Photo by Sarah Pardini
Klypi’s latest track, Kiss Me, emerges as an exquisite snapshot filled with tender expressions, blossoming amidst the desolation of self-doubt. It serves as both a beacon of hope and a gentle reprimand to the reticent beloved, articulating through its poignant lyrics a readiness to surrender for a simple touch, a kiss, an opportunity.
Captured by LA-based videographer Vik Grossling, this video piece stirs a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of Kate Bush and Enya’s music videos, the kind once discovered on bootlegged cassettes. The transitions, crafted by Dennis Stein from Introvertmusic, give the impression of a message being transmitted through fragile, old technology. This effect is intensified by Klypi’s skillful montage editing, alongside the deliberate preservation of incidental audio-visual glitches that occurred during production, adding a unique layer of authenticity to the work.
Klypi explores the myriad facets of self-identity through an ever-changing tableau of silhouettes, poses, outfits, and layered images. Drawing inspiration from the unique blend of cult-smut-sci-fi seen in films like Liquid Sky and Brazil, along with the ethereal vibe of those late-night, as-seen-on-TV Pure Moods compilations, this dynamic visual expression celebrates the coexistence of Klypi’s multiple selves in all their glory. The video’s nuanced choreography resonates with the aching void of longing for an absent partner, reaching into the space they should occupy. With a determined expression, Klypi seeks a direct confrontation with the lover, demanding their full attention and engagement.
Klypi dazzles with their exclusive eyeshadow palette, “You See Me,” presenting themselves openly to the gaze of the audience and provoking the poignant inquiry – if this is truly love, then why the hesitation to express it?
Watch the video for “Kiss Me” below:
Klypi is the musical persona of Los Angeles multi-disciplinary artist AC Carter. now signed to Lolipop Records, Klypi released their first self-produced EP in June 2023 and plans for a full LP in the fall of 2024.
Klypi self-describes as ‘an alien who’s trapped on Earth and recognizes that the only way to survive as a human is to become a successful businessman (as well as to learn how to tackle a wide range of human emotions and experiences).’ Isolation and unrequited love are just a couple of themes that run through Klypi’s work. Not one to rest on their laurels in one genre, AC has created garments for Of Montreal’s Kevin Barnes, Jennifer Vanilla’s performance at MoMA PS1. Previously, AC has opened for artists such as Molly Nilsson, Girlpool, Shitkid, and Algiers, and has performed at festivals such as Big Ears, Secret Stages, and Athens Popfest.
Additionally, they curated and produced an event series titled Ad•verse Fest while living in Athens, GA, which highlighted electronic solo and duo performances across the music and art spectrum. Currently, they work as a model signed to Wildflowers and have been featured in campaigns for brands such as PUMA and runway shows for brands such as LVDF and Customland. AC thinks of themselves as a secret agent, navigating spaces and places where they don’t necessarily ‘belong’, yet who is driven to investigate the worlds of high art culture, DIY universes, and American Commercialism.
Klypi is performing a free show at Offbeat Bar at Dark Disco on February 8.
“Kiss Me” is featured on Klypi’s EP 1.0, which is out now. Order it here on cassette.
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