NEW SINGLE: Anna Smyrk 'The Runner' + Tim Rogers and Birds of Tokyo Support
Anna Smyrk strides into Autumn with liberating new single ‘The Runner’ + upcoming festival performances and Tim Rogers + Birds of Tokyo support
‘Anna Smyrk has an exquisite ability to match a muscular indie pop instrumentation with her melodic vocals that are filled with witty, self-deprecatory observations on the human condition’ - Arun Kendall, Backseat Mafia
‘soul-stirring’ - Dave Ruby Howe, Triple J Unearthed
‘refreshingly honest lyrics’ - Lauren, Sounds of Oz
Off the back of her blistering performance at Port Fairy Folk Festival, Anna Smyrk is back with an upbeat indie-pop track ‘The Runner’, out Friday 17 March. ‘The Runner’ and previous single ‘I Don’t Want to Meet Your Mother’ are both lifted from an upcoming EP, recorded in Nashville with award-winning producers Jake Finch and Collin Pastore (Lucy Dacus), filled with her trademark vulnerability and catchy vocals. To celebrate, Anna and her all star-band of Alex Burkoy (Tinpan Orange), Holly Thomas (Quivers, Husky, Freya Josephine Hollick) and Loz Irwin Ray (Belly Savalas) will grace the stages Port Fairy Folk Festival, Picnic in the Paddock, and supporting Australian rock icon Tim Rogers.
‘The Runner’ captures the excitement of her new collaboration with producers Jake Finch and Collin Pastore, its fierce energy carrying the ear-wormy hooks, adding a fearlessness to the fiery lyrics. “Everything came together really quickly on this one. The producers and I just clicked as soon as I walked into the studio and a few hours later we had the track." says Anna.
The queen of daring you to dance to her deep and meaningful thoughts, ‘The Runner’ is“a song about trying to overcome a fear of letting people get close, that fight or flight instinct that can lead to self-sabotaging a relationship. So it’s a deep self-examination, but I hope it's also a bit of a banger. We tried to go for a feel-good vibe that makes you want to jump around, or maybe even go for a jog yourself.”
After a massive tour-filled 12 months for Anna, with shows across North America and Europe, including official showcases at NXNE (Canada), Folk Alliance International (USA) and Live at Heart (Sweden), and a stop in over in Nashville where she recorded her upcoming EP, Anna shows no signs of slowing the pace in 2023 and beyond. Catch Anna in the Autumn festival circuit with appearances at Victoria’s Port Fairy Folk Festival and Picnic in the Paddock in North-East Victoria.
Run don’t walk to catch this indie bombshell with her live band and dance along to the lyrics of ‘The Runner’.
UPCOMING SHOWS:
Picnic in the Paddock
Saturday 18 March
Bright Brewery
Bright, VIC
Tickets
Friday 24 March
Supporting Tim Rogers
Baha, Rye, VIC
Saturday 1 April
Supporting Birds of Tokyo
Sip & Savour Lake Macquarie
Speers Point, Lake Macquarie NSW
Tickets
'The Runner’ out Friday 17 March via MGM
'The Runner’ Credits:
Recorded and mixed by Collin Pastore and Jake Finch
Mastered by Preston Cochrane
Artwork by Jeff Anderson Jr
'The Runner' Lyrics
I’m awake all through the night
Cortisol and blue light
Searching for a cheap flight
Gotta get away before
You come round asking for more
I can’t give you what you’re looking for
The more you need to more I want to go
It’s easier to leave than say so, cos
Baby I’m a runner
Baby I’m a runner
Baby I’m a runner
This makes me want to run away
I kissed you at Angus’ place
Then ignored your calls for days
I don’t know why I act that way
I’m uncomfortable with need
You give so much that I can’t breathe
Aggressive reciprocity
When I get scared it makes me want to go
It’s easier to leave than say so, cos
Baby I’m a runner
Baby I’m a runner
Baby I’m a runner
This makes me want to run away
Despite the fear
Try to let my guard down
There’s something here
That makes me want to stick around
Baby I’m a runner
Baby I’m a runner
Baby I’m a runner
But you make me want to stay right here