We spoke with internationally renowned electric violinist, singer, and songwriter, Ginny Luke, whose career has seen her touring with Meat Loaf, and recording with the likes of Britney Spears, and The Foo Fighters.
Can you tell us about your journey as an artist and how it has led to the creation of this music video?
My artistic journey started in classical violin and piano at age 3, electric violin at age 9, and led to writing songs and recording at 14 years old. I recorded for Snoop Dog and J. Cole at age 17, and went on to tour with Meat Loaf at 20 – that’s when I really started finding myself as an artist. I started harnessing my power, really commanding the stage, and learning from the incredible artists I was working with in my early 20’s – Will.I.Am, Black Eyed Peas, Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, Ben Moody from Evanescence and many more – they all taught me different lessons that informed my creative spirit. This ultimately led to where I’m at now and the “Devil At My Heels” music video – I envisioned a video concept in which I wanted to portray a bold badass narrative of a woman persevering a toxic situationship and overcoming by finding and harnessing her inner power.
Can you share any specific artistic influences or role models who have impacted your creative process?
One of the biggest artists that impacted me musically was Orianthi, who I had an absolute blast getting to work with in the studio on this song.
Other artistic influences in this period of life are largely powerful women with big voices and a lot to say – Dorothy, Bishop Briggs, Beth Hart, range from Slash to concert violinist Hilary Hahn to Christina Aguilera.
What challenges have you faced in your artistic journey, and how have they shaped you as an artist?
The music industry stares artists in the face with obstacles. The industry itself is full of challenges especially in 2024. I’ve faced everything from persevering as a young person coming up in LA (from age 14 on), working professionally as a woman asking for equal pay and equal opportunities, projects getting cancelled and record deals falling through, sexual assault, not living close to family, finding the faith to keep believing in my dream – all of these shaped me to have a tough mindset and stay the course. I hope to inspire young artists to advocate for themselves, reach out to mentors and experienced artists for support, and keep believing in their dream.
How does the imagery in your music video relate to the themes or message of the song?
I have recurring themes in my videos that make me feel powerful – fire, smoke, electric violins, and high high heels.
What role do you think visual storytelling plays in enhancing the audience’s connection to your music?
The visual of a violin usually brings up themes of decorum, classical music, orchestral environments, and oftentimes extreme emotionality. I try to present new themes with my violin playing and stage presence that encourage new associations with the violin – power, bravery, dominance, rebellion, control. The visual storytelling in my music videos is pretty clear and direct in engaging the viewer to consider those qualities when looking at a woman rocking out on a violin.
How do you hope audiences will interpret or engage with the imagery and storyline of your music video?
I hope they feel powerful watching it, consider the violin in a new light, connect to the storyline of the bad boy challenging and tempting his lover, a woman finding her power – and I want them to rock out!
What emotions or atmosphere were you aiming to evoke through the visuals, and how did you achieve this?
I wanted to evoke a sense of badassery – dominance, strength, rebellion, and discovery through the visuals. We interspersed shots of me singing and performing the song with the narrative of the toxic love story. And of course, close ups on the violin.
What was the most memorable moment or scene for you during the filming of the music video?
I think the toxic love/lust scenes were the most fun – I’m not gonna lie there was whiskey on set!! and we got to jam on violin and guitar amidst the LA sunset.
What do you hope viewers will take away from experiencing your music video, both on a surface level and a deeper, more introspective level?
I hope they’ll see that 1) ROCK IS NOT DEAD and women in rock are badass and 2) harnessing your power and finding your strength can change the course of your life.
What can your fans expect next?
I will be on the road continuing the AJR’s arena tour around the US in June, July and August, and I am releasing a couple more singles before my full album drops Nov. 1st!
Watch the video for ‘Devil At My Heels’ below, and find out more about Ginny Luke and her music online on her official website, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
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