‘The Void’ / Elias Dris
On the release of our first music video collaboration, Robbie explains the meaningful connection with Elias Dris and his music.
Songs by Elias Dris take us on a dramatic journey, which is exactly what I aim to do with every Byroses collection. From romance excitement, and ecstasy, to loneliness and loss, I love exploring all corners of the heart and the head. When I first heard ‘The Void’ I was simply mesmerised.
I was first introduced to Elias via his Simon & Garfunkle covers album, Homeward Bound (2019), and found myself exploring his previous albums ‘Gold in the Ashes’ (2017) and ‘Beatnik or Not to Be’ (2019). One of Elias’s first videos, ‘Golden Crown’ inspired some of my darker, moodier designs and I soon found my staple design room soundtrack.
With one foot in the California sun and the other in Paris, Elias also inspired Pierre et Gilles for a piece in 2020 at Philarmonie de Paris.
Collaborations are not something I agree to very often. There has to be depth, understanding, and an appreciation on both sides. I want to feel a deep connection. To me, integrity and artistry go beyond numbers and return on investment. Elias Dris is one of the most beautiful singer-songwriters I have ever had the pleasure of listening to and a perfect match for Byroses.
The music video for ‘The Void’ features a selection of our popular pieces (Frances, Quentin & Aubrey), re-imagined for a new story. This is the first time we have been involved in a music video, we think the result is simply stunning.
A new sound for Elias, whose folk routes are now expanding into darker, dreamier, electronically driven tracks, collaborating with Kieron Menzies, Lykke Li and Lana Del Rey’s favourite mixer. The Void’s dreamy beats and haunting vocals take us on a journey of self-discovery, contemplation and subtle confidence. There is a deep romantic flow to the melody and the chorus repeats as a mantra, proclaiming ‘I feel free when I’m alone’. This is a song to get lost in, find your own void and then rediscover yourself.
Released at a time when the world is going through a tumultuous political period with many corners of the queer community facing oppression, The Void’ is a stark reminder that however dark it gets, we need to seek out the confidence to stand our ground and protect our own poetic beauty.
I’ve listened to The Void now for hours on repeat. On each play I find myself daydreaming about what was, what could have been and what is coming. The line, ‘I’m not feeling fine, it seems like I’m about to lose my mind’, reflects the struggles so many of us have in marginalised groups.
By the end of the three minutes, the sweeping strings and lonely piano bring a surprising confidence and optimism for what comes next, however challenging that may be.
Thank you Elias for inviting me to be part of your beautiful artistry. I am so proud for Byroses to be part of ‘The Void’ and wish you all the success with your forthcoming new album, ‘The Pearl’. Having also had an advance listen to all the tracks, I have no doubt it will be taken in by the Byroses Family, and all who find solace in quiet moments of contemplation.
Robbie xXx
Watch ‘The Void’ by Elias Dris (premieres 5th July 2024)
Elias wears our ‘Frances’ lace detail shirt in black, ‘Quentin’ backless shirt in black chiffon and our ‘Aubrey’ side pleat trousers in black.
Video Credits:
Directed by - Elias Dris, Carlotta Antonucci, Tazzio Paris
Music & Words by - Elias Dris
Mixed by - Kieron Menzies
Mastered by - Adam Ayans
Styling by - Robbie Sinclair - Byeoses
