HALLOWED HEARTS - Masquerade

Review by Chris Magdalenski

I’m ushered into a grand anteroom. Walls of sonic construction shaped from a boundless shimmering reverb coalesce around me as the first notes, an ethereal dirge arpeggiated, draw me deeper inside. As if I need further invitation, a lone guitar calls out across the soul-strewn soundscape. I follow its epic cries across the threshold….  

This is The Entrance, the concise opener to New York-based darkwave duo Hallowed Hearts' second full-length release, Masquerade. At one minute and twenty-four seconds, it’s safe to say that I am optimistic about experiencing the rest of the album.

Track two, the first full-length of the album, is titled Open Your Eyes, and it does not disappoint. Buzzsaw guitars wrapped in spectral ambiance and buoyed by a swift lock-step beat are paired with a pulsing synth. The music is pure goth darkness—razor sharp and imbued with an urgency that makes me want to drape myself in black and head out to the club.

Alex Virlios’ vocals draw parallels to Depeche Mode, his stygian delivery expanding luxuriously inside the mix with the help of just the right amount of reverb and echo. He’s joined by Andrew Sega’s guitar and synth lines, which offer metal-fueled hooks adorned with a gothic grandiosity that is meted out at just the right times.

It’s these hooks the band excels at. There’s an undeniable catchiness to most of the tracks on the album, with songs such as Crash and Burn, Masquerade and Last Chancebeing the standouts to my ears. Upon every listen I found myself vibing along with the music, easily picturing it playing well to packed clubs and beyond. Having listened to it from beginning to end a few times, I don’t feel there is a weak offering on the ten-track album. 

Musically the pair are no doubt comfortable in the goth/postpunk genes. Their first album, 2020’s Into the Fire skillfully utilizes the same darkwave elements to great effect, though Masquerade feels slightly more polished. Everything on their latest feels lusher and more expansive, while still holding on to the raw dark energy they brought to the scene with their first offering.

I am definitely looking forward to hearing more from Hallowed Hearts in the days to come.

For more Hallowed Hearts, visit https://hallowedhearts.bandcamp.com

SIXMIXSIX - Videodrome

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Sixmixsix’s Videodrome is a charmingly nostalgic musical journey through some of the 1980s' most iconic movies. The mixture of first-rate vocal performances by Fludid, the powerful melodic content, and Fabs (Sixmixsix}) guitar skills paint cinematic, exciting pictures while exploring many of the most beloved, engaging films made in the 1980s. This is music by which to reminisce as one enjoys the sounds flowing out from one’s headphones or speakers.

One of the most enchanting aspects of Videodrome is the way in which Fludid’s emotionally engaging, flexible vocals combine with Fabs’ songwriting. The end result is a wonderful interpretation of lyrics that carry the story of each film while adding emotional depth through the way in which Sixmixsix views each movie. I am fully drawn into the narrative as both contributors work their magic.

Another enjoyable aspect of Videodrome is the combination between the musical choices made by Fabs and the melodies he writes. His synthesizer choices effectively evoke different moods and states of mind; he deploys the guitar for maximum emotional effect, and his melodies are memorable and intensely affecting to me. I find it hard to stop listening to the album once I start.

I also have to emphasize how much I enjoy Fabs’ guitar performances on Videodrome. He has a great deal of skill and a good sense for emotional expression. Fabs’ mingles varied guitar tones to evoke different sensations and combines this with finger-bending chops in order to weave a tale and keep me listening.

Fabs’ obvious love and appreciation for the movies of the 1980s shines through in this album. I appreciate the way in which he expresses his love for these classics through music. I am utterly charmed by this album.

My Favourite Songs Analyzed

“Beyond the Veil” comes to life as slowly echoing, enigmatic synth trembles nervously. A steady background light glints softly as haunting chimes float through the track. The tremulous sounds are broken by gigantic, ragged edges and rebounding, rounded notes. Fabs’ electric guitar cuts in with hard edges, and chimes sparkle. The music continues to undulate, and now the kick drum pounds as Fludid's deeply expressive vocals carry the emotive lyrics.

The melody has a tender quality and Fabs’ guitar cries out with howling intricacy, leaping with skillful energy. The drums flow smoothly, and the guitar twists and bends through the music with complex sounds. Fludid’s voice calls out with hope and confidence, despite the darkness faced by the song's protagonist. The drums and bass smoothly guide the music forward as the chorus rises.

