Paste, Rolling Stone (Artist You Need To Know), Stereogum (Artist to Watch), The FADER (Gen F), The Guardian (One to watch), and more. This past May, Squirrel Flower released the single “Take It Or Leave It,” backed with her beautifully cathartic and explosive cover of Caroline Polachek’s “So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings.”
“Both in sound and scope, I Was Born Swimming centers on impermanence and solitude. Squirrel Flower sets time and place in conflict with themselves, both constantly shifting, but not necessarily progressing. Guitar lines sit suspended in air or erupt, churning with an intensity that makes their continuance feel immovable.”–NPR Music
“Listening to I Was Born Swimming feels like stepping into a warm, cathartic bath. The album contains peaceful, almost-ambient songs as well as heavy, hook-laden rockers — and both moods match perfectly with Williams’ honey-dipped vocals.”–Rolling Stone
“moody country tracks that detail tatters of lost relationships and crunchy rock songs that document her growing fortitude.” –Stereogum
“I Was Born Swimming showcases a specific intimacy that belies the elevated profile that such a label move signifies; you can imagine hearing these songs coming from a distant room, and you might feel a little guilty enjoying them — as if you were peering in on someone's private life.”–The FADER
