Golden Chains

Hazel Mei

A fiery, bond-esque climate action anthem fuelled by heart and hope

Why I wrote this song

The consequences of climate change terrify me. It consumed my mind as I entered adulthood, and I knew I needed to be part of the solution. I read information, watched documentaries, wrote to MPs, attended protests, and reshaped my lifestyle.

I was hopeful during the “climate election” of 2019, but felt devastated at the results. It showed me how much work still needed to be done to protect our collective future. My environment-focused echo chamber cast a shadow on the majority, who appeared to prefer short-term economic gain over long-term conservation.

I felt helpless for a while before being re-motivated by AURORA and her use of music to inspire and educate. I had previously written songs about important issues but felt too insecure about sharing them. Now, that mindset has changed, inspiring ‘Golden Chains’.

About me as an artist

With a sweet yet sultry tone that oozes luxury, Brisbane-based Hazel Mei packs a pensive punch with her brand of sonic magic. The mesmerising 26-year-old creates an eccentric brew of indie-pop, cleverly blended with jazz and neo-soul elements. Whilst she turns her innermost thoughts into relatable hits, the rising talent aims to make a positive impact on the industry with her inspiring and candid narratives.

Making waves on home turf and beyond, Hazel is no stranger to appearing on national radio and has received glowing reviews from the likes of Happy Mag, AAA Backstage, and more. Having already sold out shows across Brisbane, and supported the likes of Annie Hamilton and Keli Holiday (Peking Duk), Hazel is proving she can wow from stereo to stage. Making all the right moves to become the next big Australian talent, Hazel Mei is a force to be reckoned with, headed for the top.

About the music video

The video showcases three different visual themes, brought together with the idea of calling out for action. The themes are; water (representing the all-consuming effects of climate change), television (representing the effect of toxic misinformation), and blind politics (office props set in a forest, representing what is being ignored and what’s at stake). Every theme ends in golden tears – a literal cry for change.

The video was shot in a 1:1 ratio to mimic another time in history when there were calls for change (the 1960s). Every effort was made to ensure we had the smallest environmental impact possible. During the making of this film, travel was shared, and materials were retrieved thoughtfully e.g props and sets were either upcycled, borrowed, or bought secondhand.