The guitar rumbles as tightly wound, glistening synth drifts, and Fludid expresses the feelings that are exuded by the music. His resonant, full voice is deeply pleasing to me as it conveys the emotion in the music. The ghostly chimes ring out as the aching vocals flow with a mournful melody. The guitar growls again as the chorus climbs and the drums pulse above the massive bass.

The vocal performance has a touching directness and conveys all of the different sensations powerfully. The guitar has dark power as the intertwining strings levitate, and the vocal performance drives home the spectral feeling of the track. The song ends on shimmery chimes and deep guitar notes.

The narrator tells a story of Joey, a child who is able to make contact with the spirit world in search of his father. He talks about how one can hear a child's voice in a world of whispers. He adds that "Joey finds a way; it's his only choice." The narrator talks about how his love for his father will never fail or fade as he can "reach beyond the veil."

Our storyteller talks about the young boy's telekinetic abilities as the shadows begin to rise, and "mysteries unfold before Joey's eyes." He battles the forces of darkness with a courageous heart. His bond with his father is "unbroken and never torn apart."

Through gusty wind and trees that whisper, the narrator says that "Joey's spirit roams, carried by the breeze." The boy manages to find strength in his love for his father through "the echoes of the past and the dreams of tomorrow," caught between jubilance and sadness.

Quickly drifting, softly burnished notes trip over each other to open “Escape”. Colossal rumbles and shifts as vibrating notes shiver. The music rebounds in an uneven pulse as the wandering high notes float. Now the kick drum pounds as Fludid’s powerful voice carries the ominous melody, and the flaring notes slide past. The chorus rips out with raw strength as Fludid’s rich vocals capture the sense of danger and threat. I enjoy the way in which he expresses the lyrics.

Urgency fills the music as the bursting drums and steadily delivering synth vibrate. Fludid carries the threat-filled melody, with siren screams and quickly washing notes flashing past. Fabs’ guitar cries out with massive power and dramatic energy as the song unfolds. There's unbridled wildness in the guitar performance as the drums erupt again and the guitar shreds with inimitable style. The percussion slams hard as the guitar solo whips through the music, intricately interwoven.

The low end is fierce as the music surges and growls. Tiny motes of light leap through the music as the bass pulsates and the drums smack. Fludid's voice leaps out again with an impassioned feeling as the trickling notes run past. The kick drum throbs hard again, and the twinkling notes rush before the chorus jumps in once more, charging the track to an end.

Our storyteller opens the tale of Snake, who has to venture into a dystopian New York City, which is being held prisoner by wild gangs. In the midst of the chaos, our hero is "called with a mission so dire, to save the president from the city's fire." It's an escape from New York as they "run through the night and struggle for their lives in the dim city light."

The narrator says that the clock's ticking down and the stakes are high "in a world gone mad beneath a blood red sky." In order for Snake to rescue the president, he has to "battle with warlords in the urban decay," which makes every step forward a fight as the night begins to grow into daylight. The line between friend and foe is blurry in this situation.

Our storyteller wonders if Snake will be able to last through this fight as he stands strong and faces the battle "with courage and grit." He slices his way through the darkness as he shelters the president from harm.

"Hellraiser" starts as dark chords rise and a hang drum-like synth spins out in a hypnotic pattern, echoing through the music. Rounded chords rise in the distance as the bass flows out. The drums erupt into a powerfully accelerative beat as the ringing, metallic synth spins out, and Fludid’s expressive vocals carry the shadowed lyrics.

The low end punches out as the vocals leap and fly. A continually whirling hang drum-like synth adds more dynamic motion. I enjoy the contrasting gentleness of the vocal melody and the ominous lyrics as they unfold. The growling synth adds support as the trance-inducing lead synth twirls and Fludid lets his strong voice loose on the lyrics.

Now the ringing synth continues to add energy as the lead singer emotes. Fabs’ guitar carries a melody combining yearning and softness as hollow percussion ticks. The hang drum continues to spin out as the guitar climbs with lambency, and the softly tremulous vocals call out again.

