Anna Smyrk Human Condition

Melbourne based artist Anna Smyrk weaves intricate indie-pop songs about far-flung places, long-distance love and trying to figure out what it means to be a human. Raised on a sonic diet of 60s and 70s folk music, Anna's early work saw the young artist leaning into her innate indie folk sensibilities. Now, Anna is excited to debut her latest incarnation with pop-rock belter, 'Human Condition'. Her first new music since 2019's Swim EP, 'Human Condition' sees Smyrk teaming up with producer Joel Quartermain (Eskimo Joe, Meg Mac, Oh Pep) to mark a new era in the artist's rising career. To celebrate the release, Anna will take to the road with her full band for a handful of live shows across Victoria this June, launching the single and sharing songs from her forthcoming EP, due for release in the second half of 2021.

'Human Condition' was catalysed by Melbourne's 2020 lockdowns, when social isolation became the norm and Anna began musing about the way we connect in normal times. With fuzzy vocals, punchy drums and big, bold guitars, the song teems with frustration over seemingly endless disconnect and sickening loneliness. 'Human Condition' is the first taste of Anna's anticipated third EP currently in the works.

"The song is like a mash up of experiences that me or my friends have been in. Seeing an old friend for the first time in a while and being shocked by how much they're struggling, someone picking at their skin until it bleeds, someone presenting a beautiful life online while they're actually being crushed by loneliness – these are all examples taken from real life." – Anna Smyrk
 
Since leaving the small, central Victorian town where she grew up, travel has been a big part of Anna's life. She spent about five years living in Cambodia and the Solomon Islands, before splitting her time between her new home of Melbourne, Australia, and her adopted city in Manila, Philippines. With a life shared between places, it's no wonder many of Anna's songs are about long-distance relationships, loneliness and seeking belonging. Taking full advantage of Australia's bustling live music scene opening up again, Anna is gearing up for a run of Victorian shows to celebrate the EP's first lifted single on her upcoming 'Human Condition' Tour. Bringing her enthralling live show to Melbourne and regional Victoria across four dates this May and June, Anna will launch the single with her full live band Alex Burkoy (Tinpan Orange) on violin and guitars, Holly Thomas (Quivers, Husky) on drums and Loz Irwin-Ray (Belly Savalas) on bass and keys, with an impressive collection of new material in tow. Do not miss it.

'Human Condition' Single Launch Dates
Friday 4 June - The Retreat Hotel, Melbourne
Doors: 7.30pm
Tickets $12+BF via Eventbrite
Supports: Marigolden and Tamara & the Dreams (solo)

Friday 11 June - Handle Bar, Bendigo
Doors: 8pm
Free Entry

Sunday 13 June - Tanswell's Commercial Hotel, Beechworth
Doors: 8pm
Tickets: $10 via Humantix