Annie Schultz Unveils It Bends Until It Breaks EP - A Fusion of Acoustic Songwriting, Post-Punk Influences, and Intimate Explorations - 4 August 2023

Annie Schultz releases their second EP, ‘It Bends Until It Breaks’ available August 4th on Cassette and Digital Formats via Trailing Twelve Records.

Olympia, Washington-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Annie Schultz shares their highly anticipated EP titled It Bends Until It Breaks set for release on August 4th via Trailing Twelve Records. Written and recorded over the course of a year, the project dives deep into Schultz's tumultuous and ever-changing relationship with themselves and the uncertainties they face while navigating the world.

The collection of songs on It Bends Until It Breaks showcases Schultz's growth and evolution as an artist. Each track provides an intimate exploration of personal challenges and emotions, delivering heartfelt lyrics and poignant observations that resonate with listeners.

"Repetition," the opening track, enchants listeners with softly strummed acoustic guitar, warm melodics, and angelic vocal harmonies. The lyrics evoke a sense of inner turmoil, capturing the feelings of being caught in a cycle of handing off and giving in.

The EP’s titular track “It Bends Until It Breaks” showcases Schultz's emotionally expressive vocal delivery and lyrical depth. Profound lyrics like “love is the law, burning and flawed, lighting the fire under you, nobody moves when secrets are loose, shut it down before it tells on you," evokes a sense of vulnerability and the consequences of hidden truths, inviting the listener to confront and address the complexities of love and the power of transparency.

The spacious and hypnotic “Patterns” explores the struggles of showing up for others when it feels impossible to show up for yourself. Schultz’s songwriting unites earnest narrative [good intentions made her cry / love runs thin / he thought he really tried] with vivid metaphors [the wound that always scars / in places no one sees].

"Wave" is a brooding and vibrant indie rock ballad that captures a profound sense of personal inadequacy through the use of religious language and imagery. Schultz's masterful songwriting weaves together feelings of self-doubt with powerful indie rock soundscapes.

The driving yet laid-back atmosphere of EP closer “Waiting” sets the stage for prose centered around the countdown to a breakup. Schultz's songwriting skillfully blends poignant observations like "don't pretend it doesn't end like this" with bittersweet honesty expressed in lines like "just take it for what it's worth now / there's not much else left to do / but wait and watch it play out / watch me disconnect from you."

‘Waiting’ is the only song I’ve ever intentionally written about a romantic relationship. I started dating somebody that was moving across the country within the next few months, and I wanted to articulate the feeling that comes with knowing exactly how a relationship is going to end and just having to wait for it to happen.

The accompanying music video, directed and animated by Nick Roetemeyer, further enhances the poetic interpretation of the song's lyrics through surreal visuals, offering a captivating visual representation of the track's emotional depth.

Recorded with their classmates in the audio production program at Evergreen State College, Schultz shares some additional detail on the production process below.

This was the first time I was able to record my songs in a studio and work with other musicians, and I think that this EP is an important milestone in my development as a producer, songwriter, and composer.

The EP, comprising five original compositions, takes listeners on an emotional journey through Schultz's introspective and vulnerable experiences. Their deeply personal lyrics explore themes of resilience, growth, and the delicate balance between strength and vulnerability. Through their unique blend of folk, post-punk, and alternative rock, Schultz creates a sonic landscape that resonates with authenticity and heartfelt emotion. Schultz's ability to capture the intricacies of human emotions and translate them into a musical language demonstrates their remarkable talent and artistic vision.

The songs on It Bends Until It Breaks were written during a period in my life where I struggled heavily with depression, anxiety, and negative self-perception. Songwriting was a way for me to make sense of my feelings and understand how my perspective was being influenced by my mental health, and I think that shows up in different ways throughout the EP. My songs often subconsciously end up being letters to myself, observing shifting dynamics with the people I love and posing questions about why I choose to make certain decisions and navigate my life the way that I do.

It Bends Until It Breaks is out August 4th on Cassette and Digital Formats via Trailing Twelve Records.

Watch the animated music video for “Waiting” below.

Tour Dates:

Annie Schultz: vocals, electric guitar, keyboard
Robin Carmosino: electric guitar
Rees Chamberlain: bass
Peter Connelly: drums
Eros Faulk: violin
Written, Performed, and Produced by Annie Schultz
Mixed by Annie Schultz, Eros Faulk and Cas Nixon
Mastered By Eros Faulk

Press Photos: Julian Owen
EP Artwork: Jasper Pini

Press Contact: info@trailingtwelve.com

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© & ℗ 2023 Trailing Twelve Records. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized Copying, Reproduction, Hiring, Lending, Public Performance, And Broadcasting Strictly Prohibited.

ANNIE SCHULTZ - It Bends Until It Breaks EP
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Release Date: 4 August 2023
Length: 15:59

Socials: spotify / instagram

BIO

Annie Schultz is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Olympia, WA. Drawing influence from songwriters like Elliott Smith and Nick Drake, they have developed a musical style composed of thoughtful, modal chord progressions and an emotionally expressive vocal delivery.

Schultz grew up in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota and began learning to play the guitar at the age of 14. They attended a performing arts high school, which advanced their musical education and introduced them to Minneapolis' DIY house show scene. Here, Schultz developed a deep admiration and respect for the legacy and influence that local legends like Prince, The Replacements, and Husker Du left on music scenes both in and out of the Midwest.

Enamored by the musical history of the Pacific Northwest, Schultz decided to move to Olympia and pursue a degree in audio production at Evergreen State College. Throughout their studies, they became fascinated with the introspective songwriting of gothic bands like Joy Division and The Cure, as well as the emotional parallels that post-punk shares with the singer-songwriters who served as Schultz's primary sources of inspiration.

Bridging the gap between the earnest, soft-spoken approach of acoustic songwriting and the moody, angular conventions of post-punk, Schultz crafts a vital and distinctive sound. Fans of Elliott Smith, Phoebe Bridgers, and Angel Olsen will connect with the contemplative and dream-like atmospheres of Annie Schultz’s work.

In recent years, Schultz has established themself in the Olympia scene, routinely sharing bills with local and touring acts and playing both solo acoustic and full band sets.

Schultz’s debut label releases “Patterns” and “Waiting received immediate recognition, garnering press coverage from Under the Radar, Grimy Goods, Luna Collective, Ones To Watch, Celebmix, and official playlist features on Apple Music.

PRESS & FEATURES

"An emotive and introspective masterpiece that delves deep into the complexities of self-discovery and personal growth" - Wonderland

"Entices you effortlessly through its lyrical personality and melodic form of seduction" - METAL

"One of the best EPs of the year. A voice that can make you fall to your knees and weep." - CelebMix

"unwinds gently and methodically, sprawling over a spacious expanse of dreamy synth beds and tremulous guitar textures" - Under The Radar

"Schultz’s guitar glides over the waters of distant echoing chords corresponding to each strum, coming together in a cross between folk and indie." - Grimy Goods

"focused and stunning in minimal production, allowing space for visceral connection as the singer-songwriter's angelic vocals carry you on this introspective journey" - Luna Collective