by Jane Lambert

VIDEO VOYAGEUR: 3 Q’s WITH ANIMALS IN DENIAL

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With its emotion and frenetic energy, “Shallow” stands as one of Animals in Denial’s most striking and personal songs.

Written by Christian Ines during a tumultuous and destructive relationship, the track captures the chaos of love that is built on lies, obsession and abandonment.

Now paired with a haunting new video directed by Jon Paul Anderson, “Shallow” plunges viewers directly into Ines’s headspace – a first person descent into a relationship unraveling in real time.

We sat down with Christian to talk about the story behind the song, the inspiration for the visuals and how a chance discovery on YouTube led to a creative partnership that brought his vision vividly to life.

Watch the Official Music Video to “Shallow” here:

1. Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically in this way?

Well I wrote the song when I was going through a horrible relationship. It was full of drama and part way through I started to realize that this was just some sort of game and that the feelings she claimed to have for me, were completely shallow. It was one of those songs I knew I wanted to have a visual component ie video for, but I was a bit stuck at how to do it.

I wanted it to convey the vibe of where my head was at, and to make a person watching feel like they were a fly on the wall in my head. So the choice to visualize this way was really me finding the right video maker with the right eye and sense of frenetic clarity. The director/maker Jon Paul Anderson, and I hit it off and he completely understood the vision and really fleshed it out more and really nailed it. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to take the lead on the project.

2. What was the inspiration behind this new video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?

As far as the inspiration for the new video, it was always a song I wanted to have a video for, as it’s really meant to look like you’re inside of my head while I’m going through a relationship that’s really just a train wreck in disguise. I wanted it to feel frenetic yet clear, as during that time and relationship hot and cold can’t even begin to describe it. One minute you’re feeling like you and this person can withstand the weight of the world, and others you don’t even know if she likes you. I wanted it to also convey a feeling of loneliness or more like abandonment as that’s what I was feeling when I wrote the song.

So the video takes a first person view, to try to make you feel like you’re me and going through the motions of something even though you know in your gut something isn’t quite right. Me and the director went back and forth over email and then he went to work filming and editing and what he turned in needed no revisions. I loved it when I saw it and thought he completely nailed it. I hope you like it.

3. What was the process of making the video?

The process for the video wasn’t mine, but it was basically me and the director going back and forth over email. I started looking for cool music videos on YouTube and found a really talented YouTuber named Jon Paul Anderson. He did a video for a nine inch nails song, called “Vessel” that I was blown away by. I reached out to the guy and we hit it off chatting and so I then told him I had a song I really thought his approach would be perfect for if he was interested. He said to send him the track and I’ll let you know. He came back super enthusiastic, and asked if I had any ideas, I replied with what I was thinking about being a fly on the wall inside of my head.

He followed up with me quickly, that he had some footage that he thought would be perfect he also had some ideas for some stuff he could shoot to add. The end result was something I was beyond proud of.

01.22.25

by Jane Lambert

Sound Strider’s “Progress” Is a Furious Post-Industrial Reckoning

Few artists arrive with a debut single as unapologetically incendiary as Sound Strider’s “Progress”

A brutal takedown of late-stage capitalism wrapped in industrial beats and scathing lyricism, the track is really a manifesto. The lead single from his upcoming album entitled “Mechanical Animist“, “Progress” channels the existential dread of the 2020s into a relentless, dystopian groove that feels both timely and timeless.

Listen in here:

The track wastes no time setting its tone, opening with a mechanical, almost sarcastic list of capitalist rituals: “investment, testing, impressing the boss”, before plunging into a caustic critique of a system that equates expansion with erosion.

Over pounding percussion and hypnotic synth layers, Sound Strider methodically deconstructs the corporate machine, exposing the greed, environmental devastation, and dehumanization lurking beneath its polished surface. His lyricism is both surgical and seething as it dissects the absurdity of modern economic and political structures with the precision of a manifesto.

As the track progresses, its intensity only deepens. Mirroring the spiraling anxiety of an era where profit margins outweigh human well-being.

By the time Sound Strider reaches the track’s climax, a relentless chant of “F** progress,”* it’s clear that this is a cry against the hollow promises of unchecked technological advancement and a society that prioritizes perpetual growth over collective survival.

Vocally, Sound Strider oscillates between spoken-word venom and punk-adjacent fervor. His delivery reminiscent of the fiery urgency of Zack de la Rocha or the poetic rebellion of Saul Williams.

There are moments where his cadence feels almost hypnotic, as it drwas listeners into a trance-like meditation on their own complicity in the systems he critiques. Then, without warning, his voice explodes into raw frustration as it rips through the track with an immediacy that feels as much like a live protest as it does a studio recording.

