RAGEFLOWER, the Sydney-based artist making waves with her electrifying blend of hard-hitting grunge and ethereal melodies, is set to release her debut EP in 2025. Her first single, 'Angel Things', offers a powerful glimpse into her unique sound, drawing inspiration from artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Jane Remover.
We caught up with RAGEFLOWER to discuss the inspiration behind 'Angel Things', her creative process, and her experiences in the vibrant Sydney music scene. From exploring the duality of despair and hope to the "extreme production" of the track, RAGEFLOWER opens up about her journey as an artist.
It's great to get to chat with you today! Let's dive right into the new single. 'Angel Things' explores the duality of despair and hope. Can you elaborate on the specific experiences or emotions that inspired this theme?"
"So I wrote this song for a friend who mirrored a lot of my own struggles. It’s this comradery of suffering and belief that things get better. The song was my way of saying “damn look at you in all your darkness and light! Look at mine! I believe in you! We’re gonna be ok!” I didn’t want to say “everythings fine, it’s all rainbows and butterflies” I wanted to say “yeah this sucks! But it’s kind of beautiful in its way!”
You mentioned earlier the "extreme production" of the track. What were some of the creative choices you and Jnr. made to achieve this dynamic sound?
"So Ben (Jnr.) and I wanted to make a song that was “pretty but ugly” – we decided to start the track really angelic and soft with the baritone guitar and bird sounds, and twist it into this grungy blown out distortion. I particularly love the break before the final chorus where we added this crazy layered and glitched out vocal chop. There are some hilarious vocal layers in the final chorus where Jnr instructed me to sing “really ugly” and it added so much flavour."
Your music draws inspiration from artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Jane Remover. How have these influences shaped your own artistic style and the sound of the single?
"I, like everyone else, adore Phoebe’s writing. I think she is one of the best of our time. Her honest lyrics and inclusion of sometimes “off” words is really inspiring. Her sincerity is something I try to bring into all my writing. I also love her use of baritone guitars and open tunings which we used in Angel Things. Jane Remover is an artist Ben (Jnr) introduced me to, and I was instantly obsessed with her world building. I love the blend of gentle sounds with wacky dissonance and distortion. 'Backseat Girl' off her record Census Designated was a big reference for our guitars in 'Angel Things'."
You've said that RAGEFLOWER is about "hard and soft existing in the same place." How does "Angel Things" specifically embody this concept, and how do you plan to further explore it in your upcoming EP?
"'Angel Things' is about the beauty of our struggles, I guess. Finding the light in our pits of despair. The rest of the EP talks a lot about this too, lots of exploration of lust and rage. I explore the “lesson” quite a bit in the other songs on the EP, the “everything happens for a reason” we often come to after unfortunate things happen."
You've mentioned "examining your own shadow" as a key part of your creative process. How does this self-reflection translate into your songwriting and performance?
"I write because it’s the way I process everything, I don’t feel I’ve understood my experiences until I’ve written about them. I always challenge myself to say the thing I’m trying to avoid saying, brutal honesty is something I crave when I listen to music and I think it frees us."
Your live performances have been generating buzz in the Sydney scene. How would you describe the energy of a RAGEFLOWER show, and what can fans expect from your upcoming performance at Beach Road?
"The RAGEFLOWER band has been described as a bit of a 'supergroup', because I’ve really pulled from a lot of Sydney’s favourite bands. The musicianship is top tier, and the show itself is very fun. We’ve done a great job of adding some wild transitions between songs and catching people off-guard. We actually sampled the dark lord DJ Trump in one of our so called 'ad breaks' which always gets a laugh. I love playing our set and I think people can see we’re having fun, despite singing some devastating lyrics at times."
You have a busy release schedule planned for 2025. Can you give us any hints about the themes or musical direction of the remaining 6 songs on your EP?
"The next track is lusty. The one after that is an unexpected genre jump that I think is the best song on the EP. That is all I will say for now."
What has been the most rewarding part of your musical journey so far, and what are your aspirations for the future of RAGEFLOWER?
"Opening for Jenna McDougall in her HEVENSHE Essential release show was hugely rewarding for me. I’ve looked up to Jenna for many years and to play on the same stage as her was one of those moments I’ll look back on. I really want to play more shows with the women I admire, I’d love to open for The Buoys, Yours Truly, The Beths. I have big aspirations, I want to tour internationally, I want to record an album, I want to perform in stadiums – the manifestation is loading."
How has the Sydney music scene influenced your development as an artist, and what do you appreciate most about being a part of this community?
"The Sydney music scene was hit hard during and after COVID. I think we all recognised we had to start lifting each other up and creating our own opportunities if we were going to survive. I love our scene and I think we have some of the most talented people in the world playing in tiny venues here. I would not be making music anymore if I didn’t have my community supporting me and helping me create my art. I’d love to be able to say I can do this all on my own but I am surrounded by the most amazing people who dedicate themselves to the music."
What message do you ultimately hope to convey to your audience through your music and the RAGEFLOWER project?
"Don’t live a half life! All of you deserves to be seen. Our flaws are what make us perfect, you ever see an ugly tree? No. They’re all beautifully twisted and marked by life."
Finishing up 2024 supporting Charlie Pittman and Loretta at Beach Road on the 15th of November, the RAGEFLOWER live set is not one to miss. This year RAGEFLOWER has found her footing in the Sydney live scene supporting HEVENSHE at the 'Essential' release show with big nods from Jenna McDougall (Tonight Alive), and sharing the stage in packed-room shows with Eagle Eye Jones, The Velvet Club, Kyle Charles Hall, Before the King, Thunderfox and Friends of Friends.
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