Indra Aziz
Parisian artist Crystal Murray has unveiled her latest EP, "Anatomy Of A Cry," a six-track collection that marks a profound personal and artistic rebirth. The EP, born from an intense emotional release experienced during a writing trip in Stockholm, signifies a deliberate departure from her previous sound and a powerful reclaiming of her artistic voice. The title itself, a transformation from the initial working title "Numb Enough," encapsulates the EP’s central theme: the transformative power of acknowledging and releasing pent-up emotions.
The Genesis of "Anatomy Of A Cry"
The catalyst for "Anatomy Of A Cry" occurred unexpectedly at Stockholm’s Philharmonic Orchestra. Murray recounts a moment during a writing session where a single musical note triggered an overwhelming, two-hour-long cry. This cathartic experience allowed her to purge six months of accumulated emotional numbness. "I heard the first note of it, and mechanically the cry started," Murray shared in an interview. "I let out six months of numbness that I had kept in myself. When I finished the EP, the name changed to ‘Anatomy Of A Cry.’ Originally it was titled, ‘Numb Enough.’" This profound moment served as the emotional bedrock upon which the entire EP was built, shifting its conceptual focus from a state of emotional suppression to the very process of emotional liberation.
Murray’s move from Paris to London also played a significant role in her artistic metamorphosis. She describes finding a newfound independence and creative lucidity in the UK’s capital, a space where she could escape the pressures of her previous label and the constant external noise. "I found my independence here," she stated, alluding to a period where she felt liberated to explore her artistic vision without the constraints of external expectations. This period of introspection and newfound freedom allowed her to reconnect with her authentic self and explore the spectrum of human emotion more freely. The EP’s development was intrinsically linked to this journey of self-discovery, with the titular "cry" representing the breakthrough that unlocked her creative potential.
A Collaborative Spirit and Independent Drive
The creation of "Anatomy Of A Cry" was a deeply collaborative yet fiercely independent endeavor. Murray worked closely with her long-time collaborator, French guitarist Adrian Edeline, who co-wrote all the songs on the EP. Their creative partnership allowed Murray to explore melodies and sonic landscapes that resonated with her desire to embody the soul singer she aspired to be. "We really found ourselves exploring melodies where I felt super comfortable being the soul singer that I wanted to be," she explained. "I knew the guitar’s sound would have space and take the song somewhere else." This symbiotic relationship fostered an environment where raw expression and instinctive creativity could flourish.
As this marks Murray’s first independent release, the creative process was characterized by a strong adherence to her own inspiration, a conscious decision to resist the influence of A&R feedback that had previously steered her away from her true artistic inclinations. "My whole process of making this EP was trying to keep this first instinct, and that was the biggest fight," she admitted. This commitment to authenticity meant prioritizing music that she genuinely wanted to listen to, a stark contrast to some of her earlier work. "This was the first time that I was trying to really listen to the references that I love and not make songs that I wouldn’t even want to listen to. There are literal songs that came out in the past that I would never listen to. I couldn’t stay that way," she revealed. This resolute stance underscores the EP’s foundation in confident vulnerability and a dedication to artistic integrity.
Thematic Exploration and Sonic Identity
"Anatomy Of A Cry" is an exploration of confident vulnerability, with Murray delving into personal experiences that she describes as "painful" due to their raw honesty. The EP navigates themes of emotional release, self-discovery, and the duality of life, often infused with a dark, ironic sense of humor. This blend of raw emotion and wit is exemplified in the final track, "Numb Enough," which features a first-take freestyle performance. The lyric, "I’ll suck him till he’s glowed up," is delivered with a raw, vulnerable, and "dirty" energy that Murray embraces with relish, highlighting her willingness to explore the more uninhibited aspects of her artistry.
The sonic landscape of the EP is a testament to Murray’s genre-bending approach. The opening track, "Part Two," which was the first song written for the EP, establishes a distinct musical space characterized by an blend of ’80s drum machines, lo-fi electronic elements, trap influences, and shoegaze guitar vibes. "I was really into ’80s drum machines. It’s electronic but it still sounds lo-fi," Murray explained. "We found that space within us where I was able to be my super emotional R&B self, while still being quite trappy and also having this shoegaze guitar vibe." This unique fusion creates a rich and immersive listening experience, reflecting Murray’s desire to create music that is both emotionally resonant and sonically adventurous.
Influences and Creative Breakthroughs
The creative process behind "Anatomy Of A Cry" involved a deep dive into personal experiences and cultural touchstones. The track "Tangerine" was inspired by Murray’s fascination with the character of Sin-Dee from Sean Baker’s film of the same name, and a desire to capture a similar tumultuous energy. The song’s opening splashy guitar sequence is said to have emerged from an American publicity advert against streaming, translating a visual and conceptual idea into a sonic motif. Similarly, the melody for "Sweet" came to Murray during a trip to Los Angeles. This track taps into her dark, ironic sense of humor, as she sings about the superficiality of perceived success, a sentiment that contrasts with her dislike for the city itself. "There’s a funny rawness to my writing and the duality of life," she remarked, highlighting the recurring theme of contrasting realities in her work.
The EP’s tracklist is a carefully curated journey through Murray’s recent artistic evolution. The initial melodies often sparked a period of questioning, but ultimately, the process was about finding a sense of internal home and reclaiming it in the studio. Murray views "Anatomy Of A Cry" as the first chapter in a new narrative, a decisive move away from a "boxed-in persona" and an embrace of a genre-blending work that prioritizes her authentic artistic voice. She proudly declares the EP as the best music she has ever released, a testament to her successful reinvention and "spiritual homecoming." This artistic redirection stems from a period of feeling disconnected, particularly during a large-budget show in Paris with her former label. "I couldn’t sense who my real fans were. I just had a moment where I had everything I wanted, and I wasn’t happy with my sound."
A New Chapter of Authenticity
Crystal Murray’s "Anatomy Of A Cry" is more than just a collection of songs; it represents a profound artistic and personal awakening. The EP is a testament to the power of embracing vulnerability, trusting instinct, and shedding external expectations. The music video for her track "73" metaphorically depicts Murray shedding her pop-star persona and returning to her core emotional self. "I’m coming back to myself, I like going in myself and being the emotional body I always wanted to be," she explained. While she may identify as a "struggling independent artist," Murray has never been more artistically fulfilled or attuned to her creative direction. "I’m so fulfilled artistically. I’ve been finding so many answers in these questions I’ve been asking myself."
The release of "Anatomy Of A Cry" signifies a deliberate break from her past and a bold step into a future defined by artistic freedom and authenticity. Murray has let go of the preconceived notions others held for her, allowing her music to breathe and evolve organically. The EP is a masterclass in genre-blending, mood-altering soundscapes that resonate with the artist’s innermost feelings. As she continues to explore new sonic territories and delve deeper into her emotional landscape, Crystal Murray has firmly established herself as an artist committed to genuine expression and the transformative power of vulnerability. The EP’s title, "Anatomy Of A Cry," serves as a poignant reminder that even in moments of profound emotional release, there lies the potential for immense growth, clarity, and a powerful reclaiming of one’s true self.
Words: Karolina Kramplova
Photo Credit: Jessica Madavo
