Those keeping their finger on the pulse of the Australian music scene may have noticed that just a few weeks ago, we were blessed with the release of Spectacular Denial, the debut album from Anna Smyrk.
An artist who has been performing for many years in various guises, Anna has been working on a solo career for most of the last decade, and it’s been a pure treat watching her release music with increasing regularity.
According to her website, she’s someone who crafts songs for “word nerds and pop hook obsessives”, which is probably why I enjoy her music so much.
With her long-awaited debut album, we’ve received a powerful collection of tracks that transcend genre lines and traverse myriad topics, with much of the record serving as a vehicle for dealing with grief.
That’s all to say, it’s an album that is as powerful as it is immersive, and vulnerable as it is brave. I don’t think I’m making a bold claim when I say it’s one you should definitely listen to.
Recently, I was lucky enough to have a chat with Anna about her many years spent as a wonderful musician, and the journey to this stunning record as well.
I will apologise in advance that there’s a few audio hiccups from time to time, but as always, if you don’t mind, then neither do I.
Anyway, have a listen to Anna Smyrk’s Spectacular Denial, buy a ticket to her upcoming shows, have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.
Anna Smyrk’s Trusty Chords
Anna’s One Influential Artist
- Gillian Welch
Anna’s Three Impactful Albums
- Alanis Morissette – MTV Unplugged (1999)
- Middle Kids – Lost Friends (2018)
- boygenius – The Record (2023)
Anna’s Five Trusty Songs
- Garbage – ‘Only Happy When it Rains’ (1995)
- Kev Carmody – ‘From Little Things Big Things Grow’ (1993)
- Tío – ‘Mumbwe’ (2020)
- Taylor Swift – ‘Style’ (2014)
- Tracy Chapman – ‘Be Careful Of My Heart’ (1989)