We’ve followed Joely Engelbert‘s story for a number of years now, from when she started out as a solo artist away from her super-talented older siblings, and performed under her childhood nickname, JoJo Engelbert. Now, at 18, and with new single, ‘Until She Smiles’, she’s entering a new era, and taking hold of her actual name, marking a mature move that will follow her career in music, acting, and all her other endeavours.
‘Until She Smiles’, written by Joely’s sister Zoey, and taken from the original feature film, ‘What Tomorrow Brings’, written and directed by their father Matt Englebert, is heart-wrenching, with Joely’s vocals perfectly meeting the love and earnestness required for the lyrics. Joely plays a titular role in the film, which explores the limits of love and life’s foundations. Joely won the best actress award at the Santa Fe film festival in February this year, for her performance as Clara, a devoted older sister desperately trying to shield her younger sister, Ruby, played by real-life sister, Phoebe Engelbert. It’s a very moving tale of transformation and connection, and while it took a toll on Joely, she recognised that the film had the potential to bring forth conversations about suicide, mental health, and the importance of support.
The music video features clips from the film, with Joely singing in the role of Clara, as she remembers her journey through life in a stripped back and moving performance. Flashbacks are interspersed throughout, symbolising Clara’s memories that kept her going, despite all the bad thoughts closing in. It’s a stirring and powerful video, and, like Phoebe, who enters as Ruby at the end of the clip, we think it’s perfect.
Watch the music video for ‘Until She Smiles’ below, and find out more about Joely Engelbert and her music online on Instagram.
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