"STOP THIS FLAME"
British soul artist Celeste shares the official video for her current single “Stop This Flame.” Shot last month in New Orleans and directed by Leonn Ward, the video sees the recent BBC Sound of 2020 winner joined by local stars To Be Continued Brass Band and all-female military dance troupe Diamond Girls plus the traditional ‘second line’ – local revellers who follow the band (the ‘first line’) to enjoy the music and dance – for a vibrant visual that truly brings the song to life. “Stop This Flame” is available via Interscope Records. Watch the video below.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the video’s location, Celeste reveals, “No matter how my music evolves, jazz will always be a key influence for me, and New Orleans is the home of Louis Armstrong, drummer Ed Blackwell (known for his work with Ornette Coleman), Dr. John and many more. It was important for me to go to what feels like the source of so much that inspires me, to embrace that energy and try to capture it in the moment.”
Ward adds, “When I first heard the track I wanted to jump on it straight away. The brass band and the second line represent community, unity, and strength. The Diamond Girls stood for women, for us – I researched a lot into all-women military groups during WW2 and took inspiration from their powerful forms and statues. The kids represent youth, and the innocence of it. The final set up is the drone shot, the circle of unity, which is dedicated to Black Lives Matter and respect to this incredible movement.”
Currently writing in Los Angeles, Celeste recently made her US television debut on The Late Late Show with James Corden with a show-stopping performance of “Strange.” February sees her return to the UK to perform at the 2020 BRIT Awards in celebration of her Rising Star award win, before heading back out on tour with Michael Kiwanuka in March.