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Taranaki-based electropop artist Frau Knotz (Lauren Nottingham) has today released her sophomore single + video ‘Runway of Reality’.
With an 80s darkwave dance club feel, a super catchy hook, a driving tech house beat with heavily syncopated vocals and a touch of Mulholland Drive. “It’s my hype song,” says Lauren, “the one I blast in the car on a Friday night. I like to call the genre danceable darkwave.” ‘Runway of Reality’ explores the corners of fashion and identity, chronicling the multitude of fads and phases we pass through in our lives. “We as humans are ever-evolving,” says Lauren, “revealing and disguising facets of ourselves through the clothes we wear. I love to play dress-ups. I change the way I look often, and enjoy doing the same with my sound. This tune is theatrical and dramatic with a whole bunch of influences like Kavinsky, Vangelis (Blade Runner soundtrack) and Royksöpp.”
Following her debut ‘Supernova’ (2022), ‘Runway of Reality’ was once again recorded and mixed by Sam Johnson at Rhythm Ace Studios and mastered by Chris Chetland at KOG Studio.
Accompanying the single release is another exciting video collaboration between Frau Knotz and videographer Ben D’Ath (Drax Project, Coterie). It also features drag queen on the rise, Erika Flash (Daniel Lockett), a regular performer at Auckland’s Caluzzi Cabaret who calls Taranaki home.
“In the video I play the role of a theatre usher and narrator,” explains Lauren, “while the video tracks Daniel as he transforms into his alter ego, drag queen extraordinaire Erika Flash. It takes him 3 hours to get into drag and during the time he spends in front of the mirror applying makeup, putting on a dress, jewellery, heels and a wig, he is both physically and mentally transforming into another part of his identity - a sassy, classy, flamboyant woman full of confidence and poise.”
“We shot it in The King's Theatre in Stratford, which is the first ever movie theatre in the Southern Hemisphere to have screened ‘talkies’ (pictures with sound). I’m really stoked to be able to feature Taranaki with regards to the arts (and history of the arts) in this region. It opened in 1917 and is said to be haunted by a friendly ghost that likes to hang around and watch the movies. Apparently, the ghost is an old projectionist who worked at the theatre who used to wear an anorak to work. Occasionally people have heard a zipper noise, of him zipping up his anorak! I’m planning an event for NZ Music Month to celebrate the release of ‘Runway of Reality’ at The King’s Theatre. I’ll screen the music video then perform a live show with Erika Flash.”
With an upcoming event, and much more music to come from this exciting up and coming artist, make sure you’re following Frau Knotz and stay tuned!