"Never Be" – an interlude from R&B singer Courtnie's 2017 EP I Feel Like Color.
Shot by Noah Emrich, choreographed by Imani Nia, custom wardrobe created by Synclaire Thomas, produced by Max Gardener, Kywnn Butts, Frankie Turiano and Courtnie – directed, edited and color corrected by yours, truly. Released on July 12, 2018.
Lighting: provided by Manifest and coordinated by Dominick Chang Location: Open Gallery Space NYC (355A Bowery)
I wrote Never Be about the feeling of being trapped, life's pressures, and how they can drive you to insanity if you let them. In this visual I am my lowest point, personified. And it's super vulnerable in that we break the fourth wall several times throughout. I know anxiety is something almost everyone can relate to, and writing a song that conveyed that was incredibly therapeutic. It was also important for me to be triumphant in the end, to provide a sense of hope for viewers and leave them on a positive note.
-Courtnie
photos courtesy of kwynn butts (@kktheshooter)