Provocateur with pictures
Your art’s a dirty word
Violate expectations
Hanging in The Louvre
Canadian darkwave outfit LEATHERS, the alter ego of Shannon Hemmett (ACTORS), unfurls a dreamy, voyeuristic, and seductive single and video called “Fascination.”
“Fascination” is an undeniable dancefloor hit, boasting Hemmett’s angelic vocals gliding over a thunderous bassline and pulsing synth arpeggios. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Little Boots, Human League, and Ladytron, this irresistible track is laced with spoken word segments and an entrancing chorus, all cloaked in an aura of unease. A situation all too familiar for countless women, where beauty can trigger danger – in the current Me Too era, self-empowerment is crucial. Hemmett’s lyrics use satire to expose the voyeur’s predatory façade, reclaiming power and shifting the balance in favor of the prey. “Fascination” is a spellbinding anthem of empowerment that upends the traditional power dynamic, placing the femme at the helm.
“As a musician and visual artist, I’m preoccupied with seductive, and sometimes sinister imagery,” Hemmett muses. ‘Fascination’ looks at the interplay between watching, being watched, and taking control of a penetrating gaze.”
Directed by Wayne Moreheart, the music video for “Fascination” features a simple yet captivating performance by Hewett, exuding a commanding presence reminiscent of a sci-fi heroine. In this straightforward approach, Hewett reigns supreme, leaving us content to surrender to her vision.
Watch below:
Back in 2016, LEATHERS converged at Jacknife Sound, igniting the frenzied rush of their debut album, “Missing Scene.” A dizzying blend of the ethereal wonder of early 4AD-era Cocteau Twins, infused with irresistibly catchy darkwave hooks. Hemmett’s hypnotic presence is captivating in her visually stunning, symbol-laden music videos. Having tantalized fans with a series of stylish singles, Hemmett inked a global album deal with Artoffact Records, a Toronto-based label, in 2020. The Reckless EP, a compilation of these singles, swiftly garnered a devoted cult following, breaking records as the label’s top-selling EP of over two decades. Hemmett’s voice soars above the neon synths and night-time atmospheres, exploring the thin line between reality and fantasy,
Listen to the single below:
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