Music video auteur Don Lifted has a hot new offering from his 325i album.
“‘Baby Teeth’ was written and produced before ‘The Rope’ and before the concept of 325i was fully a thing,” he said. “We were trying different sounds based on the things I was feeling at the time. I wasn’t in a deal yet, but I knew it was highly likely. I was angry. I’m still angry. That’ll be a recurring theme for a few years.”
The multi-hyphenate artist directed “Baby Teeth,” with frequent collaborators Studio One Four Three producing. Sam Leathers, who has lensed for the Don in the past, is the cinematographer. The truly impressive production design and makeup is by Ahmad George; the spooky masks were created by D. D. Issac.
“For the video I wanted to create something that represented the alchemical process I’m physically and spiritually going through,” Don Lifted says. “I’ve been living through very violent transitions and growth processes for the last few years. Many of the lessons I’ve needed to learn I haven’t due to my own human weakness and doubt systems around me. These moments second guessing my path caused truths to be revealed to me in ways that left scars instead of me being able to elevate without the physical and emotional pain. Sacrifice is always required but it doesn’t always involve suffering. I’m closer to learning that lesson. This visual is me trying to represent those stages and all the parts within me operating at their maximized selves through loneliness, trauma, ostracism. … Each absorbing and changing their physical presentation toward a new form of enlightened self.”
If you would like to see your music video on Music Video Monday, email cmccoy@memphisflyer.com.