Tempo Talks: A Conversation with Anne Bennett
THE RELEASE
Anne Bennett is an alternative singer/songwriter with haunting, melancholic vocals that nestle into dark melodies. The past few years have seen Anne’s music weave through themes of death, love, heaven, and hell from the infamous Witch City in Salem, Massachusetts. Yet amidst the darkness of 2020, her commitment to The Songwriting Academy, an esteemed, year-long virtual program in the UK, would prove to be life-changing. Her mentor, Paul Statham, became a dear friend who pushed Anne to embrace music that felt true to her deeply beguiling self. The result is something honest, raw, and a far cry from what you’re hearing on the radio. Her upbringing and struggles with mental health layer her stories to the depth of her Salem roots, resulting in music that creates a rich, hauntingly evocative scene.
Step into the darkened allure of 'Second Death,' a haunting opus inspired by the hauntingly iconic The Lost Boys. This mesmerizing song effortlessly brings forth the ghosts of the ‘80s and goth ‘n’ roll, making it a hidden treasure that Edger Allan himself would add to his list of required listening for macabre lovers. Meticulous intertwining with tones of The Cure and the ethereal beauty of the Cocteau Twins, ‘Second Death’ has the nostalgic whispers of the goth sound that so many of us still adore. It’s great guitar melody and wet vocal create a sonic palate that is beyond unique, and this is a tune to listen to if you long to journey to a time when the gothic tinge was everything in music.
THE INTERVIEW
If you had to create a Mount Rushmore of inspiration, what four individuals molded the artist you are today?
Very unique question! The first individual would be Mariah Carey. She was the first artist I fell in love with as a child. I loved that she had curly hair like me and wrote her own songs. I would write her letters every month, I was that obsessed!
The second person would be PJ Harvey. I can't recall exactly when I discovered her, but she is just so beautiful and bizarre and you can FEEL her music like no one else. When I first watched her concerts on Youtube I was hooked on how fearless she was. My favorite album of her's is "White Chalk." I think she taught herself piano to create that album. It's a masterpiece. She is truly the most authentic artist out there.
Third would be Patti Smith. I've only seen her live once but man, what an incredible show. Her voice is phenomenal and her lyrics really helped me get through my teenage years.
Fourth is Lana Del Rey. She is an absolute queen. Her lyrics are poetry, and her voice is like an angel. I discovered her around 2011 or so, the first song was "Born to Die," and I imediately binged her album. She is so unique in a world of copy cat pop stars. Her songs express exactly what I feel in my heart, and no other artist has been able to do that for me. Love her.
Were there any specific challenges or breakthrough moments during the production of your new single that had a significant impact on its final form?
The main challenge I had with "Second Death" was that although I knew this was my true, authentic self as an artist, it's taken me a while to get there. I was afraid not a lot of people would like it. I started with a basic demo using mostly Logic loops and shared it with my mentor Ben Christo (Diamond Black, Sisters of Mercy), who said this was my best work yet, which was quite encouraging! I knew for the final version I wanted it to sound very 80s goth/alternative, with a haunting guitar riff that flowed through most of the song.
Can you share insights into the collaborative process behind the creation of your latest single, including any notable contributions from producers, co-writers, engineers or featured artists?
I worked with a producer from Germany named Jon Winterstein. I gave him my demo and told him the 80s feel I was looking for, along with artists I envisioned (The Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Kate Bush, Cocteau Twins, etc). He was really able to make it next level!
Can you articulate the impact or impression you hope your new song leaves on listeners long after they've experienced it for the first time?
"Second Death" is a very dark and sensual song, the theme being how death and pleasure are intimately intertwined. I want listeners to be able to escape into their own magical fantasy with the song, I want it to leave them begging for more!
Looking ahead, how does the release of this single pave the way for future projects, and are there any hints or clues about the direction your music might take in the coming months?
Releasing "Second Death" has really paved the way for future releases. I'm always thinking about the next project, the next song...My next release will be a similar vibe sound-wise, although a bit less sensual! I've definitely
found my sound!
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