Irish/British singer-songwriter Fi McCluskey breaks the mould with her bewitching new single ‘Empty Space’, out on October 31st.
Signalling McCluskey’s first solo venture, the title track is taken from her forthcoming EP Empty Space, out early next year.
A beguiling blend of dark trip hop and enchanting psychedelia, ‘Empty Space’ is, for all intents and purposes, a breakup song but with a twist. Written shortly after McCluskey’s divorce, the single takes the listener on a journey of enlightenment and freedom.
“Empty Space is an awakening”, Fi says. “To feel empowered, embrace independence and release your inner banshee.
The track is masterfully produced by Mercury Prize award nominee Johan Hugo, most famously known for his work with Self Esteem on her debut album. McCluskey and Hugo got to work weaving strings with a dark bass line, and building a thumping, trip-hop beat. Fusing trip-hop and psych like you’ve never heard before, this unique piece refuses to be pigeon-holed.
The track is accompanied by a music video styled by creative genius Jack Appleyard, which shows a coven of plotting witches. Paying homage to the first ever women executed for witchcraft, the video is set in rural Essex, the location of the first ever witch trials. Alongside McCluskey – herself a proud Essex girl – is fashion icon Princess Julia and Trans activist Ms Sharon Le Grand as they guide us on an impending journey of enlightenment.
Fi McCluskey is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise formulaic landscape. The Irish/British singer-songwriter is coming off the back of a successful year which saw her support Warmduscher at the O2 Forum, write and publish the most successful song on the new Honey Dijon album, headline the Roundhouse in Camden with her title track alongside HorseMeat Disco and contribute to the new Charles Jeffrey musical venture – Neko.
The exciting part is still to come, however, with her debut EP, Empty Space on the way. McCluskey’s incarnation as a soloist allows a more intimate and deconstructed view of her strengths and values. Soaring vocals, challenging lyrics and sometimes difficult subject matter are to be expected. McCluskey doesn’t take the easy route.
Musically adventurous and conceptually challenging, ‘Empty Space’ is a head-turning statement from Fi McCluskey ahead of her eagerly anticipated debut EP.
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