SAY WHAT YOU WILL
We Say Yes to James Blake & Finneas
James Blake’s video, “Say What You Will,” revolves around the world of Blake as an electronic musician who is envious of another artist’s success. The other musician, Finneas, gets a lot of attention while Blake gets passed over by crowds, despite the quality of his music. This single is a relaxed melodic journey that showcases Blake’s voice. The cinematography is beautiful, highlighting deep tones and a blue atmosphere that captures the song’s ambiance. Bear Damen directs the video and effectively captures the story and themes.
Producers Salim El Arja, Sacha Benharroche created this video with a small budget. They bring out the perfection of Blake’s voice through funny scenes on sets that blend well. “Say What You Will” is hilarious, and ends with a funny image of a concert venue marquee that says, “Finneas, Live, Sold Out” and “James Blake, Loads of Tix Left.” The director takes the time to draw out the humor of Blake’s and Finneas’ relationship as well as their competition as Blake is thrown out of security lines, shrugged off by fans, and left alone in cars of Finneas. It’s electrifying to watch the artists play off one another as Blake’s brilliant song plays in the background.
Blake has earned five Grammy nominations, winning a trophy one year for Best New Artist in 2014. Moreover, Blake has received three Brit Award nominations and collaborated with Frank Ocean, Beyonce, Vince Staples, and Kendrick Lamar to produce Billboard 100 chart-topping hits. Blake’s musical accomplishments are prolific and highlight his success as a sound engineer and a vocalist. There is a contemplative moment in the piece, where Blake is alone playing the piano in a concert hall. The audience focuses on him playing, and the song’s depth is highlighted through the pause where the artist and his music are left alone. This song is a hit, and the “Friends That Break Your Heart” album will drop on September 10.
