A cool thing has happened. Norway’s Annie and Jake Shears have teamed up on a song produced by Stefan Storm of The Sound of Arrows. It’s true. The synthy, retro-bop “Neon Lights” is Annie’s first new music since the release of her Spellemannprisen (Norwegian Grammy), award-winning 2020 album “Dark Hearts“. When ordinarily new track releases from Annie are, rather like gold dust. Her creative spark well and truly became ignited during the last twelve months of not playing shows or doing her hot DJ thing. Telling fans a short while ago, (over Instagram) that she “had been so inspired. Writing a lot of new songs and having so much fun in the studio.” Even so there was little to indicate that Annie would be getting a track out everywhere post-haste.
How did this collaboration come about with Jake Shears I wonder? There hasn’t been much shared by way of explanation. Nonetheless, it turns out, this is the collaboration we didn’t know we needed. Annie and Jake sound so good together. Their harmonies flow in almost perfect symmetry, and their voices, shine bright while lighting up one another. This is a great, vocal partnership, made even more glorious by the stellar production touches of Stefan Storm.
Annie has, however, elaborated more about the inspiration behind the track, saying…
“I used to live just outside the city with my mum, and I remember at summertime. It was a boy from the city that travelled with his family and used to stay in a cabin, close to our house. Sometimes in the evenings, he knocked on my window..and I climbed out just after my mum fell asleep. If the weather was nice & warm we ran up the hills, where it was a hostel/cafe..and he bought us drinks from the vending machine. We climbed up the roof and sat there..close by the neon lights…and talked about everything.” – “And every time I see those neon lights in the far distance…it reminds me of those summer days”.
A radiant pop release, fresh and energising summertime listening. But it is the softly sung vocals and infectious hooks, that really seals the deal for us. Spellbinding. Dazzling. Exquisite.
Connect with Annie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anniemelodymusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/annieponannie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anniemelodymusic/
Connect with Jake Shears
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JakeShearsOfficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jakeshears
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshears/