Out now on Bandcamp are two very different takes on the same holiday original, penned by Lovespirals vocalist, Anji Bee. While the lyrics are decidedly melancholy, the original 2010 recording adds an upbeat twist with its catchy disco house style, replete with wah wah guitar and disco strings. The 2012 version is classic Lovespirals dream pop with it’s soaring ebo guitar and glacial tempo. Anji’s vocal are, by turns, sensual and sublime, with a certain cheekiness to the house version and a mournfulness on the shoegazer version. There’s more than one side to this complex duo, and this single is the perfect illustration of their musical and emotional duality. Bandcamp offers affordable digital downloads in your choice of audio format including high-quality download in MP3, ALAC (Apple Lossless), AAC, Flac, Ogg Vorbis, WAV and AIFF formats.
Category Archives: news
New & updates on Anji’s various projects
Anji Bee Solo Album Released
Anji Bee, of The Chillcast, has just dropped her debut solo album, ‘Love Me Leave Me,’ featuring a mix of old and new songs recorded and produced over 3 years in her home studio. Though Bee has released 4 albums, 6 eps and numerous singles with her So Cal duo, Lovespirals, she’s still found the creative energy to collaborate on dozens of songs with artists such as Berlin club sweetheart, Bloody Mary, Parisian poptronica chanteuse Beth Hirsch, and Chilean trance producer, Aerotek, over the past decade.
“I love working with producers internationally via the Internet, but often feel my vocals could have been pushed further had we been in the studio together,” says Bee of her collaborative work. “After we released the last Lovespirals album [‘Future Past‘ released on Bee’s own label, Chillcuts, in 2010], Ryan suggested we put together an EP of fresh reworkings of some of my favorite Internet collaborations.” Bee is referring to her long time producer/partner, Ryan Lum, who originally formed their band as Love Spirals Downwards in 1991 and sold over 50,000 albums as one of Projekt Records most successful acts. Lum brings a lushness to the material that helps tie the songs together, regardless of genre. “There was a surprising flow to the recording sessions and the tracks were turning out so amazing that I was inspired to write several new compositions with Anji,” admits Lum.
The 11 tracks on ‘Love Me Leave Me’ flow between deep house, trip hop, and world influenced poptronica, exploring every aspect of love; desire, satiation, longing, disillusion, and contentment, expressed at the peak of Bee’s abilities. “Its funny to listen back to the original recordings of songs like “Love Me Leave Me” and “Perfect Boy” [originally released by Canadian act, Bitstream Dream, in the early to mid 2000s], because they sound like demos compared to the album versions. I’ve grown so much as an artist over the decade.” Not only has her vocal ability improved, but her recording techniques. “In the early stages of production, we listened to some of the best female voice recordings I could find – Karen Carpenter, Fleetwood Mac, Sheryl Crow, Sade – for inspiration in getting her vocals to sound better than ever,” recounts Lum.
Following a low key album fundraiser initiative which urged fans to contribute what they wanted while buying their pick of 5 remix singles of the title track released over several months earlier this year, Bee pre-released the album for her Bandcamp fans. The ultra limited edition eco-friendly CD of ‘Love Me Leave Me’ and sexy full color 11×17 poster began selling moments after the page went live. Both the physical CD and digital download come with a digital-only bonus track, called “Just One Word,” as well as a 3-page digital booklet with 3 additional boudoir portraits of Bee by erotic photographer, Aga Furtak, plus the album lyrics and credits. Bandcamp offers 2 gift sets, both of which include a copy of ‘The Chillcast with Anji Bee Presents: 5 Years of Chillin‘ compilation on CD. The Holiday Gift Set also includes all 4 Lovespirals albums on CD, plus the 2012 Projekt Records holiday compilation, Ornamental, which is the only way to purchase the Lovespirals dream pop version of Bee’s original song, “Happy Holidays.”
‘Love Me Leave Me’ is also available on iTunes, Amazon, CDBaby and other digital retailers.
Video for Love Me Leave Me 2013 Version
Anji Bee and her Lovespirals partner/producer, Ryan Lum, filmed this intimate and sexy video for the title track from her brand new debut solo album, ‘Love Me Leave Me,’ in her own boudoir. She makes the vintage pinup style album art, originally shot by erotica photographer Aga Furtak, come to life! This recording is a lush new interpretation of Bee’s classic 2003 lyric – originally released with cult favorites, Bitstream Dream – which has been remixed by a host of international producers in celebration of its 10 year anniversary.
