TATUM’s second single “Fever” likens being in a toxic relationship to an act of self-destruction that’s doomed to fail.
Watch the music video for “Fever” HERE
Riding high off the success of her debut single “Broken”, TATUM’s second single “Fever” sees her come out of 2020’s gate swinging, expertly reinforcing the singer’s unique alternative pop edge, ahead of the release of her debut EP.
The music video for “Fever” is released today and video director, Matthew Levings explains the theme and concept for the video, saying “The opening lyrics ‘Lost kids on a lost highway’ and ‘Let’s ride the divine wind’ set up the initial story in my mind. Something that could swing from carefree to something sinister very easily. I imagined Tatum in a seemingly innocent and frivolous relationship. There is something sinister lurking behind the haunting vocal delivery and bare boned production of the song. There are moments of tension in the relationship, but also indicators that the character of Tatum might be split and she is seen isolated scenes. The farm was a perfect location for the vision, as Tatum herself reflects something more timeless and adventurous. The story of these lovers unfolds and nothing is explicitly shown, but we know that things go wrong and we’re left with a complete contrast from the opening carefree driving shots that we were introduced to. ‘How do I wake up when it all goes black?’”
The song’s melodic minimalism allows TATUM’s superb, shadowy vocal to stand at the forefront, while her weighty lyrics talk about the anguishing ambivalence of being in love with someone who is wholly destructive on every level.
The “Divine Wind” she references is a metaphor for the unhealthy union which is doomed to end in pain and suffering.
“This song is about letting the wrong person into your life, about loving someone who is dangerous. Intense love can feel like a fever, but a fever is usually a sign of a deeper infection. It’s ultimately a kind of ruinous attraction. It talks about being sucked into a noxious relationship but because it looks so beautiful and the attraction is so powerful, it becomes an almost poetic and beautiful one way ticket to failure,” TATUM confesses when asked about the meaning behind her poignant ballad.
After online tastemaker support from Earmilk, Record of The Day, CLASH and Indie London at the end of 2019, TATUM’s recent signing to Primary Talent International, a live music booking agency, with one of the finest rosters of contemporary artists in Europe, can only bode well for her future.
There’s a subtle sophistication to TATUM that underpins every choice she’s made, musically and aesthetically, so far, one that belies her teenage years and one that will continue to unfurl as she matures.
Stream “Fever” on all platforms HERE
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