‘Stranger’ is a wonderfully sophisticated ode to retro pop, like an ethereal and nostalgic gaze through fluorescent, heart-shaped sunglasses. Classic synthesisers, drum pads and luscious electronic textures overlap with one another to create a familiar 80’s sound, complimenting Astræa’s stunning voice as her pensive lyrics detail the flame of a romance slowly dimming.
Speaking on the new single, Astræa says, “’Stranger’ is about not being able to live up to someone’s expectations of perfection and watching as they start to pull away from the relationship, turning cold and unrecognisable.
“During lockdown,” she continued, “I became obsessed with 80s inspired electro & synth-pop artists like Robyn, Goldfrapp & La Roux. I fell in love with vintage synths like the Juno-60 which has this nostalgic sound that you can hear on records spanning decades. This time influenced a lot of my productions while I was creating ‘Stranger’, all of which was written and produced by me during lockdown.”
‘Stranger’ is the third single to be taken from her Looking Up EP and follows the release of her raw and emotional single ‘Scars’, a stripped-back and vulnerable track that was accompanied by a captivating live performance video filmed at Craxton Studios in London. Also released is the EP’s title track, a gorgeous and elating reminder that better days are just around the corner which was accompanied by a music video filmed along the scenic Scottish coast and a stunning live performance video. Both new songs provide a tantalising taste of the Looking Up EP, which sees Astræa continue to both share and evolve her creative vision.
Astræa will be making her return to the stage this year, performing a very special headline show at Servants Jazz Quarters in Dalston, London. Taking place on October 14th, the gig is her first live performance since 2019 and will serve as her first opportunity to perform material from her new EP to a live audience. Tickets for the gig are available here.
LOOKING UP EP TRACKLISTING
- Stranger
- Take Me Away
- Scars
- Looking Up
