Stranger Things finds inspiration in the past, but the show inspires others to create entirely new art that pays homage to the ’80s-set horror series itself, like singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson. Her upcoming new album, Stranger Songs, is based on the hit Netflix series, and it’s already inspiring others too. Comic artists are making illustrated videos for individual tracks, including her song “Pretty,” and we have your exclusive first look at it.
This official lyric video comes from artist Nicola Scott (Birds of Prey, Secret Six, Teen Titans, Wonder Woman, Black Magick). Scott said the video, which captures both the sound and subject of the song itself, “isn’t about a story, but more about a girl and an attitude.” That’s also a pretty apt description for Eleven.
This is the latest track from Michaelson’s album, which will be available on June 28 (you can pre-order it now). She has already released two singles ahead of the record’s debut. The first was “ Missing You,” which also got a perfect Stranger Things-like lyric music video, because you don’t get much more ’80s than Pac-Man.
The other single from the album is “Jealous,” which Michaelson says was inspired by the moment “when Eleven knocks Max off of her skate board because she’s jealous.”
This isn’t the first time this year we’ve heard about an entire album or EP inspired by a TV show— Game of Thrones has also proved fertile ground for musicians—but it is the first full record inspired by Stranger Things we’ve heard about. So why would a successful musician turn towards a horror show set in the ’80s? Michaelson explained why in the album’s announcement:
“I’ve already made seven records, I have a lot to say. But I’ve said it so much from the brain and mind and soul of Ingrid Michaelson – I wanted to create something through a different lens. There’s something about Stranger Things that’s really comforting, it brings me back to my childhood. It’s the best kind of escapism and I find myself seeking that now more than ever. I took inspiration from the show and the characters and all these ideas started to come to me. Every song on the record includes a reference from the show, some more specific than others, but all of the themes are universal – these are feelings everyone has.”
Stranger Things might be set in the ’80s, but it’s going to inspire a lot of new art for a long time.
Featured Image: Nicola Scott/Ingrid Michaelson