Anika discusses her powerful new album “Abyss” in a feature interview

always something that made a project just so distant and not feeling as real. When you record with a band live, it’s all together and you can feel the energy of what’s happening and can feel the real emotions of what’s going on. And I think all the mistakes, all the imperfections, are what makes music beautiful. That’s what I didn’t hear really as a kid. I think it’s important to let that in because life is chaotic and music should be that way too. It’s real, it’s raw, and it doesn’t have to be perfect. It should be imperfect and rough around the edges. Plus, when you record live, it’s a lot quicker. You don’t have to faff around and spend months and months on something to make it absolutely perfect. You’re not scrutinizing it to the ends of the earth. Usually, the best stuff happens when you least expect it. So to capture that real energy, I try to do that as much as possible. JM: Is there a message you hope listeners take away from Abyss?Anika: Yeah, I think I hope that people feel less alone, like they can listen to the songs and for a moment actually not feel so bad about what’s around them. Sometimes to hear someone else say things that you’ve thought in your head is almost scary because you’re like, ‘What? How did they know that?’ I want them to feel empowered to share that feeling and share their experiences with other people. It’s also important for us to stick together more in these times. I think that that’s what musicians can really do. Musicians are the chroniclers of society – they tell us what’s going on in a different way. It’s not just talking and digesting the news or reading articles anymore. It’s a place to share ideas and emotions. Music is all about empathy and getting empathy back, and I think that’s ultimately what’s lacking now in politics and getting the message across. So I think it’s about solidarity more than anything with this album.

In conclusion, Anika’s latest album “Abyss” is a departure from her earlier work, showcasing a raw, intense, and emotionally charged sonic landscape. Moving away from the dreamy ambient synths of her previous album, “Change,” Anika ventures into the realms of ‘90s grunge, alternative, and classic ‘70s rock on “Abyss.” The album reflects her feelings of anger, frustration, and powerlessness regarding the state of the world, creating an emotional connection with listeners. By recording the album live with minimal overdubs, Anika aims to capture the raw energy and imperfections that make music truly authentic. Ultimately, “Abyss” serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity, encouraging listeners to share their experiences and emotions while highlighting the importance of coming together through music in tumultuous times.