the STRANGERS EP is out now

my Substack readers told me to release these songs, so here they are...

A couple of months ago, I was bitching on my Substack chat thread (as usual) about the music industry's obsession with social media and streaming numbers. So often now, an artist's perceived potential and worth start and end with their followers and Spotify stats. And, let's be honest, my numbers aren't exactly sky-high—especially when I'm not touring. I told the group that I needed a way to stay "active" on streaming platforms while recording my new album. After some brainstorming, this EP is what we came up with.

Initially, I wanted to release a full-length record covering songs by men who have influenced my music. Not as an ode to these men but as an exercise in reconciling my feelings about being a feminist female rock musician who has been profoundly shaped and inspired by music made by men, many of whom are assholes (see The Rockstar Must Die). I thought it would be a way to give a female gaze to the music. But after writing a list of potential cover songs, I started having conflicting feelings about even that — e.g., James Brown's It's A Man's World felt slightly too ironic...So I ended up cutting a lot of songs out, and in the end, only 4 songs were left existing in the balance of admiration and discomfort.

STRANGERS represents the gray area where my influences and convictions collide.

photo by Darian Zahedi

1. Sympathy for the Devil - The Rolling Stones are one of my favorite bands ever. Given this EP is comprised of music made by men, I deliberately chose this song to kick things off.

2. State Trooper - I'm not a huge Bruce Springsteen fan, so I never considered covering any of his songs until Darian suggested this one. After re-listening to it a few times, I fell in love with it —probably because it sounds less like The Boss and more like the band Suicide. I've been playing this song live for the last year, and it's become a crowd favorite. For those of you who came to my London show last week, you will recognize this one. I never thought a Springsteen song could be so Queen Kwong, but when I play it, it naturally comes out of me as though it's always been mine.

3. Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing - I originally covered this Chris Isaak song on my EP, Bad Lieutenant. It became one of my most popular songs and was even used in the TV show Peaky Blinders. Since then, I lost the original files. So, I re-recorded it with a more electronic, synth-heavy vibe.

4. I Found a Reason - This is one of my top 3 favorite songs by the Velvet Underground because of its vulnerability and sweetness. It's always felt like a song Ronnie Spector would've crushed if given the chance. Alas, you’re left with me.

Thanks to everyone on Substack for inspiring this release and reminding me why I keep going. And huge thanks to Darian Zahedi for making it with me and Sonic Ritual for putting it out.

Strangers is out everywhere you stream. And no, there won’t be a physical version because I need to save up money to make physical copies of the forthcoming LP. Right now, I really need to get my streaming numbers up (as annoying as that is), so the best way to support me is to stream the hell out of this EP.

Before, after, and while listening to it, you should also like, share, and comment below. This is a big release day for all of us. Cheers.

c u next tuesday.

XX CARRÉ