Harloe
Evokes 2000s MTV, Disco-Funk, And More In “PWR RNGR” Music Video
By Kenneth Tse
HARLOE, the Queens, New York-based artist best known for her unmistakable vocals and brilliant musical versatility, has just dropped the music video to her latest single, “PWR RNGR,” featuring Mick Jenkins.
The track can only be described as a confidence-boosting liberation anthem, showcasing both musicians in top form. HARLOE once again delivers her flawless runs and impressive vocal range, while Jenkins reaffirms that he’s a master in the art of lyricism and storytelling.
Evoking the likes of Prince, Whitney Houston, and Christina Aguilera is a big task, but the singer/songwriter accomplishes this and more. The track’s vintage disco-funk sound is met with an impressive MTV-style music video featuring an A+ aesthetic and choreography to match. It was filmed in Agua Dulce, California too, which for HARLOE, was “a dream come true.”
The artist celebrates a year of incredible success, boasting over 115 million digital streams through “All This Love,” a collaboration with EDM figurehead Robin Schultz. Now releasing music under Roc Nation, she embarks on the next phase of her music career. We spoke to the artist about the new music video, her Queens upbringing, and more!
Hey HARLOE! Thanks so much for speaking with us today and congrats on the new single! How are we feeling now that it’s out?
Thank you so much! It always feels like a huge relief to put out something so close to my heart.
Can you walk us through the inspiration for “PWR RNGR”?
The initial inspiration was just being in the studio and creating the grooves that you now hear! I truly felt so empowered, hence the song title. I love the 80's Prince-sounding guitar, so when Keith Askey started playing those riffs, I knew this one was going to feel amazing!
What was it like teaming up with Mick Jenkins on the track?
It was such a fresh vibe and his melodies really made the track feel like it took on a whole new energy for that verse.
Was there anything about your musical process this time around that made the single unique?
The most different thing about it was that I went in with a totally open mind, and freestyle off of the groove, and didn't filter what came. It was a new way of writing for me!
The disco vibes are unreal with this one – what initially made you take this direction with your sound?
I've always loved Prince and funk, while also the divas like Whitney! I just wanted to have music that I can have so much fun with live and funk it up!
What do you want fans to take away from the song?
I want them to feel like that baddest most bossy B's ever! Being a power ranger means self-love and discovery.
“PWR RNGR” is also accompanied by this amazing music video. Can you talk about what inspired the aesthetic here?
All the funk and disco vibes were thrown into this video. I mostly wanted it to have the feel of what MTV looked and felt like to me as a kid. Christina, Britney, and Mya were my north stars. I loved how gritty those videos were in the 2000s and I was so excited that we captured that!
What was it like shooting in Agua Dulce?
It was HOT HOT HOT! And the best time ever. We were amazed by the views and the way that the place was captured. Dancing to the song there felt so empowering and strong. Dream Come True.
One thing that we love about this one and your other videos is the choreography! What does that creative process typically look like?
For the past videos, I have felt kind of a sense of what I want the choreo to express. It usually is some brainstorming with my choreographers and then diving into feeling it out with my body! It is usually pretty seamless and all about feeling the music!
You’re a native New Yorker, like us! Do you feel that the local music scene has influenced your sound at all?
Yes for sure! Hearing the music around the city corners, and the variety made me so open to new sounds. I LOVE the mix of jazz, hip hop, and pop hooks all on one block. Music having so many dimensions is what excites me most!
And speaking of all things New York, how does it feel to be releasing music via Roc Nation?
It's surreal sometimes. Being part of such an important narrative and sharing a team with some of the most prolific and iconic artists is incredible.
Who do you owe your biggest thanks to?
I owe my biggest thanks to my mom. She always believed in me, helped me show up to sessions as a teenager, and was always there for late-night calls when I felt discouraged. Also, for putting up with my loud ass music growing up at all hours of the day. BIG THANKS FOR THAT haha.
And what can fans expect for the rest of 2021?
LOTS OF MUSIC and some shows sprinkled in there too! There is going to be a really special collaboration that takes my breath away! So excited about that too.
When HARLOE makes it to LA, _______________.
She is going straight to Proof Bakery in Atwater Village and having a sandwich, and then she's ready with keytar in hand. Where we going?