Watch Cassadee Pope Harness the Elements for ‘Say It First’ Video Premiere
Sometimes a breakup can feel like a natural disaster.
Cassadee Pope harnesses the destructive power of the elements in her new “Say It First” music video, and the fiery clip is premiering exclusively on Sounds Like Nashville.
Arriving on SLN today (July 23) ahead of worldwide release, the force-of-nature video adds awe-inspiring power to a track that’s already full of volatility. Featuring a modern-rock spark that come straight from Pope’s punk-pop background, and playing off the chaos that a breakup creates, the epic-sounding track was co-written by Cassadee Pope, Ross Copperman and Heather Morgan — and she says its raw feelings match the moment love comes crashing down, roaring like an avalanche.
“’Say It First’ is a song I wrote about how tough of a position it is to be the one to end a relationship when you both know it’s already over,” Pope says. “Being the ‘bad guy’ just because you said what you both were thinking comes with the territory. But not saying anything just isn’t an option. I love the nostalgic approach with the production and how it feels angsty but still vulnerable.”
Capturing that angsty vulnerability on film is director Ed Pryor, who unleashed the fury of a broken heart with electrifying, thunder-and-lighting power. With Pope singing from a darkened stage — made to resemble a breakup’s emotional void — a series of natural catastrophes flash on the video wall behind her. But Pope stands strong, and comes out the other side.
“Working with Ed Pryor again was such a treat,” Pope goes on. “We both knew we wanted this video to include weather elements and fast flashes to coincide with the inner turmoil the song talks about. I wanted to wear a beautiful dress to further illustrate the fact that vulnerability is strength.”
“Say It First” is part of the upcoming ninth album from Cassadee Pope, with Thrive expected to arrive this Fall. It was produced by Nickolas Wheeler (of All-American Rejects) and Karen Fairchild (of Little Big Town), and also features “What The Stars See” with Fairchild and Lindsay Ell.
