‘Pimps Lament’: History and Cinema Intertwined
In the evocative world of "Pimps Lament," Siyla and Madame Zeroni craft a visual and emotional experience that merges historical resonance with cinematic homage. At the heart of this narrative is Madame Anne, a historical figure whose story is both fascinating and tragic. Madame Anne, also known as Big Anne, was a prominent figure in Oklahoma's infamous Hell's Half Acre—a notorious district known for its lawlessness and vibrant nightlife during the early 20th century. Originally from Canada, she arrived in Oklahoma as a teenager, wielding a considerable sum of money. She became a powerful player in the area's underworld, running brothels and influencing local affairs. Her rise and fall, marked by legal battles and personal loss, serve as a poignant backdrop for the video.
The video unfolds within the walls of Riverside Studio, a landmark steeped in history. Siyla, who has long been familiar with the building, recalls, “I spent about five years acting there when it was still the Tulsa Spotlight Theatre. When Madame Zeroni wrote her verse from the perspective of 'Madame Anne,' the space felt like the perfect match for the vibe we were aiming for.”
Madame Zeroni expands on this, noting the significance of the setting. “The Riverside Studio, with its rich history and unique aesthetics, offered a profound backdrop for 'Madame Anne’s' narrative. It was about aligning the space’s energy with the story we wanted to tell.”
The concept of a "cinematic scavenger hunt" takes center stage as the video navigates through layers of classic film influences. Siyla shares his inspiration, saying, “I drew from Stanley Kubrick and Martin Scorsese, channeling the dreamlike aesthetics of *The Shining*, *Taxi Driver*, and *After Hours*. These films' pacing and visual style really resonated with the music video's mood.” Madame Zeroni echoes this, describing how Kubrick’s cinematic techniques and thematic elements profoundly influenced their project.
As the narrative of "Pimps Lament" intertwines with Oklahoma’s history, the artists explore deep-rooted local stories. Siyla reflects, “Madame Zeroni’s verse pulled us into the world of 'Big Anne,' a historic figure from Oklahoma. It was about bringing her world to life authentically.” Madame Zeroni, who delved into the tragic tale of Big Anne, reveals, “Big Anne’s story is wild—she was sent to Oklahoma with $50,000 and became a key figure in 'Hell’s Half Acre.' Her tale of triumph and loss influenced my verse, expressing her lament for the empire she built and lost.”
The video features a cast of local talent and industry professionals, including Jack Hummel and Avitiuh from the Pillo Production team. Siyla praises the collaborative effort: “Jack carried that heavy film camera through a nearly five-minute scene six times, and the final take was mesmerizing. Our cast, despite limited acting experience, came together to execute a complex scene beautifully.” Madame Zeroni adds, “The commitment of our collaborators, even with minimal preparation, was incredible. Their enthusiasm and creativity brought the vision to life.”
The title "Pimps Lament" itself is steeped in a serendipitous backstory. Siyla explains, “The title was coined by our producer, Luke Ray, who often gives intriguing names to his beats. This title resonated with Madame Zeroni, and the theme evolved from there.” Madame Zeroni shares her reaction to the term ‘lament’: “I had never heard the word before. It means a passionate expression of grief or sorrow. The story of Big Anne, who has become a lingering spirit in my work, fit perfectly with this concept.”
Kubrick’s influence is palpable throughout the video, creating a surreal experience for viewers. Siyla muses, “Kubrick’s approach leaves viewers with so much to ponder. The video feels like moving through a dream, full of questions and visual stimuli that refuse to be fully grasped.” Madame Zeroni appreciates this, recognizing how Kubrick’s style supports the video's immersive and enigmatic nature.
Siyla and Madame Zeroni’s work embodies a blend of personal storytelling and broader cinematic traditions. Siyla states, “It’s about reinterpreting what moves you and making it your own. The process was organic and fluid, with each element falling into place naturally.” Madame Zeroni agrees, highlighting the video’s connection to both film history and local stories as a testament to their artistic vision.
As the duo looks to the future, Siyla’s enthusiasm is palpable: “I hope there’s more to come, continuing to push boundaries and explore new creative avenues.” Madame Zeroni adds, “We’re excited about what’s next, and we’ll keep exploring new artistic territories with the same passion and creativity.”
"Pimps Lament" stands as a testament to Siyla and Madame Zeroni’s innovative approach, merging historical depth with cinematic flair to create an unforgettable artistic experience.