Ida Mae shot by Dean Chalkley
After the announcement of their debut album and in the midst of their US tour with American rock band Blackberry Smoke, duo Ida Mae today release the alluring video for the title track of their debut album, ‘Chasing Lights’, out July 12th on Thirty Tigers. Ida Mae have a string of big gigs lined up including supporting Greta Van Fleet on their summer US tour and a slot at Bonnaroo on 14th June. The duo will also return to the UK to play Blackdeer Festival on 21st June.
Stephanie and Chris’ vocals intertwine beautifully on ‘Chasing Lights’, the sole cello acting as a third voice, adding depth and a dream-like quality to the track. ‘Chasing Lights’ is a metaphor for everything we’ve been after,” Chris reflects. “For tracing the footsteps of our heroes, for making a life and a living on our own terms.” Shot in the sublime Norfolk countryside, the gorgeous video (directed by Luke Courtenay Smith & Tim Hyland) perfectly echoes the song’s message.
The album was helped to become the masterpiece it is with the guidance of legendary producer Ethan Johns (Ray LaMontagne, Laura Marling, Kings of Leon). The duo’s natural chemistry proved to be an ideal fit for Johns’ minimalist approach to production. “Ethan records live and very quickly,” explains Turpin. “He loves the naïve discovery of early takes. It could be terrifying at times, but we always trusted his judgment.”
Blending elements of vintage Delta blues and gritty rock and roll with boldly modern arrangements and fearless punk swagger, ‘Chasing Lights’ captures Ida Mae in its purest form. From the pulsating ‘Higher Than Light’ to the Beat poet-inspired ‘My Girl Is A Heartbreak’, ‘Chasing Lights’ is an impressive eclectic debut. Singing together, the couple have an unusual ‘which-is-which’ dynamic.