Jena Malone could be greatest identified to movie followers for her decades-spanning physique of performing work (somebody who begins with the type of singular efficiency a pint-sized Malone placed on within the heart-wrenching “Bastard Out of Carolina” is clearly somebody formidable), however the star of all the things from “The Starvation Video games” and “Pleasure & Prejudice” to “Sucker Punch” and “The Neon Demon” is in possession of one other expertise: music.
And whereas actual ones absolutely know that Malone has been making music for practically 20 years, her newest effort appears poised to introduce her to a brand-new fanbase. Malone’s new album (her first in over a decade, and the primary to be put out solely beneath her title) consists of her brand-new single “Barstow,” which you’ll be able to hearken to (and watch!) under, care of dreamy, neon-laced music video directed by Jennifer Reeder and starring Malone and Robin Tunney.
The music is the primary single of Malone’s just-announced new album, “Flowers for Males,” which can be launched on Might 8 through her personal imprint There Was an Outdated Girl Data. (You’ll be able to pre-save the album right here.) Malone has additionally introduced a run of reside exhibits to help the album, which kicks off in June with a efficiency at Cafe Du Nord in San Francisco, earlier than stopping in locations like Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, New York Metropolis, and extra.
Followers of the lauded actress’ singing will discover lots acquainted right here amongst the dreamy, synth-y ambiance, which must also attraction to newcomers to Malone’s different large expertise.
“It’s wild how lengthy I’ve been making music and the way nervous and excited I nonetheless am about all of it,” Malone instructed IndieWire. “It’s been virtually ten years since I launched any music, so it’s an excellent feeling to really feel like a child once more. This album was a very long time coming for me for positive. I went by the fireplace of transformation after having a baby and all the things requested to be reexamined. I not had time to make music like I used to, so I began writing and arranging songs on my iPhone, whereas I hid in closets and waited in drop-off strains in school. This document emerge from stolen moments.”
The music videowritten and directed by Reeder, includes a road-tripping Malone who meets (encounters? revisits? select your personal journey) a kindred spirit alongside the way in which, performed by Robin Tunney. We received’t spoil an excessive amount of about their bond earlier than you’ll be able to watch it.
“‘Barstow’ is my favourite music on the document. I do know it’s unusual to say that,” she mentioned. “However after I wrote the primary draft of the music, it haunted me like no different. Felt like a music I had been longing to put in writing since I used to be a child. Jamie Jackson (the producer and co-writer of the document) got here in and helped me carry the music to life in such a fantastic means. It was the primary music we began with. Some tales/songs are like that. They emerge so potent and emblematic of the document that I knew it needed to come out first.”
Whereas the music video marks Malone and Reeder’s first collaboration, their simpatico tastes and nature are clear. When requested why she knew Reeder was the primary filmmaker for the job, she was effusive. “She was the one choose! I solely found her work in 2023 and was an on the spot fan,” Malone mentioned. “Her movies ‘Knives and Pores and skin’ and ‘Perpetrator’ are so fucking unimaginable. She is so superb at world making that feels acquainted and stuffed with threat! We (met) for an upcoming venture and really rapidly discovered the dialog shifting to music and artwork and creations. I despatched her an early model of the album and it was simply an on the spot hell sure throughout.”
Malone additionally hailed Reeder’s group, together with Sevdije Kastrati-Dill (“a batshit loopy gifted DP”) and Mike Olenick, Reeder’s “unimaginable long-time editor and colorist.” That pleasure additionally prolonged to her display screen companion, fellow actress (and horror icon) Robin Tunney. Malone mentioned she has lengthy been a fan of “The Craft” star and she or he cherished that their “paths crossed and also you get to work and collaborate collectively and attending to know them lifts their work up increased.”
You’ll be able to try the total music video for Malone’s “Barstow,” an IndieWire unique, under.