Deb Never isn't seeking forgiveness or apologizing in "Sorry"—watch

Deb Never has released an angst-ridden new video for her latest single “Sorry.” The song is the first track from an upcoming project due out this summer.

The video follows the single, which dropped April 21. The track was accompanied by a simple visual, showcasing the artist hanging out in a variety of minimalist settings.

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In a video posted to Twitter to tease the new release, Deb addressed the themes that inspired her to create the song.

“I think it’s a combination of things,” Deb says. “I feel like you can be your own worst enemy, at least for me. I’m my own worst enemy. When you let go of part of yourself or you let go of who you think you are, it’s freeing.”

That’s an apt description for “Sorry,” which shows the musician might really be close to that sense of freedom. On the track, Deb seems nearer to finding peace as well as her own distinctive musical voice.

The video suits that journey perfectly, depicting Deb on a winding path of self-realization. In the cinematic feature, the musician proceeds through a series of tension-inspiring scenarios before she eventually reaches a place of calm. It’s a strong addition to the audio, constructing a distinctive atmosphere and deepening the lyrical storytelling at play in the track.

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Deb Never is no stranger to bold existential statements. The artist’s 2020 Bandcamp exclusive INTERMISSION was a striking representation of the anxiety and isolation brought on by the pandemic. She also gave hints of her defiant attitude and sense of perseverance on the no-fucks-given prank-filled visual for “Ugly” and the message of unrequited love that was “Someone Else.”

However, her latest song goes further, directly addressing difficult themes. Here, Deb is willing to stare down the painful and the truly ugly, as well as to provide an honest reckoning with her own limits. While the spoken message is an apology, the musician makes it clear she’s making things right with herself.

Ultimately then, the song reveals a growing sense that some wrongs simply can’t be righted and some roads can only be walked with great difficulty.

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“Sorry” is the first track from an upcoming release scheduled for summer 2021. If the first single is any indication, the record might showcase a newer, more unapologetic sound for Deb Never.

You can read an exclusive discussion with Deb Never about the inspiration for her new song and video below.

The video for “Sorry” is available to watch via YouTube and can also be streamed below.

“Sorry” has a pretty unique sound. For a song about vengeance, it’s got a pretty low-key vibe. What were you going for with the music?

I like playing with juxtaposition in my music, never fully leaning into a definitive genre, always teeter-tottering in the middle. With that being said, “Sorry” could’ve been a clear pop song but I wanted to make it in my own way, which I suppose is low-key. Maybe that contrast is what makes it have a unique sound as you say. I like experimenting and seeing what I can get away with.

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I think that both “Someone Else” and “Sorry” have a strong storytelling component. What were you trying to say with “Sorry”?

You know when there’s someone in your life that makes you feel like a pile of hot garbage and when you break free from them you realize you’re actually pretty tight and they’re the absolute worst? For me that was myself. I had this side of me that was so toxic to myself and I was my own worst enemy. To a listener that could also be about somebody else. 

The video for “Sorry” is also distinctive. There are two significant narrative moments where the music steps back to let the visual take over. What were you trying to convey with the video?

Justin [Tyler Close] and I treated this music video like a short film and there’s a lot to unpack. For me, since it was about struggling with this duality, the moments where the music stops were important because those were the moments where I in some way face a version of myself. In the first break, that’s a younger version of me and the second time it stops I guess you could say that’s an older version.

The song and video seem to tackle difficult themes, including insecurity and violence. Yet there’s also a warmth to the music, as well as a sense of confidence and independence. There is even some humor in the video. Do you try to create these contrasts or dualities with your music?

Yes. I like starting a song in one mood and ending in another. First half is vulnerable and broken, just like the video. The second half of the song is like this healing process ending with this kind of “haha fuck you see ya never” energy.

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This is the first single from your upcoming summer project. What should fans expect when the new release drops?

Expect a hot mess.

What do you think of the video for Deb Never’s “Sorry”? Let us know in the comments below.