Vintage revisited: three video shoots

Yesterday was a legendary day full of legendary people. The plan of the day of to shoot three music videos at my friend Claire Hart‘s house, who did a superb job as creative art and style director. Charlotte Johnson of Decibel Pictures was the producer director of the day, who had a brainwave to shoot the first video, Run From You, at a neighbour’s house across the road.

My hair was subject to sculptural wonders by Shelley, who is the queen of vintage hair. If you need vintage hair done, give her a call on 07591 123 186.

One of her other creations, with beautiful red flowers.

MaW has very kindly dropped by to appear in my videos – he is a fantastic guitarist and all round nice guy. Maw and I wrote Run From You for an Oxjam 24-hour songwriting challenge. We were tasked to write a jazz song. You’ll hear the results when the video is out…

Movie star having a cigarette break in front of the tiki love truck. Macam betul aje! (translation: like real only!)

Next up, we did an indoor shoot for my cover of Uji Rashid’s Ku Ingin Selalu Disampingmu. It’s an elaborate Malay love song which I’ve simplified into a retro bossa guitar number. The look of the video is inspired by my mother, who had left us this amazing, one of a kind 1960s kebaya outfit tailor made to suit her incredible figure. This is homage to the days of Saloma and P Ramlee. Time to tie the corset really, really, really tight.

The kebaya in full… love it!

This is Claire, busy preparing for the next video in her living room!

The final video was for Captain of Her Heart, my cover of Double’s 80s classic. Shelley races against time to get my hair done by the time Charlotte is ready to shoot – a 40s wave type look.

In the meantime, piano virtuoso Fin Crowther looks… kind of eerie. Very lovely of him to come and do a cameo!

The set, lovingly put together by Claire and team. Though simple, I see a composite of influences and favours: the infamous film noir blinds and shadows of yesteryear; the telephone was from Claire’s parents, connecting us to the past; the orchid is the national flower of Singapore; the floral sofa, originally owned by my German housemate’s sister, has supported many a special guest, and the backdrop is borrowed from where I work and put up by people with whom I have enjoyed many merry times.

The dress in full. Absolutely beautiful.

Special thanks for Lauren, Asha, James and Claire 2 for all their help on the day setting up, carrying stuff, taking the most awesome pictures, making sandwiches, playing music, the works! And last but not least, the youngest member of the team, Sofia, Shelley’s precocious daughter who did a great job helping mum and being a superb runner.