Marking the one-year anniversary of her critically acclaimed debut EP With You (In Mind), which was championed by the likes of Earmilk, Notion, and Metal Magazine, and helped her garner over two million global streams, Los Angeles indie pop rock singer, songwriter and musician HALO KITSCH is proud to release her deeply personal and fearless new single titled ‘i was a virgin (on drugs)’. Written by Halo herself, and produced and engineered by Ben Zelico, who has also worked with Aly & AJ, Overcoats, and Nasty Cherry, among others, ‘I was a virgin (on drugs)’ is a haunting story about a boy who nearly ruined a girl. The blistering track screams anger, anguish, and regret, as it sees Halo exploring her first experience with drugs and wrestling with her feelings towards the boy who gave them to her. She sat down with Wonderland to talk about the new single.
Driven by searing guitar arrangements and infectious drum patterns, and held together by Halo Kitsch’s evocatively piercing vocal performance, and her provocative songwriting, which saw her reach the semi-finals of American Songwriter’s Song Contest in 2022, ‘i was a virgin (on drugs)’ is inspired by a line that Halo heard when she decided to rewatch the first Avatar movie late last year, where actress Michelle Rodriguez calls the human race “daisy cutters” as they start to invade Pandora. The phrase ‘DAISY CUTTER’ echoed in Halo’s head for weeks as she wondered why it resonated so deeply with her – the destruction of something innocent. It was obvious that she was the daisy, and as the defiantly liberating song for Halo reveals, this daisy is not getting cut down without a fight.
Sharing her inspiration for writing ‘i was a virgin (on drugs)’, Halo Kitsch says, “Bottom line, this is a story about a boy who nearly frickin’ ruined a girl. But the good news is, and the strength resonating through the song is… I’m still here, I’m just mad as hell. So, he failed. I think everyone’s been the daisy before, whether it was life, circumstance, or relationships that tried to cut them down. I found forgiveness for myself in this song when I finally admitted that I wasn’t the only one at fault, that in some way, I’d fallen victim and still came out alive on the other side. I’m not really sure what tool someone would use to cut down a daisy… Scissors? A lawn mower? But it felt more to me like my antagonist was using a chain saw. My wish for this song is that it hands the chainsaw back to my listeners.”
Speaking about the creative process behind ‘I was a virgin (on drugs)’ and how the track came together, Halo shares, “I remember bringing it to Ben, packing around his coffee table with the idea. It’s difficult to explain, but what he sent back to me sounded how that first high felt – a sudden distorted surge, pulse-pounding, adrenaline-pumping, electrifying, and almost in a weird sort of way, uncomfortable. I honestly thought for a second that it was totally crazy, but I loved it. It reminded me of creating ‘A Hit of You (A Bit of You)’ with him, when I had told him that I wanted the post-chorus to feel like a high and a comedown. The final result here honestly feels like if the sound of MGK and Kesha had a baby, and I could not be more obsessed with it, I definitely want to ride in this lane more often.”
ABOUT HALO KITSCH
Born on the outskirts of Los Angeles, Halo Kitsch discovered her passion for music early on, with the piano becoming her first love and songwriting sanctuary. What began as playful melodies evolved into catchy tunes that resonated within her family. This artistic refuge became more pronounced during her college years, especially amidst personal battles with depression and addiction. Despite dropping out in her third year, Halo’s drive was undeterred. She juggled multiple jobs, tirelessly funding her studio sessions and refining her craft. This dedication led to a fruitful collaboration with producer Ben Zelico, resulting in a vast catalogue of songs. Halo embodies the spirit of ’90s rock, meticulously shaping her art and leaving audiences enthralled with her raw energy and captivating stage persona.
Propelled by the echoes of her humble beginnings and the weighty influence of indie rock legends, Hal is making waves in LA’s vibrant music scene. Her poignant debut track ‘All (Your) Fault,’ inspired by the Woolsey fires that nearly burnt down her home, quickly gained traction on major Spotify playlists. This momentum was sustained with further releases, leading to over two million streams across 18 singles and a critically acclaimed debut EP. Notably, she has navigated these successes amidst challenges, such as her journey to sobriety and the complexities of the music industry. Her new single ‘I was a virgin (on drugs)’ exemplifies Halo’s evolving artistry and unwavering femme power. Through it all, Halo Kitsch stands as a testament to perseverance, talent, and the transformative power of music.
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MEDIA & PRESS: Please direct all inquiries to Ayo Adepoju: [email protected]
