Author: electricityclub (Page 18 of 439)

Released on 26th September, European Day of Languages, ‘Phantasmagoria’ is the second full-length album from ANI GLASS, sung in Welsh, Cornish and English.

A former member of GENIE QUEEN  who were managed by OMD’s Andy McCluskey, she then joined her sister Gwenno in THE PIPETTES whose final album ‘Earth Vs The Pipettes’ was produced by the late Martin Rushent. Ani Glass’ debut album ‘Mirores’ (translated as “observer”) was conceived around movement and progress but just before it was released, she was diagnosed with a rare benign brain tumour. The diagnosis marked the beginning of the personal journey that has shaped ‘Phantasmagoria’.

Produced by ANI GLASS with Iwan Morgan, ‘Phantasmagoria’ includes the ethereal title song and the rousing ‘Now You Know’ alongside the luminous reconnective statement that is ‘Acwariwm’ and hymn-like ‘Rhwng Yr Ynysoedd’. Using her emotive trilingual expression, this is a dreamy introspective concept album that delves into a poignant time in her life while expressing hope in the face of darkness.

ANI GLASS spoke to ELECTRICITYCLUB.CO.UK about the making of ‘Phantasmagoria’ and her art from the heart.

You’ve had a lot happen to you since ‘Mirores’ in 2020? How are you now?

It’s been five years since I released my first album, and a lot has changed. But life happens to us all and we get on with it but I’m absolutely fine – thank you for asking – just excited about this next phase of my creative journey.

Has becoming a mother changed your perspective?

Of course, it changes everything; how you see the world, how you analyse things, it changes how you create and what you create. But most of all it helps you to see the world through someone else’s eyes and brings that innocence that we all had with our creativity to the surface again, and I find that really exciting.

You completed your Master’s course at Cardiff University studying Urban and Regional Development, how did you find juggling studying with music?

I did, I completed my Master’s course before releasing my first album, and since then I’ve also completed a doctorate. It is quite challenging finding ways to juggle everything, and often one thing will take priority over another… however they’re all part and parcel of the same thing which is to find the most effective and efficient way to interpret the world around you. In that sense, I find that academia and art are one in the same.

With all the events caused by division around the world and domestically, has this presented a new kind of existential angst?

Of course, and there are so many factors at play that often we don’t know where to turn or what to do. We want to feel useful and have a positive impact on the lives of others but it’s difficult to work out how best to do this in a meaningful way. But whilst there is even a tiny glimmer of hope, there will always be room for music, and music is one thing that does unify people. Without art and music the world is that much darker and quieter, so creating is one thing that I will always do to try to feel useful.

How would you describe the concept of ‘Phantasmagoria’?

In short, it’s about the process of retreating from the world and then re-emerging after a challenging time. But ultimately, it’s about recognising the whole journey in between those two stages; how we interact with the world, how we react, our different ways of navigating these challenges that life throws at us, how we develop our coping strategies, strength and resilience.

How did you decide on the title song to be the trailer for the album?

The album is a journey, and a particularly personal one at that and so I thought it appropriate to start at the beginning. ‘Phantasmagoria’ was the first song that I had written for this album, so I felt that it made sense to share that one first. Also, given that I’m known mostly for making quite upbeat music, I wanted listeners to hear a different side of my creativity.

The ‘Phantasmagoria’ album has a more traditional feel and is maybe less “synthpop” than some of your previous works, more Enya than The Human League or OMD?

I suppose that depends in your interpretation of traditional, but I wouldn’t say that the new album is more traditional. There perhaps are fewer songs that you would describe as synthpop but it’s far more expansive and ambitious than the first which I think makes it less traditional. But at its core, it’s a pop album, a genre that I will never stray too far from.

On ‘Now You Know’ with its interesting mix of sequencers and cello plus you sing in English, so how do you decide which language to use in your songs?

For me, it’s not a choice per se, it’s more of a feeling. I always want to make art that is honest as I feel that we all respond and react better to work that’s made like this. So, if the music inspires English lyrics, or Welsh, or Cornish, then so be it!

There’s this strange offbeat on ‘O’r Diwedd’ which makes things rhythmically unusual… was this intentional or a happy accident?

Everything is intentional!

Which have been the key songs on the album for you?

I think probably the slower, simpler songs like ‘The Dust Settled’ and ‘Like Waves’. Mainly because I feel that they are the most restful and peaceful, they give you time to breathe and reflect, and I like that in art.

As you prepare present ‘Phantasmagoria’ to the wider public, what are your own hopes for the future?

I hope that people can find ways in which to relate to the work, perhaps find solace and comfort in the music, in knowing that as time passes, things become ever so slightly easier.

‘Phantasmagoria’ is released 26th September 2025, available in vinyl LP, CD + download formats from https://aniglass.bandcamp.com/album/phantasmagoria-lp

ANI GLASS 2025 live dates include: Cardiff The Canopi (26th September), London The Social (28th September), Carmarthen Cwrw (3rd October), Aberystwyth Cŵps (10th October), Wrexham Tŷ Pawb (24th October), Swansea Tŷ Tawe (7th November)

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Text and Interview by Chi Ming Lai
23rd September 2025