Annie Schultz Shares Delicate and Haunting “Patterns” - 24 May 2023

Annie Schultz releases their single “Patterns,” available May 24 on Digital Formats via Trailing Twelve Records.

Olympia, Washington-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Annie Schultz shares their delicate and haunting “Patterns” set for digital release on May 24th via Trailing Twelve Records.

Schultz spent the better part of their adolescence at backyard gigs and smoke-filled rooms reveling in the angst of the Minnesota DIY music scene. After moving across the country and enrolling at Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA, Schultz picked up a guitar and began to teach themself chord shapes and construct their own distinctive vocal style.

For their debut release with Trailing Twelve Records, Schultz’s spacious and hypnotic “Patterns” sets the groundwork for an intimate exploration of the challenge 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].

‘Patterns’ is a song that I wrote about navigating relationships while in a depressive episode. 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.

Drawing inspiration from bands like Joy Division and The Cure, “Patterns” blends saturated tremolo guitar with warm synths to cultivate a gloomy and dramatic atmosphere that cradles Schultz’s serene vocal. Recorded with their classmates in the audio production program at Evergreen State College, Schultz shares some additional detail on the production process below.

I wanted to include elements of goth that I thought would be a nice compliment to the acoustic guitar on this track. I added a soft synth pad and asked one of my classmates to record a minimalist electric guitar part with a heavy chorus effect. We used analog plate reverb on the vocals, which I think served the song well and added to the overall ambiance of the recording.

The charm of “Patterns” is in the haunting atmosphere, powerful melodic hooks, imaginative songwriting, and the otherworldly quality of Annie Schultz’s vocals.

“Patterns” is out May 24th, 2023 on Digital Formats via Trailing Twelve Records.

Listen below.

Annie Schultz: vocals, guitar, synthesizer/keyboards, bass
Enzo Scardapane: electric guitar
Written, Performed, and Produced by Annie Schultz
Mixed by Annie Schultz and Eros Faulk
Mastered By Eros Faulk

Press Photos: Julian Owen
Artwork: Jasper Pini

Press Contact: info@trailingtwelve.com

TTR-026
© & ℗ 2023 Trailing Twelve Records. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized Copying, Reproduction, Hiring, Lending, Public Performance, And Broadcasting Strictly Prohibited.

ANNIE SCHULTZ - Patterns
TTR-026
Release Date: 24 May 2023
Length: 3:11

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.