Following the release of stirring single “Eugene,” South-West Londoner Arlo Parks has shared the powerful new track “Black Dog” to help people around the world who are struggling with mental health issues.
Having recently become an ambassador for mental health charity CALM, Arlo Park’s quietly stunning new track is dedicated to starting the conversation surrounding the prevalence of mental health issues and the expectation of being “a perfect person with perfect life” in today’s social media-obsessed world
At the young age of 19, Parks is a rising star armed with soothing music and impactful messages. The minimalistic, piano- instrumentals and poignant lyrics shine bright in the heartbreakingly beautiful offering where she describes the feeling of helplessness that comes with having to watch a loved one suffer, knowing you can’t help them.
Her soft yet clear voice rings out as Arlo narrates a story that’s starkly simple on the surface yet so painfully raw and relatable once you peel back the layers. If you’ve suffered from mental health issues or watched a loved one struggle through something similar, “Black Dog” feels like a story ripped from the pages of your own life – particularly as she sings “ let’s go to the corner store and buy some fruit/I would do anything to get you out your room/ Just take your medicine and eat some food/ It’s so cruel/ What your mind can do for no reason”
The track is accompanied by a music video directed by Molly Burdett, starring Parks herself interspersed with images and stories of people in various vulnerable, emotional settings ; a man taking care of child, a woman who can’t bring herself to get out of bed weighed down by the unknown shadow of her mind, and their loved ones who try their best to let them know they aren’t alone – Arlo reminds us we may feel isolated, but someone is always there for you even if we don’t know it.
The track comes after Arlo teamed up with Glass Animals’ Dave Bayley to record a cover of Drake’s chart-topper “Hotline Bling” while in lockdown. The young star is currently also working on her debut album.
the response to Black Dog has rocked me to my core. I found myself thinking my whole life had led up to that evening. Molly Burdett directed one of the most stunning visuals I’ve ever laid eyes on – check it out now.https://t.co/RrDLCPE7VY pic.twitter.com/gM04YA5neW
— Arlo Parks (@arloparks) May 5, 2020