Quails is the solo project of Sydney singer/songwriter and producer Amy Pes, who has just dropped her self-titled debut EP.
Having already won over audiences as one third of electronic popsters Tokyo Denmark Sweden, Pes is now striking out on her own with her unique blend of dark pop and R&B, packed with glimmering synths and soul-infused vocals.
Amy has given us a rundown of the record, co-produced by Barresto and available now through So Solid Records.
Almost
Being the most anthemic track on the EP, opener Almost rouses you from a dream, a morning after, and it’s a journey filled with a melancholic hope, trying to pick up the pieces and hold onto someone you are about to lose, or who you’ve almost lost.
High Hopes
High Hopes was written one night in my bedroom. The raw base of the track came together in about 30 minutes, and for me that’s always a sign of a strong track. After working on it with Barresto, I was blown away with the final product – it is the highlight of the EP for me.
The song tells the story of the struggle between two people who thought they would endure anything to stay together, but they soon realise maybe that isn’t enough. It is based upon the way people deal with the breakdown of a relationship, ultimately they have this idea and expectation of the relationship that comes after the breakdown. The intentions are good but sometimes it just isn’t enough to carry on.
With You
With You is a song of yearning. It is just simply a song from one to another about a hidden love and desire, and the possibilities that would be unlocked if they were together. I was inspired by artists like Tourist and George Fitzgerald and their concept breakup albums, and while it’s not a breakup song, it’s still laden with that same sort of sorrow and longing.
The Red Light
The Red Light is about the dominant vs the submissive, the control vs the controlled, the stop vs the go. It looks into a dynamic between two people: the one who calls the shots, and the other who asks “how high”, all the while the latter party knowing it’s unjust and it’s a tainted bond. The vibe of the track is so desolate, which accords so aptly with the perspective of the narrator.
Dumb
Dumb is a bit of a summary of young love and its naiveties. It’s about the stupid things you do when you love someone, the ridiculous situations you put yourself through for the sake of keeping the other person. It’s only after a time, you can look back and see, yep, that was dumb.
House Not A Home
This was one of the first songs I wrote when I started this solo project. It was initially completely different and sounded more like a London Grammar track. I put it away and after the Quails sound was starting to evolve, I revisited it again, and it became more soul and r’n’b and I stripped it right back.
It centres around a toxic relationship, unnecessary jealousy and the constant feeling of walking on eggshells. There’s so much tension in this track, which is reflective of what was going on for me when I wrote it.
