The Paradoks Find Sweetness in Solitude on “Know Where?”

 

The LA three-piece savor authenticity in isolation with their new music video.


Formed in 2014 when they were still in high school, Venice-born rock trio The Paradoks more or less flew under the radar as they spent the past several years honing their chops. After releasing their debut LP Stuck in a Dream over the summer, they are emerging from the pandemic with a renewed vengeance. Judging by their latest offering, a rightfully cinematic music video for their latest single “Know Where?”, this is a band on the precipice of bursting onto the DIY scene (and many a lineup).

Directed by LA-based filmmaker Angel Ochoa and shot by bicoastal cinematographer Gabby Salinardo (kudos on capturing some sweet Super 8 footage), the video follows singer and guitarist Janet Gutierrez as she explores her coexisting feelings of disconnect and loner delight. Armed with nothing but her guitar, she wanders through the natural world and jams with her bandmates in a charmingly messy on-stage bedroom. She punctures her angsty, deadpan affectation with a snarling edge, nodding to OG LA punk á la the Bags over driving, 90s-inspired riffs.

As anthemic and effortlessly cool as the track is, “Know Where?” is deeply personal for Gutierrez, a natural introvert intent on preserving her sense of authenticity. She explains:

“I feel out of place basically anywhere I go, so in the chorus I ask the listener, ‘Do you know where I can go feel at peace and comfortably be myself?’ In the bridge of the song, I repeat the four questions I've received many, many times [‘Why so quiet? / What is wrong? / Haven’t tried it? / Why so shy?’] due to people’s inability to understand me. All of that being said, I quite enjoy being misunderstood. I don't envy more social people and how easy it is for them to feel comfortable around new faces. Whenever I form a friendship with somebody, the fact that it rarely happens makes the relationship that much more meaningful to me.”

The Paradoks are set to headline An Ugly Christmas, a punk holiday celebration thrown in collaboration with Ravenous Dreams, on December 18th at Area 51 in Vernon, CA. The stacked lineup also features Cosmic Kitten, The Rails, M.A.D.D., and Otniel y Los Condors. You can keep up with the Paradoks on Instagram.


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Words by SOPHIE PRETTYMAN-BEAUCHAMP