Alt-pop musician Psyrena (Madeleine Wise) opts for introspective minimalism on ‘Christmas For One’, a seasonal ode to all the craziness emanating around the world at the moment and offers us a glimmer of hope and the perfect respite we all need right now.
She says: “’Christmas for One’ is my natural reaction to this ongoing situation. I describe the impact of the lockdown but I also raise hope and give actual advice how to cope. Maybe this becomes a new anthem for introverts, either way, Dr. Psyrena will help. And who knows, maybe I can still perform this song for my fans in an intimate piano plus candlelight setting, just before diving into large portions of sauerkraut, a roast, glühwein and several desserts.”
A deft animator and visual artist, Psyrena created and designed animated videos for singles ‘Jedi Master’ and ‘Rainbows and Unicorns’ released earlier this year. Drawing on a myriad of influences, she combines modern day synth-pop with soulful, emotive harmonies and will release her new EP ‘Quarantella Rockefella’ in 2021.
Psyrena is no stranger to international cultures. Her own tri-lingual upbringing has led to recording her festive EP “Psyrena’s Christmas” (2018) featuring seven traditional songs sung in seven different languages. 2019 saw the release of her “Fallen Angel” EP, showing a darker side & inspiring critical acclaim by journalists and fellow artists.
Being a multi-instrumentalist herself, her writing and production work has already been featured on [adult swim] and Cartoon Network. Together with her creative partner Yak Bondy and Ivor Novello composer Hélène Muddiman she co-wrote and performed music for the Original Motion Picture ‘Bliss!’ (2016), conducted by Eimear Noone, the first ever female orchestra leader performing at the Oscars in 2020.