With a little more of a rock edge sprinkled into Merlin’s work, some alien-like vocal filters stretching her tones out and an off-kilter beat that alternates between doing its own thing and bolstering her dance moves, it’s both ear-grabbing yet undeniably unique, building up to an explosive conclusion. Despite the song’s upbeat nature, the video makes a point to echo Merlin’s lyrics and flash the words “ALL MISTREATED” repeatedly at viewers. With the words, Merlin emphasizes just how much we can gain when those many mistreated individuals come together to help each other out.

We caught up with Merlin below to talk about shooting the new video, what it means to be weird, and why we’re stronger together. 

What was the inspiration behind the “see!igetit” video?

It’s a simple concept that packs a nice punch. I like the excitement each new location gives the viewer (me being the viewer I’m talking about). We didn’t reinvent the wheel with this clip, but we did make a sweet ride nonetheless. 

We see you dancing in a variety of public places in the video – how did you decide on some of these locations?

The spaces are significant because they’re in public. I chose the spaces that were visually appealing to me, that were able to lend themselves to showcasing me as a small thing. I think the scenes chosen are significant, because they are both grand (multifloor public library, a mall) in some contexts and also very ordinary (car parking lot, a university hallway). The point of the video is to exist in multiple spaces while being influenced by the song. It makes me want to dance, so why not dance everywhere? 

What would you say “see!igetit” is about?

“see!igetit” is about us not getting our priorities straight as a society. We blame each other for the issues caused by a flawed system and the people who benefit from it. It’s easy to lose sight of the importance of community, but I will always make a deep effort to remember where I come from. We are all of the earth and if you suffer, the earth suffers and so do I. I will always try to make decisions that benefit us all, not just myself. See? I get it!

Something that really stood out in the video was the juxtaposition of these joyful-seeming dances and the bright sound of the track with the flashing red “ALL MISTREATED.” What led to this choice?

Life is very much like that. It is filled with joyous moments, all the while atrocities and horrors happen next door. This song is meant to be an escape and a reason to feel empowered to change things. I speak for myself, but I’m sure most of everyone can relate. When faced with everything wrong in the world without rest and without joy, we become paralyzed and discouraged. We need to be optimistic in order to find the strength to make lasting change. “ALL MISTREATED” is a reminder that we are in this together, so let’s dance our way to the finish line. 

What have you been listening to lately?

Less music lately for some reason. Apart from re-listening to D’Angelo and a bit of Ned Doheny I’ve been in a podcast/YouTube essays moment. (I am always in a YouTube essay moment though, to be fair.) Stuff like: the “A Bit Fruity” podcast, F.D Signifier and Hasan Piker clips. 

Photo by Vladim Vilain

What are some of your favourite lyrical moments on your new EP? What inspired these words and what do they mean to you?

“All mistreated” is definitely one! I feel like it’s brief, but very impactful. I also really love many lines in my track “BOOTY.” “Pour all your fame on me” And “compared our faces / I noticed you’re high / so take aim” The track speaks on influence and fame and striving towards it, even when it can be toxic and destructive. I want those with the height and perspective and influence to be able to use their privilege to protect the vulnerable. I know it’s possible, we just need to start seeing ourselves as part of a community, of the collective. Ditch individualism, it’s boring. 

Is there any meaning behind the A Weird Little Dog title and cover art?

Yea! But it’s embarrassingly straightforward. I find this project to be a little weird. It’s not as traditionally digestible as I think some of my other work has been. Of course it’s not the most experimental work in the world; it feels like a weird looking little dog. Once you look at it for a minute, hold it in your arms, it starts looking… kinda cute. 

What were the writing process and studio sessions like for this EP?

I worked on this project with my long-time friend and collaborator Funkywhat. This project came to life almost on its own, taking the whole of maybe three months to complete, including mix and master (by Valentin Ignat). It was especially fun and validating for me because two of the four tracks I started, production-wise, on my own. After bringing the tracks to Funkywhat and working through them together, along with fantastic contributions by friends (Kyle Hutchens, Evan Shay, and Zack Frampton), the EP is my favorite piece of work (of mine) to date. 

You instructed people on your Instagram to pre-save the EP if they’re weird. What does it mean to you to be weird?

It was a trick prompt! Because everyone is weird. No exceptions.

What’s next for Magi Merlin? Anything else you’d like us to know?

I’ll be joining Nubya Garcia on her North American Tour dates starting April 1 playing for the first time in Vancouver on April 14 (tickets), as well as a few festival shows lined up starting May 10 in QC. Come through to one of the shows if you’re weird 🙂