The narrator talks about "dark dreams" that intertwine in "the shadows of desire." He says that a "puzzle box of torment" will open the unbelievable to you. He adds that "chains and whispers call from beyond the mortal veil," and one steps into a maze full of screams and whispers. He goes on to say that "pain is pleasure…for ever and ever."

Our storyteller speaks of allowing the forbidden in "with a touch so light" as the borders between darkness and light are close to one another. He talks about being "lured by the promise of desires attained," but points out that once the damned have a hold of you, you'll never be the same again.

The storyteller says that inside "a house of secrets with a blood-stained floor," there's a soul trapped within the walls that craves "more and more." He concludes by saying, "Angels to some, demons to the rest; in the heart of agony, everything is confessed."

Sharp-edged, flaring synth moves with quickly tumbling bass to kick off "Light It Up." Fabs’ guitar leaps out with dynamic strength, exploding above the rapidly rushing drums and thick bass. Fludid’s strong vocal performance captures the excitement and drama of the lyrics.

The drums and bass throb heavily as radiance pours from a full-sounding synth. Delicate chimes flicker in the distance as the wordless vocals drift. Fludid uses his flexible, strong voice to drive home the lyrics’ message.

The twinkling notes spin out, and the guitar erupts again, uncoiling in freewheeling motion, expressing the excitement and danger within the song. The low end continues to drive forward as the guitar jumps forth. Fludid’s vocals are cinematic in scope in a way that engages me.

Our storyteller talks about how the song's main character becomes trapped inside "a world of circuits, glowing lines." In this digital world, "a realm of programs rules the night" as the song’s main character fights for his life.

The narrator speaks of lighting everything up, lighting the dark, and "in this grid ignite the spark." He speaks of "racing through the neon maze" and "fighting battles in cyberblaze." In the end, with true friends and fading enemies, our main character seeks to "find his rightful place."

“Phone Home” commences with ethereally sparkling synths, while a gently familiar melody throbs underneath. The propulsive pulse grows stronger as the dreamy melodic line slips past, and now the entangling guitar sings out a heartwarming melody as the synth mingles with it to add luscious fullness. There’s a wistful quality in the melody that adds emotional depth, as Fludid’s heartfelt vocal performance captures the wonderment of the tale.

Fabs’ guitar flashes out again with encouraging light as the lead singer touches me with his tenderness. The twinkling lights sparkle like distant stars as the chorus flies with uplifting energy. Brilliantly glimmering synths echo out as the vocals fill the song with childlike hope, and the drums and bass shape the music. I enjoy how Fludid’s vocals double the female vocals behind them.

The guitar cries out again with a melody that is affectionate and full of friendly sensations. Broadly sailing synths dance in the background as the guitar unfolds in a tightly intertwined and skillfully played solo, then descends. The hauntingly drifting opening melody shifts past as twisting sounds move and sharp-edged synth cuts in.

Drums drive forward again as a saxophone adds a touching, jazz-inflected melody while the low end continues to shape the music. The sax jumps with impassioned energy before the song ends on glittering chimes and Fludid’s engaging vocals.

The narrator talks about the young protagonist, Elliot, who finds a strange new friend with "gentle, glowing eyes" after a light falls from the sky. Their friendship grows stronger, "a secret they must keep." The promise to keep that secret runs deep because of Elliot's new friend’s alien nature. In the chorus, the narrator says that E.T. wants to phone home and "never feel alone."

Our storyteller talks about how they fly on bicycles, "riding through the stars" as they chase their magical dreams while the world passes by. They have "heartbeats in sync" and a pure, honest friendship. The storyteller concludes by saying that "a glowing heart will guide them through."

Roughly trembling synth echoes into space as “The Time Machine” starts. Slightly melancholy synth chords plane out along with a guitar that coruscates into the music with intense light and a happy feeling. Smooth chords sweep past as the guitar floats out into the openness around it. Fludid’s voice soulfully conveys the song's message as the lucent synth is joined by softly echoing guitar notes.

The song accelerates into an easily loping drum and bass pulse as trickling xylophone dances through the music. A medium-high, effulgent synth sings the yearning and gentle melody. A chiming synth echoes with a light touch as the xylophone continues to twirl past. A steady background glow illuminates the music as it quickly throbs along with the tumbling xylophone. Sixmixsix’s guitar slips tentatively through the music as Fludid's emotive vocals drift out.