“Progress” is a high-voltage blend of industrial, trip-hop, and experimental electronica, evoking echoes of Nine Inch Nails, Death Grips, and early Massive Attack. Production is razor-sharp, with each layer meticulously designed to create an atmosphere of tension and unease.

In an era where protest music often gets diluted for mass appeal, “Progress” refuses to compromise. It is raw, relentless, and absolutely essential listening.

Connect with Sound Strider:

Website / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / Soundcloud

12.18.24

by Jane Lambert

Animals In Denial Deliver Pulsing Industrial Rock with Single “Operator”

Animals in Denial’s new single “Operator” is an exploration into heartbreak, wrapped up in a gritty industrial-electronic sound.

The story behind “Operator” is as compelling as the song itself. The beat has been living in the artist Christian Imes’s head since they were 14, back when they were cruising the streets of Canton, NC, and obsessing over The Matrix.

At the time, they didn’t even have a synth – just a guitar and a lot of ideas. Years later, using a lite copy of Ableton Live and some old-school drum samples, the track finally started to take shape. It came together fast at first with the initial demo finished in just 30 minutes, but the final version was elevated thanks to a collaboration with industrial icon Steven Seibold (Hate Dept, Pigface).

Seibold’s fingerprints are all over the production. From tweaking the vocal delivery on the third verse to suggesting subtle backing harmonies in the chorus, he brought a fresh perspective to the track.

Listen here:

The pair even recorded the vocals in Seibold’s home studio, which was a full-circle moment for the artist, who’s been a longtime fan of Seibold’s work. The result is sleek and dynamic, with just the right amount of edge.

Musically, “Operator” is a study in restraint. An earlier version included guitar parts, but the final mix strips them away to let the synths and beats carry the weight. That choice gives the track a sharp, metallic vibe that feels perfectly in line with its themes of emotional distance and digital disconnect. The song pulses with a hypnotic rhythm, pulling you in as layers of sound build and shift. It’s dark, atmospheric, and relentlessly captivating.

But the heart of “Operator” are the lyrics, which draw from a relationship that left its mark. The “operator” in the song is a nod to late-night phone calls and AIM chats with an ex who once felt like a lifeline, but who eventually became a source of pain. It’s brutally honest and deeply relatable especially for anyone who’s navigated the murky waters of young love.

Whether drawn to its cyberpunk aesthetic, its honest lyrics, or its sheer force, this is definitely a song that grabs your attention.

Keep up to date with all things Animal In Denial on the Website.

09.06.23

by Jane Lambert

Animals in Denial Unleashes Raw Energy and Rebellion in “Because Reasons Revisited”

The music scene is often fraught with barriers, but artists like Animals in Denial break through these constraints with sheer determination and unwavering passion. In his latest release, “Because Reasons Revisited,” this industrial rock maestro doesn’t just drop a track; he unleashes a torrent of raw energy and rebellion that transcends boundaries and conventions.

First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand the genesis of “Because Reasons Revisited.” This track serves as the harbinger of a revisited series, a collection of songs that were initially birthed as rough demos. Yet, what truly sets these revisited versions apart is the meticulous craftsmanship that has gone into remixing and remastering, coupled with the utilization of state-of-the-art studio upgrades and AI tools. Animals in Denial, reflecting on the early days of his music-making journey, notes the humble beginnings of his studio setup, where post-production was often relegated to the sidelines due to limited resources. However, “Because Reasons Revisited” emerges as a testament to his evolution as an artist and his unyielding commitment to honing his craft.

But what truly ignites this track is its lyrical inspiration, a testament to the artist’s personal journey within the Industrial goth scene. Animals in Denial’s firsthand experience in this subculture was far from idyllic. Instead, he found himself bombarded by negative energy, pessimistic voices, and unsolicited advice from veteran artists who seemed disillusioned with the very essence of creation. The discouraging refrain that “nobody cares, so why bother” threatened to stifle his creative spirit.

However, “Because Reasons Revisited” boldly defies this sentiment. It encapsulates the essence of an artist who refuses to be silenced, a musical maverick who acknowledges that his path might not lead to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or a Grammy, but that’s inconsequential. What truly matters is that he created something that is honest, unapologetic, and deeply personal.

With influences that harken back to the glory days of rock, Animals in Denial stands as a torchbearer for the old-school Rock N Roll spirit. Nods to legendary acts like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins, Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode, Nirvana, and Cheap Trick are evident in his music. Still, Animals in Denial masterfully blends these inspirations, creating a sound that is distinctly his own while remaining true to the roots of rock.

Yet, beyond the sonic prowess, Animals in Denial’s music embodies a universal language that defies cultural, linguistic, and societal barriers. “Because Reasons Revisited” stands as a clarion call for unity, understanding, and empathy. In a world often marred by division, his art becomes a bridge that connects diverse individuals, fostering a profound sense of shared humanity. He implores his audience not to fear judgment and to embrace their individuality.

