Photo by Amanda Louise Macchia

Back in May, we previewed a show at the Lilypad in Cambridge that featured two rising pop mavens by way of Montreal: Maryze and headliner Janette King. A small, intimate affair, the show provided a great chance to meet with the artists to talk about their work. Maryze was happy to go in detail about the translated lyrics to “Dis Moi,” an emotional ballad from her EP Like Moons, an synth-laden pop collection full of tracks that slow-burn with longing and affection, self-described as “stormy-sweet.”

This week, Maryze dropped the first music video of her career for another song off that EP, “Soft.” The video is directed by Amanda Louise Macchia, a Paris-based director with a background in fashion, which comes through in the video’s rich, dreamy texture, as well as the gentle focus on Maryze herself. 

Drenched in pink and set to the rhythm of the song’s moody piano line layered among moody synths, the video depicts the singer holding roses by the beach, delivering smooth, sensual vocals that pine for another as much as they do for security and satisfaction within one’s own body. “For me, truly connecting with another person, both physically and on a deeper spiritual level, has to begin in a place of self-love. As many womxn do, I have a complicated relationship with my body and sexuality, largely because of the societal shame around expressing those parts of ourselves.” She drifts through blankets of pink, looking at-ease on the beach while occasionally darting a playful, passionate eye at the camera. 

At a time where body autonomy and reclamation for womxn is at the forefront of so much public discussion, Maryze represents another in a long line of artists using their platform to not only do that service for herself, but also to attempt to inspire other womxn to do the same. “It feels powerful,” she says, “and a little magic, to reclaim our bodies and sensuality in whatever way we choose for ourselves.” That magical feeling is on full display in the videos effectively simple, dreamy concept. 

Watch the video for “Soft” below. Keep an eye out for Maryze the next time she comes around Boston; it’s a show not to miss!