Salwa Explores Power and Liberation in Music Video for “Ghost You”

Square
Photo Credit: Ted Clarke

Lebanese/Palestinian-Scottish artist Salwa (Lana MacIver) invites viewers into a kaleidoscopic world with the music video for her single “Ghost You”. Blending electro-pop and space disco, the track is an anthem of self-assertion, tackling the chaos of city nightlife and the reclaiming of personal agency.

The music video, directed by Ted Clarke, captures the contrast between nightlife’s glossy allure and its harsher realities. Inspired by the retro aesthetic of 80s gym auditoriums and live performance art, the video pairs vivid Super 8 footage with darker, introspective undertones. The result is a visual feast that oscillates between “nightmare nostalgia” and empowerment.

Salwa explains the inspiration behind the song: “It all started from a frustrating WhatsApp chat. I thought, ‘Sometimes I really just want to ghost you.’ It turned into a song about navigating nightlife, dealing with unwanted attention, and taking back control. ‘Ghost You’ is a defiant anthem for anyone who’s ever felt that frustration—it’s a loud, unapologetic fuck offto those who don’t respect boundaries.

Musically, “Ghost You” is rooted in Salwa’s diverse influences, including Justice’s “D.A.N.C.E” and Caravan Palace’s “Mighty” with its dynamic use of choral elements. A chorus of powerful voices forms the backbone of the track, amplifying its fearless energy and adding a communal spirit of resistance.

Salwa’s work across music, acting, fashion, and filmmaking showcases her ability to create cohesive narratives that transcend mediums. Through “Ghost You”, she addresses themes of identity, mental health, and urban life’s complexities, turning vulnerability into a declaration of autonomy.

Follow Salwa:
INSTAGRAM

Please follow and like us:
See also  American Song: Paper Citizen’s Heartfelt Tribute to American Music