Music for a While, directed by Jay Karales, focuses on a stylized performance piece, or what laymen call a music video, by Pariah the Doll from her debut album, Castrato. The video opens in what feels like a controlled, almost ceremonial space, where Pariah’s voice and concert piano set its dark emotional tone in a brightly lit, white, box-like staging.
Pariah’s lyrics are haunting to say the least. The song is meant to be a reflective piece. She paints a picture of an almost apocalyptic calm as the song unfolds. I believe “Music for a While” refers to music being the sole source of peace and comfort before pain and anxiety are ultimately unleashed.
“…an almost apocalyptic calm…”
As the music unfolds, we are presented with a series of living images of dancers, both moving and still, embodying the emotional tone of the lyrics. Ballet dancers Lia Palmer, Charles Grant, Jose Moreno, and Joao Lima perform choreography by Minami Ando that contrasts grace with tension, restraint, and release. Pariah inserts herself into the scene as an almost Christ-like or Death figure, offering final moments of peace.
Music videos are often celebrations of a song and its artist, but they can also provoke contemplative thought, instantly transforming them into short films or art pieces. Director Karales takes a minimalist approach in visually supporting the work and music of Pariah the Doll. Music for a While hits deep—as art should.
"…hits deep—as art should..."
