“When I wrote the lyrics to [Mile In My Shoes], I focused on the darker element of what is past is never really past and its better to keep your distance from me. And that good things never last.” – Katie Cole
An embodiment of the saying no rest for the weary, Katie Cole continues to make her mark across the music industry. A touring keyboardist/guitarist with the iconic rock band Smashing Pumpkins, Cole and Pumpkin’s lead singer Billy Corgan have formed a musical bond that has lead to her being featured on Corgan’s new Americana solo album Cotillions (the two performed a few of the album’s tracks at the CMA Theater in Nashville on November 9th). Regarding her solo career, the Australian-born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter alt-country artist has an incredible catalogue of her own. She recently released her latest single “Mile In My Shoes” produced by Howard Willing and on Thursday (11/21) the song’s story was brought to life through a beautiful and somewhat chilling video.
“The song is about the perils of the past and not being fully understood,” says Cole. “I wrote this one with some of my own story in mind. Having moved from Australia to America made me fully grasp what leaving behind friends and family meant. I love and miss them every day. But it also made me see leaving behind past relationships regardless of the distance – sometimes those feelings of hurt or betrayal take longer to heal that you anticipate.”
The lyrics are relatable to anyone who has moved on from any kind of relationship (lovers, friends, family) and has those memories that keep knocking on that mental door that tries to lock them away:
Make me wish I was blind
The hearts I leave
Lord told me the path I’m on
Only leads one place
But I’ll take my chances anyway
The eerie instrumentation of the intro with Cole’s spoken word sets the mood for the cinematic video filmed in Old Hickory, TN. As Cole walks through the field, each detail on screen holds an important part to her story:
“The video represents this hurt by opening with a beautiful sunrise, but it also appears as dark as a night sky, tells Cole. “You see me carrying a suitcase which represents my past and emotional baggage. The camera follows me as a traverse an open field and you see me gradually dropping items out of my bag that showcase part of my story. This continues and unravels some insight into my past memories and heartbreaks. The director Doltyn Snedden from DS Creatives did such a wonderful job of capturing some subtle eerie moments as each personal item is displayed.”
But does Cole find closure?
“The video ends with an empty suitcase and me walking into the distance. It’s undecided if I have let go of the past or if I will pick up more baggage down the road.”
Check out the video for “Mile In My Shoes” below:
“Mile In My Shoes” was released as part of a Double A side digital single along with the track “Lullaby” on September 27.
For more information on Katie Cole, visit her website at katiecoleofficial.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.