Opening Hearts with Harmony: The Journey Behind ATAYI's 'Heart
Photos pulled from the music video direct by Alex Forge
In the world of music, stories often unfold through the harmonies and rhythms, creating narratives that go beyond what we hear. This is the backdrop for ATAYI's third single, "Heart," a piece that stands not merely as a composition but as an anthem, a guide for navigating through the storms of personal and collective hardships. The origins of "Heart" are deeply rooted in the personal, often harsh, experiences of rejection and solitude, emotions that ATAYI, the musical incarnation of Alex Forge, is intimately familiar with. The development of "Heart" from its inception is a narrative of music's restorative potential and the critical need to remain open-hearted, no matter the trials faced.
"Heart" came to life during a reflective period for ATAYI, amid the introspection following a sequence of romantic letdowns. Recognizing that each rejection, each unfulfilled connection, was not an individual failure but rather a mismatch of vibes, led to the birth of this track. "Heart" acts as a reminder to ATAYI, and to anyone who listens, to stay receptive to the universe's boundless love and energy, especially when faced with challenges. It advocates for spreading love, to oneself and to others, in the bleakest moments.
The video for "Heart" visually embodies the song's essence against the picturesque backdrop of Ibiza, chosen over an initial UK setting for its inherent beauty and the vital presence of horses, key to the video's story. With Naia Reid and her team at Equiconnect Ibiza's guidance, the video captures the spirit of equine therapy, showing the horses not merely as noble beings but as vessels of emotion. The genuine and transformative interactions between ATAYI and these animals illustrate a path of shared healing, representing the swirling emotions of anxiety and stress, while also providing a sense of stability amidst turmoil.
The narrative depth of the video is enhanced by Jon Battista Evans's inclusion, symbolizing the ephemeral nature of romantic encounters in ATAYI's life. His role, alongside the metaphorical black horse, portrays the unpredictable and often brief moments of intimacy that ignite strong emotional reactions. This element adds layers to the song's contemplation on emotional readiness and the search for a love that goes beyond mere attraction.
"Heart" is part of a broader collection of ATAYI's musical explorations, including a series of videos that touch on personal issues like trauma, addiction, and reconnecting with the essence of life. ATAYI's blend of pop and electro provides the foundation for Alex Forge's examination of identity, dreams, and the thin line between reality and perception. The forthcoming album "VIYOMATI" is set to dive deeper into these topics, inviting listeners to ponder the parallel, alternate realities at the heart of ATAYI's creative vision.
Offstage, Alex Forge's cross-disciplinary approach to creativity—encompassing filmmaking, directing music videos, and photography—reflects the complex story of "Heart." His work, profoundly personal yet relatable, urges viewers to consider their own tales of love, loss, and the path to self-awareness. Collaborations with talents such as Chloe Tolmer in cinematography, John Wright for piano arrangements, and Seppa Music in mixing highlight the communal effort behind "Heart," making it a powerful testament to the significance of openness in the face of adversity.
Directed , edited by Alex Forge ( Alter Ego Atayi),
Shot by Chloe Tolmer with Jon Battista Evans.
Horses provided and coordinated by Naia Reid , Equiconnect Ibiza
Song Composed by Atayi, John Wright
Piano arrangements by Mahasiddha
Strings, Synth by Pete Mills
Mixed by Seppa Music
