Interview: Annakye

If you’re into your alternative rock, then Annakye is the band for you! The Australian band mix a number of different sub-genres from the style together, making for one altogether amazing package! Their track, Too Far South, really caught my attention – I urge you to check it out if you haven’t already. You can find a full stream at the end of this interview with Cameron from the band.

By Jane Howkins

You released a song titled Too Far South. What can you tell us about the track?

Too Far South is a new track of ours that captures the emotion of struggling through a toxic relationship – specifically knowing someone is bad for you, but still feeling like you need them regardless. It hits hard to any lover of alt-rock, and we feel that it is a strong contribution to the revival of the scene.

How has the reception to Too Far South been so far, and where can the song be purchased?

So far, we’ve smashed our goals for Too Far South. Everything we tried to express through the song has been effectively received by our listeners – as is evident through some of our recent reviews. We’re stoked to hear that others understand it as we do, especially when people can relate to the song. Knowing that our music can help people through some gloomy situations is paramount to our motivation – and we don’t plan on slowing down any time soon!

Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?

Absolutely – we’re constantly scheming behind the scenes about what’s going to happen next. A lot goes into the production of our singles, as they include a music video to follow their release. We believe that production wise we should go all out every time we can – because why not? We want our passion to be a contagious force of energy that our listeners can absorb and rock on with.

Are there any plans to release a full-length album or an EP?

Slowly but surely, through all of our single releases, we will eventually accumulate an album like no other. We believe in an in-depth and thorough song creating process to ensure that each track tells its own story, and conveys its own emotion. We’re confident that once we have enough releases to make an album, it’ll be an expressive rollercoaster ride.

Your music has an alt rock sound. What/who influences you most as artists? What have you been listening to recently?

This one’s a hard question, but the answer explains why Annakye is such a unique and diverse take on alternative rock. All of us seem to have our own personal tastes of rock, and although our preferences aren’t all the same (ranging from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers all the way over to Metallica), we can all come together and agree that the music we make ticks boxes for all of us. It’s hard to speak for the others as music inspiration is often a deep and personal topic, but for me personally, my type of music usually involves intense, energizing vocals backed by heavy alt-rock instrumentals. Falling in Reverse, Sleeping with Sirens and Pierce the Veil just to name a few.

Your sound was originally a lot poppier, before making the change to alt rock. What prompted the change in styles?

Annakye’s change of direction came from the addition of two new vocalists – myself and Luca. As I said before, Annakye has always been the combined result of its members – and our vocal style allowed the band to explore its almost hidden potential when it comes to alternative rock. In my opinion, this style allows everyone to further express what they’re capable of as musicians, creating influential music that can mean more to listeners than just a song.

Do you have anything else exciting coming up this year?

We’ve just started our Too Far South tour to celebrate the big release and have a number of shows taking down the coast of Australia, from Newcastle to Melbourne. We’re also working on some huge surprises that we’re planning on dropping later in the year, but that’s all I can say about it for now!

You’re from the Central Coast in Australia. How is the local music scene faring at the moment?

The Central Coast has always had a great music scene, but it was clear that the same few genres had taken the spotlight for some time. Annakye hopes to be a clear example that you should always stick to the music you love, and shouldn’t veer off course in an attempt to impress an already infatuated audience. Pursue the music you fell in love with – as there are always like minded listeners that could be waiting for you! For us, we hope to bring alt-rock back to the coast – and unite all rock heads under our black and white flag.

Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?

Our very own Rich Cooper (lead guitarist) is from the UK and tells us tales of the gig scene there, and how the crowds are one of a kind. It is 100% on our hit list, and when we do get there, we’re gonna make sure that Annakye is a name that the UK won’t forget!

Any last words for the fans?

We’re so stoked to receive the feedback that we’re getting, and we hear each and every bit of the support. Every review, comment, like and share only motivates us more to create something special that we can share with you all. Mark my words – Annakye is well on it’s way – you better make sure you’re ready for it!