Beth McKenzie shares emotive video for 'Inside Out'
Today Beth McKenzie shares new video for latest single ‘Inside Out’ via Handwritten Records. Courageous and emotive, Beth boldly wears her vulnerability on her sleeve.
Watch the video HERE & Listen to the audio HERE
Pre-save Beth’s debut EP HERE ahead of 15th November
The accompanying visual for ‘Inside Out’ touches on the inspiration behind the track and depicts the depths of a hugely challenging time.
Sharing more, Beth explained the single: ‘Inside Out was written about the aftermath of a sexual assault & the way I felt betrayed by multiple people throughout the investigations that took place in the weeks that followed.
For this reason, the majority of the video is set in an interrogation room. I knew immediately that this is what I wanted, it perfectly represents what happened, the mistreatment I felt from the people around me & the resulting internal conflict.
This project was really difficult for me - even before the day we shot it. I was revisiting events and emotions I hadn’t in a while & it definitely took a toll on my mental health. However, this song & video was my choice, I chose to write and create everything around it, so in a way, the whole experience has been empowering.
While the song is incredibly important to me the way it is, it is still quite metaphorical. It leaves the meaning of the song open to interpretation, which is great - I want people to be able to find their own meaning in my songs.’
Manchester-based Beth McKenzie has arrived as a breath of fresh air on the emerging pop scene. Still just 22-years-old, she's already proved herself to have a natural way of songwriting that far exceeds her years. With a fearless and refreshingly honest approach to her lyricism, she has set out to unapologetically use her voice. After growing up on a diet of defiant female artists such as Lily Allen, Paloma Faith and Gabriella Aplin, the Stockport-born musician combines Britpop nostalgia with ‘00s pop alongside an empowering Gen Z transparency.
‘Inside Out’ follows Beth’s recent release ‘She’s Finally Lost It!’, which arrived at the end of August. The upbeat indie-pop bop touches on the all too familiar abuse of power, that unfortunately, still exists in the music industry. Sharing more, Beth explained: ‘The lyrics came easily but, at first, musically the song was very dark and sombre, and it just didn’t work. My producer and I decided on a radical change and created an upbeat, edgy sound that captures the sheer insanity of the whole situation.’ The release generated much acclaim with support from the likes of DIY, Wonderland, Atwood Magazine, EARMILK, and more.
Back in July, Beth shared ‘Don’t Tell My Boyfriend’, which saw her deconstruct a partner's internalized homophobia. The track quickly gained traction across TikTok, putting her on the map as an exciting new artist to watch and leading to her signing with Las Vegas-based label Handwritten Records (KiNG MALA, Jean Dawson, Rachel Bochner).
As a female and queer artist, Beth's passion to be a part of the changing industry landscape is a driving force within all aspects of her project. Whether it's through lyrically grappling with her identity or bringing her music to life with an all-female band, she strives to become the representation that she sought growing up.
‘Inside Out’ is the final single to be revealed ahead of Beth’s debut EP, ‘Does This Make Me A Bitter Woman?’ due for release on the 15th of November [pre save HERE]. The five track EP sees the newcomer weave between vibrant indie pop and edgy alternative-leaning sonics as she lays out some of her most intimate thoughts. Listeners can anticipate two previously unheard tracks along with the EP, ‘The Cult’ and ‘It Won’t Always Feel So Heavy’
The music as you hear it today is a step away from Beth’s classical music upbringing. After facing a tumultuous time during her late teens, songwriting became an essential outlet, allowing her to evolve her talent for diaristic songwriting. Imbued with emotional literacy, each lyric is intentionally penned and searingly honest.
With Beth's debut EP coming next week, plus more exciting upcoming performances ahead, she is already firmly on the path to pop stardom. Keep all eyes on Beth McKenzie;