Anja McCloskey
Singer, writer and multi-instrumentalist, Anja McCloskey, is set to return in 2012 with her new single 'A Kiss'.
The single features two tracks by the Southampton-based singer, 'A Kiss' and 'Black Coffee', and is the follow-up to 'And Her Head', which was released in September.
"A Kiss," she says, "Is about someone who is only concerned with their own feelings and actions, and not the effect they are having on others." She adds: "So I guess the song is even a little angry...but in a very melodic way."
'The Kiss' has also been described as a “dramatic mix of traditional folk, alternative pop and classical, with [a] bold arrangement, punchy instrumentals and Anja’s enticing vocals.” Like in her previous work, McCloskey's signature instrument, the accordion, is used to produce the body of the song, as is the violin and bass guitar.
McCloskey has recently returned from a solo nine-date US tour and is now continuing it in the UK, where she will play shows in Preston, Southampton and Bristol.
As well as touring, she is also working on music videos. She says she is “pulling out all the stops” for the 'A Kiss' video, which will make it different from her other ones. “Whilst the last video was a very natural affair, this new one will be more performance based.” She added: “We will be in full costume and make-up.”
The singer is also producing a video for the B-Side track ‘Black Coffee’. She is working with fellow musician Joe McDonald to make the feature, which has been described as a “stop motion animation”.
Before pursuing a solo career in 2010 (which is when she released her EP, 'Turn, Turn Turn'), McCloskey worked with a number of bands, including Haunted Stereo, who supported Badly Drawn Boy, and The Irrepressibles, who performed alongside Paloma Faith.
The ‘A Kiss' single is out January 16.
Sophie Burluraux