By Jessica McCormick
This reading of Alchemical Records content provides a multimedia experience for our audience while increasing the accessibility of our content to persons with hearing loss, low vision, dyslexia, physical or motor disabilities, or are on the autism spectrum.
In her latest release, Virginia-based Indonesian artist Almira Zaky looks for clarity and serenity in the absence of people who gave her both. Blending contemporary soul and R&B, the melody weaves a dreamlike atmosphere as Zaky reminisces over how she felt before that untimely loss, and laments how quickly the world moves on. The experience is suffocating as you try to remember a time when you could just breathe.
Zaky explains “Clarity” is about “losing someone that is a big part of your heart and trying to navigate through life without them. It is a personal story about grief and not knowing what comes after such a loss.”
The music video, premiered on December 10, keeps the visuals slightly out of focus, with a 90s-like film burn tickling and washing over the frame. It reinforces an early autumn sunset, presenting the viewer with a somber ambience. Keeping a finger on every step of production, from writing the first draft to editing the final cut, Zaky knows what she’s about. After listening to the song, try just watching the video, and you can still feel the mournful disorientation in her story.
Fans of Kehlani, Chris Brown, Jhene Aiko, and Ariana Grande will identify with Almira Zaky’s music.
By sharing her personal story, Zaky hopes to “remind listeners that they are not alone in their journey and that it is okay to slow down to ease your heart and find your footing again.” That may be cold comfort as you take your first step, but you will find your way forward.
This track has been added to our Alchemical Weekly YouTube Playlist.
Jessica McCormick is an Army brat currently residing in Silicon Valley. With a decade of experience in communications, she appreciates the transformative power of music. She has spent over two decades singing with various choirs, and has enjoyed 8 years with the San Jose Metropolitan Band playing alto saxophone. In her free time, she loves reading speculative fiction.
Recent Articles March 21st. A day that I will always think of amazing album releases. DC-based musician, producer, and singer-songwriter, Rachel Levitin, released Witty Banter
Alchemical Records is a Washington, D.C. based music publication. We cover the Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Richmond, VA metro area music scenes, including band interviews, articles about your favorite musicians, new music and concert dates.
