Rising artist Banshee has unleashed her compelling new album, BIRTH OF VENUS, a potent seven-track collection that serves as a vital voice for women’s safety and empowerment. This sonic journey, laced with electronic energy and raw emotion, directly confronts predatory behavior and misogyny prevalent in club scenes, music venues, and broader society. For those seeking a powerful “Venus Song” that resonates with resilience and strength, Banshee’s latest work is a must-listen.
Behind the moniker Banshee is Rachel Knight, a musician whose personal experiences with abuse and sexual assault within her local music scene deeply inform the album’s narrative. BIRTH OF VENUS is more than just music; it’s a reflective and resonant statement that strikes a chord with women navigating similar challenges. Following her acclaimed 2022 debut, Banshee has solidified her position as a significant LGBTQ+ icon, captivating audiences with her fearless vulnerability and artistic innovation.
In a conversation with Ones To Watch, Banshee delved into the creative process behind BIRTH OF VENUS, offering insights into the album’s powerful symbolism and her message for those seeking inner strength.
The album title, BIRTH OF VENUS, is deeply symbolic, representing a personal rebirth for Banshee. Leaving behind a metal music scene tainted by experiences of assault and abuse, she embraced electronic music production as a path to sonic and personal liberation. Inspired by the historical context of early house music as a “rebirth of disco,” Banshee envisioned BIRTH OF VENUS as her own artistic renaissance, emerging from a dark period to forge a unique and empowering sound. This concept of rebirth is central to understanding the album as a whole, framing each track as a step in this transformative journey.
World-building is paramount to Banshee’s album creation process. She meticulously crafted the concept, sound, and visuals for BIRTH OF VENUS to create a cohesive and immersive experience. Each song on the album was intentionally created within this defined world, serving a specific purpose within the overarching narrative of empowerment and reclamation. This deliberate approach underscores the album’s thematic depth and artistic vision.
Banshee’s signature “Sirencore” sound is undeniably unique. Drawing inspiration from her lifelong fascination with sirens and the ocean, and blending it with witch house influences, she has forged a sonic landscape that is both captivating and powerful. While witch house often evokes forest imagery, Sirencore plunges into the depths of a dark ocean, embodying the “rage of the sea.” This fusion of seemingly disparate elements creates a sound that is distinctly Banshee’s, contributing to the album’s overall impact and memorability.
Creating BIRTH OF VENUS presented its own set of challenges. Banshee was particularly focused on highlighting the underlying connections between metal and house music, despite their surface-level differences. While her previous album, FAIRY METAL, explored the successful fusion of metal with trap and hip-hop, BIRTH OF VENUS delves into the Venn diagram where metal and house intersect. This meticulous approach to sound design and genre blending is a testament to Banshee’s artistic vision and commitment to sonic innovation.
The album fearlessly tackles weighty issues such as sexism, assault, and misogyny. Banshee finds strength in vulnerability, explaining that silence is more painful than speaking out. Driven by a desire to advocate for her past selves and others who have suffered in silence, she uses mythology and folklore as a vehicle to share her story. Venus, in this context, becomes a symbol of female agency and resilience. Banshee encourages others seeking similar bravery to find an outlet that feels safe and non-judgmental, emphasizing the importance of creating a “safe space to let go” and express oneself authentically.
When asked about her favorite track, Banshee points to “BIRTH OF VENU” (the song), describing it as the quintessential “venus song” of the album. This track reimagines the Birth of Venus myth from a female perspective, granting Venus voice and agency within her own narrative. For Banshee, reclaiming her voice has been a healing process, and this song serves as an “incantation for strength and breaking silence,” encapsulating the core essence of Sirencore and the album’s empowering message.
A standout musical moment for Banshee is the lyric: “Your secrets were never safe with me, when I scream the sea/sky is listening.” This line, she explains, embodies the core of Banshee as an artist – a refusal to be silenced. It speaks to the power of voice, particularly for survivors, and the vastness of the world listening when one chooses to speak truth to power.
Looking to the future, Banshee expresses a desire to experiment with pop music, drawn to its sonic versatility and potential to incorporate unexpected elements like screaming. This ambition hints at further evolution in her sound and a continued push for genre boundaries.
As for what she anticipates for the rest of 2023, Banshee eagerly awaits fall, her favorite season for creative endeavors. She plans to immerse herself in music creation, visual projects, and outdoor exploration, bringing to life the “world-building” she has been developing throughout the summer.
Offering advice to her past self, Banshee shares a liberating message: “There’s literally no rules to anything, just do what you want and don’t think too much!!” This embodies the spirit of artistic freedom and self-discovery that permeates her music.
Finally, Banshee extends a heartfelt message to her fans, emphasizing the importance of community for survivors. She expresses gratitude for her supportive community, acknowledging their role in creating a meaningful space of belief and mutual support. Her closing words, “If you’re reading this, thank you for everything,” resonate with genuine appreciation and connection with her audience.
Banshee’s BIRTH OF VENUS album, a powerful collection of empowerment anthems, is available now. Discover your own strength in her “venus song” and join the growing community inspired by her fearless artistry.
