ART d’ECCO CONDUCTS MENTAL BATTLES WITHIN ON EPIC NEW SINGLE, “SERENE DEMON”
Walking through darkened and empty streets Art d’Ecco explored the depths of his own psyche in crafting his epic, four-part, seven-and-a-half minute existential statement and single, “Serene Demon” co-produced by Joe Chiccarelli (The White Stripes, The Strokes, Beck, U2) with Art.
The single arrives today to announce Art d’Ecco’s fourth full-length album of the same name, Serene Demon, due out on February 14, 2025, via Paper Bag Records. The accompanying video, directed by Theo Kim, captures the personal inner battles and the need to break free from one’s own self.
Composing “Serene Demon” required two months’ time and deep reserves of creativity. The premise may seem straightforward (“it’s literally an existentialist and a true believer walk into a bar and debate”) but the execution is anything but, incorporating four distinct sections, a fluid tempo, and a myriad of tone colors as it veers between intimate and epic moments across seven and a half minutes.
Likewise, the song’s succinct lyrics belie the enormity of its subject matter. “I’ve always been fascinated with the seduction of evil that lurks within us, and not just the archetype of the angel and the devil on each shoulder.” Evil can take many forms: self-doubt, Imposter Syndrome, the unrelenting darkness of depression and anxiety. Yet out of this miasma, Art d’Ecco emerges triumphant. “That song is the most challenging thing I’ve ever written.”
Discussing the video concept, Art adds,
“The main source of inspiration came from a brilliant short documentary called ‘Collateral & the Death of Neon’ (by YouTuber Watching the Aerial), which covers the history of Hollywood film noir with respect to the evolution of street lighting in America, and how the change affected the appearance of how these cities were portrayed on screen in popular films at night. I came up with a script based on the idea that I’d portray myself writing the song, and on the way to performing it (with a full band) – I encounter the ‘Serene Demon’, who proceeds to beat the living shit out of me. It’s about the seduction of evil from within – an evil that is happy to lay dormant until it senses weakness, and attempts to destroy its victim from the inside. In the end, this character is not defeated, but rather overcomes this adversity and makes it to the gig in time to perform the new composition (titled ‘Serene Demon’). I guess it’s all very ‘Whiplash’ meets ‘Adaptation’.”
Quote From Editor
“‘Unruly Despair’ cuts right to the heart of feeling lost and searching for meaning. With raw, honest lyrics and a haunting melody, it perfectly captures the frustration of wondering what it’s all for. It’s the kind of song that lingers with you, reminding us that maybe the journey of figuring things out is just as important as the answers we’re looking for.”
“Serene Demon” follows Art’s previously released single, “I Feel Alive,” a track that peaked at #11 on the Alt chart in Canada, and remains in the top 20 currently. It has racked up 1500+ spins in the U.S. and charted top 50 on the AAA chart south of the border.
Does life have meaning or a purpose? What distinguishes good from evil? Do individuals enjoy free will or is destiny preordained? Critical thinkers – Sartre, Nietzsche, Dostoevsky – have pondered such questions for centuries. Serene Demon dispatches them in under 39 minutes, reflecting Art d’Ecco’s singular focus on his fourth album:
“I was determined, in an almost monomaniacal way, to prove that I can do something different.”
Serene Demon may be Art d’Ecco’s most ambitious album to date, but fans won’t struggle to recognize his handiwork. Like the many groundbreaking artists who have inspired Art d’Ecco over the years, he intends to keep nudging his listeners forward, prompting them to explore – and accept – unfamiliar ideas. “Once you’ve trained the ear of the audience, it establishes a new precedent,” he concludes. Tastes change and evolve, and outliers mature into icons.
“That moves pop music forward in the most beautiful, organic way, and I’m constantly trying to exist within that paradigm. How do I challenge myself and throw the rule book out, but still make this the catchiest, quirkiest piece of music possible? I like existing between those two worlds.”
Great pop music accommodates big ideas and simple truths with equal finesse, but don’t expect a record – even one as ambitious as Serene Demon – to solve all life’s mysteries.
“If you’re constantly searching for answers or hope to bestow any relevance to the existence that you’re living, then take a pause and realize that life is happening right now,” concludes Art. “You don’t need to constantly defer happiness. Just exist in the moment.”