Premiere: Gemma Dunleavy explores pain in ‘Setting Son’

Words: Dylan Murphy
Starring Jessie Thompson and Adam O’Reilly
Directed: Rosie Barrett
Cinematography: Albert Hooi
Choreography: Jessie Thompson
First AC: JP Quill
Edited: Rosie Barrett
Sound: James Latimer
Titles: adult.art.club
Song performed, written and produced by Gemma Dunleavy

We’re absolutely delighted to premiere the stunning new video for ‘Setting Son’ from Gemma Dunleavy. Set in a deserted car park, it explores the inevitability of a mother’s pain and her son’s demise.

In a time where connection is few and far between, Dublin singer Gemma Dunleavy made a point about celebrating the community that raised her.

Sharing her debut EP Up De Flats earlier this year, she delivered a beautiful conceptual piece that paid homage to the Sherriff Street community through the lens of six different stereotypes she grew up around.

Met with critical acclaim, Gemma went on to share the video for the lead single ‘Up De Flats’ and she has now followed that up with a striking and intimate video for ‘Setting Son’.

The track itself is from the perspective of a mother who is desperately trying to save her son from the vicious claws of drug addiction. Comparing the heartbreaking and predictable demise to the routine setting of the sun, the monochrome visuals see Jessie Thompson and Adam O’Reilly explore the concept through interpretative dance. Weaving through a vacant car park, the pair slalom between the dim beams of light that illuminate their urban stage.

Setting Son’ is another example that further highlights both Gemma’s musical dexterity and ability to capture trodden paths of a forgotten community.

Watch the video for ‘Setting Son’ below:

Gemma plays The Academy Green Room April 30 2021. Tickets go on sale this Friday.