“Quiet Hearts” is where Kristen Martell’s inner critic meets the frustrations of restlessness. It’s a call to break out and dance, especially when it feels like you’re being smothered under the impossible weight of a stubborn duvet cover.
With a new video directed by Yarmouth, Nova Scotia filmmaker James Turpin, “Quiet Hearts” the metaphor gets quite aptly literal. With Martell struggling to escape the confines of a sheet, it really becomes a toss-up between what situation we’d rather be presented with: the pressures and demands of society, or eternally fighting our way through bedroom linens. Frankly, the latter is a workout on both an emotional and physical level that is in a league all of its own. Overcoming either can be a spiritual journey.
“We all feel restless and stuck at times. I wanted the video for ‘Quiet Hearts’ to reflect this heaviness, while also offering a reminder that we don’t have to fight this feeling to get to the other side. We can flow with it and find the answers within,” says Martell.
“‘Quiet Hearts’ speaks to emotions we all experience – searching for a sense of purpose in life, needing a creative spark, and feeling stuck in a rut,” adds director James Turpin. “In order to reflect the themes of the song, we used visual elements that represent feelings of physical and mental claustrophobia. Kristen’s voice is a confidently reassuring presence that works very well with this soothing and memorable melody, and I was honoured to work on the video.”
The track is the result of a collaboration with acclaimed songwriter Gabrielle Papillon and award-winning producer Daniel Ledwell (Jenn Grant, Rachel Beck, Fortunate Ones), and a real slow burner that hints at a subdued power; namely, drummer Jordi Comstock. It’s an anthem that calls for perseverance, to draw on hidden reserves and kick up your heels if at all possible.
“Quiet Hearts” will appear on Martell’s forthcoming record, which is also being produced by Gabrielle Papillion.
Kristen Martell is set to perform in Truro, NS on Friday, November 5, 2021, at the Marigold Cultural Centre as part of Nova Scotia Music Week.