Celebrating the release of their sophomore album, out queer artist, Bell’s Roar, is premiering the video for their first single, “I Know” right here on AfterEllen. Directed by Devon Kirkpatrick and shot by Moira Morel, the video portrays Bell’s Roar’s driving force, Sean Desiree, exploring a healing moment in the aftermath of abuse.
“[The song] is about abuse in all interpersonal forms,” Sean said. “It’s calling out the one who abuses. It’s too common that people who are victims of it feel the weight of keeping it secret. Out of shame and care for the person who is doing [the abusing].”
Sean, the Bronx raised multi-instrumentalist, musician, and self-proclaimed “poster child for after school programs” just released their second album. Second Chances Volume 1 includes two brand new songs and some fresh as hell remixes. Sean isn’t afraid to get political, not just to funnel their own frustrations but also to uplift a weary community. In their song “Black Lives,” Sean addresses police violence against the black community, saying, “I think we can’t really make the change but only strive to keep our sanity. white people have to make the change.”
Themes of queer love are beautifully expressed in “Slow,” which can be heard in Devon Kirkpatrick’s successful short, Ma/ddy starring Clea Duvall and Mel Shimkovitz. Devon found Sean’s music to be “haunting, beautiful, and seductive” and it definitely is. After using “Slow” for the film, Devon decided to make the music video for “I Know.” Images of juicing unripe fruit in a cleansing ceremony portray the tale of abuse and the lasting effects on the victim. Devon calls it “a meditation on the process of letting go.”
Follow Bell’s Roar on tumblr and find out where you can see Ma/ddy near you by visiting the website.
