CLIENT
Self-Initiated Project
BRIEF
Create a music video that embodies mental health resilience through the enduring cherry blossom tree placed in extreme and surreal environments.
OBJECTIVES
- Illustrate resilience using the cherry blossom metaphor
- Integrate AI-generated and original animations
- Blend classical acoustic instruments with orchestral, electronic, and pop sounds
- Synchronise visuals with the audio for a cohesive narrative
- Inspire and support those facing mental health challenges
PLATFORM
- MidJourney AI for image generation
- Runway ML for animations
- SunoAI for audio
- DistroKid for distribution
SOFTWARE
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe After Effects
- Studio One + Various VST Plugins for audio production
- Topaz Software for Image and video upscale
Central to the song is the cherry blossom tree—a symbol of strength and beauty—placed in extreme environments like erupting volcanoes, outer space, abandoned cities and more. This metaphor illustrates how our surroundings challenge or foster our resilience and growth.
Creative Process
I began composing “Barely Breathe” in Studio One, using various VST plugins to establish the emotional tone. I then utilised SunoAI to generate the vocal performances by inputting my lyrics and initial ideas and directing the musical style to match my vision. This process involved creating numerous versions, much like a director reviewing takes. I exported the versions I preferred into Studio One, where I cut, pasted, and edited sections to suit my liking. I then overlaid additional VST instruments onto the generated content, making the composition more dynamic. This meticulous process refined the track until I achieved the desired sound.
Collaboration with AI
The lyrics, predominantly my own with subtle enhancements from Claude AI and ChatGPT, weave personal experiences with universal themes of resilience, creating a profoundly empathetic portrayal of mental health challenges.
Visual Storytelling
I created the music video using Midjourney for symbolic images and Runway ML for animations. In After Effects, I synchronised visuals with the music, applying colour grading, particles, and lens flares to bring each scene to life, ensuring every element complements the song’s message.
Final Outcome
“Barely Breathe” is a fusion of classical acoustic instruments like the koto with orchestral, electronic, and pop sounds, all inspired by futuristic urban dystopian aesthetics to reflect mental health struggles. This distinctive blend creates a song and video to pique your interest and support those facing mental health challenges.
Listen to “Barely Breathe” and experience a unique blend of the surreal and the hopeful.
