I can always tell when the end of the year is inching closer, because people are no longer hiding the fact that they’re at their wits’ end. I, for one, am depleted. Running a music website might sound like fun, but oh boy, it has its moments.
Indie singer-songwriter Phil Higgins’ new music for her single “Empty Cup” couldn’t have come at a better time, so well-timed in fact, that we decided to premiere it on TATC today. Sometimes we do that when we’re presented with a piece of work that sincerely strikes a chord with us (make a mental note of that, musos).
“Empty Cup” wrestles with heavy themes of burnout, anxiety, and the pressure to keep giving when there’s nothing left — otherwise known as the Millennials’ curse — which makes the whole thing deeply relatable.
Conceptualised, directed, and edited by Higgins and her partner Steve Maycock, and filmed in and around their Rotterdam apartment this past July, the video is a true DIY project because, well, that’s how you gotta do things as an indie artist nowadays. The video shows us two characters played by Higgins: one embodying her outward self, and the other a personification of anxiety and self-doubt. Through playful contrasts (confidence versus insecurity, control versus chaos) Higgins captures the rollercoaster of imposter syndrome and the cyclical struggle of self-belief.
“I often experience the back-and-forth between feeling on top of the world and suddenly thinking so little of myself,” Higgins explains. “I wanted to channel that energy into something playful but honest. We’re all human, and sometimes the best way to face fear is with humour and creativity.”
The video also introduces a new alter-ego Higgins plans to explore further in her artistic journey. Adding a personal touch, she even hand-made the yellow-and-purple striped jumper featured in the video — connecting it to the original single artwork she designed.
The whole thing is just expertly thought-out and packaged and I’m a big fan of this kind of ’90s-indie-rock, straight-shooting lyrics that border on sardonic, reminds me a bit of my wailing queen, Meredith Brooks.
Anyway, listen to Phil Higgins’ EP below, it’ll make you better. And remember to hold on, this godforsaken year’s almost over.
