The Associated Press and The Wall Street Journal report on Marsha Ambrosius' amazing music video for "Far Away."
R&B singer Marsha Ambrosius tackles gay bashing, suicide and homophobia in the urban community in her latest music video. Her song, "Far Away," is one she initially wrote after a close friend attempted suicide. "Because they're in such a bad place in their lives, there's nothing you can do to help someone if they can't help themselves," she said.
In the clip, a man seen with Ambrosius appears to be her boyfriend. They walk in a park, say hello to a group of men and to a woman and her children. Later, the video shows the man kissing another man. When the men return to the same park, now holding hands, the mother pulls her kids away. And when Ambrosius' friend is alone, he's assaulted while the American flag stands tall in the background. The clip concludes with the man lying on his couch; a suicide letter and dozens of pills are visible.
Ambrosius says the video will speak for those who don't have a voice. "I lost a friend and I've had friends that have attempted suicide. There are people that don't have a voice to speak out and show what is happening and what can happen, so I just wanted people to see the honesty in it and be aware," she said in an interview from Philadelphia on Wednesday.
And:
The 33-year-old singer, first introduced as one-half of the Grammy-nominated, British soul duo Floetry, says she has a strong gay following — and needs to support it. "I go to my shows and my audience is predominantly gay ... I've been approached by many who've said my music has influenced them and we'll speak about experiences that they've had. It's just only right that I give that voice back," she said.
The powerful new music video is for the second-single from Marsha Ambrosius' upcoming solo album Late Nights & Early Mornings. So far, the video has received more than 55,000 views on YouTube. #MarshaAmbrosius and #FarAway remain trending topics on Twitter.
In case you missed it before, watch the MV, as well as a recent live performance of the single in Dallas, WHEN YOU JUMP ...
I am so glad this is getting a lot of positive response. I am really surprised because i just felt it was over too many people's head. they would see the two guys kissing and not get it. Maybe I am wrong.
Posted by: MDS | 07 January 2011 at 11:55
I can't wait to get the full CD. I love the song and message as stated in an earlier post. It's about time for the GAY thing to stop being such a big Elephant in the room and people keep it moving because life it too short as it is and the hatred needs to stop period.
Posted by: BLACK | 07 January 2011 at 12:46
Wonderful.
Posted by: Honut Sinti | 07 January 2011 at 13:21
MDS, it's getting lots of hate on the black gossip blogs for it's homosexual content, many aren't able to grasp the story or the message - after two guys kiss they tune out.
THANKFULLY, the positive responses outweigh the negative, both in quantity and in my opinion, quality.
There are well thought out support messages, and vows to buy her album,..the negative comments trend toward banality, immaturity, cultural biases and the usual religious zealotry.
I cant stop watching the video, get into it in High Def at
http://www.vevo.com/watch/marsha-ambrosius/far-away/USJRV1000062
I'm putting it on my ipod and watching it on the train for everyone to see!
Posted by: Procrastination_Xtravaganza | 07 January 2011 at 13:49
I am so happy for Marsha. She is raising the bar and courageously putting a taboo subject right in our faces. I am also surprised at the positive press that she is receiving, deservedly so. But we all know that the right-wing, bible thumping fringe will have something to say. But this time, I am confident that the voices of reason will drown them out. Thanks Rod for your responsible journalism.
Posted by: Didtant Lover | 07 January 2011 at 15:06
Oh Mercy Jesus, that was BEAUTIFUL. I am sitting here getting all teary. What a powerful video with a heartfelt song. LOVE IT!
Posted by: Fred | 07 January 2011 at 16:38
Funny how a putting visual to song makes the song a whole lot better. This was an official song on Dec 8. It's a beautiful song but the messages in the video made it my year's hit. Thanks Marsha for this. You have opened up a dialogue that has been looked over for to long.
Posted by: Cedric | 07 January 2011 at 17:03
This video and it's powerful message is right on time! thank God for Marsha Ambrosius!
Posted by: STRONGFORU | 07 January 2011 at 20:12
Love this video its so inspirational. Thank you Marsha!I cannot wait to but the CD.
Posted by: 405 S | 08 January 2011 at 00:24
J'adore!!!
Posted by: Etienne | 08 January 2011 at 02:38
Sorry if this sounds like rhetoric but gotta love how Miss Perry and Bow Wow, folks who don't support LGBT in any way and cater to homophobes, get multiple comments and attention mean while a artist that shows support for gay men of color is treated with crickets chirping in the background and very few comments.
Touching video, BTW, it was. Sad to see people are repulsed by two men of color embracing one another but not the tired, over-glorified thug image that seems to be admired.
Posted by: Kevin Perez | 08 January 2011 at 09:15
Brilliant Marsha for standing up for us. I will also thank J records and sony for releasing that that track.
Posted by: Roger | 08 January 2011 at 09:45
@ Kevin: I totally agree with you that there are always more comments supporting homophobes and closeted celebrities than people supporting our community. That a sad fact of life in our black gay/sgl community. But there were at least 30 comments in the first story about this video on Thursday.
Posted by: AB | 08 January 2011 at 10:15
I knew I liked her voice and anticipated the song would be good. When I watched the video, I had no idea what it would be about. However, watching it I went thru a range of emotions from happy to sad. To say it was awesome is an understatement. Marsha exemplifies what art should do, incite people to respond. Kudos to her and I hope others get the message.
Posted by: D.bARR | 08 January 2011 at 10:20
Brilliant! She's just amazing.
Posted by: MW09 | 08 January 2011 at 10:26
a great song. the video is the cherry on the sundae
Posted by: ff | 08 January 2011 at 13:31
Excellent vid! Hope more will view it!
Posted by: Sepiabear | 08 January 2011 at 17:44