Florence + the Machine Through the Grade
When Florence + the Machine lean into darkness, it isn’t quite a blackout; it’s this kind of drawn-out plunge. Think shadows that still hold textures, blacks that stay velvety rather than dead, and colour that feels emotional without ever shouting too loud.
In the band’s recent mood-heavy music videos for ‘Everybody Scream’ and ‘One of the Greats’, the right hue does a lot to tell the visual story. It’s also the sort of work that suits Yoomin Lee, senior colourist at Company 3 New York.
Yoomin speaks about grading the way some people talk about music, that is, as a craft built on feeling, though grounded in discipline. She says she’s fuelled by a deep passion for film that has driven her career for nearly 19 years. “My journey in colour grading began with a fascination for its artistry and the profound impact the image quality can have on storytelling,” she tells LBB.
A long-time fan of Florence + the Machine, Yoomin says, “I appreciate their unique visual identity, which is both ethereal and mythical, while simultaneously exuding power.” The double register makes gothic and grungy tricky to colour – if you lean too hard into grit, it’s possible to lose the myth, but if you keep things too clean, the work can feel self-protective.
Though the task is often tall, familiarity helps. She had the opportunity to colour grade three songs from their previous album ‘Dance Fever’ prior to working on ‘Everybody Scream’ this year. Yoomin sees each album as a complete visual system, noting that they feature a distinct theme reflected in costumes, set design, album covers and more. The grade, therefore, has to belong to that system, not merely the brief on the day.
Yoomin says director Autumn de Wilde has been a long-term visual collaborator with the band, helping to establish these themes; someone who has been an anchor for atmosphere and intention. “I discuss ideas with her; she is my primary source for shaping the colour and mood of their visuals… It's a blessing to work with a creative who shares your vision. Autumn is a true visual artist, both in film and photography.”
Yoomin describes the grade as something there to sharpen choices that already exist, keeping them coherent, especially when the visuals begin to push into heavier territory. And the way she collaborates with Autumn helps keep everything grounded. “Her attention to detail is exceptional.”
When it comes to the practicalities of keeping darkness expressive, Yoomin describes the work in terms of contrast and restraint. “When I grade Florence + The Machine’s music videos, my primary goal is to align with the band’s visual aesthetic, which is both delicate and powerful.” She adds, “A key focus is to create contrast while ensuring the black tones remain moody and not overly dark. Autumn has a keen eye for this, and we work closely, exchanging ideas to achieve the right balance.”
The most challenging part of such work regularly comes down to the clock. Yoomin explains that music videos often involve a fast-paced production process, which presents unique challenges for grading. “The quick turnaround is primarily due to relatively low budgets, limiting the time and effort that can be dedicated to the grading process,” she says. “Nevertheless, music videos are a creative medium that encourages pushing artistic boundaries.”
And grading for the band has been a truly unique experience for Yoomin, noting that everyone involved in the project contributed their full input regardless of external circumstances. “This dedication is inspired by Florence and Autumn, who are committed to maintaining their craftsmanship in every aspect of their work.”
She concludes, “Collaborating on multiple songs for the album alongside visual creator Autumn was immensely rewarding, as it allowed me to feel that my contribution extended to the entirety of the album, rather than just a single song.”
