MANE Bitter Interview

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MANE Bitter Interview

The enigmatic chanteuse, MANE has today announced her new single, Bitter to be released on June 10, alongside a fast-paced, abstract video directed by Benjamin Lancaster Powell. Bitter is the first taste of MANE's debut EP House of Horror, a bluesy exploration of darkness, set for release on June 24. MANE will be hitting the road to celebrate the release in July, kicking off in Adelaide at The Bluebee Room on July 15, moving through Whole Lotta Love in Melbourne on July 24, and wrapping up in Sydney at The Newsagency on July 29.

Haunting and distinct, Bitter is an intriguing release, completely characterised by MANE's irresistible voice. With catchy hooks that marry pop and blues influences together flawlessly, a driving percussive force, and intricate, edgy production values, Bitter is a venomous reminder to stay away from the bad side of a good songwriter. The woman behind MANE, Paige Renee Court, says of the release, 'Bitter was inspired by a very evil, manipulative person - someone who was once very close to a family member of mine. I usually only write songs that are personal to me, but this song became an exception that flowed out onto the page of my songbook within a matter of minutes. If I'm totally honest, it's probably too nice of a song for this particular person, knowing what I know now."

The video for Bitter is a visual reflection of the ubiquitous contempt that propels the track. MANE stands alone, silhouetted and soaked in flashes of psychedelia. Directed by Benjamin Lancaster Powell (Aspirations) of Lightreel Films, the video is visceral and forward-moving. On the clip, Court says, 'The concept of this clip is to project the attitude of the track through some abstract images and edits. It's a fast-paced song and we really tried to keep the pace of the clip going with it."

Produced by Jack Hookey (Harry Hookey, Imogen Clark) at Kanutsens Studio, the House of Horror EP is a melancholic, soulful journey through the human experience. As an avid fan of a variety of different musical genres, MANE calls upon an array of influences to inform her unique brand of blues-inspired popular music. Court says, 'The making of the EP was a bit of journey in itself - I went in with a really open mind and didn't want to shut myself off to any ideas. House of Horror explores a lot of darkness that has been a result of past experiences or the experiences of others, whether that be resentment, self doubt, death or depression. It all comes under the one roof."

To celebrate House of Horror, Mane will be embarking on a national tour in July. Excited to be hitting the road, Court gives audiences a hint of what to expect from her live show, saying 'The live shows we have planned on the House of Horror tour are going to be fun! Some shows will be performed more stripped back, similar to how I wrote the tracks on the EP, while others will be with the full band."

Stream Single: Bitter
Watch The Video: Bitter
Stream Ep: House Of Horror

Mane -House Of Horror' Tour Dates

Interview with Paige Renee Court (MANE)

Question: How would you describe your music?

Paige Renee Court: When I first started I considered myself as a bit of an alt/folk musician, however recently my music has evolved with a bit of an indie/pop inspired sound, with blues and electronic influences.

Question: What inspired Bitter (listen here)?

Paige Renee Court: It's inspired by a very evil, manipulative person, someone who was once very close to a family member of mine. It's definitely the most spiteful song I've ever written.

Question: Can you tell us about the video (watch here)?

Paige Renee Court: The concept of this clip was to project the main theme of the track through some abstract images and edits. It's a fast pace song and we really tried to keep the pace of the clip going with it.

Question: What are you most looking forward to regarding the release of House of Horror (stream here)?

Paige Renee Court: I'm excited for people to hear all the tracks. This is my debut EP release and it's been a year in the making so finally being able to release it is super exciting. I'm also keen to get on the road and tour with it!

Question: What should we expect from the upcoming shows?

Paige Renee Court: The live shows we have planned on the House of Horror tour are going to be fun. Some shows will be performed more stripped back in the form of how I wrote the tracks on the EP while others will be with the full band.

Question: Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?

