‘New Album’ is where a band or artist answers some questions about their latest release. Up next is Maple Syrup singer Vera Ellen, who is now based in LA.
When/where was the new album recorded?
The album was recorded over the last few months by myself in my bedroom, and by in my bedroom I mean a curtain that sections off a part of the lounge. I was sick of putting off recording music because I couldn’t afford it. I had been listening to alot of punk at the time & was inspired by the, “just do it regardless of means” attitude.
Who produced/engineered the album? How did the tracks come together in the studio, or at home?
I did everything myself barring a few vocal features from my roommates. I just got into a heavy creative period where I would come home from work and just record and record. There’s lots of songs that didn’t make the album. It felt important for me to do everything myself and I certainly learnt a lot doing so.
How did the songwriting happen? Are there any overall themes within the songs/album?
This album is very organic in the sense that nothing was planned. I would write as I was recording and in a sense the urgency of the record came from the limited time I had in the apartment alone. The album reflects on my time in LA and mostly grapples with a longing for anonymity in a time where everything feels so public hence the notion of ‘Beat Yr Name’. There’s also a lot of commentary on our current political climate particularly in the States, and themes of female sexuality, love and of coarse heartbreak.
Were you going for a different sound/approach on this album?
This album feels more urgent than anything I’ve done before. I just wanted to make something because I felt I needed to. There weren’t really any rules. It’s also much heavier & faster which I just think is more in line of what I have being doing in bands & what I listen to. The last release I had was when I was 18 so as a 23 year old I think many differences are to be expected… otherwise that would be a little frightening.
Was there any specific gear you used to capture that?
Just drum machines & electric guitars recorded through a Midi on garageband. I’m sure the shitty gear adds to the sound in some way haha.
Is there a particular single/track that you feel captures the essence of the album?
Probably the final track, ‘Beat Yr Name’. It’s sort of a running verse, almost spoken, with a repetitive distorted guitar line…
Everyone my age is having a mental crisis
From the unemployment and the petrol prices
And now we’re all depressed and I guess in debt
And now I’m taking pills just to ease the stress
Being in this country makes me uglier
Like I am losing touch with who I was before
And every word it weighs heavy on my shoulders
The weight is getting heavier as I get older
Everyone my age has got a stone to throw
Guess I am the one they come to when their feeling low
And we all just fight each other cause it’s easier to hurt a person that you’ve never met before
And who cares if I never have to see your face
Or the way your body sinks when I beat your name
Everyone my age thinks they’ll be famous soon
Guess that’s how you get by when you always lose
I guess were activists just for showing our faces
And telling everyone how were completely shameless
Everyone my age thinks they’ll be famous soon
Is there a physical copy available? If not which digital platforms is it available on?
As of Friday I have tapes, zines and it will be available on Bandcamp, Soundcloud and soon spotify!
Are you working on a video/videos for any of the songs? Are you doing any gigs or promotion for its release?
I have a few videos in the works and I have a ‘Beat Yr Name’ and I had a listening party last Friday. I’ll also be releasing the video for ‘Betty Mary Alice’ this week which I’m very excited about!