Emma Ruth Rundle Releases Powerful New Video For You Don't Have To Cry

Emma Ruth Rundle has released a brand new video for You Don't Have To Cry, the closing track on her latest album On Dark Horses.

The was directed by Thou's Mitch Wells and stars artist Blake Armstrong, who was the inspiration behind the song.

“I wrote this song for my dear friend, artist Blake Armstrong, out of love and in the hope it would console and encourage strength after he expressed to me his fears about living as an openly gay male in a country that’s led by an unabashedly hateful figure - and the effects said figure might have on the the country, its laws and its citizens," says Emma.

"I hope that the message of the song and video can comfort and empower those who feels marginalised or mistreated or unsafe. I’m happy we finally had a chance to realise our idea for this video. It means so much to us both.”

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“The main feeling I’ve felt has been the level of uncertainty that has made its ugly head known as of recent," adds Blake. "

"Growing up in Texas, I was used to closing myself off or being aware of how I expressed myself for fear of violence. Leaving the south and moving to other parts of the country and even to Canada, I finally felt safe to share myself and my personality because I was around like-minded individuals. It felt free. But as of late in this country, that fear has returned wearing a red hat that has made me want to quiet myself and the freedom of who I am. What’s worse is not only feeling this personally, but also nationally. I feel hated.

"I think with You Don’t Have To Cry and this video, it’s a reassurance to be who you are now more than ever. That there are people who will embrace you but that regardless, nothing is more important than embracing yourself. You were always meant to be the person you are and that there isn’t any amount of hate or bigotry holding you back from living your truest life.”

Emma Ruth Rundle was recently announced as the co-curator of next year's Roadburn festival, alongside James Kent (aka Perturbator). Taking place in Tilburg, Netherlands, from April 16-19 2020, the line-up already includes Lingua Ignota, Full Of Hell, Julie Christmas, Russian Circles, Cloud Rat and Torche.