A synth slowly shifts in pastel clouds as the guitar intertwines with it, contributing more luminosity. Unevenly throbbing drums and bass shape the music as the xylophone cascades. The chiming notes glide past as the guitar exudes twilit illumination. Fludid’s vocals move again with a message of nostalgia and maintaining our sense of wonder.

The background flickers with tender luminosity, and again the main melody moves in on a slightly sharp-edged synth. Hollow sounds shift, and the drums tick as the chimes glitter and a saxophone cries out with deep feeling. Sixmixsix’s guitar flits through the music with smooth expression before the track ends.

Our narrator talks about neon trails that weave through space as a “synthwave pulse ignites the night.” As they move with echoes in graceful motion, they find their light “in time’s flux.”

The storyteller speaks of “electric dreams like falling stars” as past and future come together in a radiant light. He says that “holograms of things once ours guide us through the maze we dream.” In our musical time machine, “yesterday and future blend” while “eternal wonder has no end.”

Conclusion

Videodrome is an earnest, genuine musical tribute to 1980s movies. not only does it work on an emotional level, but the way in which all of the different musical elements combine creates an emotional and enjoyable listening experience.

Andrew LeSynt - The Midnight Club

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Andrew LeSynt’s The Midnight Club is an homage to the great synthesists of the 1980s. The combination of classic synths, well-composed melodies, and complex sonic layering, along with skillful guitar performances by the artist, results in an album that is musically rich and full of superb musicianship and composition. The artist engages me strongly as I listen and takes me on a journey.

My ears are constantly delighted as I listen to The Midnight Club and hear all of the classic synth sounds that Andrew LeSynt uses. He evokes all of the nostalgia and synth innovation that took place during the ‘80s while still using modern production to give the music as fresh a sound as possible. I find the combination charming and totally enjoyable.

I am also drawn to the way in which all of the different sonic tones, timbres, and textures are interwoven on The Midnight Club. Andrew LeSynt confidently mingles different synthesizer sounds to create layered music that always catches my ear with an intriguing sound or feeling. When combined with his absolute mastery of the electric guitar, the end result is enormously pleasing and satisfying.

The melodies that Andrew LeSynt has written for The Midnight Club are another standout feature. His compositions are emotive, heartfelt, and expressive as they move through the music. He has the gift of creating melodies that are memorable and draw one's attention immediately. As the album unfolds, I find myself waiting for the next excellent melody to arrive.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“Harald B” comes to life as a broadly shining, sharp-edged synth sweeps out in echoing lines. Now solid drums rebound as the expanding synth floats and skittering noises twist. The drums form a solid underpinning that drives the track forward as a dynamically leaping synth twirls through the music. It carries a melody brimming with furious speed as bright flashes dance in the background, flickering with radiance.

The tightly swirling melody dances downwards before the wide-sounding, gleaming synth jumps out in energizing lines while softer glow lights it. A flanging sound wanders through before the throbbing drums continue to press forward. Now trumpeting notes call out with an incandescent shine that compels me. A freewheeling synth descends, and again we return to the active pulse as razor-edged notes slash into the music and the drums bounce.

Bass undulates richly as brassy notes fly out above the pounding drums, and a crescendo climbs. The drums flourish, and a wobbling sound tumbles through before the main melody returns with rushing energy and an accordion-like sound moves past. The glowing notes rise as the drums and bass shift actively. The track ends with the explosive melody dancing out while the accordion-like notes add warmth. The drums flourish, and silence falls as the rain patters.

Hard-hitting, massive bass surges as a glistening synth carries a majestic melody while a lush choral voice adds resonant depth to start "Captain Past." Now the drums and bass rocket forward as the voices have human warmth to the synthesized sounds. The drums and bass drive on as the victorious melody soars above the low end.

I enjoy the adventurous nobility embodied by the melody as it unfolds, and the low end pushes forward, propelling the excitement. The vocal sounds trip through, adding strength to the thrilling melody. The operatic voices give the music added nobility as the melody unfolds, speaking of journeys across space and time. The drums swirl, and now a nasal-sounding, starry synth sings an uplifting melody.

The low end punches on, and the main melody flows with strength and grace. The bass rumbles and pulses as the operatic voices leap, and flashing notes skip through the music. The melody takes hold of me, lifting me up and carrying me above the darkness of the world, imbuing me with sensations of joy and triumph before the song ends.

