Amy Zou - Wide Wide World
Meet Brooklyn-based avant-pop vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Amy Zou. Join us as we chat about the release of her new video “Wide Wide World” and upcoming sophomore EP, I’ve Been Looking For You, due out April 12, 2024.
Hailing from Brooklyn's vibrant music scene, Amy Zou stands out for her captivating blend of ambient, avant-pop vibes. Set to release on April 12th, Zou's upcoming sophomore EP, I've Been Looking For You, beckons us to embark on a personal journey of self-discovery through ethereal vocals, rich synths, and heartfelt narratives. With her latest track, "Wide Wide World," Zou delves into an intimate exploration of resilience and growth. Each verse and melody carries us through the twists and turns of Zou's evolution while inspiring us to question our own. The recurring mantra of "Can't escape it" echoes the universal truth of life's challenges and transformations. With its engaging themes and soul-stirring melodies, "Wide Wide World" will surely strike a chord with listeners, drawing them closer into Zou's enchanting musical universe.
Watch the video for Wide Wide World below:
Where did the creative concept for the “Wide Wide World” MV come from?
The song “Wide Wide World,” at its core, is about being in limbo - being stuck in the place between decisions and recognizing how beautiful it can still be.
We wanted the music video to visualize what that metaphysical place between decisions would be like. The result is a story about a character born out of an egg into a surrealist, semi-barren dreamscape that doesn’t quite make sense but is beautiful all the same. It draws a parallel to our own lives.
Were you influenced by anything visually or conceptually to bring that ‘place between decisions’ to life?
Definitely. I thought a lot about what real-life experiences might bring about that complex emotion of being stuck and lost while simultaneously feeling child-like awe for where you are. For me, it feels like being lost inside a giant land art piece, but still admiring the view.
Visually, I was really influenced by Dali’s obsession with eggs, the ragged dystopian alien world that Miyazaki built in his masterpiece Nausicaa, and the child-like visuals from comics like Looney Tunes (e.g. Road Runner-esque signposts and treasure maps). All these different symbols & motifs that I’ve loved throughout different parts of my life to embrace where I’m at right now.
Can you walk us through the entire process from storyboarding to filming — what was it like?
I had a stellar team (of good friends) that helped me bring all these big ideas to life. After storyboarding, we started thinking about how to materialize all the ideas into the physical world. For example, how a life-sized egg would be made - it turns out there aren’t very many jumbo paper mache eggs available for renting, even at the big prop houses in Hollywood. Since I’m based in New York, my friends did most of the initial location scouting. We ultimately decided to do three setups all in one day - half on location and half in the studio. It was a long shoot day from 4 am to 8 pm, but I have the best memories from it.
My favorite part was definitely visiting all the big prop houses & flower shops for set dressing with my set designer & producers! We honestly had so much fun hanging out the whole week - we ended up literally paper mache-ing giant egg pieces in my set designer’s living room the night before the shoot.
Does this music video contribute to a larger sonic world?
Yes! It’s actually the first song of my new EP titled “I’ve Been Looking For You.” I haven’t actually publicly shared it yet until now, but it’ll be seven tracks structured like a classic hero’s journey but turned inward - it is a search for adventure within the confines of your bedroom, half-remembered dreams, and in the places between decisions. It’ll be out April 12th, 2024!
Find more of Amy here:
Instagram: @amykzou
Spotify: here