28 October 2013 - 0 Comments

Rhiain and the Utter Strangers is the moniker of Wellington based songstress Rhiain McGrath. Her first EP, Heartplusmelody, described as a lyric-heavy ode to childhood, found its niche in what is being referred to as ‘cabaret/folk-pop’. The songs are full of theatrical storytelling, lilting melodies and most importantly, a melancholic whimsy. All of which can be found within her new video for the EP’s feature track, All a Flutter.

The video was made in collaboration with director Ruth Korver (How to meet girls from a distance) and a talented five strong lady crew. Filmed during the course of one day in a studio at the back of Lower Hutt, Rhiain beams when she says “it was the most exhausting and thrilling day of my life”. 

Diagnosed with a severe case of Peter-Pan-Syndrome together with the blood type of a dreamy romantic, Rhiain’s music is mainly focused around the art of growing up and the feelings of the heart. Rhiain had a musical upbringing, performing musical theatre, singing in church, and in her final year of high school took out the lyrics section at the nationals of Rockquest alongside Oli Wilson (The Chills, Knives at Noon). While not so new to writing and performing anymore, this video acts as her film debut - her performance is effortless and stunning.

Rhiain’s voice alternates from beautifully sweet to expressive and strong - the reason being, perhaps, is that she draws influence from contemporary folk luminaries Joanna Newsom, Fiona Apple, and Laura Marling. Rhiain says “the music is not about doing something pretty, I use my voice to portray emotions in a way that is honest and has integrity”. The same is mimicked within this video. Ruth and her team created a beautiful and whimsical world which at first is all you see. Only once the storyline unfolds do you realise the sinister melancholy within the character Rhiain plays. 

All a Flutter was officially released on Monday 28 October 2013.

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