‘Girl Down’, from Jersey City’s America’s Sweetheart, perfectly combines dynamic and imaginative indie rock sounds with effortless expertise.
Comprising vocalist and bassist Anastasia “Stace” Kinsella and singer and guitarist Valerie “Val” Germain, who describe themselves as “musically-bonded sisters”, the duo encouraged and challenged each other for twenty-five years, and despite being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, Val bravely continued recording throughout her treatment. As the end drew near of her courageous battle, Val asked Stace to complete and release the album as her final wish, and now, nearly a year after Val’s passing, America’s Sweetheart have released a second video, making their way ever closer towards fulfilling her desire, and honouring her one-of-a-kind legacy.
‘Girl Down’ draws listeners in from the very first notes with its bouncy bassline, punchy beat, and groovy guitars. We’re transported back to a time when youth ruled, and we felt invincible; when bouncing back was easy and inevitable. With a conversational lyric style that’s amusing and yet empowering, Stace and Val are unapologetically themselves, and still manage to “have a ball” even when times got tough.
A lively anthem that looks back on the band’s 25 year history, ‘Girl Down’ reminisces with compassion on a time that felt like it was brimming with adventure, and serves as a celebration of those who aren’t afraid to pick themselves up and try over and again, with an uplifting reminder to others to stay as authentic as they can possibly be.
The music video for ‘Girl Down’ features 90s-inspired animation, and follows a skateboarding girl as she grabs a pizza on her way through town to rehearse with her bandmates. She effortlessly glides down the street, with drumsticks poking out of her pocket and her hair flowing behind her in the breeze. She’s smiling at the world around her, and while she may be down, she’s not afraid to fall. The backdrop will be familiar to Jersey City locals, and brings home how much the place meant to Val. The story is an energetic reflection on the band’s earliest days, revisited through a lens of wisdom, and kindness.
Watch the music video for ‘Girl Down’ below, and find out more about America’s Sweetheart and their music online on their official website, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.
