Introducing Gena Rose Bruce, and get the first look of her new single, Angel Face

Header photo by Ryan Downey.

Boasting everyone from Banoffee and Perth favourite Carla Geneve right through to Methyl Ethel and HANDSOME, Australian label Dot Dash Recordings is definitely one that seems to floor us with every single signee and release, keeping their roster relatively small and tight (compared to others within a similar size/field) and highlighting quality (and diversity) over quantity. As a result, we've found ourselves leaping at the chance to talk about every single act they've brought on board over the years, and their latest - Gena Rose Bruce - is no different.

For those currently unacquainted, Gena Rose Bruce is a Melbourne-based singer-songwriter who with her tender approach to emotive indie-pop, sits perfectly alongside label peer Carla Geneve and names like international break-out Stella Donnelly, but in a unique way that sets herself apart from these artists. On her latest single Angel Face (her first on Dot Dash and the first from her upcoming debut album we'll talk more about in a second), she combines this hauntingly beautiful vocal presence and poetic lyricism with a soft, but certain production that marries the realms of indie and electronica, with twinkling keys and pulsing synth rhythms not too far of Robyn's signature drilling synth swirling around underneath soft guitar and bass played by musician Jade Imagine.

It's the first single from her forthcoming debut album Can’t Make You Love Me, which when it arrives on June 28, is sure to spotlight the versatile range of sounds that Gena Rose Bruce has perfected over the years, following on from a pair of independent singles last year - The Way You Make Love and Coming Down - that pushed her into the spotlight and made us damn excited to see what else she has in store. In the meantime, however, Angel Face is a soft and subtle moment of sheer beauty that we can't stop playing, so listen to it below via its official video (directed by Alex Badham), better introduce yourself to the artist-on-the-rise while you listen to it, and when it's all done, preorder Can’t Make You Love Me HERE.

Tell us about yourself?

Melbourne-based singer/songwriter.

What’s the vibe music-wise?

A cross between Mazzy Star, David Lynch and Angel Olsen.

What are your production and writing processes like?

It’s different each time, but I read a lot of poetry, at the moment I’m obsessed with Edna St. Vincent Millay poetry, so naturally, lyrics are what comes first. I’m also a bit of a perfectionist so there is always a large demo process with my writing. For this debut album, I actually took myself away to my grandpa’s old house in Warrnambool where I spent a few months alone just writing music for hours a day and sending multiple phone demo recordings back and forth to my producer Tim Harvey. Once I feel the core of the song is ready it’s only then I will take it into production, I’m not one to just jam it out.

Can you tell us about your latest single, Angel Face?

I was feeling very sad and angry and jealous. The lyrics speak for themselves. There’s anger at the sense of entitlement this person had, who always got his way. There’s sadness at the loss or inability to have a connection, and jealousy that this person had moved on - but at the same time, there’s the not wanting a connection or relationship with that person. It’s about that place in the middle.

Any tour dates coming up?

Yes, Angel Face single launches! May 9th at Golden Age Cinema (solo) in Sydney and May 10th Gasometer Upstairs in Melbourne (full band).

What does 2019 have in store for you?

I’m releasing my debut album - Can’t Make You Love Me.

Where can we find more of your music?

Usual streaming platforms such as Spotify, Bandcamp, Youtube etc.

Follow Gena Rose Bruce: FACEBOOK