R3H4B, Clara Mae, and Frank Walker’s ‘More Than OK’: Diving Deep into the Visually Stunning Music Video and Its Emotional Core
The electrifying world of dance-pop is buzzing with the release of the new music video for “More Than OK,” a powerhouse collaboration between celebrated DJ/producer R3H4B, enchanting vocalist Clara Mae, and dynamic artist Frank Walker. Far from being “just okay,” this visually stunning production, which premiered on January 24th, has captivated audiences with its intense narrative and a particularly daring sequence featuring Clara Mae submerged underwater. This article takes an exclusive look behind the scenes, exploring the creative synergy that brought this dance-pop banger to life and delving into the challenging underwater shoot that became a pivotal moment for Clara Mae.
Penned by the talented Clara Mae herself alongside the acclaimed songwriting duo Smith & Thell, “More Than OK” seamlessly blends pulsating electronic beats with raw, heartfelt lyrics. The track’s compelling message of navigating a struggling relationship finds its perfect visual counterpart in a cinematic masterpiece directed by Mario Gonsalves. The video unfolds with a distinct Blade Runner-esque aesthetic, transporting viewers into a futuristic yet emotionally charged landscape. Clara Mae embarks on a tumultuous journey, grappling with the complexities of a relationship teetering on the brink. Her struggle is depicted through powerful metaphors: racing on an ATV through desolate terrains, confronting a shattered reflection in a broken mirror, and, most profoundly, fighting for breath while submerged underwater.
Clara Mae shared her insights with HollywoodLife EXCLUSIVELY, expressing the profound satisfaction of seeing her lyrical creations transform into a tangible visual narrative. “It’s always a crazy and wonderful feeling to see the words you’ve been a part of writing come to life through pictures and video,” she stated, highlighting the magic of the creative process. She further praised director Mario Gonsalves’s innovative approach: “I think the director Mario had a great twist and loved that he used a lot of metaphors in the video.” These metaphors are not merely stylistic choices but deeply embedded elements that enrich the video’s storytelling, allowing viewers to connect with the song’s themes of emotional turmoil and self-discovery on a deeper, more resonant level.
“More Than OK” stands as a poignant visual representation of the emotional chaos and distress that accompanies the heartbreaking realization of a relationship’s inevitable end. It captures that moment of clarity where one understands that despite all efforts, things are simply “not going to get any better.” Among the video’s many arresting scenes, Clara Mae’s complete submersion underwater emerges as arguably the most captivating and symbolically potent. These moments of vulnerability and struggle resonate deeply, mirroring the internal fight to stay afloat when emotional tides threaten to overwhelm. However, as Clara revealed to HollywoodLife, bringing these powerful visuals to the screen was a far more arduous task than it appears. The artistry involved demanded not only emotional depth but also significant physical endurance and mental fortitude.
Recalling the preparations for the demanding underwater sequence, Clara shared her initial confidence, which soon faced a harsh reality check. “I was asked if I was comfortable underwater and for how long I could hold my breath. I responded with confidence that I’m used to being underwater and that I could easily hold my breath for 40 seconds.” This initial bravado, common among performers eager to deliver their best, set the stage for a truly unforgettable and challenging experience. The production team, understanding the critical importance of these scenes, spared no effort, assembling an impressive crew and elaborate equipment to ensure both safety and visual perfection. The sheer scale of the operation underscored the commitment to translating the song’s emotional weight into compelling visuals.
The day of the shoot arrived, and the reality of the task quickly dawned on Clara. “So, there we were in the pool, surrounded by approximately 40 people; it was this huge production to film the underwater scenes, and then Mario called out ‘action,’” she recounted to HollywoodLife. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, a testament to the significance of the shots about to be captured. Her instruction was simple: lean back and sink. What followed was a stark lesson in the difference between theoretical ability and real-world performance under pressure. “What I thought was 40 seconds turned out to be only 1 second. I came up and looked at my manager and realized this was much harder than I thought. It took a while until I nailed it, and it was definitely one of the toughest challenges I’ve done.” This candid admission highlights the immense physical and mental strain involved, showcasing Clara Mae’s dedication to her craft and her willingness to push her limits for artistic integrity. The metaphorical struggle underwater perfectly encapsulates the song’s theme of battling emotional despair, making her personal triumph a powerful extension of the narrative.
