Alternative duo Midnight Ambulance, nominated for BBC Introducing Scottish Act of the Year 2022, have collaborated with Edinburgh College of Art student, Em New, to create an animated music video for their new single ‘Smoke and Sweets’. The innovative video is a mixture of stop motion and animation. It follows a 3D model of Fraser (guitarist) stuck in isolation and falling between reality and surrealism. The imagery is striking and powerful. The single ‘Smoke and Sweets’ dives into the mind of someone whose reality is slipping away, exploring the impact of isolation and loneliness which many people experienced in lockdown. This is beautifully and dramatically encapsulated in this video. Midnight Ambulance formed during lockdown 2020 between Paris and North Berwick. Drummer and vocalist Amelia (then Paris-based) and Fraser reconnected after losing touch for many years and began collaborating via video call as a cathartic and creative outlet. Interesting to note that this song was recorded using vintage equipment, which gives the track the raw honesty and emotion felt when written.
Art student Em New is currently studying Animation(BA) at Edinburgh College of Art. They work in both 2D and stop-motion animation, and have a deep love for physical effects and working with puppets to create believable stories and characters. They have always loved practical effects and texture, having grown up watching Jim Henson’s work, such as Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal.
Amelia expands on the background behind the collaboration:
“We chose to collaborate with Em because we wanted to promote their amazing talent and work, and support upcoming artists based in Scotland. We loved their portfolio, and felt they really captured the song’s struggle and force in their initial sketches.”
For more information on Midnight Ambulance please check out their website and facebook.
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