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ANNA MURPHY: "Cellar Darling"

ANNA MURPHY -  'Cellar Darling' comes the long-anticipated first solo effort of the 24 year-old Swiss singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Anna Murphy (aslo from the band: Eluveitie). Skillfully, Anna melts pop, rock and electronica into a wildly diverse mix, prompting comparisons to a variety of artists ranging from Florence And The Machine all the way to the likes of Jack White and Muse. You may categorize Anna’s music as 'Alternative', although she much prefers the term Eclectica. Responsible not only for the lyrics and music, the uncompromising young artist takes complete control including co-producing the album with Marco Jencarelli (Soundfarm Studios, Philipp Fankhauser, Dada Ante Portas) and even painting most of the artwork herself. She tells an intimate tale in an epic lyrical concept, often with a slightly sarcastic angle. As much a music fan as an artist, Anna refuses any further explanation – not to keep her fans in the dark, but to allow them to immerse themselves in their own version of the story, and to allow the songs to come to life in a personal way for each listener. The Swedish 'Urban Legend' @RockUnited.com managed somehow to squeeze out the words of the poor Irish Swiss. Find out more about the album and the artist, here's the woman of the moment:  Anna Murphy

How has the reaction to your latest CD been?

That's hard to say since it's only out since today. I've posted some songs off the album to show people what they can expect and there were lots of positive reactions, so that's cool.

How long did this CD take to make from start to finish, recording-wise?

About two months. We experimented a lot at the studio and took the time we needed. Since I work as a sound engineer at the studio we recorded we were able to do so. I've been working on the songs and soundscapes for about three or four years though.

What kind of 'sound', production wise, did you have in the back of your mind, prior to recording

Exactly the one you can hear when listening to the album! Dynamic, transparent and round.

What kind of input did the producer have during the process

We re-arranged some songs together and made slight changes. He also had lots of "creative" input because he has a very good feel for what my songs need and don't need. There were certain songs that consisted of an insane amount of tracks and he would make suggestions muting all the stuff he thought didn't make sense. And mostly he was right! I'm open to changes and often when I spend too much time writing a song I just add more and more which isn't always good.

And are you pleased with the final outcome? (sound - production wise)

Yes, it's exactly how I wanted it.

Did the producer (or you) use any (weird) experimental miking and/or  recording techniques?

We often recorded my vocals with two microphones and never just stuck with one sound since the songs are very different sound wise. We really like to experiment at the studio, one part was even sung through a guitar amp.

Please inform us about your favourite songs off the album

I couldn't pick one...

Kindly explain your decision regarding your refusal of further explanation of your music. You're not the old fashioned storyteller?

Not at all! I'm extremely bad at talking (and writing for that matter.) so I rather just sing.

Ehem, but what's the story behind the albums' title, 'Cellar Darling', it's sort of creepy and/or lovely??

Hehe yes, it is both indeed! Cellar Darling (the song) tells the story of a morbid fascination and addiction and how it's confronted when feelings like love and affection join the game.

Are you pleased with the Kickstarter concept rather than dealing with various three-piece suits and A&R scum?

Well I wouldn't call them scum, but yes. I want everything I create to be presented as 100% me and as soon as a label is involved that's usually pretty difficult. And I like the concept of "this is what I'm doing, help me out". Especially since I'm planning to release the songs I write for free, whenever one gets written and not always wait and collect all of them to make an album.

You're responsible for everything on your album. Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, the painting of the art-work, co-producer. Are you basically the ultimate control freak? :)

Hahaha you might be right there! I basically just like to do things myself whenever I can. There are parts on the album I would have never been able to play myself and thus didn't. For instance most of the piano was programmed and then recorded by a professional pianist. The artwork was painted by myself because I didn't really know what I wanted and then somehow got the idea "why not just try and see what I come up with?" It doesn't mean I don't like collaborating with people, the people who helped me with this album are all amazing and without them I would have probably gotten nowhere.

The daughter of Swiss and Irish opera singers - Did you ever consider the classical career?

Not really. I love classical music, the opera and watching them do their thing, but I can't imagine doing it myself.

How would you describe the new CD to any potential new fan?

There is a wide selection of stuff on here, so it could be that you like it! That wasn't very good was it? If there's something I'm bad at it's "selling myself". Maybe I should have gone with a label after all ;-)

Who are your influences and heroes? (music-wise) writing songs?

Archive! And one of the people I'm collaborating with: Tor-Helge Skei

If there's anything you'd like to add, say, please do:

Thanks for your interest!
ANNA MURPHY

Interview by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom,
Photos from the band's websites  www.annamurphy.ch 
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