Interview: Au Revoir Simone's Annie Hart talks about "The Weight of a Wave"
+ Top 13 songs from July 2023
On the latest episode of Carefully Curated, I had the pleasure of interviewing Annie Hart, a talented musician and a member of the band Au Revoir Simone who has a solo album titled The Weight of a Wave out this Friday, August 4th. We delved into the DIY aspect of her music, including T-shirt printing and her collaboration with Rough Trade to create unique art prints for each copy of the album. The whole process was an exciting experience for her as she diligently handcrafted each print on her back porch.
We also delved into Annie's creative process and her involvement with song challenges, where she and her friends engage in extended jam sessions to force themselves to write at least three songs.
I co-host a Twin Peaks podcast called Talking Backwards so I had to ask Annie what it was like performing two songs with Au Revoir Simone on the series when it was revived back in 2017. Annie shared how her relationship with filmmaker David Lynch developed, and that Lynch had a genuine admiration for her band. Annie talked about her experience performing on the show's iconic Roadhouse stage and the thrill of seeing other performances during the shoot.
Annie is currently on tour in support of her new album. Some of the tour dates include Fred Armisen and Jimmy Whispers.
Get tickets here to see Annie Hart on tour!
Pre-order The Weight of a Wave
July 2023: Top 13 Songs
Here are 13 songs you should know from July. These songs were featured throughout the month on my Heavy Rotation playlist.
1. Pure Bathing Culture - "In Gardens Under Evergreen” 🌿🌟 : Immerse yourself in an otherworldly tale of star-crossed lovers with this ethereal track from the Roxi's Dream Part One EP.
2. Metric - "Just The Once" 💃🕺: Feel the pulsating beats of "regret disco" with Emily Haines’ infectious vocals, exploring the multifaceted meaning of the word "once."
3. Nation of Language - "Too Much, Enough" 🗞️🙅♂️ : A synth pop bop about media fatigue and outrage bait, this song reminds us of the power in denying manipulation of our emotions.
4. The Gaslight Anthem ft. Bruce Springsteen - "History Books" 📚🎸: This rocking collaboration pays homage to the Boss & delivers a wink to the Gaslight Anthem’s naysayers.
5. Middle Kids - "Highlands" 🏞️🌅 : A hopeful anthem of yearning for freedom and space to be oneself, brimming with Hannah Joy's captivating vocals.
6. Julie Byrne - "Portrait of a Clear Day" 🎨🌞 : Experience poignant grief transformed into solace as Julie Byrne's heartfelt voice soothes the soul.
7. Taking Meds - "Outside" 🫣🎸: Energized and raw, this song delves into the disconnect within subcultures and the dominance games they play.
8. Mitski - "Bug Like An Angel" 🍸😇 : a minimal yet powerful track that includes a 17-person choir that hits at exactly the right moments.
9. Lilts - "Dodge Street" 🚗🛣️ : An exciting new project from Wild Pink’s John Ross & Laura Wolf. This track is about “the disappointment of living for someone’s else’s dreams”
10. Carly Rae Jepsen - "Kamikaze" 🚀🎵: A synth wave gem showcasing Jepsen's signature infectious energy, proving again that her b-sides are just as good as the a-sides.
11. Slow Pulp - "Doubt" 🤔🎸: Lose yourself in angsty nostalgia and forward-moving rhythms in this grungy, coming-of-age gem.
12. Sedona - "Touch & Go" 👐💞 : A song about unexpected magic of a one-night stand turned into something more profound, wrapped in a woozy pop-rock tune.
13. Strange Ranger - "Wide Awake" 🌌😴 : A thrilling synth-pop anthem closes out the Top 13. It’s a mesmerizing fusion of retro and indie-pop elements.
That’s all I got!
- Patrick