Ally Evenson Wants to Drive You to Catharsis
Do you see this new album as an extension of the world built in “SPEED KILLS?” The softness of the imagery in this video (antique interiors, gilded mirrors, etc.) seems like an intentional tonal shift from the visceral and uncanny that is all over your short film.
Of course. We kept a few similar elements in there. I originally wanted to continue the film, but due to time and other factors, we made visualizers instead. However, I think there’s something to be said about the softness and antique aspects calling back to the “Blame It On You” video from the film. An old house with blue hues, floral wallpaper, etc. The film and the deluxe both live in the same world of this blurred version of reality.
There's also a sonic shift. The strummed guitar, stacked harmonies, and jaunty piano in this single has a joyous quality that seems new compared to the distortion-laden indie-pop that you’ve become associated with. What was the process of cultivating this new sound for you, and how did you make those choices in the studio?
I just wanted to TRY SOMETHING OUT! I think I had to go super happy and fun with this one, so going back to a darker sound felt earned and warranted. I’m ready to go back into the shadows now :) .
What importance does the idea of "the martyr" have in this song? Does it hold any resonance with queer subjectivity when it comes to love?
The idea of “the martyr” is a critique of having a victim complex. The whole song is a critique of myself and touches on how hard it is to admit I’m in the wrong. I think experiencing queer love and the safeness of it really smacked that whole thing into perspective for me, and I was like, oh okay, so I’m being the asshole.
From creating an entire short film to accompany your last album to creating a highly visual new video for “The Martyr,” how does image-making shape your songwriting?
I’m such a visual learner. I always have been, even with music. Having a set visual to cling to helps me kind of put everything into [place]. Also, visuals help me to double down on the intended meaning of the song. Or I do the complete opposite of what the song means, which sometimes creates my favorite videos.
Where do you see yourself within the world of alternative indie-pop, a music scene that is flush with so many up-and-comers?
I’m just happy to be here. Success is so weird and scary and also so convoluted. I’m not really sure what success means anymore. I’m just making music I love and telling my little stories in my own way.
As a songwriter who draws so much from film, do you imagine Ally Evenson as a character in your narrative universe? If so, how does that deviate from Ally Evenson the person, or Ally Evenson the writer?
There is definitely a line between all three. The character in my film/visuals is such a dramatized version of myself. The writer is the most like myself I can get, aside from when I perform. I truly feel most comfortable in my own skin when I’m playing these songs live. My everyday persona is a combination of ALL OF EM. I promise I have a pretty solid sense of self, even though this makes me seem super all over the place.
