Bunny Blake releases 13-video visual album 'Industry Doll'

Denver alt-pop artist Bunny Blake spent $4,000 on a dream instead of a cosmetic procedure. That amount was the quote she received for an undereye treatment at a med spa. She decided to allocate the funds toward a full-length visual concept album called Industry Doll.

The project consists of 13 music videos plus one bonus track. Blake produced every song herself. She also designed all the costumes and makeup looks. She worked with an all-female production team. The album follows a woman’s journey through the entertainment industry. It uses the character of a surrealist circus clown to reflect Blake’s own experiences.

Blake has performed full-time for more than a decade. She describes herself as geriatric in industry years. The album confronts the entertainment world’s focus on youth and femininity. She noted that women often receive more praise for their appearance when they are young. She recalled being told to use her looks to her advantage. She also heard that her appearance distracted from her musical talent.

One open mic audience member in Denver told her she was a good guitar player. That same person suggested she wear a bag over her head to be noticed. Blake began experimenting with clown makeup after these comments. This aesthetic shift triggered feedback from fans who expected a folksy singer-songwriter. She said she was tired of hearing that she was shooting herself in the foot.

The album begins with the track Shiny. That song was released as a single in 2023. Blake wrote it in real time as she navigated her career. The lyrics describe ending a professional relationship with a manager. The manager began working with younger women. The video introduces a doll metaphor. A man’s hands shelf a doll version of Blake while she sings.

Blake credited her former manager for helping her learn. She is on good terms with him. She chose to produce her own music after negative experiences with other producers. She said some producers ghosted her or did not care about the songs. She also noted that many male producers had ulterior motives. She said she could now detect those cues.

The soundscape on Industry Doll mixes pop and rock elements. It features a circus-inspired atmosphere. The tracks use different percussive grooves. One song, Room of Dark Things, uses a reggaeton beat. The music design aims to create a hypnotic tension. It evokes the feeling of watching a high-wire act.

The premiere event is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7. The screening will take place at Barfly inside Alamo Drafthouse in Lakewood. The address is 4255 W Colfax Ave. The event starts at 7 p.m. Local drag artists Lisa Frank 666 and MotherDaddy will perform. DJ Soleil Noir will play music. Richi Ramos will serve as the MC. Staff members called cigarette girls will sell candy cigarettes and temporary tattoos. Those tattoos were designed by Blake.

After the screening, a Q&A session will feature videographer Sophie Medvick and Kristine Rhome. Medvick filmed most of the videos. Rhome assisted with filming and lighting. Blake said working with an all-female team felt like a genuine collaboration without ego. Audience members can submit questions during the film. Costumes are encouraged, particularly clown makeup.

The audio version of Industry Doll will be available on streaming platforms on Nov. 7. The visual album will not be sold online. Blake is considering physical copies or digital downloads. The premiere event may be the only chance to see the full visual project. Tickets cost $22.78 in advance.