Rapport Share New Single 'Video Star'

Following the announcement last month of their forthcoming new EP Floating Through The Wonderwave (that will be released on July 8th, 2022 through Arbutus Records) and the release of first track "Going Nowhere," Today Toronto-based synth-pop band Rapport have shared a second standout cut "Video Star" and its accompanying video. Pre-order the upcoming album here.

Speaking on the track, frontwoman Maddy Wilde says: "Whenever I find myself compulsively opening social media apps again and again on my phone, I'll do a delete. Getting rid of these apps has always been the best way to combat the addiction. But then I find myself needing them again to promote a show or a new song etc. And the cycle continues. Video Star toys with the idea of 'turning off', which is easier said than done."

She adds of the video: "Working in an industry where you have to sell yourself can make you feel pretty wacky (especially if you're as neurotic as I am). Even if, deep down, you think the thing you made is great, you're still constantly doubting your worth. Meanwhile you have to go out there and say "here's a picture of me and you should listen to the thing I made"!

It can make me feel like I'm riding the line between totally ego-driven self-obsessed behavior and someone who's outwardly self-deprecating as part of my "shpeel". To me, it's easy to draw a comparison between being an artist and, say, a multi-level marketing self-help guru. You have to convince yourself that you believe in the product even if no one's buying it.

The video exists in an alternate reality where I have my s together (but even in an alternate reality I'd still be a totally delusional freak). Director Adam Pereira helped bring out the humor in this ridiculous premise, and made me do a LOT of jogging. The things we do for our art!"

Toronto-born Maddy Wilde (Moon King, Born Ruffians) formed Rapport after a decade of playing in various local bands and performing with other artists; Wilde's imposter syndrome finally gave way to a desire to create music that she felt was under explored in her city.

With band members Kurt Marble and Mike Pereira, (Twist, Ducks ltd, Most People) both experiencing the same urge to face the challenges of creating earnest pop despite their musical backgrounds in garage, punk and glam rock; Rapport embarked on a journey into the depths of classic pop.

Wilde's arrangements combine her intuitive sense of harmony with a desire to sincerely capture the essence of sentimentality. Warm synth pads soften the space between Pereira's punchy percussive bass style, referred to by the band as the "chug," which steadily drives the songs forward, while Marble's Knopfler-esque guitar lines play off of Maddy's rich vocal melodies. The result is a constant braiding of memorable hooks, reminiscent of ABBA or Jeff Lynne's ELO.

Floating Through The Wonderwave is Rapport taking a darker, more melancholic turn. Themes of jealousy, neuroses and self-doubt arise as Wilde explores the balance between artistic creation and self-promotion.

"I had to uninstall social media apps on my phone when I realized they were a major source of anxiety and a hugely addictive waste of time which I could have spent making music. My creative practice was suffering as a result. But without these tools, how are artists meant to share their work?," Wilde reflects.

The concept of "turning off" - the target of Wilde's musings on lead single "Video Star" - is a presumptuous fantasy that she knows won't last. Inevitably she will return to her old habits, mindlessly scrolling, endlessly roaming.. Floating Through the Wonderwave.

Watch the new music video here:

photo credit: Colin Medley