The confessions of a clown can go either way: humorous or sad. For Nicole Daddonna, better known as FRIDAY, “Dear God” and its visual companion find relief at the expense of looking like a “fool.” Daddonna doesn’t confine themselves to any expectations or one path on the track’s open letter, rather acknowledges and moves through the raw motions to ask whatever higher version exists, “Am I making the right choice?”
“Dear God” is a grunge-pop ballad that serves as a cleanse for constrained and convoluted emotions. Its alt-rock melodic chorus is reminiscent of hooks from the ’90s and early 2000s, in particular to the likes of Moby’s “South Side” at a slower tempo (respectfully compared as Daddonna is an artist enjoyed). The gritty and hefty distortion on “Dear God” is the driving force of the track whereas Daddonna’s expressive, gravelly vocals encapsulates the weight of the world.
Transferring the raw pieces into a visual via Magic Society Pictures — which Daddonna is also half of the production company — sees the artist take the role as a chain-smoking clown, tired of the world and finding joy in place that may have previously served as a reminder of dissatisfaction. Taking place in an empty children’s entertainment center, Daddonna’s confessional pardoning works through the track’s multi-layered emotions. The artist’s delivery and movement of each line onscreen invokes such relatability, that all you want is for this clown to have anything and everything at In-N-Out. There’s no shame in being a fool; it’s the most human aspect.
Photo: Adam Wilder
“‘Dear God’ is a grunge-pop song with deep emotions that delves into the themes of self-sabotage and sacrifice,” Daddona says. “It explores the concept of willingly setting oneself up for disaster, even if it causes pain, in order to protect yourself or someone else. The song acknowledges the difficulty of doing the right thing, which often requires walking away from someone or something you love and trusting the unknown. Sometimes, making a mess and looking like a fool is necessary to move forward. The lyrics read like a personal diary entry, expressing the sadness and emotional aftermath of a tough decision. My hope is that the song provides a cathartic outlet for those moments when you need to release some pent-up anger or sadness – ideally over In-N-Out Burger.”
Daddonna’s debut EP is on the horizon, and to focus on creating it, she left the grind and mental toll of LA city life in 2022 and relocated to the woods outside of New York City. Her films have been recognized as Vimeo Staff Picks, and her latest work has been selected to premiere at SXSW festival.
Girl Underground Music 
The confessions of a clown can go either way: humorous or sad. For Nicole Daddonna, better known as FRIDAY, “Dear God” and its visual companion find relief at the expense of looking like a “fool.” Daddonna doesn’t confine themselves to any expectations or one path on the track’s open letter, rather acknowledges and moves through the raw motions to ask whatever higher version exists, “Am I making the right choice?”
“Dear God” is a grunge-pop ballad that serves as a cleanse for constrained and convoluted emotions. Its alt-rock melodic chorus is reminiscent of hooks from the ’90s and early 2000s, in particular to the likes of Moby’s “South Side” at a slower tempo (respectfully compared as Daddonna is an artist enjoyed). The gritty and hefty distortion on “Dear God” is the driving force of the track whereas Daddonna’s expressive, gravelly vocals encapsulates the weight of the world.
Transferring the raw pieces into a visual via Magic Society Pictures — which Daddonna is also half of the production company — sees the artist take the role as a chain-smoking clown, tired of the world and finding joy in place that may have previously served as a reminder of dissatisfaction. Taking place in an empty children’s entertainment center, Daddonna’s confessional pardoning works through the track’s multi-layered emotions. The artist’s delivery and movement of each line onscreen invokes such relatability, that all you want is for this clown to have anything and everything at In-N-Out. There’s no shame in being a fool; it’s the most human aspect.
“‘Dear God’ is a grunge-pop song with deep emotions that delves into the themes of self-sabotage and sacrifice,” Daddona says. “It explores the concept of willingly setting oneself up for disaster, even if it causes pain, in order to protect yourself or someone else. The song acknowledges the difficulty of doing the right thing, which often requires walking away from someone or something you love and trusting the unknown. Sometimes, making a mess and looking like a fool is necessary to move forward. The lyrics read like a personal diary entry, expressing the sadness and emotional aftermath of a tough decision. My hope is that the song provides a cathartic outlet for those moments when you need to release some pent-up anger or sadness – ideally over In-N-Out Burger.”
Daddonna’s debut EP is on the horizon, and to focus on creating it, she left the grind and mental toll of LA city life in 2022 and relocated to the woods outside of New York City. Her films have been recognized as Vimeo Staff Picks, and her latest work has been selected to premiere at SXSW festival.
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