America’s Sweetheart combines the gorgeous singing and songwriting of Anastasia Kinsella and Valerie Germain, who sing about the highs and lows of love and life. Their latest single, “Face To Face,” produced and co-written by Godfrey Diamond (Lou Reed, Princess Superstar, Billy Squier, Aerosmith, etc.), is another gem in this navigational range of emotions. Rounding out the whimsical single is guitarist Robbie “Seahag” Mangano (Sean Lennon, The Grandmothers of Invention), drummer Johnny Markowski (New Invention). “Face To Face” is a sweet, albeit melancholy song about longing for the days of being able to have human interaction again while we are in the midst of a pandemic. It’s a dreamy song of yearning and hope.
The music video for “Face To Face” features illustrations by Katie Plitt, brought to life by Calvin Swaim’s animation, with the clip depicting a woman traveling through the city, barely occupied, with silence and stillness, riding along on the Number 2 train. She encompasses all that we’re enduring and have endured; wearing her mask, carrying her groceries, concerned about the state of the world and, seemingly, her place in it.
We caught up with Anastasia “Stace” and Valerie to discuss “Face To Face,” and the music video accompanying it, their songwriting and collaborating process, and their fun favorites.
I love your single and video for “Face To Face”. I know it’s related to the pandemic we’re all living through but can you give us some specific background on what influenced the lyrics?
Anastasia “Stace” Kinsella: Thank you so much and thanks for listening! Our producer, Godfrey Diamond, wanted to write a song with the line “Face to Face.” Initially, we were just thinking about how everyone is always looking at their cell phones and the separation of it all. Val came up with this haunting and lonely sounding guitar line that repeats through the song. The words and melody just poured out.
There’s such a dreamy, lush vibe to the song too. How does your songwriting process flow?
Valerie “Val” Germain: We play the ‘Hot Potato’ game. We drink a little whiskey and everyone has to take a turn. There’s a good amount of editing, but you gotta be willing to fail.
How did you all meet? What’s it like working with producer / song co-writer, Godfrey Diamond, along with guitarist, Robbie “Seahag” Mangano?
Val: Stace and I met at a wedding on the dance floor, shimmying to a Go-Go’s song. We were the only ones dancing, so I knew she was my kind of people.
Stace: We met Godfrey at Sibera in NYC. America’s Sweetheart was playing a show and this cool guy in a leather jacket caught our eye and said, “Hey, I like you guys, I’m a producer.” And we’ve basically been working together ever since. Godfrey has taught us so much about sound, and time and delivery. He elevates us and we love him. Godfrey also brought in Seahag for additional guitars; his superpower is being able to add melody and texture to any situation he finds himself in.
The animation is sweet and interesting in the video. Was that a joint effort or idea? Who created it?
Val: It was a joint effort! Stace and I came up with the idea for a girl, who we named America, going through the city and feeling isolated and overwhelmed by all the crazy things going on right now, and also having a cat Zoom party. (laughs)
Stace: We wrote a pretty detailed treatment, then we had to convince our talented friend Katie Plitt to draw it – which we managed to do. Thank you, Katie! Luckily, my high school friend Jennifer Cobb, who is a director and producer, found an animator. She was able to bring this to life in a straight-forward, evocative way. Jen Cobb is awesome and has actually directed all of our videos.
Fun Questions
Who was your first concert, and who has been your favorite so far?
Val: First was Paul Young and Nik Kershaw at Rocky Point Amusement Park on a hot summer night. My favorite was Fugazi, which was another sweaty night.
Stace: My very first concert was a punk rock show in Newport, RI – Vicious Circle & Verbal Assault played. And my favorite concert I’ve ever been to? That would be Dolly Parton, played bar chords on guitar with those nails. She made me cry.
What was your first album on CD and/or vinyl?
Val: Diana Ross – Diana! Disco-Funk elegance.
Stace: Talking Heads ’77 was my first vinyl, and I actually happen to have it right here. My first CD was Elvis Costello, Blood and Chocolate.
Which five albums and/or artists can you not live without?
Stace: Lemonade/Beyonce, Here Come The Warm Jets/Brian Eno, End of The Century/Ramones, Helen Reddy/Helen Reddy’s Greatest Hits, Patsy Cline/Showcase
Val: Pete Townshend/All The Best Cowboys Have Chinese Eyes, Buddy Holly/The Complete Buddy Holly, The Breeders/Last Splash, The Cars/The Cars, Edith Piaf/Ma Vie En Rose
Do you have a music or entertainment-related guilty pleasure?
Val: So many! My life is a guilty pleasure.
Stace: I like to watch The Expanse with my husband. And I’m not gonna stop.❤️
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