NYU sophomore Molly Chapman releases new video for debut EP

New York University sophomore Molly Chapman has experience writing, recording, and performing her music, but “See Through” marks her first venture into creating a music video. Chapman had a few songs to choose from off her debut EP, “The One,” but “See Through” made the cut. This is due to the personal place from which it stems for the songwriter, as well as the way it reflects the current state of our society. It’s also incredibly genuine and real, just like Chapman herself.

The video was shot in Chapman’s hometown, Los Angeles, in January over her winter break from NYU. Directed, filmed, and edited by Alex Haney, and produced by Zoe Dinerstein, the video oscillates between two main scenes: one in black in white where we see Chapman and her piano in a stark room with a white paned window, and then a colorful, lush park setting where Chapman is shown dancing in the grass. This dancing is symbolic of Chapman expressing her feelings. When juxtaposed, the two elements create a very peaceful, sensory feeling, one filled with passion that reflects the tone of the song as a whole.

It is a genuine representation of Chapman, and not simply because it showcases her in two situations where she is very comfortable. The video lacks the traditional filtering as well the glitz and glamour that’s flooding the music world these days. This creative decision benefits the video, as it doesn’t need it. The exclusion of these elements allows for the audience to have an authentic, emotional experience for themselves as they watch Chapman undergo the same sort of experience both literally and figuratively.

The heart of this video, however, is not just in its style, but also in the message of the song itself, just as Chapman intended. Exposed in the lyrics of “See Through” is a struggle to try and understand things that happen in life, an attempt to figure out the reasoning behind it all. Sometimes that journey feels as though it puts us in a darker, simpler place, and sometimes we walk through it with more energy and physicality. Both ways, it’s all about trying even when we aren’t sure if it’s the right thing to do. Like Chapman sings: “where do I run to when I feel lost and who do I go to when I need to relieve my thoughts?” Luckily for us, she goes to music, and gives us our own outlet where we can escape.

With this video acting as an indication of Chapman as an artist in general, you’ll instantly feel like you’re her intimate confidant with the way she opens up to you. You’ll experience a kind of instant friendship. When watching Chapman’s video or simply listening to her songs, they reflect emotions that all of us have experienced but perhaps have not always been able to express. You’ll want to know and hear even more. And she’ll be happy to share it with you.

This summer, Chapman has plans to work on another EP, which she plans to release this fall. Even sooner, she will be performing at The Bitter End in Greenwich Village on April 22^nd at 8PM. Until then, you can find even more information about Chapman on her Facebook page.