LA-based indie pop singer, songwriter and Wurlitzer enthusiast, STACEY, is sharing her retro-celestial, debut album, Saturn Return, today. Cruising from 60s psychedelic day trips to glossy 70s daydreams, STACEY crystallizes the nostalgic longing of golden age pop records into lyrical refractions for the modern era. With previous singles "Strange (But I Like It)," "The Songwriter," “One Woman,” “D.M.T” and “Far Away,” the energy of "That 70s show chic (LADYGUNN) and "Psychedelic pop with a modern twist (Wonderland Magazine) has been illuminated in full technicolour already and tmrw Magazine says, "If the goal was to enchant us all into anticipating the upcoming album, it has certainly worked.”
On the album, STACEY says:
"A Saturn Return is when the planet Saturn returns to its original position from when you were born. Astrologically speaking, it is a rebirth in many ways, by way of rapid turmoil, a forceful learning of lessons to emerge as an elevated and truer version of yourself. This album was written and recorded during mine.
Every day, I wrap myself in 60s and 70s music, fashion, and design; I feel at home there, and made it my mission to reflect that in the music, but with 2021 mixes. Modern vintage. I tried to swirl colour, nostalgia, playfulness and raw emotion into a kaleidoscopic world, with both grandiose and intimate moments. I’ve never been more at the helm of my own work than with Saturn Return. It feels like a cosmic caterpillars-to-butterflies moment, both sonically and as a milestone.
My Taurus brought a few pretty things. She stayed the course. My Cancer cried at every turn and loved everyone along the way. Even when it got in the way. My Aquarius stayed true to herself even when the path was lonely. She demanded unique creation in the name of the greater good."
The album starts with "Hello," a welcome to everyone that's a reversed introduction. STACEY says, "Some Beatles shit! A note to the purists: I’m not sorry, the kids need to learn." It is a reversed piece of the final track of the album.
Next up, the first single from the project, "Far Away" sets the tone for the record and with its Beach Boys drum shuffle; it feels as if a hot air balloon had a theme song.
"D.M.T" is the next track and also the second single. Its "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" psych-rock wall of sound vibe feels like a kaleidoscope of colors. STACEY says it's a "lucid dream, rollercoaster festival love, bathing in a rainbow song. When writing verse 2, an actual grapefruit fell from a tree and we (me and Babygirl) were surrounded by butterflies - 1:1 lyric."
"The Songwriter" -- another single -- follows with a very meta and cute story about two songwriters after a flirtatious but missed connection. STACEY contemplates whether they are both writing about their neighbourhood songwriter. STACEY says, "This song smells like Teakwood and Tobacco - sweet, earthy, magic, romantic, nostalgic."
"One Woman" is next with its guitarmonies and weight of the world. STACEY emotes, "Why is everything in the world terrible and why can’t I make it all stop? I feel so small and futile sometimes."
"Strange (But I Like It)," the final single from the album, “Is so much fun. It's a groovy, cool in your car, ready to get weird with your shades on vibe (and an alien in the passenger seat).” The accompanying music video was directed, produced, styled, and art directed by STACEY.
"Kissed a Friend" follows with a majestic harp, 10cc harmonies and string surprise of dreams by way of fellow Canadian up-and-comer, Luna Li. STACEY says, "Kissing a friend gave me anxiety. Do not recommend." The wurlitzer and lead vocals are 1 live take.
"Good Feeling" is next with its Fleetwood Mac "Dreams" energy but 2021 and optimistic. It's a go-to Friday night bop to get ready to. An anthem for the imminent Roaring 2020s.
"There Will Always Be Lovers" brings comfort in intimacy. It brings John and Yoko bliss into the mix -- like standing with your lover(s) on a scorched earth precipice, reflecting on the apocalypse, grasping each other and hoping for change.
Finally, the title track "Saturn Return" completes the album like a wandering soul, walking steadily through tunnels of wonder, sadness, hopelessness, moments of hope and relief, and then finally arriving at a climatic destination that is both chaotic and yet to be seen.
STACEY's face has graced 12 billboards in Los Angeles and her music has been heard on Netflix' Spinning Out, Lucifer (x3), Orphan Black (x2), MTV Scream, Degrassi, Wynonna Earp, iZombie, Teen Mom: Young & Pregnant (x4) and more. She’s performed virtually for Home School by It’s a School Night x BandsInTown, and prior to the pandemic, she was playing with greats like Cameron Avery of Tame Impala, Tamino and Charlotte Day Wilson.
With over a million streams on Spotify last year, several handfuls of playlist placements (like New Music Friday x3, Fresh Finds x3 and more), and a cover spot of Spotify’s “Outliers” playlist, not to mention lots of love from Apple Music as well, it’s clear that STACEY is one to watch in 2021. In fact, Ones to Watch raves, “STACEY’s voice dazzles,” and Clash muses over her “Wistful, summer-fresh songwriting.” Well, in that case, her debut album is here just in time.
