American singer-songwriter/France transplant Annie Toth is no stranger to the spotlight, having been part of Chicago bands Weatherman and Singing in the Abbey, in addition to sharing stages with greats such as Juana Molina, Ryley Walker, and many others. Now, however, she’s stepping into the light on her own with a brand new project, AM Higgins, and her debut album, Hymning, is out tomorrow via Victorialand Records..
Recorded and mixed by Sufjan Stevens collaborator Casey Foubert, Hymning is an atmospheric, otherworldly escape, a break from the overexposed, chaotic elements of the everyday that beckons one to slow down, and become enveloped in a transfixing, orchestral haze. Warmth radiates throughout the entire release, from the welcoming first track “All the Stars Are Out,” to the shimmering sway of “O Crystal,” and the calming, grounding glow of “Carry Me.”
The album is said to serve as a snapshot of Toth’s transition from suburban American life to rural France, describing the newness and wonder of uncovering something completely unknown and leaving the familiar behind. That said, the tracks — which initially started as an attempt to write modern-day hymns — allow for moments of pause and self-reflection amidst beautifully poetic prose, sung out in enchanting verses.
Leading up to the album’s release, we are premiering Hymning in full adn spoke with Toth about the LP, and much more
What is the inspiration behind writing your new LP? What do you want your fans to take away from it, and what does it mean to you personally?
I wanted to explore the idea of what a modern hymn could sound like. Hymns with more relevant thoughts and sentiments. What emerged were 8 very intimate songs which feel like personal prayers. The through line between all of these songs is nature. I look to nature to help ask and better understand questions about spirituality. I think there is so much mystery hidden in nature and I am deeply intrigued by the metaphors between nature and humanity.
From the latest single, “Anchors,” my goal in writing that song was to remind myself that I am part of a larger ecosystem that is anchored in love. I hope that people listening to that song can feel anchored in love.
Would you say this is a concept record?
Yes, this is a concept record in that I approached the writing of these songs with a concept in mind (writing a modern hymn). I’ve always loved concept records and think it’s a cool way to experience a grouping of songs. It also helps me when I’m writing to have some parameters.
Can you share a bit about your songwriting process, and what you think makes a good song?
My songwriting process changed dramatically when I moved to France.
We moved to a very rural and wild environment in France, which is the exact opposite of Chicago. The small medieval village that we live in has a population of 150 people. There is nature everywhere you look, so many hikes, wild hills, hidden forests, rivers; a sort of mystical environment that feels very untamed and somewhat untouched. Once we set up our home here, I started sticking to a daily routine which involved 1 hour of contemplation followed by 1-3 hours of writing. That one hour of contemplation would sometimes involve a hike in nature. That time of taking in my natural environment fed right into my creative process, so the two became intertwined. It wasn’t intentional, but it felt very natural to move through the day in that way. I moved to France so that I could live a slower life. Living slower and getting space away from trying to achieve something or always doing something has given me the space to let the nature that surrounds me to also inhabit me.
I think strong lyrics make a song great. There are so many talented musicians who can write a compelling melody set to a strong chord progression but it’s rare to find songwriters whose ability to write beautiful lyrics matches their ability to write beautiful music.
Finally, how have you been spending your pandemic time?
Hiking, working, thinking, reading, worrying, playing with my cats, and writing the next record. We’ve got an entire new record all written and ready to record!
Hyming is out tomorrow on all DSPS via Victorialand Records, and is due out on vinyl on November 19.
