Annika Zee, the Toronto-born multimedia artist and genre-defying musician, returns with her most conceptually daring project to date: Emerald Spy, a vivid and emotionally resonant album. We speak with the songstress about the new release and more below.
What inspired the title Emerald Spy?
When I think of reparations I think of overlooked and exploited people as gem stones – perhaps unconsciously I was inspired by the scene in Uncut Gems when they look into the Opal and see all those people in the mines.
How does this album differ from your past projects?
It’s more collaborative with Will Smith from London for example I let Will completely produce Wondering and take the reins on the song. I did more overall executive direction instead of playing a lot of the parts and production myself.
Can you talk about the mix of genres you explore on the record?
I was listening to a lot of current DJ music in NYC and 90s electronic like Esthero from Toronto so that all inspired the sounds I made.
What was the story behind “Can You” and working with Will Smith?
I wrote Can You in Toronto and then brought it to Will Smith to excavate and he wrote that great bass line with ambient sounds in the background.
Why did you choose “Hell No” as the opener?
It is my most statemeant song setting the scene of how I want the record’s theme to go, a refusal of the current ways of the world.
What does “As They Call” mean to you personally?
To me personally it’s my third eye tapping into hearing the voices of the oppressed calling out for help.
How do you hope listeners connect with the album’s themes?
I hope they can make the necessary connections and parallels I want to make, British guitar music mixed with nyc DJ type tracks and create new links between disparate styles.
What’s your favorite track to perform live?
Wondering.
How does your visual art influence your music?
I’m always thinking of visuals when I make music, particularly clothes. I’m obsessed with Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo and I see this album as an amalgamation of those styles.
If you could describe Emerald Spy in three words, what would they be?
Bold, Inventive, Quirky.
