Solomon Crook The Day I Thought About Dying Interview

Solomon Crook Drops Raw and Affecting New Single and Video The Day I Thought About Dying

The enigmatic Solomon Crook has released his new single The Day I Thought About Dying, an immensely powerful track that will prompt the listener to consider the mark they will leave on the world once they've left it. Solomon Crook has also announced a truly stunning clip to accompany The Day I Thought About Dying. Directed by Oscar Keys and created in collaboration with talented choreographer Raquel Abolins-Reid, lighting designer Sebastian Fraser, designers Ruby Malcolm and Charlie Walkley and cinematographer/blocker Solomon Drader, the clip is a precise, divine experience with profound meaning.

The Day I Thought About Dying is a track that will remain with the listener long after it finishes. As steeped in meaning as the title itself, this eclectic song will bouy even the most downtrodden spirit; something about the deep introspection and bravery that emanates from The Day I Thought About Dying is undeniably magnetic and hypnotic. Produced by Devin Abrams (Pacific Heights, ex Shapeshifter and producer for Drax Project, The Adults et al), and for fans of Bon Iver and Matt Corby, this track maintains a bed of electronics that lays the foundation for a breathtaking vocal performance from Solomon Crook. Acoustic elements enmesh themselves amongst sharp production, and the end result is a deep, swelling, mighty piece of music. "This song explores the uncontrollable feelings of loneliness and isolation that we can all face," says Solomon. "I wrote this song in a time when I was feeling separated from people I should have felt closest to. I felt this need to escape and break free of this helpless feeling but not knowing how. This song is me internalising these feelings and thoughts, reflecting on them and trying to understand them."

The clip for The Day I Thought About Dying is appropriately commanding. Set amongst the ornate, story-laden walls of the Greek Orthodox Church Of Transfiguration, Solomon deals with unrest, in the form of shrouded figures contorting around him. These figures overtake him, as they cover him, twisting him around the church. Through a sliver in time, he spies a way out of this turmoil. Once complacent, Solomon finds himself now fighting his demons, managing to break free for an instant - and hurtles himself towards the darkness.

It is impossible to look away, as Solomon sings desperately into the camera, and the viewer is sure to be irrevocably moved by this clip. Describing the creation of the clip, Solomon says, "The filming of the music video was a such a special experience - the collaboration that was shared throughout the whole process allowed for a common vision of what we all wanted to achieve. Oscar's original narrative and concept beautifully supports the lyrical content within the song, whilst giving it a hopeful sentiment that you can break through these feelings of darkness, like the figures in the video. I couldn't be more grateful to work with such creative and expressive friends."

The Day I Thought About Dying is just a taste of what's to come from this talented young artist, and plans are in place for a second EP from Solomon Crook in 2020. Already having supported the likes of Amy Shark and The Teskey Brothers, and garnering hundreds of thousands of streams for his debut release Love Juice, it's quite clear that this is just the beginning for Solomon Crook.

Interview with Solomon Crook

Question: Can you tell us about the motivation behind the track The Day I Thought About Dying?

Solomon Crook: Musically the vision for this track came from a place of collaboration; bringing different artists and producers together to make music. As the song developed lyrically it started to form a picture of loneliness and isolation, feelings I was experiencing at this time. In contrast to this, it also offers a sentiment of strength and hopefulness, the feeling that you can rise out of those times.


Question: And, what inspired the accompanying video?

Solomon Crook: The video was the creative vision of Oscar Keys. Oscar was able to beautifully enforce the narrative and feeling of the song without directly referencing it. The video suggests the idea of overcoming darkness and moving towards the light.


Question: What message do you hope this song, spreads?

Solomon Crook: I hope this song lets people know that it is okay to feel alone, and that you can break away from those feelings. Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Solomon Crook: Both offer so much for different reasons; performing live is so exciting and a rush; whilst recording is more thought out and creative. Both offer so much emotionally which is why I'd say neither wins out.


Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

Solomon Crook: Rise would be my favorite, the way the song gallops along with such intensity; it creates a great energy on stage and in the crowd.


Question: If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?

Solomon Crook: I wouldn't mind meeting Elton John.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Solomon Crook: I think the pursuit of discovering new things and getting better at my craft; but also the need to express my thoughts.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Solomon Crook: Bon Iver, James Blake, JPEG MAFIA and Brittany Howard.

Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Solomon Crook: I don't think I had a particular person that inspired me to do it I think it was more so my love of playing music and writing music, and at the time I didn't have anything else I felt I truly wanted to pursue.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Solomon Crook: Bon Iver for sure!


Question: What's a typical day like?

Solomon Crook: I work part-time putting up posters, but aside from that it would be waking up around 7am, having a smoothie, sorting out some admin stuff then get into making some music until dinner time.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Solomon Crook: Being able to work, play and collaborate with other friends and artists has been so special.


Question: Can you share your socials?
Solomon Crook: www.facebook.com/SolomontheCrook/
@solomon.crook/


Question: What's next, for you?

Solomon Crook: I am currently working on my next project which will come out next year. Over summer I will be heading home to the east coast of New Zealand to finish this project.


Interview by Brooke Hunter