Annie DiRusso's debut album, ‘Super Pedestrian,’ showcases her impressive lyricism, intricately crafted backing tracks, and a bold artistic identity that belies her age, highlighting a musical maturity that stands out.
‘Super Pedestrian,’ released in early March through Summer Soup Songs, introduces DiRusso as an artist who is both grounded and intriguingly experimental. The album invites listeners on a journey through the complexities of aging, seen through the eyes of a more evolved self. With her unique combination of poetic lyrics, sonic experimentation, and introspective viewpoints, DiRusso has created an album that feels anything but a debut. If this is merely the beginning for her, the potential for her future works is limitless.
In an interview with Atwood Magazine, DiRusso reveals feelings of stagnation during her last tour: “I kind of lost touch with my current self because I was performing songs I wrote when I was 20 and wearing the same dress.” Instead of distancing herself from her younger years, she approaches them with kindness and reverence. For instance, in the opening track "Ovid," she reflects on her origins with vivid imagery, highlighting her relationship with her family and her experiences in both New York and Nashville. The song “Leo,” which she describes as “a curveball song,” is a tribute to her brother and connects well with “Derek Jeter,” which incorporates a voice message from her father reminiscing about the baseball star.
Tracks like “Derek Jeter” provide a brief respite in contrast to the more heavily produced pieces, such as “Back in Town.” DiRusso refers to this track as a “huge labor of love,” emphasizing the meticulous effort that went into achieving an ideal pop sound. The song commences with a subtle beep, reflecting the detailed attention invested in every note and sound. As DiRusso reaches a climactic moment, her vulnerability is palpable, culminating in an enchanting silence before the full instrumentation returns, ending with the echo of laughter and a candid phrase that encapsulates the emotional arc of the piece.
Throughout the album, it's evident that DiRusso drew inspiration from various art forms, including poetry and visual art. Each song is rich with lyrical elements that evoke the essence of sonnets. A standout moment occurs in “Legs,” where the line “We kiss like we’re talking” exemplifies the simplicity and thoughtfulness DiRusso incorporates into her writing. She observes that “songwriting is largely about being as concise as possible, similar to solving a puzzle,” and ‘Super Pedestrian’ indeed presents itself as a well-fitted jigsaw of emotions and experiences.
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what elevates this album to its masterpiece status. DiRusso’s “labor of love” resonates through every track, even those that might traditionally be viewed as fillers, such as “Derek Jeter,” which provide celebratory moments between the heavier explorations of relationships. The thoughtful arrangement of songs creates a journey that ebbs and flows in the most impactful way.
Even the album cover was a carefully chosen element. DiRusso spent considerable time sketching ideas, ultimately opting for a whimsical depiction of herself as a centaur—a fitting symbol of the album’s title and its theme of personal growth. She summarizes the essence of ‘Super Pedestrian’ beautifully: “It’s me getting myself where I need to go.”
In ‘Super Pedestrian,’ DiRusso has delivered a multifaceted and intimate work that is also an artistic triumph, inviting listeners to join her on a complex yet rewarding path of self-discovery.
A CONVERSATION WITH ANNIE DIRUSSO
Atwood Magazine: How does it feel to release your debut album, and how has the reception been?
Annie DiRusso: It’s been incredibly exciting. Many aspects feel less like a debut, as I wrote all the songs within a six-month span, rather than pulling from five years of material. Although I’ve been releasing music for years, this album feels different; it gives me a sense of authenticity as an artist. I appreciate being able to share more than what fits into a single song, exploring various sounds and themes to create something fuller.
You mentioned a period after your tour called "Party July," during which you wrote a lot of new songs. Can you tell me more about this time?
DiRusso: After touring for almost two years, I felt disconnected from my current self, as I was performing older songs and reflecting on a different time in my life. Upon returning to Nashville and embracing "Party July," I shifted my focus to living fully rather than just writing. This period allowed me to reconnect with life, and in turn, my songwriting became more organic. I wrote much of the album during this time, influenced by my experiences and friendships. It was a transformative moment for me.
How have your experiences in Nashville and New York shaped your music?
DiRusso: Both cities
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With intricate lyricism, well-crafted backing tracks, and a daring sense of artistic identity, singer/songwriter Annie DiRusso's debut album 'Super Pedestrian' showcases a musical sophistication that is well beyond her age.