The Erly Keep Disco Alive with Their “Paralyzed” Music Video Premiere

On a mission to keep Disco music alive, Michigan-based Disco quartet The Erly premieres their new music video for the recent single, “Paralyzed,” on V13!

The first song and video to drop from their upcoming album Culture Fever, “Paralyzed,” touches upon concepts related to relationships, falling in love, and female empowerment as a funky, upbeat tribute to those “warm and fuzzy” feelings we can’t control. An ode to ’70s Disco with groovy instrumentals and strong yet smoky lead vocals, the powerful rhythmic horn section and layered percussion are supported by cascading string melodies throughout the track, transporting listeners back to Disco music at its prime.

The music video for “Paralyzed” was filmed in Chicago with Max Williams and perfectly emulates the feeling of weightlessness one experiences while listening to ’70s Disco bands like The Bee Gees or Earth, Wind & Fire. Fixating on a hyper-’80s scene while including ’70s-inspired attire, the band gives an ironic nod to the famous late ’70s “Disco Demolition Night,” including a scene of the band putting on a record-breaking performance while wearing “Disco Sucks” t-shirts.

The band comments:

“We started writing this song on floor 27 of the Hilton Hotel in Cleveland, OH. We wrote the majority of the chorus there with some additional brainstorming done in the studio. Alyssa’s notorious opening line of ‘God dammit’ came about because she exasperatedly said it in the studio when she was stumped on writing the first verse. After that, it all fell together like magic.”

Overall, the Michigan-based indie-soul group strives to keep Disco alive by making music that is easily as danceable and energizing as it was back in the day. Combining sonic elements from the ’60s and ’70s Rock, Pop, and Funk, creating a fresh “Modern Disco” sound and vibe of their own. Fueled by collaboration, friendship, and timeless good vibes, the quartet would fit right in at Woodstock ’69 or at the indie nerve center that is SXSW.

Most of The Erly’s music features clean guitar work, layered vocals, and groovy undertones that energize even their most solemn-sounding tracks. The band is composed of drummer Fran Gleason, bassist Collin Mattiford, guitarist Trevor McDonald, and keyboardist Alyssa Serviss, with all four members featured on vocals.

Photo of The Erly by Kelsie Herzog