Band debuts new video “My Body Is My Sickness”, addressing connection between chronic illness and toxicity
Chicago’s alternative noise band, Latter, unveiled their latest video for the song “My Body Is My Sickness,” which has gained traction since the duo went viral recently. Comprised of Meredith and Jon, the band’s edgy sound explores intimate, vulnerable themes. Originally written as a response to Meredith’s ex-partner demanding money post-breakup, the song struck a chord online but delves deeper than mere retaliation. It delves into the loss of control – over one’s body, health, and autonomy – in toxic relationships and an indifferent society.
Meredith penned the track while battling long COVID, a persistent illness that has made her feel like her body is a hindrance. She described it as unpredictable and an ongoing battle. She expressed her thoughts in an interview last year where she remarked on feeling slighted by doctors who failed to acknowledge her condition promptly.
The video for the song mirrors this frustration. It features Meredith confronting an impassive doctor, vocalizing her needs, and reclaiming space in a system that had disregarded her for years. The video’s raw, unpolished style complements Latter’s heavy noise themes, prioritizing authenticity over perfection.
The band, formed serendipitously in 2022 when Meredith, disenchanted from music after years in the industry, sought to join a screamo project on Instagram. Jon, a mutual acquaintance, responded, and the rest, as they say, is history. Eschewing the screamo label, they began writing together and collaborated with Pete Grossman at Bricktop Studios to infuse their music with added intensity.
“My Body Is My Sickness” extends beyond an individual narrative, connecting personal experiences with broader societal issues. Meredith underscores the vulnerability and lack of control over women’s bodies, subjected to objectification, shame, and dismissal. She emphasizes how societal norms exacerbate illness, exploitation, and stigma, particularly towards non-male individuals.
The song serves as a defiant response against shame, whether stemming from past relationships or societal judgment. It confronts issues such as stigmatization following an STI diagnosis, reshaping perceptions of personal identity and acceptance. The song’s unapologetic tone resonates with real experiences, eschewing subtleties in favor of authenticity.
The band’s second album is currently in the works, poised for recording early this year. As Latter continues to produce thought-provoking music that challenges stereotypes and tackles societal taboos, their fearless approach stands as a testament to their commitment to authentic expression and social commentary.