Unicorn was created in a burst of energy in late 2020, with Jenna Hardie, Doug May, Ella Munro and Jessica Harris joining forces to create a dark and moody pop rock band. Unicorn takes inspiration from artists such as PJ Harvey, Dresden Dolls, Howling Bells, Fiona Apple and Veruca Salt. Dark and lonesome minor chords fuse with light poppy melodies to create a dazzling array of music to your ears.
Singer-songwriter Jenna Hardie writes about relationships, lost love and the murky, strange and uplifting experiences and contradictions of life. ‘Circus’ delves into the darkness of time. Time, drive, motivation, dedication and determination. While time keeps ticking, we all must keep going. With determination and dedication, we will get to where we want to be – as reflected in the lyrics, ‘your day will come by’. Jenna wrote the song to inspire herself to keep going. ‘It was really a love letter to myself. A reminder to keep going. Keep writing. Build on my experiences. And at the same time, a reminder that we all need each other. We are all in this together.’
Recorded at Blackbird Studio with sound engineer Dave Parkin and mastered by King William, Unicorn spent just two days recording their first two singles – ‘Circus’ and ‘Cats’. One of the experimental sounds created was through singing into the pick-up of a 1960s Casino guitar. The effect adds to the spooky carnival vibe of the song. “Dave Parkin was so great to work with. He provided creative input that really elevated the sound of the song. His energy and musical intelligence gave us interesting ideas which captured the vision of the song, Circus.” With the sound so synonymous with a deserted carnival or circus, the idea for the music video came to life. Jenna Hardie worked creatively with Dave Le May on a concept for Circus. “Working with Dave Le May was incredible. His experience in conceptual and visual perception
was really the foundation of this music video. It is amazing to see the concept so closely aligned to the finished product.”
Together, Jenna and Dave Le May developed the idea and identified King Carnival as the ultimate location for their concept. With support from King Carnival, the idea soon became a reality. The music video takes you on a journey through a quiet carnival – the imagery matching the tone and swirly sounds of the song. Filmed on very old radioactive Takumar lenses from 1962-65, the result is a stunning visual feast.
The band will follow ‘Circus’ with a release of second single ‘Cats’, in July. “We have at least 10 more songs we want to record – along with new songs in the pipeline. And ideas for music videos. Recording an album, followed by tours, music videos and more magic is the plan for Unicorn. Making music magical.” To launch ‘Circus’, Unicorn celebrates on Saturday 7 May at The Aardvark, Fremantle, with some of their favourite bands, Satisfaction Guaranteed, ParmeZan and Moody Alice. Tickets are available from Oztix HERE
CREDITS
Music
Sound engineer: Dave Parkin, Blackbird Studio
Mastering: William Bowden, King Willy Sound
Video
Creative Director, Director of Photography, Editor: Dave Le May
Creative Director, Producer: Jenna Hardie
Assistant to Director of Photography: Ben Berkhout
Location: King Carnival, Mandurah
Hair and makeup (Jenna): Francesca Poggi
Lighting: Melissa Hardie
Sound management on set: Carol Hardie
Special thank you to the children: Rocco, Tex, Tommy, Alice, Gray, Miles & Will
Photography
Photography: Charlie Beveridge
Artwork
Graphic Design: Jenna Hardie
Logo: Jessica Harris
Unicorn is:
Jenna Hardie – singer, songwriter, guitarist
Douglas May – lead guitarist
Ella Munro – bass guitarist
Jessica Harris – drums
http://www.facebook.com/unicorn.wamusic
http://www.instagram.com/unicorn.wamusic
https://www.tiktok.com/@unicorn.wamusic