NZ pop artist Liberty releases music video after winning Beyond The Beat people’s choice with King’s cover
Emerging New Zealand pop artist Liberty has released the official music video for her version of Don’t Worry Bout It, after winning the fan-voted People’s Choice award in the online music series Beyond The Beat.
The series saw five artists reimagine songs by established Kiwi musicians, with Liberty covering Don’t Worry Bout It by Kings. The process was documented throughout the series before the artists revealed their versions live on radio to the original artists. After a public vote, Liberty was selected as the winner, earning the opportunity to create a fully produced music video for her track.
Liberty was announced as the winner live on air during an interview on The Edge, a moment she says still feels surreal.
“They brought me into The Edge for an interview and made it sound like all the artists had been in talking about the project all day, so I honestly thought it was just another chat. Then, live on air, they told me I’d won, which completely shocked me. Once we started planning the video, we wanted it to feel like a proper story, and we ended up filming most of it in one shot. It meant a lot of rehearsals and a lot of takes, but that’s what made the whole thing feel really fun in the end.”
Directed by Gal Hochman, produced by Chillbox and filmed at Peaches Hot Chicken in Auckland, the video leans into storytelling, following a fast-paced narrative where liberty is a stressed waitress running late for her shift before a chance encounter inspires her to relax, and her energy infects everyone in the diner. The video features mostly a one-shot style performing building to a choreographed musical theatre-inspired ending, bringing the whole restaurant together.
Originally from Hawke’s Bay and now based in Auckland, Liberty has built a following with her raw, honest songwriting known for lyrics about growing up, relationships and overthinking. With several releases already out, the video marks the start of a bigger run of music planned for the year.
The Don’t Worry Bout It is out now on all streaming services and the music video is available now on YouTube.