Music Video ‘Bad Bad News’ By Leon Bridges, Directed By Natalie Rae

Bad Bad News, the first music video released ahead of Leon Bridges’ highly anticipated sophomore album Good Thing, premiered this week on the artist’s YouTube page. This film was directed by Natalie Rae, and shot on 35mm film in New York, February 2018.

Bad Bad News showcases a unique feminist collaboration between artist Leon Bridges, director Natalie Rae and featured performer Paloma Elsesser, acting as the film’s protagonist. Following a catcall in a New York subway, our heroine reclaims her power and sexuality through movement that viscerally connects to Leon’s performance of the track. Both hopeful and urgent, the dance of our heroine and Leon’s performance of his song strike a poetic balance, underscoring a message of equality and a partnership between genders when facing harassment.

Poignantly timed, Bad Bad News arrives at a cultural moment where women en masse have turned ’bad news’ into a positive movement for equality and change. Sanctuary Content director Natalie Rae explains, “The original seed of the narrative was inspired by Alice Walker’s “Hard Times Require Furious Dancing.” Both Leon and Paloma have dealt with their own personal identity issues - we illustrated Walker’s philosophy through connected movement. There is a power in unity and solidarity between men and women when they work together. That’s how we get true momentum. That’s a great start for 2018.”