Little Simz’s Introvert is a notable example of how contemporary music videos can serve as compelling political statements, utilizing digital aesthetics to address complex themes of race, gender, and societal systems.

Drawing on the evolving music video landscape, where digital technologies redefine visual storytelling, Introvert exemplifies the “mixing board aesthetic” described by Carol Vernallis.

Directed by Salomon Ligthelm, the Introvert video opens with cinematic prominence presenting collaged imagery of historical settings, news film clips, interpretative dance and classical paintings contrasted with more vulnerable moments reflected by home movies and various parts of Simz’ hometown of London.  The video’s powerful use of symbolism with scenes of flags, statues and protests positions it as a commentary on identity and systemic oppression. The imagery used creates a juxtaposition between beauty and danger mirroring the landscape. The “visual album” approach to music video production, as seen in Beyoncé’s Lemonade, is echoed here. Introvert builds a layered narrative, incorporating personal and collective histories that is, in Lighthelms words,“  about finding people moving from a state of chaos into a space of community, connection and freedom’ (Promonewstv, 2021).

The music video uses digital effects and color grading to amplify its emotional response. The choreography and movement in the video are connected to the rhythm of the music, a clear example of the synesthetic sound-image relationships Vernallis emphasizes. Moreover, the editing style of Introvert alternates between rapid, chaotic cuts during climactic moments and slower, reflective sequences, emulating the song’s dynamic shifts. 

Similarly to auteurs such as FKA twigs or Michel Gondry, Simz crafts an environment where personal and political intertwine and her video challenges viewers to tackle uncomfortable truths about power and identity, while celebrating resistance and self-awareness. 

In the digital age, videos like Introvert demonstrate the power of music video as a medium for nuanced political discourse, artistry, and the reimagining of representation. 

Olivia Coleman – 33752564

Bibliography

God Is In The TV. (2021). Video Of The Week #190: Little Simz – Introvert – God Is In The TV. [online] Available at: https://www.godisinthetvzine.co.uk/2021/04/22/video-of-the-week-190-little-simz-introvert/.

Little Simz (2021). Little Simz – Introvert (Official Video). YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxfGQ2AJHGk.

Promonewstv. (2021). Little Simz ‘Introvert’ by Salomon Ligthelm | Videos | Promonews. [online] Available at: https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2021/04/27/little-simz-introvert-salomon-ligthelm/70595.

Vernallis, C. (2014). Unruly media : you tube, music video, and the new digital cinema. New York: Oxford University Press Inc, pp.207–233.