Shana, welcome back! It’s been a while since we last heard from Bitter:Sweet. What inspired your return?
After years of touring and writing with other projects, there has been nothing that has felt closer to my heart than Bitter:Sweet. The sound is a mix of all of my influences over the years. But it was also extremely important to take a break from it when I did. I wanted to stretch my musical muscles and get out of my comfort zone. I was also a new mom during that time. It feels incredible to come back full circle to my original baby, andthe timing couldn't be better. Once I knew this was a go, the album kind of wrote itself.
Your new single, "Baby Is Back," is a strong and playful track. What’s the story behind it?
Shana: To be honest, this track is about standing strong on my own and not allowing anyone to try to bring me down or make me feel less than. One thing I've learned as I've matured is that people who try to make you feel small are very much the ones who feel small themselves. I'm so very proud to show up for myself, my family and the world in this way. I am a fully realized woman who is finally embracing my self-worth and trusting my instincts in the art I am making. But it's important to have a good time and not take things too seriously ;). Hence, the playfulness!
The aesthetic of the single artwork, the sound, and the new music video you just released is striking and cohesive. Can you share the creative vision that inspired it?
Shana: Bitter:Sweet, in my opinion, has always been synonymous with Bond films. It's very cinematic, strong and sexy. In fact, our tracks were up for Bond films in the past! I love bringing back that old-school mod yet refreshed feeling that these images evoke. We found a brilliant art designer Jonathan Taylor-Horne, from All Saints Design based in the UK, who really got my aesthetic and had been a fan of Bitter:Sweet's music for years gone by. We've been having so much fun collaborating on this.
How has your creative process evolved since Bitter:Sweet’s earlier albums?
I think years of immersing myself in other projects have given me so much perspective. Before, I really hid in the tracks. I also didn't give myself enough credit when it came to co-producing every step of the way with my old partner. There wasn't a sound that I wasn't part of at that time. But it felt more urgent. I also felt like I wasn't supposed to shine too brightly. I was young and lacking some of the confidence I have now. Now, it's a joy to work with multiple super-talented producing partners that I've been lucky to choose. I can really trust in them to execute my initial vision. I feel like I can focus on what I most love now and really step into my role as an artist and songwriter. I also feel like I'm taking more musical risks, which is terrifying in the best way.
The music industry has evolved significantly since your last album. How do you envision Bitter:Sweet fitting into the current landscape?
It has absolutely changed! But what hasn't changed is people's love and desire to seek out music they connect with. I feel very strongly that if it's resonating, no matter how many tick tock followers you have! Also, Bitter:Sweet has always been a bit of a lifestyle brand. The music has gone hand in hand with beautiful fashion brands, champagne, hotels, and restaurants, and it has had a tremendous amount of film and TV placements over the years. I plan to continue marrying those worlds together as we swirl back into the universe. My love for cooking, fashion, and design knows no bounds, so my hope is we need some vibe-y Bitter:Sweet music to accompany that!
Can you give us any hints about the upcoming album? What can fans expect?
Old fans can definitely expect to hear much of the nostalgic, dreamy, romantic and classic tones that made Bitter:Sweet; Bitter:Sweet. Strings, horns, and very cinematic vibes, for sure. Much like the older albums, one thing that was really important to me was that there were no limits or genre-binding boundaries as to what kind of a song could be on the album. Whether bossa, pure dance, 50's bop, psychedelia or even soul. Interestingly, Beyonce just spoke about not being confined by genres during her acceptance speech for Cowboy Carter as Album of the Year. Not saying I'm Beyonce, but her statement resonated. On this new album, there are some very fresh out of the box electronic tracks, as well as some sultry Bonnie and Clyde moments, and a very personal and what I feel to be a most powerful "Bond-esque" ballad I wrote for my father. My friend Serj Tankian did an epic string arrangement for that one.
Are there any artists today that inspire you or you’d love to collaborate with?
So many!! Zero 7 and Portishead were my first loves in trip-hop. In fact, Sia and I were label mates when she was a part of Zero 7. A witness to what she has done since as a writer is beyond inspiring! Gaga is a true musician and artist, and I deeply respect her ability to honor all parts of her talent. I would dig singing with her. Miley! She's another one I would have the best time with up there. I would love to hang with Snoop and Martha. Let's cook and write diddys. Bonobo and Moby would be amazingly awesome to collab with. And I remember when Billie Eilish first came out. (Another LA girl) I felt like I understood her way of writing and singing deeply. To be able to be cooped up with one person all the time and experiment so freely on a daily basis in total comfort is how I LOVE to make music. Now, it's so often you meet the same day, crank out a song and then say your goodbyes. I get her. I would love to write with her. But who wouldn't? I'd like to think that since she put me on one of her playlists, she may actually know my tunes?!
Do you have plans to tour with the new music?
Yes! That is the plan. Right now, I am really focused on getting the music out there every way I can. We have some LA shows lined up for the release, but the next step will be getting a tour together.
What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself during this musical journey?
I've learned that no matter what, I don't give up. Emotions come and go, and I've ridden all kinds of crazy waves. But no matter how difficult, I've continued to get back on the horse and find ways to stay ignited and inspired.
What do you hope fans take away from this new chapter of Bitter:Sweet?
I hope fans can appreciate and feel all of the authenticity, passion and bravery that went into making this album and coming back so many years later. I hope you dance, swoon, cry and have a good ass time listening.
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