Slovakian indie-pop musician Karin Ann is slated to make quite a ruckus onto the global music scene with her forthcoming debut album: "through the telescope," out on May 10.
The 21-year-old rising star exudes semblances of early mastery over a myriad of musical styles and a courageous approach to highlighting complex themes like love, identity, and mental health.
Her impending record is principally produced with Okkervil River members Benjamin Lazar Davis and Will Graefe, both of whom bring out to the foreground Ann's inherent sonic versatility through seamless transitions from folk and buzzy rock to gothic disco.
Ann even takes after musical inspirations like Mazzy Star, Stevie Nicks, and Hozier, resulting in an ethereal yet catchy soundscape best encapsulated by the second lead single off of her debut album, which is entitled "false gold."
(Photo : Karin Ann)
'False Gold,' Karin Ann's Exploration of Regrets, Love, and the Self
Ann's new single is an initial look into the artist's insightful ability to musically and lyrically highlight in an immersive manner themes that require depth, for instance, in this particular song with its exploration of regretful affection and defiant introspection.
Such endearing storytelling is best exemplified by the track's bridge where Ann sings: "My pride is on the floor; I can't stop screaming your name; took a bullet for you without a second thought; now I look back and watch you take the shot."
This kind of approach is consistent throughout her new record, Ann says, as she has always delved deep into narratives involving gender equality, mental health, and human rights in her music, embarking on a journey to understand struggles of youth like young love, toxic relationships, and insecurities.
"I've always believed in the power of music to connect people, so while through the telescope dives into the depths of my emotions and experiences, I don't like to dissect my songs too much," the young artist said.
"Instead, I craft them with the aim that each listener finds their own unique connection and meaning. Collaborating with Benjamin and Will on this record was a game-changer for me - our energies just clicked - and we've created something I'm truly proud of," she continued.
Her recent single comes off the heels of her February release and first lead single, "she," which received praise from publications like NME, The Line of Best Fit, and has even secured a spot on One to Watch's #nowwatching playlist.
Before that, Ann released a two-part music video series in collaboration with American director duo Tusk, which features actress Ashley Moore and British-American actor Gus Kenworthy. The MVs themselves illustrate the hardships and recent triumphs of young queer individuals.
The video for "a stranger with my face," in particular, resonated so well that it got recognition in several film festivals, even bagging the Best Music Video award at the 2023 New York Tri-State Film Festival and The Top Shorts Film Festival, in addition to winning film prestige in other ceremonies and festivals.
You can now pre-save "through the telescope" by clicking here.
To stream "false gold," click here or watch its official visualizer below.
