Feature: Music Video for "Why?" by Senseless Optimism
Senseless optimism released her fifth music video on June 18th for her most recent and well-received indie-pop single “Why?”. As she began to prove in her last music video, “Lonely Daze”, Senseless Optimism shows us her ability to give songs a darker yet more comedic meaning, with a story told in video.
Watch before you read!
Brittany Tsewole (Senseless Optimism), the daughter of West African immigrants, had an undisclosed and mysterious near-death experience on her 15th birthday. This dramatic event inspired her to learn how to play several instruments, including drums, bass, and guitar, as well as write lyrics to her dreamy bedroom pop orchestrations. She followed in the footsteps of her influences, Fela Kuti, Koffi Olomide, Awilo Logomba, Nirvana, and Black Sabbath, creating a persona that would represent her generation (Z) and called it Senseless Optimism or “SO”. She combined Gen Z’s intelligence, loneliness, diversity, and hunger to not ignore or rewrite history but to learn from it and improve society’s indignation through her lyrics and music.
PC: Brian Diescher
PC: Brad Miller
“Why?”, shot and edited to a classic retro feel by Caleb Hoefsmit and directed by Senseless Optimism, starts on a very abrupt note. With a screaming match between Senseless Optimism and her lover, the chaos is emphasized by a shot that doesn’t quite claim them as the subject and instead, wanders around them. Senseless Optimism is knocked out by a punch from her lover, but when she wakes up, the music begins.
For the first verse, we are settled into a seemingly more typical break-up story. With the dreamy ambiance from the videography and song, Senseless Optimism gets up and redefines the line “putting on my make-up” as she covers up her black eye. She is dazed at first but quickly gets into some sweats, on the couch, with some ice cream.
Coming into the first chorus Senseless Optimism takes the saddest bite of ice cream, and a couple of lines pass, we see where the story is taking us. Pulling out her phone as the chorus sings “why don’t we make up?” we see her call the classic “DO NOT CALL” number, on her phone. As a viewer, there is no question about who that is.
Getting dolled up at the start of the second verse, we are disappointed to see the man from the first scene re-enter the house. The verse is short and we find ourselves back in the chorus as Senseless Optimism and the man engage in some seemingly genuine and light-hearted conversation.
As the second chorus wraps up we are greeted by the turning point in the story. With the bridge playing, stripped back, and less rhythmic in comparison to the rest of the song, Senseless Optimism pours some drinks and in one she dissolves a mystery powder. As they indulge in their drinks the camera flows between being in and out of focus until the man passes out and the chorus returns. Senseless Optimism pokes him, smiles, and begins dragging him (not very gracefully) off the couch.
Curious as to what she is planning for the man, we watch her push him into the tub. As he wakes up she begins to drown him. With the outro and mallets playing in the back, the upbeat energy creates a juxtaposition between the music and visuals, creating an almost comedic feel to the morbid scene. Upon the final chord, we see no more struggle from the man, and the scene switches to Senseless Optimism looking a little emotional to the sound of police sirens. Though she seems a little dazed, the light in her eye offers no signs of regret.
This music video is an excellent combination of normalcy, comedy, and a heavy topic. With this video, Senseless Optimism has managed to offer a dynamic and entertaining experience that complements and contrasts the sound of her music and the lyricism with expertise. Senseless Optimism has crossed a milestone with the release of both this song and video, showing much promise for her projects to come.