LA singer-songwriter Arielle Kasnetz, AKA Beatrix, has built upon her musical prowess as she prepares for her debut with Nice Life Recording Company.
Her haunting, piano-forward track “Ghost of Tennessee” was released in October, gaining thousands of streams within the month. “Dead Dog” is the antithesis, featuring indie guitar, alt-rock rhythm, and soaring vocals.
After a break-up where her boyfriend callously likened their relationship to a dog dying, Beatrix took years of hurt and transformed it into a cathartic track. The music video transports the listener to a nostalgic high school prom where Beatrix experiences the fallout in true main-character fashion.
The video opens as the camera follows Beatrix into the dark outskirts of a classic school dance. The walls are lined with draped tinsel and sparkling lights, where we see the main character wearing a pink gown and elbow-length gloves.
Paired with mellow guitar, supportive acoustic guitar, and ethereal vocals, the track makes the listener feel as though they’re experiencing introspective exploration.
The viewer sees a couple, her ex-boyfriend and his new date, across the room as three cymbal crashes and snare hits kick off an indie rock groove under the main melody, propelling the song forward. As our lead runs to the bathroom, the frame closes in, capturing the essence of feeling trapped or being made to feel small. As the shots cycle between Beatrix crying in the bathroom and the couple dancing, the instrumentals ease and prepare for the pre-chorus.
“Stare at the moon and I wish / I could quit, I could quit, I could quit / Cut me loose and let me live / But you’d rather hear me cry”
As Beatrix flexes her vocal prowess, the instrumentals begin a slow build.
Chugging guitar and distorted chords lead to alt-rock percussion and soaring vocals. Viewers watch as she lies on the floor, pouring her heart and soul into the anthemic chorus, rehashing her pain. The video features strobe lighting as she and the ex-boyfriend argue.
As she sets light to their box of memories, the track builds to the climax. Beatrix sings to the camera as the room behind her catches alight, descending into the bridge.
As the ex-boyfriend yells, the years of pain hit the listener with striking clarity as Beatrix sings directly to the camera. The instrumentals fade as her voice is exposed, feeling vulnerable and reflecting on what has transpired.
Distorted guitars and exposed vocals ring out as Beatrix plays guitar on stage at the prom. Lead guitar parallels the melody line, and chugging guitars enter once again.
Vocal harmonies blend and support the main melody as it’s belted out. The vocal harmonies slide and build once more, with ease. As the performance ends, whining feedback cuts through as the new couple reunites and Beatrix sings out her final lines.
“Tell me I’m the only one, Wasn’t that just so much fun? / You’re an idiot / It’s funny how I thought I knew, Now I’m a dead dog to you”