Connect with Animals in Denial via:
Website / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Spotify / Soundcloud

09.21.22

by Jane Lambert

Video Voyager: Jane Jensen’s “Changeling”

An imagination captured by the glitz and camp of late 70’s variety show offerings (think Cher) and then consumed by rock and roll, poetry and electronic music, Jane Jensen’s mind and music tend to wander in many directions but her love for industrial music is the thread that weaves it all together.

She just released two new singles, “Changeling” and “Revolution Maker,” with her album Changeling. In tandem, she also released the music video for “Changeling.” The song is about inner transformation and rebirth with an industrial alt rock backdrop. Visually speaking, the video has a 90’s style and visualizes change with glitching.

We spoke to Jane Jensen about the “Changeling” video in this edition of Video Voyager:

Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically in this way?

The narrative for the song “Changeling” is simple. It focuses on a personal journey that leads to transformation. It’s reflective of past trauma and future possibilities. It’s about transmuting pain into power and figuring out what lessons need to be learned to move on and effect needed change in life. I wrote and worked on this song a lot during the pandemic – lots of time to be reflective.

What was the inspiration behind this video?

The video has a deep seated 90’s vibe and it began as a complete coincidence. I partnered with video director Sean Sweetman and we rented a photo studio for a couple hours to shoot some cool visuals. Initially, we planned to feature a lot of martial arts but we had some glitches on shoot day and weren’t able to get those shots. The studio had a wall of televisions which immediately indicated the 90’s aesthetic and direction for the rest of the shoot and aftereffects. Although Sean did mention early on that he wanted neon crosses like Baz Lehrman’s Romeo and Juliet, which is a 90’s film, so I guess we were steeped in 90’s nostalgia from the start. Also, the chair as a major focal feature is reminiscent of my video from the 90s More Than I Can and my favorite detail is the ms dos font that runs throughout the video. When Craig Kafton and I were working on my first album Comic Book Whore he used a Compaq computer for programming and sequencing. That green flashing font was at the core of every track on that album.

What was the process of making this video?

Sean and I had a pre-production phone meeting. We decided to shoot me with my guitar and a mic stand, rather than the whole band. Sean wanted to incorporate his newly acquired neon lights as neon crosses, and he had lots of photographic ideas that he wanted to capture with that kind of lighting. I like to preplan everything, and Sean is very comfortable just showing up and shooting whatever is available. We did both. There is also planning that goes into clothing, hair and make-up. I discovered Ukrainian brand MDNT:45 and was happy to show my support by wearing some of their clothing in the video. The hair and make-up were very subtle by Alexandra Bayless, and we had one mind-blowing dancer Jahlani Luv. She was really wonderful, and we wished we had more time to shoot her.

After the shoot was complete, Sean started the editing process and presented a rough-cut followed by a few more finessed cuts until we got the one we both were happy with. Then I took the final cut to add some additional 90’s effects and the ms-dos font that is featured throughout the video. The best advice I can give to an artist who is producing their own music video would be not to do it under a strict time constraint. That kind of pressure can lead you to cut corners or not get a visual you are totally satisfied with, because you feel the pressure to stay with the timeline and keep moving forward, even if you are not happy – SO, give yourself plenty of time! And just as important, be satisfied with the quality of the visual. If you don’t love it, you won’t want to share it and if you are an indie artist, you are calling the shots so keep working on it until you love it – even if you have to push back release dates.

Watch here:

Connect with Jane Jensen:
Website / Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / TikTok / YouTube / Spotify / Soundcloud

09.15.22

by Jane Lambert

Jane Jensen’s Two New Singles Are a Captivating Pair

Jane Jensen’s aesthetic encapsulates the glitz and glamour of the 1970’s variety shows consumed by rock and roll, poetry, and electronic music. While her mind and music tend to wander in many directions, her love for industrial music is the thread that weaves it all together.

Her new album, Changeling, consists of 2 new singles, the industrial alt rock “Changeling” and the industrial pop-punk “Revolution Maker,” each with a Dark Wave and Synth Pop remix. They are sister songs with “Changeling” contemplating rebirth and self-transformation and “Revolution Maker” acknowledging a failed state and calls for the universal hero.

Listen here:

“I wrote ‘Changeling’ and re-wrote it again and again until I felt it hit that emotional spot I needed to fill,” shares Jane. “The song means a lot to me for my own development as a person and as a producer. ‘Revolution Maker’ was a collaboration with Marc and Eric Klee Johnson. They invited me to be a back-up singer in their New Wave band back when I was in high school. The rest is history. Writing music is a magical process but working with dear friends is pure icing.”

Connect with Jane Jensen via:
Website / Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / TikTok / YouTube / Spotify / Soundcloud