CANDY WHIPS: Synthetic Soul: Stories of Survival and Sound

Artificial Melodies isn’t just an album—it’s an unfiltered glimpse into the contradictions of existence, wrapped in synth-drenched soundscapes. Through this interview, Candy Whips peels back the layers of their music to reveal stories of resilience, the struggles of sobriety, and the tension between personal authenticity and societal facades. Greg’s heartfelt reflections on addiction, encapsulated in the raw, emotional track «A Drop Will Do,» offer a poignant reminder of the battles many quietly endure. Meanwhile, Wendy’s dystopian lyricism and commentary on the commodification of art provoke questions about creativity in an increasingly artificial world. Balancing danceable beats with dark introspection, Candy Whips masterfully captures the paradox of finding joy amidst chaos. This conversation dives deep into their artistic ethos, revealing a band as genuine as they are revolutionary.

-Hi, first off thanks for taking your time. How’s everything doing in the lair of Candy Whips?

Wendy: Things are good. People seem to be digging the new album.

– The title Artificial Melodies seems to play with the idea of synthetic soundscapes alongside themes of authenticity versus artificiality. What inspired this title, and how does it reflect the underlying messages or contrasts you explore throughout the album? Do you see it as a commentary on the balance between personal authenticity and the ‘constructed’ personas or facades that can emerge in both music and daily life?

Wendy: It’s actually a lot less intellectual than that. I’ve been reading quite a bit about the history of electronic music and in the early 70s, when synths were really starting to take a hold in popular music, a lot of the old guard didn’t consider them «real» instruments. The album title is kind of a play on that.

– “A Drop Will Do” has been described as a deeply personal track about addiction and the cycles
of struggle and recovery. How did writing this song influence your own journey with sobriety, and what impact do you hope it has on listeners dealing with similar challenges?

Greg: There is a saying in recovery that if you forget where you came from, you’ll end up there again. “A drop will do” is a reminder of all the turmoil I went through while in the throes of my alcoholism. There seemed to be no way out and despite knowing I had to stop using and trying to fight, I kept coming back and using again and again.

It’s the most honest and soul baring song I have written and still makes me emotional at times listening to it. 

I hope that it resonates with people going through a similar experience, whether it be with alcohol, drugs or even anxiety and depression. The first step is asking for help, despite how difficult of a step that may seem. 

There is no shame in needing help, we all need help sometimes. There are a lot more people out there willing to listen and extend a helping hand or just be there with you and let you share your experience. 

There is a way out and myself and others in recovery can help you get there. 

– Your music blends ‘80s synth-pop with modern themes, offering what some have described as a “post-glam” or “accidental goth” aesthetic. How do you see these genres allowing space for vulnerability in discussing mental health, and how does it connect with the themes in Artificial Melodies?

Greg: I think all genres of music are a pathway for people to connect and share experiences with one another. Whether it be love, sex, partying, depression, drug addiction, trauma etc these are things most people have experienced and can relate to. Music is a communal experience and a powerful tool to facilitate empathic understanding. 

Historically punk and goth music, not that I would personally classify us as a goth band, have dealt with the darker topics of the human experience. Anxiety, depression, addiction, loneliness, and oppression, to name a few. There is a sort of resilience and defiance in discussing the things that threaten us. If we can identify the issue, we can overcome it. Music is powerful, don’t let Spotify and the commodification of art taint its efficacy. 

Wendy: My lyrics are mostly inspired by dystopian and/or science fiction. I think that we, as a species, are heading towards a very dark place and many of these lyrics are a way for me to express my anxieties about our future. I take a lot of inspiration from Devo when it comes to that sort of thing. They were great at satire.

– Side A and Side B of Artificial Melodies present two contrasting sounds: one focused on
collaborative energy and another deeply introspective solo experience. Could you tell us about the decision to split the album in this way, and how each side represents different aspects of The Candy Whips?

Wendy: Part of it was just plain practicality. Our original idea was to introduce the live band with a 7″ but the label insisted on a full length. We didn’t have enough material yet to do a full album but I had plenty of solo material yet to be released so we combined both elements into one album. I plan on doing both solo and band stuff moving forward so this album was a way to introduce our audience to the concept that Candy Whips is both the band and my solo work.

– With songs that explore dependency, personal narratives, and even social conformity, how do you balance a raw honesty in your lyrics with the rhythmic and often upbeat vibe of your music? Do you see this contrast as reflecting any truths about how we face difficult realities?

Wendy: Good art is always about contrast and unpredictability. A lot of my favorite musicians have the ability to blend dark lyrics with music you can dance to. What’s that old quote? «It’s not my revolution if you can’t dance to it?» Something like that.

– The pandemic reshaped your creative process and inspired a “synth-drenched fever dream” sound. How did isolation and the loss of live performances influence your vision for Artificial Melodies, and in what ways has it permanently shifted your approach to creating music?

Wendy: The pandemic was the catalyst for Candy Whips. I suddenly found myself with a lot of free time and a handful of synths that I hadn’t really done much with. I decided it was time to dig in so I started writing songs and eventually ended up with the first album, Automaton. Over the last few years, a lot of the stuff I was coming up with wasn’t appropriate for any of the bands I was in. This project has given me an avenue to explore new musical directions.

– Themes of identity, survival, and the clash between authenticity and artificiality are woven throughout Artificial Melodies. In what ways do you feel these themes resonate with the wider experiences of today’s listeners? How important is it for you to tackle contemporary issues through a personal lens?

Wendy: I don’t really think about how the audience will resonate with my lyrics when I’m writing. It’s really all about whatever is on my mind at that moment. Sometimes I’ll spend an entire week crafting personal lyrics, and sometimes I’ll spend about 10 minutes doing a stream of consciousness kind of thing. If people find something that speaks to them in my writing, that’s great but it’s not my objective.

– Finally, Artificial Melodies fuses music with commentary on sobriety, identity, and social
expectations. What has been the most surprising response from fans to this rawer and more reflective material, and what conversations do you hope it sparks in listeners?

Wendy: I think that as far as lyrical content goes, people have really been resonating with Greg’s song, «A Drop Will Do.» We’re getting to the age where a lot of our peers are realising where their limits are with drugs and alcohol. I have a LOT of friends who have gone sober in the past five years or so.

-And before we wrap this interview up, what are now your near-future plans?

Wendy: We’re going to keep playing regional shows, we’re continuing to write more new music, and I’ve already got the next album mostly finished!

-That’s all from our side. Thanks again for answering to these questions. If you’d like to add some final words; it’s your turn.

Wendy: We’re just getting started. Stay tuned for what comes next!