We can’t recall a time that we were so excited about a new artist. Melbourne’s Beth Crypt has just unleashed her first single, ‘Ghosts’, and we’ll be damned if it isn’t one of the strongest debut tracks we’ve heard in quite some time. It’s pure punk-surrealism.
‘Ghosts’ is a luscious, atmospheric and haunting number that has us drifting into a blissful, dreamy haze. It embodies the witchy intimate songwriting of Phoebe Bridgers and the unapologetic staunchness of Crystal Castles. It’s an all-consuming gothic lullaby. Like a soul-nourishing soundtrack for a bout of insomnia. It’s been weeks since I heard it first and it’s impression lingers on.
We were so excited about ‘Ghosts’ that we felt propelled to unpack the enigma of Beth Crypt. Crypt, in her eternal loveliness, was so kind to answer a few burning Get To Know Questions that we sent her way. So listen to the track below and check out what she had to say.
Listen: BETH CRYPT – ‘Ghosts’
How did your artist name come about?
I wanted to use a moniker for my music that reflected the way that my music sounds. “Beth” is from my middle name – my grandmother is Elizabeth and I love the old feel to it. I love death metal and the intensity of the names the bands have – I wanted something dark and brooding – I was thinking about something ridiculous like Death Crypt and then I realised I could just swap “death” with “Beth” to make it fit. As soon as I said it out loud I knew that was it. Very witchy, feminine and dark.
Tell us a bit about your single, what it’s about and how it came about?
I wrote Ghosts a few years ago, while I was really struggling with some pretty overwhelming anxiety. I’ve had it since I was a teenager but it flares up now and then and I really have to spend some time acknowledging it and working to ease it. One day, it dawned on me that sometimes to me it feels like the anxiety I experience is almost like a “haunting” – it is something that is almost a separate entity to me entirely that takes over my normal way of thinking and feels impossible to shake. It leaves a sick, hollow feeling in your belly and clouds all your thoughts. I tried to describe that feeling in this song.
What do you love about your hometown?
I love Melbourne for the art scene. I moved down here as an adult and have never looked back – so many of my creative friends from all around Australia have also made Melbourne their home and it really feels like a community down here. I also love that you can get out of the city and drive into the forest or to the sea pretty easily. It can feel like you’re on the other side of the world and you’re only an hour away.
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Favourite non-music hobby?
I love to sew and do embroidery. I’ve been making little hand stitched embroidery hoops for a number of years and it is so cathartic, just to draw up a design and watch it come to life one stitch at a time.
What’s on your dream rider?
Watermelon, sushi, a strong bloody mary (extra olives) and rose pouchong tea. Not to be consumed all at once.
Dream music collaboration?
Annie Lennox, Kavinsky and/or Chino Moreno. CAN YOU IMAGINE.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I’d love to be continuing to write music and create art. Hopefully just on a larger scale!
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
“Rapture” by Blondie,“There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart)” by Eurythmics or “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush. All iconic women, all iconic songs.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Anything my mother has ever said to me. She always tells me to be kind.
What’s one obsession you have that no one would guess after listening to your music?
I love heavy music and grew up listening to punk. If it wasn’t Beth Crypt, I’d have loved to be in an all-girl thrash band. Maybe one day!
You can keep up to date with all things Beth Crypt via Facebook.
