Breathe EP by Pale Blue

Elizabeth Wight and Mike Simonetti’s Pale Blue project has always operated with a provocative air. An emotional authenticity and strong sense of realness can be found on every Pale Blue release since their debut on Mike’s 2MR imprint almost 5 years ago. Their music and message casts a wide net, attracting labels from vast areas of the musical spectrum - proving their staying power and unique voice. They have released singles on labels such as Crosstown Rebels, Correspondant, and Me Me Me - as well as releasing tracks for charities they believe in. Nothing they’ve released so far, however, hits with such a strong, poignant and critical message than these new tracks… It is rare for a dance artist to deliver peak time jams with a raw political message. 

Total, un-sugared honesty, realism and an urge for everyone to be more aware of the physical and psychological attacks many women across the world face every single day from both partners and strangers: Elizabeth calls upon some of the darkest chapters of her life to deliver hard-hitting messages we all need to hear and think about.  
First comes ‘Breathe’. Musically it’s ageless, rolling, harmonic acid house. Lyrically it’s an acute portrait of an abusive relationship where one feels stuck - be it through financial necessity or trauma bonding in a violent, emotionally abusive or dysfunctional relationship. “There have been points in my life when I have felt trapped in those circumstances and struggled to get out,” Elizabeth explains. “Luckily, I have gotten out of those situations and I hope I have a deeper awareness to never slip back in one. Love can be blinding."

‘Breathe’ is backed by two exceptional remixes: NYC’s Olive T builds on her high-profile DJ career with her first ever production. A barbed, jacking twist, she adds a darker layer of urgency to Elizabeth’s message. A stark statement of intent for the future, Olive is joined by the equally unstoppable NYC veteran Lauren Flax. She follows releases on the likes of The Bunker New York, Nervous, Afro Acid and Unknown To The Unknown with this crystalline synth perspective, and has more coming up on 2MR later this year. 

‘I Walk Alone At Night’ continues Elizabeth’s essential message but from the perspective of fear and the heightened sense of danger abusive experiences create. She wrote it just after she’d moved into her own apartment and began volunteering on the rape crisis helpline at the East Los Angeles Women’s Center. “When I first heard this song, I closed my eyes for a moment and thought about all the times I was scared, all the ridiculous things I do because of fear, and how wonderful it must feel to live without even the slightest bit of fear,” says Elizabeth - whose powerful spoken word vocal is delivered over both a chugging, 3am electroid groove and a stripped-back 6am acid house workout. “I wouldn’t have been able to write this type of thing if not for the influence and strength of feminist icons Kathleen Hanna and Kim Gordon. They, and so many others got me through high school and continue to get me through today. What I really want to know is how this song makes people feel.”

Mike Simonetti split from Italians Do It Better (Chromatics, Glass Candy) to focus on his new project, Pale Blue, as well as his new label 2MR (Two Mikes Records). The Past… encompasses a myriad of sonic elements, ranging from rhythmic, melodic techno to atmospheric ambient productions, while also incorporating Simonetti’s varied background in noise, drone, and even experimental dream pop.

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