Berlin-based Norwegian songwriter EERA has given us a new taste of her forthcoming album Speak. “The Beat” follows up “Ladder”, and EERA – real name Anna Lena Bruland – has this to say about it:
“It’s about getting convinced by these voices and these people and thinking that they are right. When I say “Try to be more complete and to never repeat the beat”, that’s me trying to follow their “advice”. The big explosion in the middle of the song is a way of getting all that anger and frustration out and therefore starting afresh. Another part is me trying my best to back away from it by saying: “Do you love me even now? Come on then.” It’s my way of removing myself from these critics and saying if you can accept me for me then you can join me on my path. In recent years my confidence has been lowered and I have to work each day on not taking it as an attack, but rather as a way to have dialogue and possibly to even grow from it”.
Beginning with a high-pitched wail coiled inside a coy bass line, we feel EERA’s struggling inner monologue as she wishes “stop running over me”. “The Beat” builds in increments, moving step-by-step with the singer’s determination not to be overwhelmed and to ensure she hears her own voices over any critics’. Just when “The Beat” is lulling you with its lockstep groove, it explodes with a scream and blast of fuzz – a sure signal that EERA has found a new well of strength, and has all the tools necessary to wield it outwards on any who stand in her way.
Listen to “The Beat” on streaming platforms or watch the video below.
EERA’s new album Speak comes out on December 3 (pre-order/save). You can find her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
