With enigmatic and celestial textures fused with padded drum details, Joyeur opens her new single, Underbelly with the emotive lyrics, “I don’t wanna run from this, tell me with a simple kiss…”
The theme of Underbelly expands to tell the story of being comfortable and strong within your own skin, a song about the power of vulnerability and the intense fear that comes with exposing the most seemingly unlovable and tender parts of ourselves.
Joyeur confesses “Being naked is symbolic for the shedding of fear and emotional trauma. The soft underbelly, unprotected and open to attack, is the juiciest, most flavourful bit! It takes incredible courage to reveal yourself to yourself and others, but with that risk comes great reward.”
The hook of the song has a multiple potential interpretations, physical and spiritual, as Joyeur sings “I love it when you giving me something to hold onto, when on the edge of the underbelly, give me jelly, underbelly, show you, show me, underbelly…”
The video, directed by Joelle Corey and Jason Adler, sees Los Angeles-based Joyeur deconstruct her outfit and peel off her skin, symbolic with the meaning of the song.
Joyeur is gearing up to release her debut album, How to Love Yourself and Not Destroy Everything on May 25th and Underbelly is the lead single.
Fans of Banks, Tei Shi, Little Dragon and Japanese Breakfast will definitely be able to connect with Joyeur, although it is clear that the artist is creating an identity of her own.
The upcoming LP consists of 10 songs alternating between laid-back hip hop, breakbeat-driven pop and sweeping sonic landscapes all with a healthy dose of low-end. The album explores themes of hopefulness, perseverance, self-acceptance and self-sabotage.
We have added Underbelly to our New Music Spotlight and have been exploring Joyeur‘s wider discography including Dig and Fast as You Can.