Although Art d’Ecco’s glammy synth music and androgynous figure recall various aspects of ’80s popular music, his latest video recreates the spontaneity of mid-’90s Hong Kong as told by filmmaker Wong Kar-wai. A crowd-pleaser of his live show for years, the artist is finally releasing “I’ll Never Give You Up” as a recorded single in honor of his impending tour with UK psych-rockers Temples.
“Sonically it’s another ode to the early ’80s,” he shares, “tracked with analogue synths and live drumming (courtesy of Jeff Mitchelmore from Gold & Youth), we recorded with producer Colin Stewart at his Hive Studios last summer.” It’s a beat-heavy track as reminiscent of The Human League as it is of contemporaries Drab Majesty, marked by ambiguously nostalgic lyrics. “I honestly can’t remember what it’s about lyrically—a ghost from the past? The pursuit of times that were, or could have been?”
Of the video, director Tiana Dueck specifically cites Chungking Express and Fallen Angels as inspiration for the playful clip. “I was especially inspired narratively by the dynamic between Killer and Blondie in Fallen Angels. The ‘messy’ cinematography reflects their chaotic relationship.”
See the video, as well as Art’s upcoming dates—solo and with Temples—below, and grab the single on Bandcamp here.
Jan 20: Washington DC – U Street Music Hall
Jan 21: New York City – Webster Hall Grand Ballroom
Jan 22: New York City – The Broadway
Jan 23: Cambridge – The Sinclair
Jan 24: Philadelphia – The Foundry at the Fillmore
Jan 26: Montreal – L’astral
Jan 28: Toronto – Lee’s Palace
Jan 30: Detroit – Shelter
Jan 31: Chicago – Lincoln Hall
Feb 1: Minneapolis – 7th Street Entry
Feb 4: Vancouver – Fox Cabaret
Feb 5: Bellingham – The Shakedown
Feb 6: Portland – Doug Fir Lounge
Feb 7: Seattle – The Crocodile Cafe
Mar 16-21: Austin / SXSW
May 7: Wrexham, Wales – Undegun / FOCUS Wales
May 8: Wrexham, Wales – Ty Pawb / FOCUS Wales
(Bold indicates opening for Temples)
