Jessica Breanne Looks for the Way Out in ‘Fireflies’

More than a few things that have happened on our planet over the past several years — including but not limited to rash or unconscionable policy decisions by the U.S. government — seemed like remote possibilities in a less-chaotic time. Shock and dismay have become fairly commonplace. While you’d never call it “good,” this circumstance has spurred some to take action to address longstanding, deep-rooted social problems like systemic racism and major environmental issues like climate change. 

On the other hand, it’s made it pretty easy to get overwhelmed. That’s what singer-songwriter Jessica Breanne is responding to in her latest single “Fireflies.” The soulful rocker, who you’ve heard with her band The Electric Hearts and on her 2019 single “Alabama,” confronts that feeling head-on in the hypnotic new track.

“This song was born out of a time in my life marked by deep emotional volatility,” says Jessica Breanne in an email. “A time of panic and anxiety, despair and doubt. I needed a way to express the claustrophobia of finding myself stuck in impossible situations that, despite all effort, seemed uncontrollable. We cannot continue to watch the earth die, watch the world go mad, watch those we love become unrecognizable. How, then, do we change? What does it take to transmute suffering into power? 

“This song was a catharsis, a great unburdening of my spirit. It was written as a promise to myself that I wouldn’t become lost in anger and bitterness. If I have learned anything in this life it’s that when you’re not growing, you’re dying. Don’t be mistaken though, this is not a song of blind hope — this is a frank reminder that there is venom in the well.”

Today, we're very pleased to premiere the music video for "Fireflies." Like the vid accompanying "Alabama," released earlier this year, it features a Jessica Breanne dance routine. In this case, she's twirling around her house like the junebugs she sings about, desperate to find a way out. Fellow Belcourt staffer Zack Hall directed the piece. Check it out above and find the track on Bandcamp below. Jake Davis co-produced with much-loved guitarist Sean Thompson, who played on the recording with John Fox, Stacey Wilson and members of the ’70s-vintage pop band Ornament. Jessica Breanne also notes that this single is a preview of a forthcoming record she hopes to release next year — follow her on Instagram for updates.