Kristen Ford Releases New Music Video for single “Lisa Frank” Celebrating Pride
On this final day of Pride month, we wanted to feature of one of our own!
Music on The Move showcase alum, and HellCat member, Kristen Ford released a single and accompanying music video for her single, “Lisa Frank.” Throwing equal parts bright 90’s nostalgia and LGBTQ Pride in to the mix, “Lisa Frank” tells the story of star crossed lovers who may never have crossed. It sends a message that when we trust that the timing is right, all their mistakes, twists and turns, different versions of ourselves we try on, to please others , society, and the like, it’s okay to cast off doubt, step into the presence and embrace yourself.
Kristen also loved Lisa Frank stuff as a kid in elementary school would have stickers and trapper keepers. Everything about the brand Lisa Frank was bright, magical, and fun. “Falling in love feels like that too. The world looks the same except when you are with that special person. There are neon pink skies and a unicorn sticker slapped on it” says Ford.
As a budding actor, Kristen Ford wanted to let the music video take shape as they were filming. She had a rough idea of who the characters were and what the overall story was but, she let the actors develop their characters on their own. Working with a female director and mostly female crew, Kristen embraced the “Guerilla” style of filmmaking (If you’re like me and you had to google it, Guerilla refers to a form of independent film making using whatever forms of props, location, resources available at the time.) Source.
“Everyone was super generous with their time and we worked with what we could scrounge beg or borrow.” - Ford
At the beginning of the video, we see our main character walking in to a Tarot reading and getting visions of different types of people. From goths, to elitist, “Stepford wife” types, to yogis, all while intertwining with Ford’s performance shots. The common denominator being our second “star-crossed” lover. At the end of the video, we see the two star-crossed lovers cross paths and it’s left up to the viewer to determine what happens next.
With the song’s overall message of “Don’t you tone it down!” the video screams from the rooftops “be yourself and love who you are!”
Unfortunately, the song was released the same day as the Roe v. Wade overturn. Kristen had this to say about it:
“I am furious that SCOTUS has stripped away American women’s rights in this country. The fact that they dropped this bombshell the same day as “Lisa Frank” is especially a bummer. I just wanted to make a light-hearted sort of queer love song for Pride month. Now gay marriage is under threat, contraception, possibly interracial marriage. My whole existence as a biracial queer woman (who thinks everyone deserves to have fun, happy consensual sex) is being trampled by the highest court in the land- run by accused rapists, possible government over-throwers and job interview liars. Donate to planned parenthood. Volunteer to drive women to safer states for “camping.” Get out and vote. It is important to go out and find moments of levity to counteract the despair. I recommend filming a music video with a bunch of friends and staining your gym suit with colorful paint. Go make a rainbow mess.”
With all of that being said, go support Kristen Ford & her new music video - it’ll have you dancing, laughing, and embracing who you are!
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