Credit: Alicia Nieto
Acclaimed Mexican indie artist Girl Ultra has released the new single "blush." The song is accompanied by an official visualizer directed by Cole Santiago. "blush" is the title track for her new EP which will be released on 12th July on Big Dada / Ninja Tune.
"blush" was recorded on a very rainy day in Mexico City. "'blush' is a song about makeup on my cheeks, making myself blush for a second encounter with somebody," explains Mariana de Miguel aka Girl Ultra. "For the video, I really wanted to dive into my female gaze and suggestively portray a more sexual me bringing up subtle but fantastic elements such as the anime-esque blushing cheeks. Working with Cole Santiago for the third time, we always find an amazing space for collaborating and I admire her way to find visual sensations within the core of a song”.
It was inspired by artists like Thom Yorke and Four Tet, incorporating gritty textured synths and tight basslines.
Speaking more on the video Director Cole Santiago sof finding visual sensations within a song's coreays:
“When Mariana and I first talked about this video, we knew that we wanted to explore that feeling of having a crush, early flirtation and fantasy. I loved exploring masculinity and sexuality through a soft girlish lens. We had a great group of guys who really played into that flirty coyness that we wanted to capture. Every time Mariana and I have worked together, we’re super inspired by the simplicity and effortless cool of nineties videos—PJ Harvey, Fiona Apple, Everything but the Girl. Listening to Blush immediately brought that vibe to mind”
The new EP 'blush' pays homage to the eclectic sounds of the early 2000s, seamlessly blending elements of club, rock, and garage music. It was produced by Girl Ultra in intimate collaboration with her close friends Sam Katz and Kiddie. The songs seamlessly blend elements of dry, clean vocals, resonant acoustic guitars, and pulsating drums with an infectious club-inspired flair.
At the heart of the 'blush' EP lies a deeply emotive narrative that speaks to the tumultuous intersection of attraction, desire, and melancholy. Girl Ultra shares a candid exploration of modern femininity, delving into the complex dynamics of self-image and sexuality with a poignant touch of bitterness.
New single “blush” is out today, ahead of the 'blush' EP out 12th July.