Annie O Presents: SEE

Annie O, our East Village music maven, brings the best musical acts of the day to The Standard, East Village's Penthouse for The Annie O Music Series. 

On Sunday, April 30, Annie O's bringing New York native SEE to the Penthouse. Her first official music video (for the  single "Potions") has been watched on YouTube over 4.5 million times, which not all 20-year-olds in the biz can say. She's getting ready to debut her new EP Ties, which was produced by Brad Wood (Liz Phair, Smashing Pumpkins), and is coming to the Penthouse to give a preview in an acoustic, intimate set. Get to know SEE in her interview with Annie O. 

Annie O Presents: SEE
Sunday, April 30, 7-9PM
The Standard, East Village Penthouse
Free with an RSVP to AnnieO@StandardHotels.com

ANNIE O: Tell us about the overwhelming success of your single, "Potions." When did you write it, and what was it like watching its rise?
SEE: I wrote "Potions" on Christmas Day in 2015, funny enough. I had previously had the song title but felt inspired to write as I had gotten a new notebook and started writing down some lyrics. I remember the date because it's kind of bizarre to write a song on Christmas. It's been absolutely incredible seeing the response that it's been getting. Once I wrote it, I knew it was "the song," but I never expected it to gain traction as quickly as it did. I'm very grateful. 

It's a pretty powerful song that's obviously resonated with a lot of people. Is there a story behind it?
There isn't a particular moment that influenced it, but more of my overall experience being with a girl and how right and natural it felt. I think people are able to connect because it's coming from a very honest place for me and it probably translates. 

Are you currently in the studio recording a new EP?
Yes. I may be releasing a few singles before another complete EP, but I've been writing and producing in the studio since the late summer. I'm really excited about the newer stuff. I finally feel like I know myself as an artist and it's time for me to bloom. 

What was it like working with Brad Wood, who has produced for epic artists like Smashing Pumpkins and Liz Phair? What's your work vibe like?
Working with Brad was a dream. He produced records and bands that I grew up listening to, so it was all a bit surreal. What I loved about working with him was that we had time to spend a week together basically just talking and getting to know each other. I think it is so important to vibe with someone and understand their personality before working creatively with them. After that, we spent about two or three weeks working on everything and we banged it out. I couldn't have imagined it going better, to be honest. He was very relaxed and real with me, and really helped guide me through my first professional recording process. 

Are there any other artists or producers that would be a dream for you to collaborate with?
Too many, honestly. One of my favorite things is collaborating and songwriting with other people. There really isn't anyone I can think of off the top of my head right now, but put me in a room with anyone creative and I'll have the best time.

Are there any songs by other artists you currently have on repeat?
I've been obsessing over Third Eye Blind for the past few weeks. I think everyone has been nostalgic because of their record's 20-year anniversary, but I think lyrically and musically it's just such an incredible record and I can't get enough of it. 

Any touring plans this summer?
Yeah! I'll be on the road for most of June and May. I can't announce the dates yet, but it's gonna be a blast and it'll be my first time officially "touring," so I'm sure I'll be learning a lot and getting a lot of inspiration.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?
If I had a cool power, I think I would want the power to be anywhere whenever I want. Like how they apparate in Harry Potter. But my non-fun and honest choice would probably be some sort of healing power. That sounds cheesy, but I just hate seeing people and the world in pain. 

What can we expect from your performance at The Annie O Music Series?
I'm so so excited because I'll be doing a very cool stripped down set with my band. Playing acoustically is really where I feel at home and it's back to my roots, so people will get to hear the produced songs in a new light. 

What's next for you?
Just new music, touring, and continuing to grow and learn. I think this next year is going to be a big one, and I couldn't be more ready or excited for it!