Paige Renee Court: I think it was more a case of not knowing what to expect and being a little blindsided coming in to it. You don't realise how many years of work you have to put in to even begin to wrap your head around the industry. It's not just about a great song and a great voice.

Question: Do you write your own songs? What's your inspiration?

Paige Renee Court: I do. I guess primarily the inspiration for the songs I write comes from my own experiences and the emotions that develop from those experiences, but sometimes if a family member or a friend of mine is dealing with something that really tugs at my nerves, good or bad, I tend to take a bit of that on and write about it myself. Sometimes I relate it to me, sometimes it's just their story that I'm telling.

Question: What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?

Paige Renee Court: Too many to name! I would have to say my most played songs at the moment are probably by Sarah Blasko, Meg Mac & a good friend of mine who has just released an album, Imogen Clark.

Question: What's next? Tour/Album/Single?

Paige Renee Court: I think after the EP is released and I've toured I might drop another single and video.

Question: Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?

Paige Renee Court: Sometimes. I don't think I ever could or would but I've definitely thought about it. Most of my friends have full time jobs and some are even building/buying houses - that's insane to me!!! It's no secret that sometimes it does get stressful because income can be really unpredictable and a genuine concern and when you doubt yourself, the thought of having a steady income is really tempting. There is a lot of benefits to having that financial stability, but not enough for me to throw it in.

Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Paige Renee Court: Performing live and recording are completely different experiences. It's great to be able to hear your song come to life in a studio and if you're having a bad vocal day you can come back and record it again and again until you get the right take. But I definitely feel that performing live is a lot more exciting and rewarding. There is something really satisfying about it to me.

Question: What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Paige Renee Court: I think music has always been a part of my identity. I learnt piano and violin at a young age however it wasn't until I was 16 that I decided it was what I wanted to do as a career. I wish I could give the spill and say I come from a really musically influenced family and my dad was in a cool psychedelic rock band back in the day but that couldn't be further from the truth (ha!). When I was 9 I started swimming competitively and was doing really well with it and landing myself in state teams and so forth. I relocated schools to pursue swimming full time, it's an insane sport I totally admire anyone that sticks at it, power to them! It's very high pressure and quite mentally demanding and requires many hours in the pool - At 16 I eventually burnt out and I didn't want to do it anymore. I guess that's when I really fell into my music, I had the freedom to spend more time playing guitar, singing, writing and soon performing and when I did that's when I found where my passion lies. Best decision I've ever made!

Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Paige Renee Court: I think for me, and for probably most people – life and as it happens. Personal issues have come in to play, one particular relationship I had held me back a lot but I think for the most part these things have kind of fuelled me. It gave me things to write about which is kind of a bitter sweet feeling.

Question: What's a typical day like?

Paige Renee Court: Mostly during the week, I'll get up and the first thing I do (aside from checking good old Facebook) is check my emails. If I have any I'll reply to them. I'll then write some emails pitching for tours and gigs, send invoices and make a few calls if necessary. I'll then get up and eat and do the normal morning thing and get ready for the day. It's nothing too exciting. Weekends are very different to my week days;I usually drive on average about 700kms a weekend to my gigs.

Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Paige Renee Court: Being able to see so many places and travel doing something you love whilst meeting some really interesting and friendly people along the way.

Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Paige Renee Court: I would freaking love to write a song with Bob Dylan. I know my music is so different to his style but I'm absolutely obsessed with his song writing. I think that would be super cool.

60 Second Quiz

Full Name: Paige Renee Court
Nickname(s): PRC
Star Sign: Gemini
Favourite Food: Anything Italian!
Favourite Film: Any movie with a good twist!
Favourite Actor: Jennifer Lawrence
Hobbies/Interests: Board Games
First Job: Sales assistant at Best & Less
Are you a Pub, Bar or Club kind: Bar, for sure
What Can You Never Leave Home Without: Phone/sunglasses
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning: What's the time?

Interview by Brooke Hunter

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MANE Bitter Interview