A new single release from Annie Minogue Band hits with a wonderful gusto that blends a youthful energy with maturity in the songwriting all put together with a seriously passionate and soulful performance and delivery by all parts, not just the vocals and it's all presented with a massive presence and character that you just can't turn away from.
"Real Close Up" comes through like an instant classic and hits that blues rock vibe super well with a southern undertone and a great attitude that lets the artist really shine and do her thing while she gives off such powerful vocals in such a charismatic and colorful way.
The guitar work on this track is outstanding and you get such a feel for the band's almost live energy as if the players are feeding off of each other the entire time giving the song the feeling of actually being alive and breathing.
This band has no problem infusing these different influences throughout this track and you can hear for example, the guitar riff is very classic rock to me, and it makes me think of bands almost like AC/DC for example but there are guitar sections that also come through with an Americana or country twang to them but hence at it enough for you to recognize it.
It's really quite an amazing balance musically and all this persona is driven by Annie who really knows how to be an impactful frontwoman and take this thing to the next level.
This isn't reinventing the wheel of course, but this whole band takes something that's familiar to us and gives it their own life and their own persona and that's what makes it so special and addictive.
One of the things I really loved about this is that you can tell every player involved has a pure love for their craft and I don't just mean their instruments, it's the songwriting as well, the arrangements, the way things were tracked on the recording.
Everything holds on to that character and gives the band and the song a presence that wraps itself around you and keeps you right where it wants to.
There's also a great blending of old-school and new-school approaches to this song and I think that's part of why it hit me so hard as well.
There's definitely plenty of attention to detail going on throughout this track but it never loses that soul or that heart and I think that just comes from Annie and the band being able to do this naturally almost like it's walking or talking.
You can definitely tell this is a group of very seasoned musicians and that's kind of where the maturity and the songwriting comes from but they managed to definitely roll out that in capturing energy and you just hang on for the ride, and it's a damn good time.
This is one of those tracks that feels good to actually listen to and if you do it first thing in the morning it'll just put you in a certain kind of mood to take on the day which I really liked.
This single, as far as we understand, is just a glimpse of an upcoming album dubbed Suburbia which we definitely can't wait for.
Annie Minogue Band is the type of project that you keep an eye out for and pay attention to especially if you love genuine music of almost any kind.
With the release of such a well-woven single, we wanted to touch base with Annie to talk about where this track came from and what else is coming up next for herself in the band.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as an artist and band?
Music is in my blood, literally. The Minogue's are a musical bunch and it all started with my dad. You might say that my future in music was predestined. My father, Terry Cashman aka Dennis Minogue, is a successful recording artist, songwriter, and producer. He was always supportive of me pursuing a career in music. I never doubted that this would be my calling in life. I’ve been singing, writing, and performing since I could walk, and it never occurred to me to do anything else.
Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire songs for you?
A great groove is usually how it starts for me when I sit down to write a song. The melody will come off of that and then the lyrics will follow. The most important thing for me is that a song tells a relatable story and makes you feel something. The songs on the new record run the gamut of topics from motherhood to politics so hopefully, there will be something for everyone to be able to tap into.
Buzz Slayers: This release has some great approaches to it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
Thank you so much! “I wanted the new record to incorporate the sound of rock blues bands like the Rolling Stones and Black Crowes with a little Fleetwood Mac thrown in for good measure. I absolutely love those artists. “Real Close Up” is probably one of our most important songs because it’s the first track on the record and sets the tone from the get-go. It is also the first song that the entire band wrote together which captures the new musical direction we are going in.
Buzz Slayers: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
Even when I am not working on music, I'm still working on music if you know what I mean. I am always thinking of new ideas for songs, videos and how to make our next live performance better. When I do take a moment to unwind, I like watching movies and going to concerts.
Buzz Slayers: Who's in your headphones right now?
I have a pretty eclectic taste and listen to a variety of genres. Current favorites right now though are Elle King, Counting Crows, Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians, Joni Mitchell, Fleetwood Mac, Patti Smith and Daisy Jones & The Six.
Buzz Slayers: Are you doing any live performances right now?
The band just finished touring for the 2023 season and are gearing up for dates in 2024. Our concentration right now is putting the finishing touches on our new record "Suburbia."
Buzz Slayers: Do you record these at a big studio, or do you have a home studio set-up?
I am lucky enough to have access to both. There is a small home studio set-up in my apartment which comes in handy when we want to edit or tweak things, but the majority of recording is done at a studio called Kaleidoscope Sound.
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
Right now, it's all about our new record "Suburbia" and getting out on the road to play live in front of as many audiences as we can. The band also plans to release a live record along with some bonus tracks down the road.
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
I can't thank the fans enough for all their support over the years and I hope that they enjoy the new record as much as we do. Look forward to seeing everyone out on the road soon.
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