Guys check out this crazy avant-garde band called Energy Whores based in New York City. They are on some other level stuff, combining artsy alt-rock with electro punk-pop with much difference and individuality.
Formed by ruthless guitarist Attilo Valenti and vocalist/songwriter Carrie Schoenfeld, Energy Whores don’t fuck around. Using elements from protest poets like Bob Dylan, and the rebellious spark of Rage Against The Machine they create music which is lyrically sharp like a blade, and sonically creative, bending the listeners mind.
Their recent single “MACH9NE” was released in April and it does depict their progressive and meaningful conception. It takes place in a world where technology and art intertwine together which makes it examine man’s connection with AI with this sick cyberpunk notion of NRG – a human cyborg.
As for Energy Whores, for those who like their music to be daring and provocative and lyricism to contain a message, it is an act that one should get acquainted with. I am excited to quiz them about their unconventional approach to songwriting, their concept behind their songs, and what is the next step in this cyberpunk dystopian artpop journey.
Listen to MACH9NE below
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What is your stage name
Energy Whores
Is there a story behind your stage name?
The band name comes from a song called Energy Whores I wrote in 2019 about climate change. It is a political song about science deniers, corrupt corporations aligned with politicians’ hell bent on keeping us dependent on fossil fuels for their own financial gain. In first world countries, we are all Energy Whores so it’s not only a name for the band but for us all.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
Music got me through everything and still does. I don’t think I would have survived otherwise.
How did you learn to sing/write/to play?
My love of music started at age Nine when I went to the Mannes Collage of Music in New York City. I studied classical music composition and was a classical pianist. But then there was rock, synth pop, disco and electronic music that was so much more appealing to my young mind. I took my knowledge of classical music and it evolved into what it is now. I have no formal training in singing or writing.
How could you describe your music?
This is a hard one to answer because I’m not sure what style the music is. Music is a mix of emotions and vibrations. How do you describe an interpretation of that? I don’t know but I’ll take a stab at it.. I think our music genre should be called Avant- electro. That name seems to fit.
Describe your creative process.
Most often I write the music first with the theme and some lyrics in my head. Sometimes I wake up from dreams with melodies in my head and then run to the keyboard to play them. Sometimes I hear something on the news that angers me so much that it becomes a song. Each songs develops in it’s own unique way and I can’t generalize how and why songs come to life.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?
Yes, If you don’t evolve you become obsolete.
Who do you see as your main competitor?
I love to support other artists and I don’t compete with anyone. I feel that we are all in this together and love to collaborate.
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?
I’d own a pancake house and make pancakes all day. I would have a soup kitchen attached for the homeless.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
In the music industry everyone must fit into a specific genre and stick to it. People always ask me after listening to one of my songs “ But what is it?” They want to put it in a box. Besides that it has been a great journey!
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
Oh don’t even get me started! I know it’s about the money but it would be nice if it was about the music too. Songs start to sound alike because everyone seems to accept the status quo because there is nothing more innovative. I have to dig deep into the unknown music section of Spotify to find something interesting and new. It takes intelligence, guts and money to gamble on something unconventional , controversial and impactful. We are looking for that person.
Why did you choose this as the title of this project?
Mach9ne is about a half AI and half human NRG . The number 9 is believed to represent completeness, balance, and perfection. In the song NRG believes she is now all of these things and can live in a world without humans who are flawed and destructive.
What are your plans for the coming months?
We will be releasing a new song “Bunker Man” along with a new music video this summer.
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans?
We are currently collaborating with the band Indifferent Monkey
What message would you like to give to your fans?
Don’t be a leader or a follower. Be a locksmith who gives people keys to open their minds. This is our message because that’s what we believe and who we are.
