Annie O’Malley – Klose the Door

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) Your sound has been described as “temper tantrum pop.” What does that mean to you?

A) I felt like describing my new era of music as “pop” was too broad of a description to actually give people an idea of what my music would sound like. “Klose the Door” is the first single off of album 2 and it is all about inner child work and what happens when we are taught to suppress our emotions as we grow up. A lot of the songs on the project feel like a temper tantrum. The other reason I chose this is because oftentimes when kids are throwing temper tantrums it looks like they are acting out when most of the time they just aren’t able to communicate how they feel and I relate to that.  

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A)  I have so many artists I look up to for a magnitude of different reasons. I love Jessie Reyez because of how raw and honest and unapologetic her lyrics are. One of my favorite bands of all time is Keane because their music is beautifully uplifting and optimistic and I was raised on them. I also love Taylor Swift because of her ability to switch from one genre to the next, of course, her unbelievably phenomenal songwriting and her care and intention when it comes to her projects.

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “11th Hour.”

A) I wrote “11th Hour” about two people wanting to admit their feelings for one another but neither of them doing so. And that if it ever does happen it will be at the very last second, the eleventh hour. I wrote the first verse and chorus of this song in less than ten minutes and then once my producer/roommate heard me playing it he was very insistent on us doing something with it. Then, CVBZ blessed the song with his verse and the rest is magic!

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) I think it’s the energy and the way it makes you feel – like you’re running towards something – is what gives the song so much power. Then, when you pay attention to the words as well there is a real depth to the song and I think music that is authentic and honest like that always finds a home in people’s hearts.

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) I released a video of us tracking the final vocals and I did this because it was such a team effort and I wanted that to be seen. From writing it to Jack producing it, to CVBZ adding his verse, JJ Catalyst mixing it, Nomographmasters mastering it and Kourtney creating the artwork – I wanted to highlight the love and effort that went into the p Also, I love my friends and my team and the video is hilarious so I highly recommend people checking it out.

Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics? How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) I write almost every day so there are many different ways but I would say the main ways are either me and the piano or guitar in my room usually late at night because I’m overthinking or feeling emotional. Or I’m in the studio with a producer and we lay some chords down and then I give them some sort of direction and then they run with it while I record myself singing melodies and writing the lyrics. The moments are my favorite ever, being in the middle of receiving a new idea and figuring out how the hook will tie in with the story and then getting to play it over and over. I’m so grateful to get to experience that.

Q) “Klose the Door” is set to be your new single in August. Will there be a full album or EP joining it shortly?

A) “Klose the Door” is the first single off my sophomore album that will be out in 2024. I’m so excited about these songs and for everyone to hear them!

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) I think it’s more about the environment, I love performing alongside other talented musicians because the crowd is eager to be attentive and the energy is great. I also love doing full band performances because being on stage with other people feels like everybody’s winning and smiling at each other while playing feels euphoric. I’m really excited to see what shows are in store for me in the next couple of months.

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) I would love to collaborate with Alt-j, U2 or Rainbow Kitten Surprise. I feel like the combination of ideas would be really unique and I love those bands so much. 

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

A) Yesterday my dad actually showed me an artist named “Roosevelt” and I really liked a lot of his songs first listen. I’m interested in diving deeper into the rest of his discography. I’ve also been listening to Holly Humberstone’s new song “Antichrist.” She’s the best.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) Social media is instantly accessible and is a great way to find new music and artists. Having a strong and clear presence on social media allows fans to join the journey and keep up with all the exciting projects that are coming up.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) From the bottom of my heart thank you. Know that I do not take your support for granted, you are considered in every decision I make. And know that I care about this more than anything and I will continue to deliver art that is honest and meaningful.