Elton John And Brandi Carlisle Unite
Elton John and Brandi Carlisle have unveiled a new music video for their single “Swing for the Fences.” Directed by Xavier Dolan, the video features a set designed by Damien Jalet.
A Celebration of Dance and Expression
The video portrays a young man named William Darby, who dances in solitude at home before joining Abdullah Amur on a field. The production is a tribute to the unique expressions found through dance and movement.
“When Brandi and Elton presented their song, it was crafted in a way that resonated with ‘young strange children.’ I immediately envisioned this young, isolated figure dancing with abandon,” Dolan explains. “It’s no accident that music and dance have always played a pivotal role in queer culture; it serves as a final act of expression, release, and self-acceptance. I am incredibly grateful that they entrusted me with this fantastic opportunity to portray a young man who asserts his strength and pride through music and dance, especially during a time when some influential figures seek to diminish that power and silence that pride.”
Jalet adds: “Xavier skillfully shaped this video into a beautifully uplifting message that I could not turn down. The aim was to capture the essence of spontaneous dance joy without overwhelming it with excessive production. By focusing on William’s dynamic improvisations, his ballet background, and Xavier’s insightful ideas about the emotional states the character experiences, creating this video became an excellent ‘pas de trois.’
The track is part of the upcoming collaborative album by John and Carlisle, titled “Who Believes in the Angels?” Recorded at Sunset Sound Studios in Los Angeles with producer Andrew Watt, the session featured a talented ensemble, including Chad Smith, Pino Palladino, and Josh Klinghoffer.
“Swing for the Fences” was a cherished gem I took with me to the studio. I am a gay woman and Elton is gay, both of us have families, and our dreams have come true,” Carlisle shares. “I thought it wouldn’t be wonderful to craft an anthem for young children, encouraging them to embrace a larger, more fabulous life? Just go, go! Don’t let anything hold you back!”
John reflects: “When we recorded ‘Swing for the Fences,’ it crystallized the moment of the album’s inception. It was a challenging journey to reach this stage, but we knew we had to commit to this project. We all sensed an enormous wave of joy and euphoria. After initial hurdles, uncertainty faded away once this song came together. It simply sounded fantastic.”
