‘VI II V’ is the debut single from Jelly Cleaver’s upcoming album, which will be released later this year. It was premiered on BBC Radio 1xtra by Moses Boyd and has since been taken up by online radio in both the UK and USA.
The single features musicians from the bubbling UK jazz scene, including many players Jelly met through Tomorrow’s Warriors (alumni of the programme include Ezra Collective, Nubya Garcia, Kokoroko) and James Vine from Waldo’s Gift.
I’ve been listening to VI II V on repeat... Jelly has a totally unique way of threading Jazz, folk and psychedelic influences.
Tina Edwards | Worldwide FM
The lyrics for ‘VI II V’ were written several years ago as a stream-of-conscious poem, and it touches upon themes of Buddhism and Existentialist philosophy. Working with director Jasmin Selen Heinz, Jelly tried to bring these themes out in the music video. The imagery was heavily influenced by artists like Gustav Klimt, Odilon Redon and Salvador Dali, as reflected in the surrealist symbols, the masked birds and the use of mirrors. The sad clowns in the playground represent the message of the song, which is ambiguously hopeful. The video also features many musicians on both the jazz and DIY scenes in London, including members of Nihilism, Mermaid Chunky, IRN Brunette and Leatherhead.
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