The Coronavirus pandemic has affected a lot regarding music over the past seven months. From shutting down concerts to closing studios for in indefinite lengths of time and preventing music videos from being filmed in their planned manner- the pandemic has uprooted all areas of the industry and forced both artists and crew members alike to find new ways to get creative in an effort to continually create content and keep their momentum going despite the obvious hindrances.

And though – like many others- she had planned her music video debut to look a little differently, singer/songwriter/producer Illicit Ghost has just released her project’s first music video using this newfound ingenuity to create a bit of light in such a dark and uncertain time.

Filmed on an iPhone in the Catskills, the new music video for “Present” debuted this morning as a beautifully crafted visual representation of living with anxiety.

“I wanted to make a music video for “Present” that was a visual representation of how I feel when I experience anxiety,” the singer shared. “Sometimes I get so lost in my head that I cannot notice what is happening right in front of me.”

Edited by the singer via Premiere the video was then sent off to animator Betsy DelCiampo to add a touch of color, hidden gems and some extra beauty to the green landscape.

“The idea is that I’m in this beautiful forest but I’m unable to appreciate the beauty around me because my mind is so clouded,” Illicit Ghost added. “In the video you will see these beautiful, bright animations of plants, leaves, butterflies and crystal-like objects that come to life and create this bizarre scene around me, but since I’m not ‘present’ I don’t notice it and I can’t enjoy it.”

Hidden throughout the video are small drawings that represent the items or concepts that help Illicit Ghost feel her most present, and while watching fans are invited to play along with the multitalented artist byway of a scavenger hunt- which is linked here– and lists 7 drawings to stay on the lookout for while watching.

There are also some affirmations hidden in the trees that you will want to keep an eye out for as well.

You can watch the video for “Present” linked above and be sure to stay up to date on all things Illicit Ghost, via the links below.

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