Acclaimed artist, songwriter & producer REIJA LEE launches a new project.
Photo credit: Mel Branson
Having previously amassed 40 million+ streams, performances at Listen Out, BIGSOUND, Sets On The Beach & sharing lineups with Crooked Colours, Kira Puru & Luke Million as Reija Lee, Any Girl is the emotive & fierce new project from the acclaimed Australian producer, singer & songwriter. With her modern electronic influences now blending seamlessly with childhood roots of guitar-driven rock, Any Girl is today sharing her debut single ‘Into The Black’. An exquisite amalgamation of her abilities & versatility as an artist, ‘Into The Black’ explores the fear of the unknown, unpacking a relationship where one would rather stay, than risk the uncomfortability of loneliness.
Working closely with producer & drummer Timothy Commandeur (The Presets, Set Mo, PNAU), Any Girl was able to take a small demo loop of Tim’s & work it into a chorus melody with lyrics, almost instantly. The ease at which the song came together led them both to the quick realization that ‘Into The Black’ would be a keeper. With sonics in the vein of MAY-A, Hatchie & Kita Alexander, the track, whilst a debut release, is a testament to Any Girl’s ability to push boundaries for the sake of personal authenticity.
“On the surface, Into The Black is a song about the dreaded ‘situationship’. But in a deeper sense, it’s about our fear of the unknown. The lyrics portray someone who would rather be in an unfulfilling relationship, simply because it’s what they know, and it’s better than their fear of being alone. But the uplifting feeling of the chorus and the lyric ‘in the black’ being used as a metaphor for intimacy, kind of poses the question of whether giving in is always such a bad thing. Change is scary, but sometimes comfort is just what is required in the moment.” Any Girl
“Into The Black came together so easily. Working with Tim was an absolute dream. He had a small demo loop (which turned into the verse), then I came up with the lyrics and melody pretty instantly, and we just built it from there. I always know when a song comes together that easy, it’s gonna be a keeper.” Any Girl
In celebration of her liberating new song & sound, Any Girl will be performing her debut show at Perth’s El Grotto on Friday, July 14th, in partnership with Australian tastemakers Pilerats & legendary surfwear brand Rusty. Alongside giveaways & a custom light installation, Little Guilt will be joining to support, with DJ sets from Ekko & Sidetrack as well.
“I’m pretty excited to put on my first single launch and I never could’ve dreamed it would be supported by so many amazing artists and brands. Rusty and Pilerats are co-hosting the event, and we’ve even developed an AnyGirl x Rusty Merch collab up for grabs on the night. Beamhacker is building a custom light install, and Little Guilt are supporting which I couldn’t be happier about since I’m low-key obsessed with their latest single! And to finish off the night Ekko & Sidetrack are heating things up with an alternative DJ set, so yeah – I’m pretty psyched!” Any Girl
With a pedigree that is nearly unmatched in Australia under the Reija Lee name, Any Girl has previously clocked up well over 40 million+ streams across DSP’s, with her breakout hit ‘Sweet Talk’ #1 on US Dance iTunes, and enjoying revered sync with Victoria’s Secret. Signing to Diplo’s Mad Decent label saw Reija Lee feature on EDM tracks from the likes of Zeds Dead, ShockOne, Paces & Metrik, as well as being sampled by rap heavyweights such as T.I, OutKast’s Big Boi & Trinidad James. Domestically, she previously enjoyed support from triple j with full rotation spots across numerous singles, as well as anointed a prestigious triple j Unearthed Listen Out winner. Well versed as a live artist, her performances at Sets On The Beach, BIGSOUND, Listen Out & supports with Crooked Colours, Kira Puru & Luke Million only assisted in cementing her pedigree.
Any Girl is Reija Lee’s opportunity to transcend genres, picking up a bass guitar and returning to her childhood roots; raised on rock & guitar-driven rhythms. ‘Into The Black’ is the debut track, setting the precedent for what’s to come; with a full body of work recorded & ready to go. Any Girl is the synthesis of electronic, rock & pop influences across Lee’s lifespan, pairing the raw, emotional energy of her band, with her unarguably brilliant vocal power. Any Girl is coming out of the gates swinging & there’s no stopping her now.
ANY GIRL ‘INTO THE BLACK’ RELEASE SHOW
Fri July 14th El Grotto Perth
w/ Little Guilt, Spacedive
Rusty Giveaways, Rocky Ridge Tap Takeover
PRAISE FOR ANY GIRL
“Love Nobody gets stronger on each listen, it’s like you’ve bottled the emotions of a John Hughes film on this track.”
Nick Findlay, triple j (Reija Lee)
“Something about this gives me a big virtual feeling. It’s very colourful and pretty. Big neon lights everywhere too. It’s a stunning vibe.”
Claire Mooney, triple j (Reija Lee)
“Stepping out on your own can be intimidating but you’re born to be a standalone star.”
Tommy Faith, triple j (Reija Lee)
“There was never any doubts of Reija Lee being a one-trick pony considering her position as one of our electronic scene’s most visible members, but coming in hot with a new track premiering today, it’s evident that Reija is truly in her element when she’s on her own.”
Pilerats (Reija Lee)
“Reija Lee, playing outside at The Wickham, promises to “amp it up a little” at the beginning of her set. The musical chameleon delivers a varied collection of pop and electro numbers, switching between bass and vocals and winning over a seated audience in no time at all. Her voice and performance deserves a bigger stage.”
Scenestr (Reija Lee)
‘Into The Black’ is out Thursday, June 29th
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