“The Chase” begins as luminous chimes ring with metallic light, and a growling low end is interrupted by police sirens and radios. The drums rebound heavily as the chimes entangle, and now a propulsive low end launches the track as the resident synth carries an exciting melody, full of thrilling acceleration. The guitar calls out with bending power, cutting into the music with strength and speed as the synth pumps dynamic melodies and the chimes sparkle while the low end presses forward.

Andrew LeSynt’s guitar flies out with uplifting energy and a scintillating glow as the rushing drums and bass cascade downwards. The sound of the radios crackles, and the entire track exudes an action movie atmosphere. I enjoy the electric guitar’s dynamism and exuberant expression here. The drums continue to burst with unstoppable energy, and the full-sounding synth jumps through the music with inspiring life. Oscillating bass cuts sharply as the snare drum ticks.

Now the track moves into a segment in which wistfully floating chimes softly shine as the sound of sirens and the police chase continues with dark bass. The radio crackles again, and the drums and bass launch forward as a guitar intertwines in a slashing solo, conveying drama and danger. As the percussion continues to press on, the guitar arcs upwards, and the chimes ring before silence falls.

Aggressive snare drums burst into the track along with the dynamic bassline to commence "East End Boys." The oscillating bass is joined by tightly glistening, digital-sounding synth, and now the main melody is carried on a classic-sounding, brightly flashing synth, bursting with youthful energy as it leaps through the track.

The drums and bass surge forward as a shimmering, twisting synth jumps with boisterous liveliness. The main melody has a poppy hook that makes me want to smile as it bumps through the track, dancing out above the punchy drums and oscillating bass. A celebratory mood fills the music as the track flies forward. The softly glimmering synth twists through the music, and the main melody spins out stories of carefree days and thrilling nights.

Now the track drifts into a segment in which dogs bark fiercely while the chimes delicately shine and the kick drum thuds lightly. There's a soft flow and a wobbling sensation before the lead synth melody sings out with happy ease, creating sensations of fun as the track comes to a synth-poppy ending.

“The Street Fighter" opens with metallic ringing and rough bass rumbling ominously. A snare drum softly brushes, and now electric guitar climbs with majestic, victorious notes sliding out above the huge low-end pulse. The massive drums and undulating bass create a steady pulse as refulgent synth sparkles above them.

Andrew LeSynt’s guitar carries an anthemic melody, brimming over with triumph and strength as it climbs. Inspirational piano notes flash out as the dynamic low end bursts. The piano notes are likely touching and smooth as the guitar sings out with unbridled energy. I revel in the victory and uplift within the guitar melody as it unfolds. The piano deepens the emotional quality within the track as worshipful voices drift in the distance.

The drums and bass pulse as the choir sings softly. The piano chords move with strings that sweep through the music, and flickering synth dances out. The symphonic nature of the strings and piano combination deepens the track, while roughly buzzing notes move. The guitar flies again with hopeful energy above the low-end power.

Fat, funky bass pulses as a dazzling synth rises to kick off "Superfly Funk." lustrous notes swell, and now the propulsive drums and bass launch the track with intense velocity as shimmering notes illuminate the music. Brassy synth shines out in a melody that explodes with positivity and joyful life above the popping low end.

The groove is dense as it sits in the pocket and mingles with cascading, string-like synth that tumbles above the slicing sounds of pounding drums. Glimmering chords flow in the background as the driving trumpeting notes emerge. Shiny synth descends with rich light. I enjoy the uplifting and encouraging nature of this track as it unfolds. The low end is thick and full as it pumps on, and brassy notes jump with radiant life.

The track slows as an oscillating bassline moves in and the snare drums collide. A jazz organ solo wriggles through the music with a sense of fun and play while the drums pulse on. A sense of freedom pours from the track as it continues to evolve. Lambent guitar floats out with more encouragement while the energetic percussion slowly fades, and the guitar and jazz organ carry us to a conclusion.

"Elysomnia" comes into being with gigantic bass oscillating as tightly wound, shining notes rise with warming illumination. Now the drums form a smoothly gliding support as interlocking synth dances with sunny light above it. Andrew LeSynt’s guitar sails out with calmness and tenderness, carrying a melody that tells the story of a journey through a strange kingdom.

