Emma Jo Unveils Moody Film Noir Visual for “Walk (Sneaker Version)”
Country-pop artist Emma Jo has announced the release of her latest music video, “Walk (Sneaker Version),” directed by David Veslocki and set to premiere on YouTube at midnight on October 4, 2024. This moody black-and-white video is in support of her latest EP, Walk (Midtide Remix EP), where she collaborates with the GRAMMY-nominated and Billboard chart-topping producer known as midtide.
The EP, available on streaming platforms everywhere, provides five different versions of the song “Walk,” a standout track from Emma Jo’s latest full-length album, Girl Bandit. “Walk (Sneaker Version)” is the most introspective of all the remixes on the EP.
The original song is a country-pop girl power anthem that encourages listeners to “go ahead and walk” away from toxic relationships. In contrast, the “Sneaker” remix confronts the emotional weight of making the hard decision to leave someone behind. Filmed in a dramatic film noir style, the video captures the “dark night of the soul” moment during the realization that it’s time to walk away, highlighting the heartbreaking complexity behind this seemingly simple song.
“‘Sneaker Version’ recognizes the hard part,” Emma Jo explains. “This video is about confronting the feelings I ignored for a long time: the desperation, the breaking point. I wanted to show that even though walking away is empowering, it’s never easy.”
The video was shot on location at Hotel Kansas City, mirroring the setting of the original “Walk” video, which was filmed at the hotel’s downstairs club, Nighthawk. For this version, however, Emma Jo takes fans to new heights—literally—by filming skyline shots from the hotel’s roof.
Co-starring local Kansas City actor Alec Bridges, the video immerses viewers in an emotional landscape where Emma Jo portrays a woman caught in a tense, toxic relationship. Pairing intimate, painful moments with scenes of grace and strength, director David Veslocki captures both the vulnerability and empowerment of the song’s message. “There are scenes where I’m singing while the boyfriend stands still, silent and unable to respond. It shows the process of taking back your power and your authority over your own life,” Emma Jo explains.
In a series of haunting dance scenes, the tension between Emma Jo and her on-screen partner unfolds in their movements. “People will notice the different dance styles we have while we look at each other. His is jerky and mine is flowing. His anger comes out in his dancing, and my sadness and freedom come out in mine.”
“Walk (Sneaker Version)” will premiere on October 4, 2024, at midnight on Emma Jo’s official YouTube channel.
