A powerhouse of music effortlessly drips from the shoulders of KWAYE, his tracks decisive in their direction and message, making each as exciting as the one before. Paralyzed being a monochrome of cinematic examples. Its striking use of light leaving each image as beautiful as the one before, and enough to rival the photographic masters of old. But this video is only an accompaniment to KWAYE’s electrifying voice – his sound, and screen presence being more than just compulsive viewing.
Directed by Billy Boyd Cape – the two having previously collaborated on Sweetest Life – KWAYE continues a portfolio of dance moves, but less euphorically, with Paralyzed being purposefully more emotive; from leaning on another; being guided by them; to being left to fall. The choreographed scenes (by the talented Shay Barclay) explore our relationships with others, with our self and with our fear.
Paralyzed is about setting your own path, ‘seeing the person you wish to be, but fearing how that person will be accepted by the ones you love’ – KWAYE (Twitter). The video showing how fear can play a large and sometimes domineering form in our life, but how in confronting it we can be made all the stronger.
As KWAYE dances with his opposing figure – whether it’s a representation of himself, fear or both – they increasingly become equals in strength, and KWAYE is no longer left on the ground but instead continues his fight to stand up. The opposing figure then appearing in and out of the shots as KWAYE continues to dance, until finally standing on his own;
“I’m caught in the middle of voices
Pulling me far from where I’m able
To stand in the light and walk without you”
His expressive dance held to a backdrop of stars and craggy rock-faces, until ending (as it began) with the force and expanse of the sea – its visual pairing to KWAYE’s voice being simply stunning.
KWAYE’s entry into the music industry could be called chance or destiny – having played a demo track (Cool Kids) to an Uber driver who happened to have connection to the indie label that later signed him – however it was not without hard work. KWAYE’s dramatic range, combined with lyrics full of raw open honesty, and a grasp of the power of music (being himself a multi-instrumentalist) is what really led to him being recognised as a talented artist. KWAYE’s music is intelligent, thought-provoking and carves a lasting impression into the psyche – one I’ll gladly leave in place.
Other songs by KWAYE we love:
- Run (2020 – single)
- What Have You Done (2018 – Love & Affliction [EP])
- Lost in My Boots (2017 – single)
- Cool Kids (2017 – Solar)
- Sweetest Life (2017 – Solar)
Other artists you might like:
- Khalid
- Johnny Balik
- Rationale
