Inklings ‘Deep Down’

In his latest single ‘Deep Down,’ Inklings‘ Kier Kemp pierces through toxic masculinity backed by the impenetrable virility of individuality. For Kier, the decision to eschew hyper-masculine methods was never uncertain. The sure conflict between deplorable lad culture and Kier’s strong moral sense presented unignorable discordance; random acts of “manhood” gave Kier a sense of “fremdschämen,” roughly translated as “embarrassed on behalf of others.” So while others incurred tragic internal battles, stifling their own mental fortitude and emotional freedom due to the increasingly heavy burdens set by the culture to which they felt compelled to ascribe, Kier found home in the “limit-does-not-exist” encouraging world of art and music.

Despite his own situation, Kier realizes that “not everyone is as lucky as [he is], to have the space and freedom to live outside traditional masculine roles.” Accordingly, Kier released ‘Deep Down’ as the coming-of-age anthem for many young men, mainstaging the struggle between self-awareness and social acceptance in the paternally personified chorus lines, “deal with it, push it deep down.” Growing taller amidst a home and community of ever-present pressures, “leaving the worst unsaid” is attributed to a false sense of ease—addressing qualms or wrongdoings is viewed as the bumpier road less traveled, so openness in conversation with others and in examination of oneself is often bypassed.

Bolstered by robust power chords and commanding vocals, Kier’s ‘Deep Down’ manifests solidarity by way of collective realization—by coupling countless infractions with newfound clarity, one finds salvation in strength with others outside the basis of cess-pooled testosterone. The music video likewise presence a visual portrayal of this fight—through vivid symbolism, the enticing clenches of ladism confront the black-clothed protagonist as thick smoke and deceptive mirrors. Accruing strength over the course of the the track’s outward expression, the ambiguous figure bursts through the mirror’s veneer to make contact with that which was previously obscured and out of reach—thoughts, physicality, and individuality that were pushed into untouchable oblivion by the overbearing clenches of masculinity. Bursting through imposed expectations, Kier unites passion with unrequited personality and nullifies the necessity of dangerous, socially normed isolation.

Stand with solidarity and join the conversation.

-L

Catch Inklings at the following live appearances: