Salem artist Anne Bennett is one of the most unique artists I’ve had the pleasure of discovering for a long time, reminding me a little of Kate Bush’s latest work on new release Second Death. Find out more about this enigmatic artist below!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a new track titled Second Death. What can you tell us about the track?
Second Death is a rebirth of sorts for me. I wrote it after a very traumatic period in my life. Although there is no direct link between my trauma and the song, there were all these painful emotions that were screaming to be let out, and Second Death was the result. It’s about the intersection between death and pleasure, about reaching such an intense climactic point that you could just die. It has quite a deep, philosophical meaning to me.
How has the reception to Second Death been so far, and where can it be purchased?
The reception has been surprisingly great. I say ‘surprisingly’ because it’s a bit different from what I’ve released in the past. I didn’t have a cowriter this time around, just me and my thoughts. I was afraid it would be too dark, but I’ve had more people say they love this song than I have with my other singles. I feel like I’m finally free, like this is my true self.
You can purchase Second Death on iTunes or Amazon Music, but it’s also available on Spotify.
Do you have any plans to release an album/EP anytime soon?
I do! I’m trying to get the funds together for a full-length album of songs about death, lust, insanity… you know, the usual!
Do you have any more singles lined up in the near future?
Yes I have a few more lined up. I try to record at least 3 singles at a time so I can plan my releases better. The ‘experts’ say you should be releasing a new song every 4-6 weeks, but that’s just wild, I can’t work that fast!
Second Death has an ethereal rock/post-punk sound. What/who are you most influenced by when making music? What have you been listening to recently?
My biggest influences are everything 80s alternative/post-punk. I love the guitar effects in almost every song by The Cure and the Cocteau Twins. I would say that PJ Harvey is probably my favorite artist of all time, runner up being Lana Del Rey.
Lately I’ve been listening to an amazing band called Actors, a dark wave/post-punk band from Canada. Each song is a complete banger! I’m hooked!
You’re based in Salem, Massachusetts. What is the local music scene like in your area?
Salem has an interesting music scene, from the acoustic buskers on the cobblestone streets to the indie bands playing at the local cafes. There is also a ton of cool punk and post-punk bands that play the local venues as well.
Ben Christo of the Sisters of Mercy is your mentor. How did you meet?
I met Ben after seeing him perform live with the Sisters of Mercy in Boston in 2023. I had recently finished a mentorship with Paul Statham from the UK (he worked with Peter Murphy of Bauhus, Dido, Kylie Minogue) and was searching for the next perfect mentor. I had ‘interviewed’ many potential mentors, but none of them felt quite right. I was enamoured by Ben’s stage presence and also saw that he had another band and wrote music, so I reached out to him on Instagram and asked if he mentored. He checked all the boxes I was looking for and since my top priority is to work on my live performances, I knew he would be the best fit.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up over the next few months?
I’m setting up a house concert to kick things off for 2024. It’s going to be lots of naughty fun!
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
I wish! I would love to tour the UK someday.
Any last words for the fans?
Thank you all for supporting my music! I appreciate you so much!