Cut my hair and I changed my name
Sixteen rounds and I’m taking aim
I know there’s only me to blame
But I still blame you and I’m not ashamed
Kate Pierson, from the legendary B-52s, is set to release her new album “Radios & Rainbows” on September 20th through SVR. The album features a stellar lineup and represents Pierson’s daring foray into solo artistry, promising an exciting fusion of eclectic influences and powerhouse collaborations.
If you’re expecting the quirky flair of the B-52s, think again. Pierson’s taken a sharp turn, crashing headfirst into the Wall of Sound with Evil Love. Channeling the spirit of The Ronettes, The Crystals, The Shangri-Las, and Amy Winehouse, Pierson’s pipes are pure power. You’ll find yourself humming the hook before the song’s even over, as if it’s been a part of you all along. Her new direction dives deep into nostalgia, blending those golden-era echoes with her own unmistakable edge. It’s a bold move, and Pierson pulls it off with the panache of a seasoned siren.
“It’s an eclectic group of songs,” says Pierson, “anthems, dance things, a disco song…overall, the album has an upbeat vibe because I wanted to put out something positive in these dark times. I wanted to make it fun!”
It sure is. Evil Love, which Pierson describes as “a not-so-true tale of obsessive possessiveness and righteous revenge,” paints a portrait of a turbulent, obsessive affair, steeped in longing and laced with blame. The protagonist plows through a pounding storm, desperate to escape the destructive bond. They change their name, cut their hair, but can’t cut loose the emotions running rampant in their veins. Despite the desperation, the love remains addictive, an unrelenting force. The refrain “evil love” echoes like a dark mantra, a constant reminder of the grip this twisted passion has on their soul.
“Sometimes evil love is the only love you need,” Kate says, who calls the song “A not so true tale of obsessive possessiveness and righteous revenge.” She adds, “I started out writing a song with the amazing Bleu McAuley with the idea of a song about forgiveness; but when our creative chemistries collided, the result was a noir thriller of a song set on the coast of Maine. And it’s one hell of a storm.”
Directed by John Stapleton, the video channels those late-night 1950s B-movies, with Pierson zipping around in the rain and brooding in a diner, trading her beehive for Bettie Page bangs. There’s a splash of Hitchcock, a sprinkle of David Lynch, and a dash of Ed Wood. It’s a perfect blend of noir and nostalgia, sprinkled with Pierson’s charismatic charm. The Queen of Quirk delivers a delightful dive into retro madness, making every moment a darkly fun escapade. It’s a stylish, shadowy trip down memory lane, wrapped in rain-soaked streets and vintage vibes. Put it on your Summerween party playlist right now!
Watch the video for “Evil Love” below:
Pierson made her solo debut nine years ago with “Guitars and Microphones” (2015). Now, with the announcement of Radios & Rainbows, she’s diving back into her solo project.
Radios & Rainbows almost never happened. During the B-52’s brief hiatus in the late ‘90s, Pierson wrote and recorded enough songs for an album. “Our manager put the kibosh on it,” she explained, “because he worried that our label Warner Bros. would object…When the Bs were touring all the time and doing so much work, it felt like such a family dynamic. To me, it would’ve been a betrayal if I’d done something on my own outside the B-52’s. It was a prison created by my own mind.”
She adds, “My creativity has been unlocked! I still have a lot more songs in me, and I’m already looking forward to recording my next album!”
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