DS Exclusive: Chicago lipstick-punk band Sweetie release new video for “Bulletproof”: a love letter to queer joy
The darlings of the Chicago punk scene are back with another stunning music video, and you’ll see it first here at Dying Scene! In honor of the International Day of Transgender Visibility on March 31st, Sweetie is releasing their new music video for “Bulletproof” which celebrates queer joy, friendship, and resilience.
“I have always loved La Roux’s song ‘Bulletproof’ and it is one of my favorite songs to cover, and I especially love a cover song that sits very differently from the original. For me, it started out as just a fun dance-pop song to play at shows, but the more that I played it, the more I found my own meaning in the lyrics.”
Birdy discusses that for her, this song has become an ode to resilience and friendship. “My journey through the music scene has been a really tough one, but time and time again, when something knocks me down, my friends are always there to catch me. I’ve dealt with some pretty intense stuff, so when I sing this song, sing it with all the defiance and strength I can muster, saying ‘This time baby I’ll be bulletproof.’ It’s really the idea of ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,’ and what has made me stronger is my friends. That’s who this video is for.”
The video, which was filmed and edited by Elliot Lubicz, portrays a delicious mélange of on-stage and behind-the-scenes footage from drag shows, Sweetie gigs, and the Rocky Horror Picture Show. “My friend group is a very vibrant group of some of the most beautifully talented and queer beings to ever walk this earth,” Birdy explains. “I describe my friend group as the loves of my life, and the joy and color everyone brings to the world is something I wanted to celebrate in this music video. I wanted to keep it simple, but still show the beauty and energy that I witness every time we are all together, and I knew Elliot would be perfect for putting this music video together.”
Elliot Lubicz, a non-binary drag performer from Dekalb, is also one of the directors of the Irrational Master’s shadow cast of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Birdy details why she thought that Elliot would be a perfect fit to create this music video. “Before every Rocky Horror performance at the Egyptian Theater in Dekalb, our shadow cast starts every show with a really kick-ass montage video. Elliot picks out a song that always has so much drive, and finds footage from old movies and music videos and edits them all together. They have such a magic touch when it comes to editing, and these videos are always SO intensely cool. They get the audience so pumped up for the show. I knew Elliot would make something insanely cool for us.” Birdy states how she wanted the music video to be a celebration of the resilience and beauty of her friend group, and that centering queer joy was essential to that portrayal.
Director Elliot recounts their inspiration and motivation behind the music video, “Queer joy is revolutionary. It is strength, resistance, and authenticity. It is rage, power, and magic. Our resilience allows us to weather the storms of ignorance. We take part in the delight of creation and transformation; we shatter binaries and expectations. Living a queer or trans experience is divine. Capturing a snapshot of intertwined queer lives in our Midwestern tiny corner of the world fills my heart with comfort, and radiates a hopeful energy that is needed, especially now. This video concept for ‘Bulletproof’ is a representation of the moments we fight for: a celebration of our truest selves, our ability to dance in the face of evil, and our dedication to carry on. It shows we are everywhere, and we’ll continue to be here no matter what. Now, it’s time to put our armor on. Keep fighting, keep protecting, keep taking care of yourselves, keep dancing!” Elliot ends their statement with a note to the viewers, “ I love you and thanks for watching!”
The video release is just in time for Sweetie’s next performance at The Venue in Aurora, IL on March 30th. The event is hosted by Open Door Health Center of Illinois, which provides primary health care, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention, testing and treatment, and mental/behavioral health counseling and treatment, specializing with those living with HIV/AIDS, with an emphasis on those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. The event is free but registration is required and can be accessed by following this link. Executive Director of Open Door Health Center, Perry Maier, tells us, “The theme for Trans Day of Visibility 2025 is, “Take the Stage.” Please join Open Door Health Center of Illinois at the Venue as we welcome Sweetie to the Stage. We celebrate the resilience and determination of our trans friends.”
Here it is! Check out the video for “Bulletproof”!