Violet Bell Navigate the Darkness of Addiction in “Junkie”

Violet Bell use the mythological tale to interrogate oppression — why would the fisherman trap the selkie in a false form? What pain is he operating from?

Shapeshifter also focuses on the selkie’s intense feelings of dysphoria as she attempts to navigate life in the wrong body — and the liberation she feels when she returns to her true self. The record ends on a somber note with “Junkie,” out today.

“This is the final song I wrote for Shapeshifter,” Ross explains. “We recorded it as a duo — the original incarnation of our music — in one take. Sometimes life can feel like one big ache. Numbing that feeling — doing anything to run from it — has driven our addictions. In letting go of substance abuse, we are learning that when you surrender and let yourself feel what you feel, you become awake to life.”

The track’s music video was directed by Ross’ high school friend Sydney Buchanan. Ross says that their special connection, which began with a water gun prank in their youth, is at the heart of the video’s concept.

“We filmed at Bethlehem Presbyterian church in Saxapahaw, N.C. We’re not of the same faith, but we were touched by the generosity of the pastor and her husband, who makes a cameo in the video,” Ross notes. “‘Junkie’ is about turning towards our own pain in order to learn from it and heal it. People often say that connection is the opposite of addiction. Whether you connect through music, church, nature, or elsehow, you have to become vulnerable, compassionate, and curious to make true contact. This video bring visual poetry to something very tender and human about how we show up for each other and for ourselves.”

Watch the official music video for “Junkie” below:

Violet Bell have multiple tour dates scheduled across the U.S. ahead of their Nov. 11 album release show at Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro, N.C. You can find a full list of upcoming concerts and ticketing information at duo’s official website.