This song is entertaining and provocative, how did you manage to create that combo?
We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all of our collaborators who came together to make this song what it is. Our co-writers Clifton Jennings and Kayleigh Torok (who has her own artist project as Klee), were instrumental in helping us create the best tongue in cheek lyrics, while our producer, Alex Arias helped us craft the classic pop punk sound.
• How do you describe your blend of bubblegum pop/indie rock genres through a blender of generational music: 80s, 90s, and TikTok friendly 2020s?
We call it unapologetically upbeat and melodic pop music. We are both really influenced by melody, and the great pop hits of the decades you mentioned are always on our minds when writing.
• How did Anne’s inspirational backstory come into play while creating this song?
It really was the centerpiece for the song, and its reason for being. When we got into the writing room with our co-writers, Anne described her corporate lawyer life and her plan to quit, with the goal of releasing the song and the video on her last day as part of her goodbye email. The song fell into place quickly after, because it was inspired by all of those insincere corporate goodbye emails that we all get when coworkers leave. . . “please keep in touch,” “it was such a pleasure working with you all,” etc., etc. We wanted to take that and turn it on its head.
• The music video for “Smile, It’s Over :)” is both creative and hilarious. What was the creative process behind that?
It was so much fun working with our director and producer Jaclyn Amor. We met her on the video shoot for our song Big Girl Shoes and we’ve been trying to work with her since then. Smile, It’s Over 🙂 was the song to bring us together. Anyway, Anne had the idea of creating a transformative moment, where she turns into a Disney-inspired mermaid, having finally found her “voice” (or her true identity). The rest of the idea came together when we found the set, which had everything we were looking for (and then some), including a playful color palette and a ball filled “pity pool” where the mermaid Anne could romp. Joseph’s role in the video sort of came into play while we were shooting, playing the straight capitalistic culture unperturbed and unmoved by Anne’s desire to quit her corporate life.
• Do you think it’s hard to convey a strong social/political message through satire?
We think it’s hard to convey any type of social or political message through art. There are so many layers you have to think about and consider in depth. Is this message something that will resonate with our fans? Is the subject something we can talk about without appearing heavy-handed and preachy, or (on topics like racial justice) like white saviors? Is it true to our beliefs?
• Do you think the post-COVID rocky music scene has called the need for anti-corporate artistic and music movements?
We are definitely seeing a shift back to more rock-oriented sounds in music, which we think is great, and given all that’s been happening in the world, from the pandemic, to Black Lives Matter to Me Too, we’re seeing more artists feel the need to speak out about what they believe in.
• Your music would appeal to both generations: TikTokers and nostalgic Millennials. How does that make you feel?
Amazing, are you kidding? Every artist wants their message to be universal. In today’s hyper genre specific world, it’s getting harder and harder to do that.
• What do you plan for your next single/EP/album?
We’re in the process of writing a bunch of new songs, with the goal of releasing an EP before the end of the year.
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Thank you for your time,
Jaylan Salah
