Marsha Swanson, the progressive pop artist celebrated for her evocative storytelling and innovative sound, has released the music video for her latest single, ‘Generational Transmission’. Known for drawing inspiration from artists such as Sting, Peter Gabriel, Fiona Apple, and Carole King, Swanson has crafted a work that intertwines memory, identity, and familial legacy in both sonic and visual form.
‘Generational Transmission’ delves into the ways trauma, resilience, and heritage ripple through generations. The accompanying music video marks a milestone for Swanson’s long-time collaborator Sam Chegini as his first claymation project. Hand-sculpted figures, affectionately named “Clayton” and “Clayopatra,” carry symbolic weight, embodying the malleable nature of memory and identity. Created against the backdrop of the Twelve-Day War, the clay figures’ transformations mirror the accumulation of generational experience.
Swanson explains the song’s personal resonance: “There’s a point in life—often when having children, but sometimes through nieces, nephews, or work—when an opportunity arises to take stock of what has come before you in your familial line. This moment raises questions about the part you will play in what gets passed on. I was inspired by the idea of the positive difference that can be made over what is transmitted.”
The song draws inspiration from Swanson’s childhood, particularly the Hungarian-American animated musical Hugo the Hippo and its anthem Sing Song, Pass It Along. Departing from her usual piano-centric compositions, she shifted to keyboard, crafting a spacious, hypnotic melody that echoes the spirit of 70s music she grew up with.
On the creative choice of clay, Swanson notes, “We knew that clay was the perfect material to tell this story because, like us, it can be sculpted and formed. We see the splashes of clay from different generations actively transforming the colour of the protagonist, accumulatively. In this way, we can witness the impact of generational transmission live as it’s happening.”
The video visually tracks the glow of the protagonist as he navigates his introspective journey, striving to individuate from the weight of his ancestors while embracing the lessons inherited from them.
Musically, Generational Transmission features contributions including jazz violinist Benet McClean, whose layered performances emulate a full string section, and drummer Keith Prior. Recorded at London’s Konk Studios, known for hosting The Kinks, Massive Attack, and Arctic Monkeys, the track blends organic instrumentation with lush, progressive pop arrangements. This release represents Swanson’s fifth collaboration with director Sam Chegini and continues her partnership with producer Iestyn Polson, alongside musicians including Benjamin Croft, Graham Knight, Alex McGowan, and Henry Thomas.
Credits for Generational Transmission include Marsha Swanson as artist and songwriter, Iestyn Polson as producer and mixer, Keith Prior on drums, Graham Knight on bass, Benjamin Croft on piano, Alex McGowan on electric guitar, Henry Thomas on string arrangements, and Benet McClean on all strings. The track was recorded at Konk Studios in London and engineered by Josh Green.
Listen & Watch below:
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