In an illuminating conversation with Ana & Gene, the dynamic duo behind the chart-topping hit ‘Narcissistic You’, we delve into the serendipitous beginnings of their partnership, born amidst the solitude of the pandemic and fostered through a shared passion for music and film.
Their journey is a testament to the power of collaboration, where spontaneous creativity and mutual respect for each other’s artistry have led to the birth of sensational tracks. As they discuss the genesis of their unique sound, a blend of retro and modern power pop, and their perspective on the evolving digital landscape of the music industry in 2024, Ana & Gene offer a glimpse into their creative process and future endeavours.
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It is safe to say you have both earned your respective stripes in the music industry, what initially brought you together?
“The COVID-19 pandemic brought us together and we found each other over Facebook. We started talking about both our careers in the entertainment world of music and film. We found out that we had so much in common and we appreciated each other’s talents. Then we decided to get together and become a new hit duo sensation to wow the world.”
It’s clear that you both complement each other’s talent and style, but what has been the most gratifying part of the collaborative experience so far?
“The fact that we just flow so well together while we are creating. A good example is when Gene started to warm up to play one of our new songs “More Than My Best Friend”. He stumbled upon some beautiful chords, then I jumped out of my chair and leaned in towards him while he was playing and I started to sing Uh-Oh Who Do You Love. So that is how our other song was born.”
Your single, Narcissistic You, has become quite the phenomenon on the airwaves and has been in high rotation on radio stations; what do you believe the key to the success of the single was?
“The key to the success of Narcissistic You comes from the unique way Ana wrote the lyrics and hooks. She wanted the song to portray as much realism as possible. Also, the way I played the rhythm helped construct the melody, it brought the song completely together. But also, our Recording Engineer Joe Bonadonna and our other musicians called “The Scene” including Buddy Woods (Lead Guitar), Michael O’Connor (Bass Guitar), and Rob Lela (Drums), helped and contributed to making the song what it is today.”
We love the retro yet modernised power pop aesthetic of Narcissistic You; were there any bands or artists who influenced the sound?
“Well, I always loved pop rock, pop punk, and rock music, artists like Green Day and All Time Low. I always wanted to create my own unique pop rock/pop punk rock music. So, I explained to Gene what I wanted and then he helped give me his rhythmic flair.”
As you like to keep some of the elements of your music traditional, we’d love to get your take on the music industry as it currently stands in 2024. Is it a digital land of opportunity or a paltry effigy of what it once was?
“We believe that it is a digital land of opportunity as it currently stands for 2024. Today’s music Industry isn’t like how it used to be. But everything is always evolving, and the best bet is to always go with the flow.”
What’s next for Ana & Gene?
“Right now we are in the process of making a new single called “Giving You Love”. It is a unique blend of Tropical, Pop and Country music. Just so everyone knows, Gene and I like to create a vast variety of Genres for our fans to enjoy. Aside from this new single, we are also working on a new EP. And very shortly, we will be playing with our band The Scene at venues near you.”
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Stream Ana & Gene’s EP, Uh-Oh Who Do You Love on Spotify.
Interview by Amelia Vandergast
