PREMIERE: Zoe Ko Finds the True Meaning of Home in the New Music Video for ‘Rib Cage’
NYC-based singer-songwriter Zoe Ko instantly had us hooked with the release of her latest single, "Rib Cage," earlier this month, and today, we're honored to premiere its powerful new music video.
This emotional and angsty pop-rock track is at once haunting and healing as Zoe learns how to let go of a rocky past and how to move forward, realizing that "home" isn't always a physical place, but sometimes a person who makes you feel safe and supported. This idea finds further life in the new video, showing Zoe moving into a new space before assembling a skeleton, and finding that he holds a little piece of the home she's searching for. Check out the music video here before you can catch it anywhere else, and read our interview with Zoe on the heartfelt story of "Rib Cage" below.
The Story Behind 'Rib Cage'
Zoe Ko: I moved almost every year for my entire life growing up and still now out of college. I never had much of a stable family life or physical house to call home, so I would find home in people—and especially in romantic partners. A year ago, I got out of a long-term relationship and had the most insane year of dating. I finally knew I found my current boyfriend when I felt them starting to feel like home. The song is about loving and knowing someone inside and out, the way you would for a family home.
('Rib Cage' via Doorstep Music Group)
What 'Rib Cage' Means
ZK: This song means everything to me! Writing "Rib Cage" was a massive way I worked through the trauma of growing up in such an unstable environment, mentally and physically. It is very healing. Though sad, it's beautiful in the sentiment of still being able to find a home in someone and not something. I hope people can sit in their emotions and heal from whatever they are going through.
(Photo credit: Nikoli Partiyeli)
Also read about: Thomas Day Shares How He Wrote His First REAL Love Song, the New Single 'Gravity'
Zoe's Favorite Lyric
ZK: "Use your lungs as my pillow" is my favorite lyric because it's such a special feeling but so scary to be connected to someone that deeply. I always just imagine myself having my head on my partner's chest and being completely at peace and safe.
On the Music Video
ZK: My amazing director and I talked through so many different ideas, but this one felt the most right and not overcomplicated. I have never truly decorated a room and lived in it, so we wanted the video to take place in a fully realized and decorated room. We thought another person in the video would have maybe taken away from it and wanted to capture that relationship with someone else. The skeleton was a perfect addition because it showed it being a person as a home but also how it's not necessarily forever and still fragile.
(Photo credit: Nikoli Partiyeli)
Also read about: ELLISE Talks 'Pretty in the Dark,' Her First Headlining Show and Her Upcoming Halloween EP
Zoe's Favorite Moment
ZK: Def the end scene where I'm dancing with Skelly, or Skeldon, as we called him! It was so fun and silly to ballroom dance around the room with him and act like I was in love with him. I also think it's the most beautiful and dynamic shots in the vid! I miss him dearly (we returned him after).
What's Next
ZK: "Rib Cage" is the second single off my upcoming EP, Baby Teeth! The next single and title track, "Baby Teeth," is coming out Sep. 15! I literally can't wait—and all the songs on the EP will have music vids!
(Photo credit: Nikoli Partiyeli)
Love learning the stories behind great new music? Click HERE to read our interview with Gabi Sklar on her latest single, "Thank God."