Alice Glass has some things to say about men

Alice Glass’ innovative approach to music has earned her critical acclaim in the electronic music scene. For years, she has consistently embodied the avant-garde and adopted an “in-yer face” performance style with distinction. Following her departure from Crystal Castles in 2014, Glass underwent a profound metamorphosis, emerging as a redefined incarnation of herself after enduring nearly a decade of abuse and coercive control which Glass has stated that she is “still recovering” from.

Glass’ recovery and definition has graced us with the album PREY//IV, released in 2022. The extreme pop album is rammed with vivid portrayals of body horror, where eerie soundscapes intertwine with distorted and warped synths, accompanied by a drum loop that punctuates the tracks. These rough dissonances create a claustrophobic panorama, while Glass’ lyrics overlay descriptions of violent fantasies. It’s an album that is stylistically infused with the cultural significance of horror, having collaborated with Astra Zero and Lucas David.

Movingly, Glass has stated that she “hopes through her personal stories and lyrics, they (her fans) could avoid situations like the one I was in.” I caught up with Glass (and her new puppy Squid) over Zoom ahead of her performance at this year’s Wide Awake Festival, where Dazed Club members can get 50 per cent off tickets.

As you prepare to play at Wide Awake Festival in May, are there any British bands that have piqued your interest recently?

Alice Glass: When I was last on tour in the UK I played with two bands, Tokky Horror and CLT DRP. They’re both excellent female-fronted punk bands. 

In your writing, there are subtle references to religious symbolism, such as ‘redemption’, ‘God made me wrong’ and the concept of the ‘sacrificial lamb’. Did you find spirituality during dark times, or are you drawn to the narrative aspects of religion?

Alice Glass: Whatever you’re brought up with shapes you; it’s common to revert back to it when it has been set as your default. Raised in Catholicism, my first introduction to performance was singing as Angel Gabriel and ‘showmanship’ came through church. The church was also my first introduction to art, through iconography. I still have a big appreciation for religious art, but it reminds me of being a little girl and being afraid of the church’s teachings. Alongside the aesthetics, I discovered from a young age the concepts of ‘hell’ and ‘suffering’ and religious hypocrisy. It exposed me to the understanding that often, people who seem to ‘have all of the answers’ are not trying to help humanity at all, they’re just perpetuating fear. Using a religious narrative, for me, is like when you’re a kid and you dress up as the monster you’re scared of to connect with it.

What advice would you offer to aspiring female punks trying to make waves in their small hometown scenes?

Alice Glass: When I first started in my hometown scene, I was making waves to spite the local bands and righteous punk men. Don’t listen to men who have a stage in their apartment – it’s not cool, it’s because venues don’t want them. There are going to be a lot of people who will try to stop you. If you’re in the punk scene, don’t let people use your own punk ideology against you. It’s another manipulation tactic. When I was fighting for money, for what I was rightfully owed, I was hit back with: ‘You’re punk, you shouldn’t be fighting for percentage’, ‘Aren’t you anti-money?’, ‘Shouldn’t you be against the system?’ Anything that you can make money from can put you in a level of danger.

There will always be men, and other people in positions of power who aren’t there for the art, who won’t speak up for the oppressed. Take advice with a grain of salt, even from friends, especially if someone is telling you how to feel. When you’re green, you can be easily manipulated, you never know how much can be stolen from you until it is. Look out for each other, there’s strength in numbers. Know who to avoid in your local scene, make friends with bouncers – but not if they’re creeps. Making music should be fun, free and artistic and it shouldn’t come with so many warnings, but this is the reality of it.

How does your experience of seeking autonomy and empowerment influence your artistic expression?

Alice Glass: I’m living in an era where I don’t ever get to the point of self-doubt, I don’t second guess myself. I’m not influenced by what others want anymore. When you let others in it takes away your power. I’m making music for myself, expressing myself sincerely. If you believe in yourself and your vision, you can be a shining diamond, a razor blade of truth. I only want to read and listen to things that represent the truth.

What does the hyperpop scene in LA offer that others seem to be lacking?

Alice Glass: It’s a scene where everybody feels safe to be their authentic self, regardless of gender identity, or sexuality.

Your favourite corner shop snack?

Alice Glass: ‘Big Turk’ Turkish Delight, and ketchup chips.

What’s your ghost outfit?

Alice Glass: Something classic, Victorian – why are all ghosts Victorian? Chains, cinchers, big collars, anything that is ‘uncomfortable’ in life, as you wouldn’t feel discomfort if you’re dead.

“If you believe in yourself and your vision, you can be a shining diamond, a razor blade of truth” – Alice Glass

What’s your star sign and are you a typical one of that star sign?

Alice Glass: Virgo-Leo cusp, which is the cusp of exposure. Sometimes I want to expose myself, sometimes I want to hide away in a cave. Apparently, Virgos are meant to be creepy-looking.

What conspiracy theory are you quite into actually?

Alice Glass: Life on other planets, it’s very self-involved for humans to think we would be the only species in the entire magic of the universe.

Any recurring dreams?

Alice Glass: Zombie dreams, which have started to stop, but I had them for around a decade, I think it represents a lack of control.

What’s your love language?

Alice Glass: Gift-giving.

What’s on your For You Page right now?

Alice Glass: I haven’t been on Instagram since last June. It’s not my business what other people think about me. But I miss communicating with fans.

What do you put on your rider?

Alice Glass: Mainly healthy stuff to make sure I don’t get scurvy. If people are spending their time and money to see me, I need to deliver to the best of my ability, because it’s such an honour to have that.

You encounter a hostile alien race and sound is their only mechanism for communication. What song would you play to them to inspire them to spare you and the rest of the human race?

Alice Glass: I don’t think I would play anything with lyrics, I don’t know if they would resonate with human emotions. So maybe 50s instrumental guitar, or some low-fi beats.

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