Tchotchke ‘Playin’ Dumb’

We adore TCHOTCHKE . ‘Playin’ Dumb’ captures what the girls do best… approximating the sounds of the past with a wry twist and intelligence that is distinctly now. Ambar Navarro’s video is the perfect vehicle

“’Playin’ Dumb’ is the anthem that ties up the full experience of the album [of the same name] in a playful, faux-naif bow. It was written last out of all the songs and was one of the final tracks to be recorded; completing it definitely felt like a victory. The song’s strength lies in its (purposeful) simplicity and repetition, as well as its stacked and powerful harmonies. The deeper, sonorous qualities in ‘Playin’ Dumb’, such as the low register piano and sax, add weight and potency; our attempt at making a Tchotchke ‘wall of sound’. We sarcastically admit to feigning ignorance to gain some sort of advantage… but more likely just to amuse ourselves. ‘Playin’ Dumb’ is easy to sing along to while your patience continues to be tested. We’d like to think it’s a universal experience!” – Emily

Director:

We filmed the girls around Los Angeles as they got into all kinds of ridiculous everyday antics. Some relatable and others hilariously reckless. The humor leans into playful self-mockery, like a throwback to ’60s TV show The Monkees, but with girls goofing off and turning the stereotype on its head. Originally, we planned to shoot with Barbies, but in the spirit of satire, we flipped the script, ditching the Barbies and staging scenes with an all-Ken lineup instead. Just girls being chaotic, clever, and not taking themselves too seriously.

Photos by Kelsey Hart – @thelittleghost

Director Ambar Navarro – @ambarbecutie 

Playin’ Dumb is out on 5th Sept. Pre-order here