View this post on Instagram“Feels like we wait for a bigger mistake, cuz all the small ones we already made” 🌊
A post shared by C L A R A M A E (@claramaemusic) on
Clara Mae’s perseverance and hard work undoubtedly paid off. The “More Than OK” music video is a captivating visual experience that perfectly complements the expert production prowess of R3H4B and Frank Walker. Every shot, every transition, and every scene is meticulously crafted to amplify the song’s emotional resonance, making it an immersive journey for the viewer. This seamless integration of compelling visuals and powerful soundscapes truly elevates the track beyond a mere audio experience, transforming it into a complete artistic statement that leaves a lasting impression.
For R3H4B, born Fadil El Ghoul, this collaboration marks a strategic return to the dance floor after a successful venture into the pop world. Last year, he joined forces with superstar Zayn and Jungleboi for the hit track “Flames,” demonstrating his versatility and ability to seamlessly transition between genres. With “More Than OK,” R3H4B reasserts his dominance in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene, delivering the high-energy, infectious sound his fans have come to love. The collaboration with Clara Mae and Frank Walker has been a long time in the making, a testament to the meticulous planning and shared vision among these artists. R3H4B shared his excitement for the track, stating, “I’ve been a fan of Clara’s voice for quite a while, and when I got the chance to work with her, I didn’t hesitate one minute.” This mutual admiration underscores the organic nature of the collaboration, resulting in a track that feels both authentic and powerful. He further described “More Than OK” as “a cool vibey song with great vocals, including a message everyone can relate to, and a perfect way to kick off the new decade.” Indeed, the track’s blend of uplifting beats and relatable lyrics offers an optimistic yet reflective start to the year, promising more innovative music to come from R3H4B.
R3H4B is certainly not alone in his admiration for Clara Mae’s distinctive voice and songwriting abilities. Her talent has attracted collaborations with some of the biggest names in electronic music, solidifying her reputation as a sought-after vocalist and a prolific songwriter. Her impressive resume includes working alongside titans of the industry such as David Guetta, Tiesto, and Martin Jensen. Each collaboration has allowed her to showcase her vocal versatility and contribute to tracks that have resonated with a global audience. One of her most notable achievements includes her co-writing credit and feature on KREAM’s smash hit “Taped Up Heart.” This track alone boasts over 130 million streams, a colossal figure that highlights its immense popularity and Clara Mae’s significant contribution to its success. Furthermore, “Taped Up Heart” climbed into the top 25 on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Electric Songs chart, cementing her status as a formidable presence in the dance-pop landscape.
Clara Mae’s journey as a solo artist has been equally impressive. In 2018, she released her debut EP, *Sorry For Writing All The Songs About You*, a deeply personal collection of tracks that showcased her introspective songwriting and captivating vocal delivery. The EP resonated with fans and critics alike, establishing her unique artistic voice. Her collaboration with Jake Miller on “Better Me Better You” further garnered widespread acclaim, with renowned radio personality Elvis Duran among its vocal admirers. Duran’s praise served as a significant endorsement, further propelling Clara Mae into the spotlight. Building on this momentum, 2019 was another strong year for the artist, as she consistently delivered fresh and engaging content, releasing successful tracks such as “Lost,” “Loved you Once,” and “Unmiss You.” These singles not only maintained her presence in the music scene but also demonstrated her continuous artistic evolution and lyrical depth. Now, with the release of “More Than OK” and its powerful accompanying video, Clara Mae is poised to make an even greater impact, ready to take 2020 by storm with her compelling music and unwavering artistic vision.
The combined talents of R3H4B, Clara Mae, and Frank Walker have culminated in a track and video that are far more than just “okay”—they are truly incredible. “More Than OK” is a testament to the power of collaboration, blending expert production, emotive songwriting, and breathtaking visuals into a cohesive and unforgettable experience. The song’s universal message of navigating the end of a relationship, coupled with the video’s striking cinematography and Clara Mae’s courageous performance, ensures its place as a significant release for the year. As these artists continue to push creative boundaries and connect with audiences through their heartfelt and dynamic work, the future of dance-pop looks brighter than ever, with “More Than OK” leading the charge into a new decade of innovation and emotional depth in music.