Sleepless by Sui Zhen LYRIC VIDEO

A lyric video for Sui Zhen’s track ’Sleepless’. Sui Zhen’s ‘Sleepless’ is a song about grief and persevering through it. The track was first conceived in 2018, as a stream-of-consciousness response to her mother’s passing. The catharsis of musical improvisation served as a refuge, a way to navigate the fog of sleepless nights and immense pain. Since then, the track has evolved gradually, transforming through reiteration and further losses – particularly the tragic death of her newborn son in 2021. At 13 minutes, the piece stretches out like a horizon, more a landscape than a song, mirroring the way grief warps our perception of time. Influences like Sheila Chandra’s ‘Out on My Own’, Can’s ‘Tago Mago’ and Durutti Column’s ‘Fidelity’ have made their presence felt in the recording. Spoken word incantations and melodic hooks weave into pulsing synths, distortion and a mix of live and electronic percussion embracing Sui Zhen’s signature raw emotion and vulnerability. In the artist’s words: “I could use my voice against the backdrop of beats and bass without needing it to take the shape of words. I would let my sorrow take centrestage”. The self-reflexive lyrics traverse the experience of loss and healing, offering solace to others facing grief, both personal or collective. From the artist: “It carries a lot for me. But it is not a sad song, it is a song of liberation. Liberation from trauma, from that which oppresses you. And a call to move through all that is difficult or uncomfortable that you will come to face. Don’t shy away to confront these feelings head on, they will lead to your freedom however long it lasts. Once you know how to free yourself you can do so, at times when life takes a sudden turn“ - Sui Zhen, 2024 Performers and instrumentation: Sui Zhen on Vocals, Juno-60 Synthesiser, Korg M1, TR-808 Drum Machine, Electric Guitar. Casey Hartnett on Yamaha CS15, Therevox ET-4 and Korg MS20. Andrew Noble on Analog Rytm MKII and Korg Minilogue. Jay Blynn on Bass Guitar. Liv Jansz on Bass Guitar. Phil Stroud on Drum Kit. Mixed, mastered and additional arrangement by Nao Anzai at Rolling Stock Recording Rooms.