“I wanted to create a video that matched the nostalgic, bittersweet undertones of the song,” says Kendra Morris of the homespun clip that accompanies her latest single. “I mixed up the media using layers of analog stop-motion animation for the letters, the lyrics—on notebook paper—and the flitting butterflies. I also used archival footage from the ’70s and even snuck in a couple clips of my own buddy.”
“Dear Buddy” is the sort of satisfying, age-defying slice of vintage soul that wouldn’t have sounded too out of place on the New York City-based singer/songwriter’s solo LPs for the Wax Poetics imprint. Or even on her most recent work with longtime collaborator Jeremy Page and producer Little Shalimar (Run The Jewels). A colorful raconteur, Morris has the sort of innate vocal depth that’s drawn comparisons to Amy Winehouse. She grew up in a St. Petersburg, Fla., household seeped in late-’60s/early-’70s soul, R&B and funk. And to be honest, “Dear Buddy” sounds like it could’ve been an unearthed treasure from her parents’ vinyl collection.
“When I write songs, I feel connected visually to them,” says Morris, who’s also an accomplished animator and videographer. “‘Dear Buddy’ is very special to me. And the video came to me effortlessly, as if it was ready to add to the story on its own.”
Look for Morris’ upcoming LP on Colemine/Karma Chief sometime this fall. In the meantime, we’re proud to premiere her “Dear Buddy” video.
—Hobart Rowland
See Kendra Morris live.
