#WomenCrushWednesday: Elke Robitaille's "Mercy"

Listeners have always been able to rely on folk music to detail moments in history. Elke Robitaille’s single, “Mercy”, is no exception. The song begins somber, detailing Elke’s frustrations with the world around her, as well as disappointments in herself. Elke doesn’t dwell on negativity though, and moves her lyrics quickly to messages of hope. The song acts as a call to action for people to have more compassion and to use the power they have to make the world a better place.

For Elke, making the world a better place means participating in the March For Our Lives rally in downtown Portland, OR. The accompanying video for “Mercy”, produced by Totem Ent., follows Elke and several friends as they join the protests. Elke’s sign is simple and just reads “Mercy”, matching the song title. The cinematography of the video fits the mood of both the song and the location it was filmed in. Earth tones are prominent and the overcast skies only add to the mood of seriousness Elke successfully gets across with the video. Since March For Our Lives was a movement started in response to a tragedy, it would have been easy for the video to be a vignette of frustration and discouragement. The way Elke and her friends walk, however, is determined and defiant.

This release from Elke is incredibly strong and the quality of the video compliments the production quality of the song itself. Elke is a natural on camera and her passion for her music and the causes she supports is evident.

Watch the video for “Mercy” below and see Elke live at the video release part on July 6th at Alberta Street Pub in Portland, OR from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Review by: Emily Watson 
Emily Watson was raised in New England and now lives in Portland, OR. She spends her free time writing indie-pop music and exploring Oregon. You can follow her on Instagram @emjaywat. ​​