Check out the latest single from Indianapolis-based country singer-songwriter Kara Cole. “IM a Mess” is a song about toxic relationships – the sort you keep returning to, caught in its gravity, even when it’s doing you harm. As Cole is in recovery from drugs and alcohol, this could also be interpreted as the pull of something damaging as well as someone. Given that context, Cole’s words are full of meaning: “Just like whiskey I put you on the shelf, white powder go and find somebody else, like a devil in a little black dress, it’s cause of you, honey, I’m a mess.” Over a strong rhythm, Cole’s vocal is excellent – vulnerable, emotive and ranging high, winding through a compelling melody.
Directed by Austin Webster and Cole, the video features Ahna Lipchik as Cole’s love interest. Her performance is absorbing, conveying a range of emotions and the ups and downs of the relationship through both her acting and dancing. As a gay artist, this was the first time that Cole had decided to cast a woman as her lover in a video and the end result is an engaging narrative that reinforces the themes of the song.
This is the second single from Cole’s forthcoming second EP, ‘FIREFLY’ – keep a look out for it as it promises to deliver quality song-craft and fine melody. Enjoy.
