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Feb 14, 2012 By Mike Hilleary EMA

EMA has released a deeply personal music video for “Take One Two” off her critically-acclaimed debut Past Life Martyred Saints. Using home movie footage EMA’s Erika Anderson explains that it’s meant to address the much larger issue of bullying that has only gotten worse among teens over the years. In a letter by Anderson:

“This footage comes from a South Dakota trailer park in the mid-90s, and features a small group of freaks and misfits who seem to be having the time of their lives. Dressing up, hanging out, making up funny skits, and lots of laughing. When I look back now at our fresh young faces (yes that is me with the short dark hair and cat-eye liner), I’m amazed at how simply happy we all look. This is especially remarkable as I know what was going on outside those plywood walls: getting called names, shoved into lockers, and threatening to get our asses kicked for being queer or punk or just plain weird ...

When I first put together this video I sent it out to the people involved to get their take on it before it was released. My friends thought it was “adorable” but I didn’t hear back from the sweet boy in the turquoise teddy. I worried that it was too much, too revealing, and he wouldn’t want that footage put out into the world. Finally, I got a message back: ‘That was the most beautifully done video I have ever seen I love it I love it I love it. I could not stop bawling. I don’t think, I’ve ever felt so secure as when we were all hanging out in the trailer bedroom. Erika. Lacy. All 3 of us went thru some, pretty tough shit. But we made it through. Lets use what we learned and give it to somebody else that needs it.’

I couldn’t have said it better myself. This one’s for all the weirdos out there: cherish your friends, fuck the haters and let your freak flag fly.”

Anderson says that she will be offering proceeds from the sale of the single to The Jamie Isaacs Foundation, anti-bullying non-profit that work to bring advocates into public schools and help pass anti-bullying legislation. Click below to watch.

EMA - Take One Two from Souterrain Transmissions on Vimeo.

(www.cameouttanowhere.com)