Pick up one of the ultra limited edition CD and poster sets — autographed by Bee — at http://anjibee.bandcamp.com before they run out. ‘Love Me Leave Me‘ and the ‘Love Me Leave Me Remixes‘ album are also available on iTunes, Amazon Mp3, CDbaby and other digital retailers.
Mr. Alfa + Anji Bee Release Doomed/Who Will Help The Girl Single
On the brink of releasing her debut solo album, Anji Bee first releases a new single in collaboration with German producer, Mr. Alfa, on his Venus Recordings label. The 2- song single, ‘Doomed/Who Will Help The Girl,’ was begun last November, when Alfa Kay sent Bee the instrumental demo which became “Doomed.” Perhaps ironically, Bee added these distinctly unromantic lyrics to the tune in a Valentine’s Day 2013 recording session. Its unusual for Bee to use her first take scratch vocals in a finished song, but the immediacy of the recording adds a refreshing looseness to the nearly 7-minute jazzy downtempo track. The flip side, “Who Will Help The Girl,” invites the possibility of future love with its questioning lyric and more upbeat chillout vibes.
Bee and Kay previously collaborated on the free single, “Winter Sun,” released last Christmas season, and Kay has remixed several of Bee’s tracks, including the title track of her upcoming CD, ‘Love Me Leave Me,’ and her collaboration with Karmacoda and Beth Hirsch, “Love Will Turn Your Head Around.” You can find all of these tracks at anjibee.bandcamp.com
Purchase ‘Doomed/Who Will Help The Girl’ by Mr. Alfa + Anji Bee on iTunes or Amazon Mp3 Store
“Love Me Leave Me (Lovespirals Baeleric Chill Remix)” Lyric Video
It’s the 10th anniversary of one of Anji Bee’s best-known songs, “Love Me Leave Me,” and she’s celebrating with a gorgeous all-new recording, co-produced by Ryan Lum of Lovespirals. This dreamy Baeleric-infused chill out mix strips down the electronica elements of the album mix and adds Lum’s trademark dream pop electric guitar, wistful acoustic guitar, and groovy congas, plus an additional soulfully ethereal backing vocal by Miss Bee. Very romantic! “Love Me Leave Me (Lovespirals Baeleric Chill Remix)” is available on the digital only ‘Love Me Leave Me Remixes‘ album on iTunes, Amazon, CDbaby, and Bandcamp. Use discount code YOUTUBE for 10% off at https://anjibee.bandcamp.com
Urban Punks and The Morphism Remix Anji Bee
It’s the end of Summer, and the end of Anji Bee’s campaign to raise funding for her debut solo album with a series of remixes of the title track, “Love Me Leave Me.” Two new Bandcamp-exclusive digital singles were released, featuring 3 club-ready dance remixes by San Francisco DJ/Producer act, Urban Punks, and up-and-coming Russian techno/breaks producer, The Morphism. Additionally, Bee has made the popular 2004 mix by Rom DiPrisco, of Bitstream Dream, available for sale for the first time in years.
Bee is urging fans to contribute what they can afford via the “pay what you want” option on her Bandcamp page. At time of writing, fans have donated $550 towards the pressing of an ultra limited edition CD. Bee also hopes to recoup the costs of mastering the album plus her cover photo shoot, and with some luck, pay for a small promotional campaign. She is offering to include the names of all fans who donate at least $20 in the liner notes of the CD, with a donation deadline of Sept. 21, 2013.
Check out all 5 ‘Love Me Leave Me’ remix singles at anjbee.bandcamp.com
Anji Bee on Behind The Lyric Radio Show
Anji Bee discussed both the lyrical back story behind her Lovespirals‘ song “This Truth” on the latest episode of Behind The Lyric. She also talked about how the chart-topping Damien.S VS Lovespirals remix single came to be released by Loverush Digital in 2010. Hostess and show producer, Marcie Joy, plays the Adam Fielding Chilled Out Mix. Interestingly, Adam was also a guest on this episode, talking about his latest album. More great songs and stories are featured from Zoe Johnston, Maxx Hennard, Yavanndiel, Noah, and Marcie.
