Parris Goebel talks Abracadabra MV and teases SNL/Coachella

[crushedlemonice 1,289]

Parris did an interview with Bustle and there were some great bits in there!

https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/parris-goebel-lady-gaga-abracadabra-dance-interview

Some highlights

“When we’re in the room together and I’m throwing ideas out, it’s never a no,” Goebel says. “It was such an honor because it meant [Gaga] really trusted me, not just with the choreography but with how it was shot and the POV of the audience.”

“Abracadabra” is one of many projects she, Gaga, and Mastercard have planned for Mayhem — catch Gaga on Saturday Night Live on March 8 and headlining Coachella in April. “I don't think anyone's ready. I’ll just say that much,” Goebel teases.

 

 

Take me through your typical creative process.

It’s always really different, but it starts with the music. The music drives everything: the storytelling, energy, and characters that I build in my head. Gaga played me her album a long time ago, and I was so excited to bring these songs to life. When I knew “Abracadabra” was one of the singles, I was like, “Oh, we can go crazy on this.”

 

What feelings or movement did the song inspire when you heard it?

Something that felt nostalgic was really important. There’s a lot of aggression in the song, but her music always takes you somewhere else. When we started creating the world, I felt like we could be regal at times, and then we could also be quirky and animated. That section with the “Mayhem” in red, and the girls in the black dresses, it gives Tim Burton. I love theater and things being dramatic and over the top, and Gaga lives for that.

 

In your eyes, what is the story of the “Abracadabra” video?

There’s definitely a sense of fighting for your spot. You can see a battle between two sides within Gaga. Throughout the project, we see different characters [represent] who she was and is now as an artist and how all those characters coexist. She fights the fame sometimes.

She’s just untouchable as an artist. She’s the queen of pop, and the way she’s done her videos is like no one else. I think this video is proving to people she’s still here, stronger than ever. She’s bringing pop back to life.

 

Did you look to her past videos or outfits when conceptualizing this video?

I actually didn’t. I’m a fan of Gaga, but when I work with people, I tend not to look back or study what they’ve done. It subconsciously puts something in my head where I revert to what they’ve done. If I’m joining someone in their artistic journey, it’s up to me to bring something fresh.

 

What was the rehearsal process like?

It was a dream. We brought in dancers from all generations, some of whom I looked up to when I was younger, and also dancers I’ve worked with for years, who are legends. Everyone in the room was so grateful to be there, even Gaga. She wanted everyone to feel comfortable and cared for. It was probably the most beautiful project I’ve ever worked on.

 

What has it felt like to see her championing and sharing your work on social media?

I’ve never felt so appreciated in my career, honestly. At the end of the day, we’re putting in so many hours. My body’s in pain from creating all that movement. So you want to feel like whoever you’re working with appreciates and sees you, and Gaga’s the epitome of that. She’ll text me every day how grateful she is. I feel so lucky to get to know her on a personal level, and if you knew her more personally, you would love her even more.

People always say, “Don't meet your heroes,” but—

Oh, you have to meet your hero, because she’s great.

[Hydrangea 6,131]

“She’s still here, stronger than ever. She’s bringing pop back to life”  it’s so true, A real icon of a generation 

[monketsharona 75,001]

Parris is the best thing that happened in her team for AGES 

[Schwerk 7,142]

Aw, she's so right about meeting this particular hero, Gaga is the sweetest. So excited Paris enjoyed the process just as much as Gaga because I love what they create together and I don't want them to stop.

[Zombiecat 15,495]

ugh i just know these performances are going to be killah  

[Murakami27 3,680]

So Mastercard sponsored more projects. Inch resting!

[DpHitch1992 1,158]

25 minutes ago, crushedlemonice said:

Abracadabra” is one of many projects she, Gaga, and Mastercard have planned for Mayhem

So happy she is involved through this whole era!!

Her and Gaga and literally bringing pop artistry back to how it should be

[GreenEyes 1,007]

So happy Gaga and her team are flourishing, they deserve their flowers! 

[Bronco 8,638]

Honestly, having Parris involved in the conceptualising and direction of the MV as well as the Choreo definitely pays off. 

It makes it all tie in so neatly. Reminds of the Alejandro video which felt so in sync on all elements of the production as well.

[PEZ 6,220]

It's really impressive how well Gaga and Parris synced up for the Abra MV and I'm eager to see what else they cook up together. Of course Gaga always works hard but she really flourished under Parris' direction here! They help each other shine bright

[Killa 16,963]

They really respect eachother. Im so Happy about everything about this collab. Coachella Will be an Absolute smash

[lastpopicon 14,877]

 

[Ladle Ghoulash 19,437]

Why am I genuinely holding out a tiny bit of hope for a visual album 

[elegidadedios 1,854]

Just now, Ladle Ghoulash said:

Why am I genuinely holding out a tiny bit of hope for a visual album 

Low key me too 😶 not specifically a visual album but something more elaborated than visualizers, just like Billie did with HMHAS

[Ziggy 11,310]

52 minutes ago, Murakami27 said:

So Mastercard sponsored more projects. Inch resting!

Good for her bc this means budget