Essess ft Malika 'Trust In Me' by Joao Retorta

Joao Retorta creates an unusually impressionistic, even headspinning tribute to UK Garage for Essess's Trust In Me, featuring Malika. With a format mash-up of film and old school VHS, it's a nostalgic take on the UKG culture, capturing the clothes, the chemistry and sheer excitement of a classic night out.

And it's also informed by a breathless, almost manic energy, with a brilliantly kinetic edit by Jack Singer.
 

JOAO RETORTA:

"The idea was to create a nostalgic, British piece that celebrated UKG culture. With that in mind, I was interested in creating and exploring a feeling and an energy on screen, as opposed to a narrative or a story. I approached it as if I’ve found a box of tapes hidden in my older uncle’s basement. Hours of uncensored footage of what they were up to back in the day. My main aim was for it to be authentic and for the viewer not to question the relationship between the group, and just follow the energy.

"As for Malika’s performance I separated in two moments and moods. Intimate and personal for the verses, and bigger for the choruses, using the iconic low-angle shot that was used on tons of classic UKG videos."