Download Behind the Lyric #31 FREE on iTunes
Listen to an edit of just Anji Bee’s interview feature on SoundCloud:
Behind The Lyric airs on over 40 major FM and Internet stations worldwide, including The Movement HD, who recently added The Chillcast with Anji Bee to their lineup.
Anji Bee Interview on Inside The Machine
Anji Bee is the featured artist on the second episode of Inside The Machine, the new audio show of Nicholas Young, founder of Original Machine. She and Nicholas sat down for an hour long interview on Skype, which actually went a bit longer as the two enjoyed their discussion of independent music, radio, podcasting, and fine arts so much. The show revolves around the back stories of 4 of Anji’s songs, “Love Me Leave Me,” “Hand In Hand,” “Love Will Turn Your Head Around,” and “Put Some Music On (Intensity of Sound Retro Funk Mix),” all of which are included in full on the show.
2017 UPDATE: This station is now defunct, but I archived it over on my InternetArchive account: AnjiBeeOnInsideTheMachine
2nd “Love Me Leave Me” Remix Single Released
Fundraising efforts continue for Love Me Leave Me, the debut solo album by Anji Bee, with two new remixes of the title track being released. This second “Love Me Leave Me” remix single features a dreamy Baeleric-infused chill out mix by Lovespirals. Ryan Lum of Lovespirals stripped down the electronica elements of the original album mix and added wistful acoustic guitar, his trademark dream pop electric guitar, and groovy congas, while Anji contributed a soulfully ethereal backing vocal to enhance the verses of this moody and romantic remix.
The “flip side,” as it were, is a light and summery remix by German producer, Mr. Alfa, of Venus International. Bee had previously contributed vocals to Alfa Kay’s Winter Sun EP in December 2012. Kay also contributed two remixes to Bee’s collaborative song, “Love Will Turn Your Head Around,” with San Francisco band, Karmacoda, and singer/songwriter Beth Hirsch, who is a frequent collaborator of Kay’s. Bee is set to release a Karmacoda remix of “Love Me Leave Me” as one of 2 tracks on the upcoming 3rd single.
As with the first single, Bee is urging fans to contribute what they can afford via the “pay what you want” option on her Bandcamp page. At time of writing, fans have donated nearly $300, which is approximately 1/3 of what’s needed to press a small run of eco-friendly CDs. With several more singles slated for release including the aforementioned Karmacoda remix, mixes by The Morphism and Daniel Knoxville, plus 2 mixes by Den Jones under his new Urban Punks moniker — and possibly a few more surprises — Bee is hopeful that her funding needs will be met. Pre-sales for the full-length album will likely begin in August.
An exclusive “unplugged” mix is available as a free download for fans that sign up to the email list on www.anjibee.com or that “like” the official Anji Bee page on Facebook via an app on Anji Bee’s MTV page, where you can also leave a “tip” to help fund the CD pressing.
10th Anniversary of “Love Me Leave Me”
Its the 10th anniversary of one of Anji Bee’s best-known songs! The lyrics and vocal melodies of “Love Me Leave Me” were written a decade ago for a musical collaboration that never materialized. But Anji loved the song so much that she shared her demo vocals with Canadian producer, Rom di Prisco, who created a version for his 2004 Bitstream Dream album, ‘Integration.’ This album has long been out of circulation, and the song is not available anywhere legally.
Anji had never been satisfied with her hastily recorded demo vocals, so she was delighted when her Lovespirals partner, Ryan Lum, offered to recreate “Love Me Leave Me” in their own Chillcuts Studio. Armed with a vintage Neumann mic, a state of the art reverb unit by Bricasti, and an additional decade of singing, recording, and production experience, Anji has finally brought her melancholic lyrics to life with sensual and jazzy nuances galore.
The first remix of “Love Me Leave Me” to surface is by Anji’s long-time collaborator, The Grooveblaster. A series of 2 song singles are set to be released over the next month, with entries by Karmacoda, Mr. Alfa, Lovespirals, The Morphism, and Den Jones. Anji is asking her fans to pitch in a few bucks for each release to help fund the release of her full length debut solo album on CD, as well as to defray the cost of moving her long-time music show, The Chillcast, to a new hosting service. Read all about it and hear the single in full at anjibee.bandcamp.com