Laura Veirs' 'Pulse': When Indie Rock Meets Iron
There’s something undeniably captivating about Laura Veirs’ latest single, ‘Pulse.’ But it’s not just the song’s jazzy saxophone or its lyrics about anticipation—it’s the visuals. In the music video, Veirs transforms her home into a gym, deadlifting, planking, and swinging kettlebells with the kind of ease that makes you wonder if she’s been secretly training for a CrossFit competition. What makes this particularly fascinating is how she blends the mundane with the surreal: her blended family, including four teenagers, a Chihuahua, and a hamster, joins in, while Veirs herself gets drenched in Silly String. It’s like Jane Fonda’s workout videos met a David Lynch film—and it works.
The Feminist Weights of ‘Pulse’
One thing that immediately stands out is Veirs’ unapologetic embrace of strength at 52. She’s lifting heavier weights than ever, rocking red high-tops and silver pigtails, and looking every bit the rock star. But this isn’t just about aesthetics. Veirs is challenging the stereotype of weightlifting as a young, male-dominated space. Personally, I think this is a powerful statement in an industry that often sidelines women, especially those over 50. What many people don’t realize is that strength training isn’t just about physical power—it’s about reclaiming agency, especially in a society that constantly tries to diminish women’s visibility as they age.
The Politics of Fun
Veirs describes the video as ‘a mix of political and just fun,’ and that duality is what makes it so compelling. If you take a step back and think about it, the gym has long been a battleground for gender norms. By turning her home into a workout space and inviting her family to join, Veirs is democratizing fitness. It’s no longer about fitting into a mold; it’s about finding joy in movement, regardless of age or gender. This raises a deeper question: why do we still view certain activities as off-limits for certain groups? Weightlifting, like music, should be for everyone.
Temple Songs and the Art of Reinvention
‘Pulse’ is just the tip of the iceberg for Veirs’ new album, Temple Songs. What this really suggests is that Veirs is in a phase of reinvention—both musically and personally. At 52, she’s not just maintaining her career; she’s expanding it, experimenting with new sounds and visuals. A detail that I find especially interesting is how she’s blending the personal with the political, the playful with the profound. It’s a reminder that art doesn’t have to be one thing or the other. In my opinion, this is what makes Veirs such a standout artist: she’s not afraid to evolve, to challenge expectations, or to have a little fun along the way.
The Broader Implications
Veirs’ work goes beyond music or fitness—it’s about visibility and representation. By showcasing her strength, she’s inspiring a generation of women who’ve been told their time in the spotlight is limited. From my perspective, this is part of a larger cultural shift where women are refusing to be silenced or sidelined. Whether it’s in music, politics, or the gym, they’re taking up space and demanding to be seen. What’s fascinating is how Veirs does this without being preachy. Her message is embedded in the very act of lifting weights, of moving through the world with confidence and joy.
Final Thoughts
Laura Veirs’ ‘Pulse’ is more than a song or a music video—it’s a manifesto. It challenges us to rethink who gets to be strong, who gets to be visible, and who gets to have fun. Personally, I think it’s a brilliant example of how art can be both deeply personal and universally relatable. If you’re looking for inspiration, whether it’s to pick up a dumbbell or pick up a guitar, Veirs has got you covered. As she prepares for her upcoming shows, one thing is clear: she’s not just lifting weights—she’s lifting spirits.
