Salem, Massachusetts, best known for its witchy past, has an eerie energy that might ward some away. Anne Bennett absorbed this dark mystery and found comfort in the daunting emotions, which she has channeled into the melancholic music she makes today.
Hey Anne, thanks for taking the time to chat with me! Give me a little behind the scenes of your journey to here. What was that moment where you thought “I could do this for the rest of my life?” (regarding your music)
Thank you for inviting me to chat with you! Happy to be here. I think last year was a big eye-opener for me into the songwriting world. I enrolled in the Songwriting Academy, which is a virtual, year-long songwriting program where you work with mentors who are hit-songwriters. I really honed my craft and began looking into the world of sync, and that’s kind of when I realized I wanted to do this forever. Seeing numerous students write these phenomenal songs and get them onto television and film was so inspiring and motivating.
Right now you’re celebrating three new releases, “Heavy Hand” and “Highway Boys” and “Hell Couldn’t Keep Me”—for fans of “Heavy Hand” can they expect a similar vibe from “Highway Boys”?
“Highway Boys” is a little different. Less heavy, more I’m-going-on-a-road-trip-through-the-desert kind of vibe. It sounds very longing and nostalgic.
What inspired you to write “Highway Boys”?
I’m an adventurer at heart. I’m always longing to be on the road, but my responsibilities keep me in one place. I was inspired by the bikers I’d often see while on a cross-country road trip a few years ago. I wanted to join them, to live like them: on the edge. An eternal longing for the open road.
In “Heavy Hand”, you’re addressing a pretty heavy topic, having written the song during a road trip, in a pandemic, and from a pretty distraught place. You mentioned that it pushed your depression to places it had never been—I think this is something a lot of people have been feeling. Do you have any advice you can offer for others who might be going through this?
I’m not the best with advice, I’m always asking everyone else for advice! But I guess I would just say that things can get better if you change your mindset (as cliche and ridiculous as that sounds). Getting out of the house is important, even if it’s just a long walk or a long drive by yourself. Asking for help, that’s probably number one. Okay so there, I offered some advice! Hahaha.
What bands are currently inspiring your music?
I’ve always loved PJ Harvey. She’s been inspiring me since I was a teenager. She’s not afraid to push boundaries and test the waters music and fashion-wise. I adore that. I’m also a huge fan of Lana Del Rey. I’ve been obsessed with every album. My music doesn’t necessarily sound like theirs, but they have both played huge influences on my artistry with their willingness to step outside the box constantly. I’m also influenced by Blood Ceremony, they are so dark, melodic and 70s-sounding!
What’s the most memorable concert you’ve been to and why?
Tori Amos. That woman played for hours with no break, looked fantastic and sounded even better live.
Say you could throw any kind of concert you want, from who plays the show to the venue to the merch and decorations. What would it look like?
I would love to see L7, The Lunachicks, and Peaches put on a show together! That would be the most hysterical, kick-ass show. Decorations and merch would be a complete conglomerate of inappropriate things from body appendages, to stuffed animals and costumes. If you don’t know what I mean, then you haven’t been to one of their shows!
What has been the biggest highlight of your career (big or small) so far, and why was it so meaningful
Working with Paul Statham during my stint in the Songwriting Academy. He wrote “Cuts You Up” by Peter Murphy, which is one of my favorite songs. He’s also worked with Dido and Kylie Minogue. He was my mentor and really helped me to hone my craft and become a better songwriter.
What are you most looking forward to about post-pandemic life?
International travel! I usually try to take a trip every year (although now with a 4-year old it’s much more difficult).
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Yes! I just released a new song called “Hell Couldn’t Keep Me,” go check it out!
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