The bass continues to rumble as the guitar unfurls with smooth grace and synth frolics with brilliant luminosity, adding a positive note to the music. The guitar is a dreamy thread that moves through the music in a way that I find touching and ear-pleasing. Elevated notes sparkle with clear light as the bass and drums throb.

Chimes ring with metallic delicacy and rise with piano chords. There's a deep note that calls out before the drums come in again, and the dancing synth melody flips through the music as the guitar climbs above it with a tranquil feeling. The track ends with the uplifting synth spinning past as the guitar sings out.

Massive bass growls, and delicate notes flicker to start "Top Run." Percussion ticks softly, andAndrew LeSynt’s guitar rises with victorious strength, calling out above the quickly undulating bass with sunlit power. The drums and bass form a muscle pulse as fragile light glimmers from the elevated synth. The guitar echoes again with gentle hope, and a sense of triumph as the piano adds a warmer feeling.

The piano chords are uplifting and hopeful as the drums rebound smoothly. A windy sweep moves, and the guitar cries with passionate intensity and yearning as the piano adds a softer touch. The bass is gruff-edged and huge as the piano melody comes in with energetic and determined sounds, while a choir sings in the background.

I enjoy the way the music gives me a lift and makes me feel joyful. Strings gently intertwine as the piano chords add support, and the strings exude resonance. Buzzing sounds flicker and the cymbals sweep as the guitar rises again, climbing skyward with a sense of freedom and possibility before the track comes to an end.

Conclusion

The Midnight Club brims with Andrew LeSynt’s enthusiasm for synth music, along with his melodic composition and the ability to paint auditory imagery. The end result is insanely listenable and easily worth repeat replays.

Anniee - Let Her Hair Down (Interview)

Foreword and Interview by Vero Kitsuné

New Jersey-based electronic and synth artist-producer and theater composer, Anne Eisendrath, also known as Anniee, unveils haunting synthpop track, “Let Her Hair Down” - a psychological thriller, accompanied by a David Lynch-inspired music video directed by Brad A. Kinnan. The track and visuals are a poetic kaleidoscope of the deep underpinnings of yearnings, suppressed wishes and hidden desires - both unsettling and beautiful in delivery, aimed to disturb the calm.

“Let Her Hair Down” is part of Anniee’s upcoming LP, slated for release Spring of 2025.

We sat down with Anniee to discuss her creative process, influences and what to expect.

With a background as a professional songwriter and composer in theater and musicals, and now reveling in the realms of underground electronic and synth music, tell us about how your musical journey started.

Anniee: I have early memories of my dad teaching me songs while he played guitar. When I was three I was supposed to sing with him at church, but when he called me to the stage, I refused. I wanted to color instead. That’s how it began!

Luckily I was able to get over my stage fright and I spent a substantial part of my childhood singing at church, in choirs, studying and pursuing classical music. As a teenager, 3 major musical influences took me over and made me the musician l am today: The movie AMADEUS, which introduced me to dark choral music, my Dad’s BEATLES collection, which introduced me to great pop songwriting, and the music I heard at the clubs in Germany - I was in an exchange program in 1997- so a very exciting time to be in that part of the world experiencing that music.

What drew you to producing synthpop and electropop, and what was it like to shift gears from theater and musicals to working with electronic and synths? 

Anniee: I would say LIBERATING! I have such a nostalgia for electronic music because of how it captured me as a teenager, so when I rediscovered that in my music production studies, I was instantly hooked. Suddenly by learning synthesis, mixing, and mastering I had the tools to begin making this music I loved so much. I quickly began integrating it into the songwriting process I’d already built at the piano.

How would you say your theater background has shaped your music?

Anniee: I think that my theatrical writing has infused my Anniee songs with a “story first” mentality. In theatre music every element of the song must support the story, and that goal finds its way into my personal songs. For each of my songs, I have a vivid story in my head, a unique character with an archetype, and a world/backdrop for them to inhabit. However, I approach the lyric writing for a theatre song differently than with an Anniee song. The character and story driven elements of a theatre song demand an extreme specificity and clarity to the lyric. I feel the freedom with my Anniee lyrics to lean more into the symbolic, abstract and mysterious realms.

Who would you say are your top influences?

