Montreal-based pop artist Anémone, aka Anémone Cantin, is set to release her debut EP, “Growing Up,” on September 16. The EP, featuring five tracks, showcases Cantin’s journey as a songwriter from the ages of 17 to 20.
“Growing Up” delves into a range of personal experiences and emotions. Notably, the single “Saturday Night” explores feelings of loneliness amidst a crowd, while other tracks like “Numb” and “Someone New” tackle themes of monotonous routine and self-change for others’ acceptance, respectively. The EP also includes an interlude addressing mental health challenges and “20,” a song about the struggles of young people seeking to be taken seriously.
Musically, the EP blends various genres, reflecting Cantin’s diverse influences. It contains elements of soul, R&B, pop-rock, and jazz. The electric guitar, Cantin’s primary instrument, features prominently across the tracks. Additionally, “Someone New” and “Saturday Night” include saxophone and trumpet parts, adding a distinctive layer to the EP’s sound.
Cantin’s musical influences range from the R&B and neo-soul styles of Robert Glasper and Erykah Badu to the pop sensibilities of Olivia Rodrigo, Charlotte Cardin, and Taylor Swift. This eclectic mix contributes to the EP’s unique sound, which combines traditional pop structures with more experimental elements.
Anemone’s journey into music is as unexpected as it is inspiring. Unlike many of her contemporaries, she did not grow up in a musical household. “My dad’s basically tone-deaf, so that’s not good,” she jokes, “And my mom’s not that good either.” Her interest in music sparked at the age of nine, triggered by the death of Michael Jackson. This curiosity quickly evolved into a passion for singing and playing various instruments, including piano, electric and classical guitar.
Her foray into songwriting began at the tender age of ten. She admits these early compositions were far from polished, but they laid the foundation for her future work. “I think that ‘Saturday Night’ is the first song that I wrote that was actually good,” she reflects. Written when she was just 17, this track stands out as a significant milestone in her artistic development.
“Growing Up” showcases a mosaic of experiences and emotions that Anemone navigated through her teenage years. Each track on the EP explores a different facet of adolescence, from the alienation felt at parties (“Saturday Night”) to the robotic monotony of daily routines (“Numb”). The EP is a testament to Anemone’s skill in translating complex emotions into compelling musical narratives.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of “Growing Up” is Anemone’s unconventional approach to the theme of loneliness in her lead single, “Saturday Night.” Contrasting with the typical celebratory tone of songs with similar titles, Anemone’s version is introspective, capturing the feeling of isolation in the midst of a crowd. “I feel like sometimes even when you’re surrounded by a crowd, and sometimes even more so when you’re surrounded by a crowd, you kind of feel lonely,” she explains.
Anemone’s sound is a rich tapestry woven from various musical influences. Her background in jazz and neo-soul is evident in her work, particularly in tracks like “Saturday Night” and “Someone New,” which feature prominent saxophone and trumpet parts. These elements add a depth and complexity to her music, distinguishing it from conventional pop.
Remarkably, Anemone is largely self-taught in her musical abilities. She learned guitar and piano by herself before seeking formal training.
As for what’s next, Anemone is contemplative. She plans to release a second EP representing her evolution as an artist and an individual. She is mindful of the shifting landscape of the music industry and the need to make a statement with her work. “I feel like if you release a record, you really have to make a statement because people’s attention span is not that good nowadays,” she muses.
Anemone’s story is one of unexpected beginnings, tireless passion, and an unyielding connection to her craft. As she continues to evolve and grow, one thing is certain: Anemone is an artist to watch, and her impact on the music scene is only just beginning.
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