"Powerful women throughout history are massively sexualized, even objectified. Is it because history is written by men? Or were these Empresses using their female prowess to rule the world?” That is the question UK singer-songwriter Calista Kazuko hopes to answer in her forthcoming album, Empress. A concept album with each track telling the story of a different Empress throughout time, today she teases us with the Cleopatra-inspired visuals for "Come To Mama", premiering today on EARMILK.
As the shadows subside and the first scene is illuminated in stark whiteness, you are pulled into a world unlike any seen before. It's a video that hinges on the power of colour and grandeur. Kazuko takes on the guise of Cleopatra, dominating a posse of adoring men through various scenes of female empowerment. All the while, deep reds and subtle golds enhance the Arabian theme of "Come To Mama", giving it regal grace.
Lyrically, "Come to Mama" radiates with influence and self-assurance. The luscious bass-line and hypnotizing strings whisk you away to a dark, smoky room plucked straight out of an Elizabeth Taylor movie. This theatrical flair gives Kazuko her power, elevating this track from a simple observation to a roaring declaration. A concept we should get comfortable with, because "along with celebrating fierce, fabulous women," Kazuko shares of her forthcoming album, "[it] addresses hardships women are continuing to fight globally. Although we’ve come a long way, the struggle for equality continues.”
You can catch Calista Kazuko on her UK Empress tour dates celebrating Pride 2019 at these select cities:
Tuesday 25th June @ The Jamhouse, Birmingham
Weds 26th June @ Whitworth Locke, Manchester
Friday 5th July @ Leman Locke, London
Connect with Calista Kazuko: Website | Facebook |Twitter | Instagram | Spotify
