Corduroi Premieres “Mermaid Island” Clip

Local electronic composer Corduroi advanced Austin’s tropical summer with his aqueous Oceanarium, released in April on homegrown imprint Raw Paw Records. Now, the electro-inclined multi-instrumentalist also known as Cody Wilson ushers his concept into the visual realm with a video for “Mermaid Island.”

Vibey and vaporous, “Mermaid Island” commences with tidal sounds – or perhaps a deep bong rip – underscoring four droning notes that resemble slow-motion steel drums. Soon the ambiance gives way to a buoyant, midnight beat that only breaks for the summer strums of a nylon-string guitar and soothing siren vox atop Caribbean synth. It teleports even the most landlocked listener to watery shores.

The accompanying video, directed by Raw Paw president Chris Dock Davis, begins equally aquatic and abstract. A young woman appears from out of the surf and explores a city after dark – the playgrounds, the streets, a bridge. Her ogling the fish and dancing with dolphins at an aquarium is intercut with visions of undersea mermaid life. As daylight breaks, she returns to the water.

Splash with Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah it’s not, but its coastal textures (Corpus Christi?) evokes Austin’s water world beautifully.

Corduroi joins Raw Paw label-mate Chipper Jones and kindred electros Capyac at Vulcan Gas Company on Saturday for a Solstice Festival afterparty, 10pm, free.

Director: Chris Dock 
Co-Director: Corduroi
DP & Editor: Derrick Mitchell
Mermaid: Ashlie Snyder
Mermaids: Sirenalia
Crew: Jinni J