Allie X: Unmasking “Girl With No Face”

The interview is taken from our new digital issue Nr. 21. We had the pleasure of sitting down with pop innovator Allie X, fresh from launching her much-anticipated fifth studio endeavour, “Girl With No Face.” Steeped in the defiant essence and pioneering soundscapes reminiscent of the early ’80s, the album’s tracks are a unique blend of comforting nostalgia and brand-new auditory experiences.

“Girl With No Face,” takes listeners on a high-energy escapade into the most shadowy corners of Allie’s imagination, all articulated with her distinctively sharp humour. The lead single, “Weird World,” is paired with a visually arresting video directed by Allie X herself. The release also includes a powerful trio of tracks: “Girl With No Face,” “Black Eye,” and the breakout hit “Off With Her Tits,” which quickly achieved iconic status in the queer community and exploded with millions of streams within just weeks of its release. Showcasing the apex of her vocal range, Allie X oscillates between fierce cries, haunting whispers, and an unforgettably beguiling presence.

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Can you tell us more about the concept behind your new album, “Girl With No Face,” and how it explores your personal journey?

I didn’t start with a concept. It all began with the idea that I would try to write and produce something myself.  I knew I wanted to make it on synths and drum machines, and I knew my references sonically.  What I didn’t know was that it would end up being my angriest and most aggressive record.  I describe the Girl With No Face as a presence that emerged and guided me through the process.  Undoubtedly something inside of me that was so buried she felt like an out-of-body presence but so familiar at the same time.  She came for blood and was pretty funny too.

How did spending three years in isolation as the solitary producer, writer, and creative voice for this album impact the overall sound and themes of the project? What kept you going during this time?

Well, it’s pretty unhinged, and that certainly reflects my mental state.  Isolation and no feedback loop except your mind will do that to anyone.  What kept me going was my willpower, stubbornness and obsession. I had to see it through.

We understand that you took inspiration from the technology and hedonism of the early 80s new wave scene for this album. Can you discuss how this influence is reflected in the songs and the overall sonic experience?

Ya. it’s pretty simple.  I tried to use the same gear and approach as all my favorite bands from the early 80’s.  I trusted putting it through my lens would be enough to make it unique. And I think it is, despite how referential it is.

You mentioned embracing the limitations of old temperamental equipment for this album. How did these limitations contribute to the sound that you wanted to achieve?

Well outboard ears, especially old gear, is always going to be unpredictable and imperfect.  A lot of personality.  Plug-ins/soft synths are limitless and a bit too perfect for me. Uninspiring. The gear I used had so much personality it would get my imagination going right away. Sort of felt like conversing with someone with a strong viewpoint VS a yes person. I also prefer a more tactile hands-on experience.

Can you discuss the significance of the masks in your album’s visual campaign? What role do they play in portraying and exploring your identity as an artist?

I’ve always explored identity in my work. the “X” in Allie X has always had a connotation of identity/anonymity, so it’s not a new exploration for me.  Masks just felt right as the visual thread.  Unnerving, like the experience of making this record, and maybe listening to certain parts of this record.  I never saw the face of this presence I mentioned at the beginning of the interview, so it made sense to give her face multitudes of interpretations. We tried to do this with the makeup design too.

Read the full interview in our new issue here:

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