In her latest music video Taking Up Space, Tsilhqot'in hip-hop artist Beka Solo said she wanted to capture the essence of being in tune with nature and the unknown.
"You know that feeling when you're walking alone through the forest and suddenly, you're aware of every sound, every movement? It's like your intuition is on high alert, and you're ready to respond. That's what I aimed to convey in the intro of my song."
Solo is the great-granddaughter of Chiwid, a Tsilhqot'in woman who spent most of her adult life living outside in the hills and forests around Williams Lake.
In the song, Solo pays tribute to her great grandmother, with the lyrics 'call me a shapeshifter,' she said.
"My great grandmother was a remarkable woman known for her shapeshifting abilities, hunting, and trapping skills."
Solo encouraged anyone wanting to learn more to read Chiwid, written by Cariboo Chilcotin author Sage Birchwater.
The song's lyrics also reflect Solo's own personality, she said, explaining she is drawn to the mysterious, the spiritual and the unexplained.
"I'm the one who'll listen to your ghost stories, your tales of the unknown, and believe every word," she said. "I invite you to take up space with me, to share your stories, no matter how unconventional they may be. Let's connect on a deeper level."
The video was filmed in various locations in and around Williams Lake proposed by her music video director Stuey Kubrick.
She and Kubrick met through a mutual friend at the Vancouver Yacht hip-hop showcase in 2014 where she performed as one of the opening acts.
"Years later, I reconnected with him and we've been planning our collaboration ever since."
A week before they were going to make the video, Kubrick sent Solo a list of potential locations in Williams Lake that he thought would work well.
The locations included the underpass by Toop Road and Highway 97, the Longhouse, Stampede Grounds, the Williams Lake Tourism Information Centre, Sheep Creek Bridge and the Buffalo statue at the Williams Lake First Nation band administration building on Quigli Drive at Sugarcane.
"My fianc茅, Richard MacDonald, reached out to Chief Willie Sellars, a close family friend, to request permission to film at the buffalo statue location. Chief Sellars was very open and welcoming to the idea, and we're grateful for his support," Solo said.
Sellars is one of the pow wow dancers featured in the video, alongside David Archie and William Lulua and Solo described their efforts as having boundless energy.
An area known as Monkey Face that overlooks the Fraser River is one of the locations in the video that Solo said really stands out.
Her makeup artist, Kori, recommended it, she noted.
"I'd always wanted to hike it, so it was a thrilling opportunity to explore the area during filming. The experience turned out to be one of the most adventurous and fun weekends I've ever had," she said, adding she would definitely do it again.
Praise has been coming in for the video, for its creativity, production quality and authentic representation, she said.
Some of the comments have highlighted the video's "captivating artistry, talented cast and crew and meaningful cultural elements."
"Overall, the response is overwhelmingly positive, with may encouraging me to continue showcasing my talent."
Solo said she has many people to thank for making the project possible, including MacDonald who not only offered unwavering support but did the chanting segments of the song.
She thanked Blaine Grinder for providing furs, feathers, a teepee and traditional smoked deer meet for use in the video as well.
"We appreciate Blue Light Studio for delivering high-quality recording services, Kenny Dealz for the exceptional mix, Greg Mindorff for mastering, and Stuey Kubrick for expertly directing the music video," she said, adding special thanks to Kori and Yeini for showcasing their artistry. "We're also grateful to Amanda for kindly sharing her home and yard, which added a unique touch to our visuals."
She also acknowledged Mother's Nature's enduring presences and magic, "inspiring us all."
The First Peoples' Cultural Council fully funded the project, making it possible for her to produce the album The Missing Link and the Taking Up Space music video, she said.