Anniee: It’s ALWAYS changing. Lately it’s been John Summit, Sohodolls, Saint Etienne. I crush really hard on one song every year it seems, and it’s usually an EDM banger. I listen to a wide range of styles, mostly electronic, but also alt rock and classical. I find I can solve my musical and creative problems by the ideas I get from other songs: Hearing a catchy groove, a smart structure, a fresh lyric, an arousing vocal, unique instrumentation, creative production—I get so inspired by what other people create.

“Let Her Hair Down” is accompanied by a music video by the synthwave scene’s favorite filmmaker, Brad A. Kinnan, and the video carries quite a Lynchian vibe. What inspired the concept for the visuals and what was it like to work on the production?

Anniee: The collaboration with Brad was a dream! I met him one year ago when Ollie Wride and Parallels came to Brooklyn. I’d seen his visual work online, and really wanted to work with him. I knew he was based in LA and I had a trip planned, so I reached out about planning a photo shoot. After taking some time with the songs on my album and some of my visual inspirations, he encouraged me to think about doing a whole music video. I’d just watched “Twin Peaks” for the first time, so that visual world was fresh in my mind. Meanwhile, he found this amazing space - the abandoned church/ “Black lodge-esque” set which really got us both thinking about how we could use it for “Let Her Hair Down.” We were both really excited about going in that direction. The day of the shoot was a whirlwind - I had created a loose script, brought my own wardrobe and props, and Brad brought his entire set up and some props as well. It was just the two of us and a makeup artist, McKenna. We filmed for the entire 5 hours, and as we were barely finishing the shot in the sanctuary, we were literally kicked to the curb by the person in charge of the space. I remember running back and forth out of the space carrying my clothes and Brad’s equipment still in costume and stiletto boots. We made it though, and the filming was a blast. He’s an amazing director and he accomplished SO much in that short time that we had. I’m very grateful he took this project on with me.

“Let Her Hair Down” takes on a slightly darker vibe than your previous single, “Captured.” Where do you draw your inspiration usually from when writing lyrics and music?  

Anniee: “Let Her Hair Down” is definitely a darker vibe, and that was intentional. We have these parts of who we are that become repressed and silenced because they don’t always fit with who we are expected to be in the outer world. But they still very much exist within ourselves and need a voice. I think the darker vibes in this song are about the intensity of this longing and feeling, the urgency of expressing that voice before it’s too late.

Often I draw my Inspiration for songs from specific feelings and emotions that linger and haunt me. This is true of both “Let Her Hair Down” and “Captured.” “Captured” started with the ache of knowing I could never get a certain moment back. “Let Her Hair Down” started with the feeling of having something inside my soul that was trapped and unexpressed.

As both tracks were mixed, mastered and co-produced by Von Hertzog (VH x RR), and both tracks are appearing in your upcoming record, can you give us a glimpse of the vibe and spectrum of what we can expect from the new LP?

Anniee: In addition to “Captured” and “Let Her Hair Down” the album will include 4 previously released singles, and two brand new tracks. I may release one more single before the album.

These songs are the journal entries of my mind over the last 3 years. Are they my actual story or are they make believe? Both. By design, the details are fuzzy, there’s lots of room for interpretation, and definitely straight up make believe. Even so - these songs are about real things that happened to me and they represent my journey into the night, wishing on stars, chasing city lights, moments lost and found.

I could have only found my voice as an artist with the help of Von Hertzog who always brings his best to our collaborations. He is always in service of the artist and the song, and never lets anything else get in the way. I’m so proud of the music we’ve made together, and each song has had a beautiful process.

Will we see more music videos, and when shall we expect your new record to drop?

Anniee: I’m hoping to drop the album in the spring! I’m keeping the release plans loose for now as I gauge the rest of my year - I’m writing a musical with a production on the horizon and it’s my daughter’s senior year, so I need to be careful with the timing. I’m trusting that it will come out when it’s supposed to come out!

Any show or tour plans? What’s next for Anniee?

Anniee: I would love to perform LIVE! I’ve done a couple shows as Anniee, and it’s an absolute blast. My dream is to create album release show where I would perform the whole album as a show with a script and story line. That might be a little ambitious with what’s going on in my life at the moment, but I’ll just put that out into the universe and see what happens. You never know!

For More Anniee - visit anniee1.bandcamp.com