Cancer and self-empowerment are themes that are not given enough space, and Holysseus Fly is creating her own narrative about recovery. Reclaiming and loving her new body, like a caterpillar turned butterfly, after her double mastectomy surgery for breast cancer, this is an emotional video, brimming with self-determination. The Bristol-based artist, and Ishmael Ensemble member, takes us on a journey in her new video, Bloom, out today directed by Jack Lilley.
Already supported by Annie Mac and Jamz Supernova, Holysseus Fly has a haunting style that is perfect for any off-beat relaxing playlist. In fact, the B-side of Bloom, Marigold joined Annie Mac’s Chill Playlist specifically. The song Marigold traces similar themes to Bloom of “finding a new creative identity after surviving cancer”. In the opening of the video Holysseus Fly sings “Nothing blooms all year” swaddled in a cream canvas cocoon, potentially reflecting on her time in hospital away from creative expression, in a form of hibernation just trying to survive the harrowing experience of illness. She is snuggled like a closed flower bud. Slowly Holysseus Fly unveils herself to then later knock a canvas down - perhaps representing outside perceptions of her - and grasping the narrative in her own hands paints herself, onto her body like a butterfly gaining its beauty. Holysseus Fly might find the elegance and perfection in her new body through creative expression - taking this vessel as a canvas and a tool. Transformation from a difficult moment of cocooning, into a brighter version of herself is a storyline which fits well for this video.
The lyric “I’ll bloom when I choose to” is a statement of determination to only create for herself. Rather than bowing to external pressure to write particularly during lockdown and after her treatment, Holysseus Fly has carved her own path, one brimming with hope, and optimism. The minimalist dark slant to her sound is reflective of her difficult life-path so far, but her beautiful singing voice adds colour to the challenging themes. ‘Bloom’ is taken from her forthcoming debut EP, Birthpool, due out later this year.
The lyric “I’ll bloom when I choose to” is a statement of determination to only create for herself. Rather than bowing to external pressure to write particularly during lockdown and after her treatment, Holysseus Fly has carved her own path, one brimming with hope, and optimism. The minimalist dark slant to her sound is reflective of her difficult life-path so far, but her beautiful singing voice adds colour to the challenging themes. ‘Bloom’ is taken from her forthcoming debut EP, Birthpool, due out later this year.
