A multi-talented singer-songwriter who has worked with some of the most respected DJs and producers in dance music, Anabel Englund garnered widespread acclaim when she linked up with Jamie Jones and Lee Foss in 2012 to form Hot Natured. Their single ‘Reverse Skydiving’ amassed over 16 million streams on Spotify and counting, immediately asserting Englund’s status as a force to be reckoned with. More recently she has released tracks with the likes of MK, Detlef, Disciples, Dirty South, Mike Mago and many more.
Englund has performed around the world at iconic festivals like Glastonbury, Coachella, Bestival, III Points, and CRSSD, as well as venues like London’s O2 Academy, Ushuaïa Ibiza, and the FriendShip music cruise. Also, during the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, while the world was on lockdown, Anabel took the opportunity to promote her music by sharpening her DJ skills and acoustic performance to perform a variety of live streams.
The ‘Messing With Magic Deluxxe’, her brand-new album, is one that the artist’s fans simply won’t want to miss.
We caught up with Anabel Englund to talk about her latest musical projects.
Electronic Groove: Hi Anabel, congrats on the release of your Deluxxe album, are there any standout tracks for you?
Anabel Englund: Thank you! Yes, there are, one of my favorites from the album at least today is the song ‘Don’t Say Goodbye (I’m Not Ready)’. This is a really important one to me. I wrote it about losing someone you love and not being ready to say goodbye. I literally shed tears while writing it. Underwater is my breakup song to the patriarchy and I’m obsessed! Also, the music video was so much fun to make. We spent the day at a strip club in North Hollywood and it was everything I wanted and more.
EG: You have a very strong relationship with artists like Jamie Jones, Lee Foss, and MK – how do you think they have influenced your career?
Anabel Englund: Yes, I do. I have learned so much from watching them in their careers since the beginning but I also do that with anyone who I am close with. It doesn’t even have to be in the music industry but I love learning from people through their actions or inactions. Every movement and word is a learning lesson to me.
EG: There are some great new collaborations on the Deluxxe album, how do you approach working with people?
Anabel Englund: It really depends. Sometimes my label sets me up with people and it is just good vibes from the start, and other times I hit friends up or people I want to work with through social media. That’s actually how NERVO ended up remixing my single ‘Picture Us’.
EG: If you could collaborate with anyone right now who would it be and why?
Anabel Englund: I would love to collaborate with SZA, MIley, or Kaytranada, would be so dope too. Each one of these artists has their own unique sound that I think is so beautiful and amazing. For each of these artists, I’ve had an emotional experience listening to their music.
“I really took the stopping of the world and used every moment of that time to slow down and find myself”
EG: You’ve included a couple of acoustic versions into your Deluxxe album – is this an aspect of your music you are looking to expand on?
Anabel Englund: Yes, definitely. I don’t see why I wouldn’t you know? I am working on expanding all parts of my artistry which of course includes acoustic tracks and even acoustic performances.
EG: What’s next in terms of music for you?
Anabel Englund: Right now I am letting my album soak into everyone’s pores. I want to make sure I am not skipping to the next thing without giving this enough time to marinate…. But, trust me, I have singles I could release every month for the next two years if I wanted to. I am taking my time while preparing for the next steps as we speak!
EG: You’ve been playing some amazing shows in the US – how does it feel to be able to get out on perform again?
Anabel Englund: Omg! It feels so amazing I can’t even tell you. I can’t believe I’m saying this but I forgot what it feels like! It’s also crazy because I’ve had such a big year from 2020 to early 2021. I’ve released my album and some of my best music ever so to come out strong with shows, play all new music and see hundreds of people knowing every word… It’s an incredible experience. I am so grateful for my fans.
EG: Can you draw any positives from lockdown from a creative or career perspective?
Anabel Englund: It was a weird year because none of us have ever gone through anything like it but I honestly really needed it. I grew into myself through 2020. I really took the stopping of the world & used every moment of that time to slow down & find myself. I don’t know where I would be if I didn’t have that.
“I am working on expanding all parts of my artistry”
EG: You can play any show in the world outside of the US, what would it be and why?
Anabel Englund: It would be to play at Glastonbury again. I performed there with Hot Natured years ago but that festival is f-ing EPIC! I’m speaking it into existence, I will play again and it will be glorious!
EG: What would be on your dream rider, no expenses spared?
Anabel Englund: A pack of puppies either pitbull or golden retriever or dachshund. Honestly, there’s no wrong pack of puppies lol. Fresh Thai coconuts with someone there to cut them open for me. Fluffy pillows & blankets, hot chai tea oat milk lattes, someone to give me a massage after my show…that’s all I can think of for now… (laughter).
Anabel Englund’s ‘Messing With Magic Deluxxe’ album is now available. Stream and buy here.
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