We’re thrilled to premiere the otherworldly visual for “Spare Me”, from Chicago singer, songwriter and pop artist Carlile. One woozy spin through this video and you’ll experience the passion and commitment of an entire team coming together for a colorful deep dive into Carlile’s world.

We had the chance to connect with Carlile about the video process and some of their collaborators, where they gave an intimate look into everything it took to bring this surreal video together. We’re also excited to share some exclusive behind-the-scenes photos of the video shoot. Finally, take a moment to check out the video’s entire micro-site, a visual journey worth exploring — spareme.site.

“Spare Me” is available now across streaming platforms - listen now on Spotify.

These Days: How did the video for “Spare Me” come together?

Carlile: This video feels like a little miracle baby. We had literally no budget and a lot of huge ideas. Mack (Video Director) and Hannah (Production Design) approached me with the concept a little over a year ago. Mack had never directed anything prior so the entire thing was just one big experiment. They're both based in NYC, so the deal was basically fly yourself to New York and we'll make you a video. An easy decision, as you can imagine. We had virtual prep meetings for months and were all very hands-on with any and all decision making. From the wallpaper to the makeup to the animated flies, every decision was carefully curated with our financial limitations in mind.

These Days: Tell us a little bit more about how the crew came together? How did you meet the lead actors?

Carlile: Our crew came together miraculously. Everyone, down to the actors, volunteered their time and energy to make something beautiful happen. I think that makes the video that much more special, you know? Knowing everyone was involved because they genuinely wanted to be. I met Thomas, our male lead, in Central Park the year prior. He and his friends were having a picnic and completely randomly invited us to join. We connected on Instagram and when it came time to cast I reached back out.

These Days: As the artist behind the music, what are these filming days like for you?

Carlile: The whole process was filled with these surreal, serendipitous moments. It wasn't without it's stressful moments, though. We shot the dance scene in this tiny, $10/hr dance studio that was basically somebody's shed. There were at least ten people in this small, hot, muggy room, we had lost a very important piece of rented equipment and I was struggling to nail the choreography. Tensions were high. I eventually burst into tears and Allison, our camera assistant for the day, gave me this brilliant pep talk to turn the day around."

These Days: The production design and direction of the video is stunning. Tell us about that process!

Carlile: “While everyone played an essential role in the process, our MVPs are most certainly Mack and Hannah. Mack has, unbelievably, NEVER directed anything. She did all of the animation work, including a 3D sculpt of my face (the one that dissolves at the end). She did all of the editing and color correction. She animated all of the GIFs you see on the website (also stickers in Instagram, just search Spare Me). I can't even imagine how many hours she put it... Hannah was the queen of all things visual. She spent hours slaving away in the kitchen constructing the fantastical jello creations you see in the first scene. The detail of the prop styling really brought this video to the next level.”

Credits:

Carlile as Herself (@thisiscarlile)
Thomas Garcia as The Possessed (@thomasssgarcia)
Ellen Kozarits as The Possessor (@ellengracekozarits)

Dancers:

Demetries Morror (@demetries.ii)
Elise Mumford (@_elisemumford_)
Director / Editor / VFX - Mack Neaton at Flavor Studios | Cutters Studios (@mackneaton)
Director of Photography - Joel Lopez, Drake Woodall (@joell_lopez @drake_woodall)
Lighting / Camera Assistant - Adam Kenner, Allison Brooks (@rennekmada @thegirlonthebike_)
Production Assistant - Bradley Nayman (@13.allen)
Production Design - Hannah Hansen (@hannahhansen)
Food Stylist Assistant - Matt FX (@mattfx)
Makeup Artist - Shireen Mohyi (@shireenmohyimakeup)
Choreographer - Demetries Morrow