Magnus Riise’s ‘Still Here’: A Visual Symphony in ASL
There’s an unspoken magic in music—a power that transcends barriers, weaving through emotions and experiences. It becomes a conduit, expressing the inexpressible—a universally understood language. Magnus Riise’s latest music video for his song, Still Here, stands as a testament to this deep and powerful musical language. It creates an emotional resonance that bridges gaps and speaks to the core of human connections.
In his newest single, the lyrical prowess of Riise and Mark Sanderlin paints a poignant narrative of heartache and longing. The verses unravel a story full of memories that linger in everyday objects and the struggles of moving on after a love has left. It’s a raw portrayal of grief that questions the essence of home and the remnants of affection when the person you love is gone.
In harmony with these lyrics, the music video for Still Here elevates the emotional depth of the song. Set in a serene loft, the video highlights a spectrum of experiences among a diverse ensemble of performers—all part of the queer Deaf community. Each scene reveals a personal journey of heartbreak and grief, showcasing the universality of emotions, transcending differences in backgrounds and experiences.
Jules Dameron, the video’s co-director and a Deaf gay trans man himself, shares, “When I first listened to it [Still Here], it got me crying like a baby. I understood it. It resonated with me. The feelings of emptiness, sadness and loneliness after the absence of a beloved one are powerful and this song made me feel validated for feeling this way. I needed to tap into that and pour it out into the creation of this music video.” He expressed, reflecting on the powerful and impactful vision behind the video.
Through the lens of American Sign Language (ASL), Dameron skillfully portrays the nuances of loneliness, grief, and the strength of community. His collaboration with Riise not only intertwines creative philosophies but also celebrates the shared aesthetics and storytelling voices of everyone involved in this project.
Expressing his admiration for the Deaf community, Riise shares, “I was fortunate to witness the incredible performances and warmth within the Deaf community. Similar to the queer experience, existing in a world not tailored for you can be isolating. But both communities find solace in togetherness.” This sentiment resonates throughout the video, depicting loneliness while offering hope in shared experiences.
The involvement of renowned ASL translator Joshua Castille (Spring Awakening) in rendering the song into ASL amplifies the inclusivity of the video, inviting broader audiences into this immersive narrative. Riise’s deliberate choice to showcase Deaf actors highlights the video’s significance, creating a space for authentic emotional expression.
The video stars, besides Riise and Dameron, Amelia Hensley, Chelsea Lee, Gabriel Silva, Ian Sanborn, Joey Antonio, Malik Paris, Melissa Elmira Yingst, Samuel Langshteyn, and Shiran Zhavian.
Still Here, marks the culmination of Magnus Riise’s visual EP ‘Until Tomorrow’ journey, championing themes of queerness, mental health, and self-acceptance. The music video for Still Here stands as a solid testament to the resilience of love amid loss and the empowering embrace of community in moments of darkness.
Riise and Dameron’s collaboration encapsulates the unity of artistic vision, portraying an emotional narrative that transcends boundaries, resonating with audiences far and wide. It crafts an immersive experience that invites everyone to witness the beauty in vulnerability and the strength found within unity, echoing the sentiments of love and loss in a language that knows no bounds.
Still Here is available to stream on all major music platforms. Follow us on X and Instagram for all queer stuff!
Featured Image: Image Courtesy of Magnus Riise
