Taranaki-based artist Frau Knotz (Lauren Nottingham) has today released her catchy intergalactic electropop single ‘Supernova’.
A song of empowerment and encouragement, ‘Supernova’ describes the journey we go on to reach that point of confidence in ourselves. “It encourages people to be fierce - overcome their insecurities to celebrate their strengths and share their gifts with the world,” says Frau Knotz. “I wrote ‘Supernova’ as though I was writing a letter to myself during a time in my life when I felt like I had lost everything.”
The time she’s referring to was June 2020, when Frau Knotz found herself living in Mexico City for eight months during the pandemic. “Mexico was one of the worst-hit countries during those early stages of the pandemic. I had initially moved there for 6 weeks to start rehearsals with a jazz quartet; we were about to embark on a cruise ship as the onboard entertainment. It would’ve been my dream job, but three days after I arrived, our contract was cancelled. I found myself in a new country with a new language, no friends, no job and no opportunity to go out and meet people. Thankfully I was living with a lovely Mexican family who taught me Spanish, showed me their way of life and cooked traditional Mexican food (they also had 27 cats – my Mexican mum was a bonafide crazy cat lady).”
‘Supernova’ was recorded and mixed by Sam Johnson at Rhythm Ace Studios and mastered by Chris Chetland. “Originally, I’d written the bare bones of this tune with an 80s keyboard sound - but Sam worked his production magic to help me move it into the realm of electronica, just as I had envisioned!”
Accompanying the single is a video created by well-known New Plymouth-based photographer and videographer Ben D’Ath (Drax Project). “We wanted mirrors, sparkles and neon juxtaposed with darkness and urban grunge to give a Eurodance/club aesthetic,” says Frau Knotz. “I wanted the video to look like I could be anywhere in the world (but it was just little old New Plymouth)!”
Part of the artist’s moniker ‘Frau’ is a nod to her time living in Berlin and working in a traditional German Bakery, where she was addressed as ‘Frau Nottingham’ - and ‘Knotz’ is her family’s nickname. With more music and shows to come and such a distinguishing single, Frau Knotz’s is a journey you want to follow!