New Music: Tsar B – Amor

A spectacularly inventive video meets its artistic match in Amor, the new single from Belgian multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer, Tsar B.

If something sounds faintly familiar, it’s because Amor was partially inspired by the works of Monteverdi in both words and theme. Gothic pop where less is more, Amor is rhythmic and mesmerising, as a trip-hop beat mingles with classical motifs. It’s mood-driven for sure, soaring to the heavens as the protagonist of Amor is destined to forever be an observer to our suffering. It’s more than a song; it’s worldbuilding on a vast temporal plane, as we’re taken on a journey through the mythical and mystical.

“Amor is loosely based on Italian composer Claudio Monteverdi’s arresting soprano solo Lamento della Ninfa (The Nymph’s Lament). I incorporated the vocal line into the chorus, but I came up with different lyrics. The nymph – the character I’m inhabiting in the song – sings about heartbreak. Not for my loved one, but for a world that broke my heart – for all that’s happening in the world right now with all the genocides. It’s an outcry for love.”

Continues Tsar B, “For the video, I once again collaborated with my visual husband, Lennert Madou. I compose soundtracks for his films, and he directs my videos. He deeply understands my concepts and ideas, which makes working together such a joy. The same masterful puppet makers I always work with created a gigantic bird.”

“I fly on this 12-meter creature, overlooking the chaos and despair of the world. It feels strange, so absurd, to watch from a distance. The nymph has grown paralyzed and powerless from the suffering she is endlessly confronted with: flying, yet unable to descend. Though the imagery evokes something heroic and mythological, she has once again become an antihero. She cannot reach it. It feels like she’s on a futile quest.”

Amor can be downloaded on Bandcamp and is streaming on all digital platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music. Head to Facebook and Instagram to learn more about Tsar B and her music.