Katie Melua: ‘Dreams On Fire’ video released

Video for first single from new album ‘In Winter’ filmed at historic theatre in Georgia

‘Dreams On Fire’, written by Katie Melua and Don Black, is the first single from Katie’s new album ‘In Winter’. The video features Katie and members of Gori Women’s Choir performing in the historic Georgian National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Tbilisi in Georgia.

The theatre, in many ways the cultural face of Georgia, has survived fire (twice), tsars, Soviets and civil war. Following a five year, multi-million pound refurbishment, the theatre reopened in January 2016. Speaking about the choice of venue Katie explains “In 2014, during the renovations, I was shown round the theatre by Zurab Lomidze who was director of the opera house in 1991 at the time of the civil war. In many ways the theatre symbolises a new phase for the country. The beauty and opulence of the building was at odds with my childhood memories of Tbilisi and it gave me a great sense of hope for the country's future, that a place of art and culture has been so lovingly restored."

In the video Katie, on acoustic guitar, is joined by conductor Teona Tsiramua and the choir to perform in the Red Hall. The simplicity of the performance embodies the sound of ‘In Winter’, a record that was co-produced by Katie, recorded in Georgia and features Gori Women’s Choir. The video also gives a glimpse of the way that Teona works with the choir: “the technique behind their singing is so different to what I have known before and it is fascinating to see how Teona works with the choir” Katie recalls. “The sound is visualised and sensed – both emotionally and physically.”

The video, directed by Simon Oxley and Sebastian Cort, is a collaborative project with Great Coat Films, with Katie having a hands-on role in the filming and editing. Watch the video here

‘Dreams On Fire’ was premiered on Radio 2 by Michael Ball who said at the time “what a lovely sound, very mellow, very evocative. The sound of the choir...utterly beautiful”. Speaking about the song Katie explained “I feel the stillness of the winter season really causes us to reflect on our lives and relationships, wondering if our loved ones share the same feelings when it comes to growth and the fear of change. I consider Don Black a master of lyric writing, and the words in this song sit right at the heart of a lover’s insecurity.”

‘Dreams on Fire’ is taken from Katie’s seventh studio album ‘In Winter’ which is released October 14th 2016 via BMG and a PIAS distribution.

Live

• 21/11/2016: Cirque Royale, Brussels