Ms. D opens up about the scathing “You Annoy Me,” from a a classic suburban house, with a big garden, hills hoist, driveway and a car port
Sydney’s Ms. D is fresh off the release of their biting new single, “You Annoy Me,” a scathing takedown fueled by frustration.
The track, the band’s first release since 2021, blends plucky guitar melodies and fuzzy strums, providing the perfect backdrop for frontwoman Renee Desreaux’s candid vocals.
In our interview, Desreaux shares insights into Sydney life, their daily routine, and the suburban haven inspiring their creativity. The hiatus since 2021 was a result of prior commitments, but with newfound time and mindset, Ms. D is ready to unveil fresh music.
“You Annoy Me” serves as a cathartic expression of personal frustration, with brutally honest lyrics amplifying its emotional impact.
As Ms. D gears up for solo ventures, fans can anticipate a departure from the band’s rock sound, featuring lush harmonies and a distinct personal style.
Happy: What are you up to today?
Ms.D: Today isn’t filled with anything exciting. Cleaning the house, washing, gym and guitar practice.
Happy: Tell us about where you are from? What’s the scene like in your neck of the woods?
Ms.D: I’ve lived in Sydney my whole life. I grew up in Oatley and after going to school at Newtown High School of Performing Arts I moved into the inner west. From Stanmore to Camperdown to Earlwood to Marrickville and now to Roselands.
We moved further out to save on rent. This house is a classic suburban house, big garden with lots of flowers, a hills hoist, driveway and car port. It’s a very well maintained 70’s style house with wood around the arch ways, cork floors and luckily new carpet.
My room is a bit of a palace. Its an old snooker room/ rumpus room, measuring at a whopping 11m x 5m, with a whole wall of windows drenched in natural light. Plenty of space for all my music equipment, piano, 3 guitars, desk.
Happy: Describe an average day?
Ms.D At the moment im not working as I tore a ligament in my right wrist. I go to the gym, pilates, practice music, write music and see family. Throw in an ice bath and some cooking and that’s my day.
Happy: The new single, “You Annoy Me,” marks a return after a hiatus since 2021. What prompted you to choose this particular moment to release new music, and how does this single represent your current creative direction?
Ms.D: After covid the boys got busy with their prior musical projects and I started working 50+ hours a week so the band dwindled. I chose now because I have the time and mindset to consistently create and release while im not working.
I have 3 other songs ready to go and I thought nows a better time than any to release what Ive been working on.
You Annoy Me isn’t like the next 3 songs. The creative direction is just me polishing my sound after spending time figuring out what works and what can be better.
Happy: The title “You Annoy Me” is quite direct and intriguing. Can you share the inspiration behind the scathing lyrics, and how does the song reflect your state of mind or emotions at the time of its creation?
Ms.D: It is an eloquent way of expressing how frustrated I was with a particular person. For years we talked about being with each other but it never aligned. It got to a point where I realised that this person wasn’t a good one.
They were a platinum plated ring that wore away and stained my skin. I followed the trail of breadcrumbs and it only lead to dishonesty and disrespect. I just wanted to be seen as who I had become and not what I once was to this person.
Happy: Your vocal delivery is described as blissfully frank, teetering between pop confection and soft rock. Which female artists inspires you growing up, and who inspires you now?
Ms.D: There wasn’t many female artists in my mix growing up, lots of Fall Out Boy and Simple Plan however, Daughter and Lucy Rose were a huge influence in my song writing. Jaala was the artist that inspired this track.
Although these artists probably aren’t well represented influences in this release, artists like Eloise, Nilufer Yanya, Daughter, Hiatus Kaiyote and The Dip are artists that inspire me now
Happy: The biting lyricism is highlighted as a major drawcard of the single. Can you provide more insights into the songwriting process, particularly how your frank and matter-of-fact approach enhances the emotional resonance of “You Annoy Me”?
Ms.D: I had to be brutally honest in the midst of all the dishonesty surrounding my relationship with this person. To move on and let go I had to get it all off my chest.
Happy: This single will be Ms. D’s final release with the accompanying band for some time. Can you share more about the band’s future plans and the direction they intend to take in their upcoming musical endeavours?
Ms.D: The joy that came from sharing and sculpting my songs with other people is ready to happen again with new musicians. Their musical endeavours are happening separately to Ms.D.
Zac hughes is a very talented multi instrumentalist playing in a few bands, Lazuli Mood and No cigarettes to name a couple.
Max Vallentine is a big time drummer boy playing for the amazing Cinta and Thunderfox. Ilan is a bit of a wizard when it comes to making his own electronic music with his project Subjectiv and also playing around with the jazz cats in Haztet.
Happy: How will your solo work differ from your collaboration with Ms. D, and what can fans expect from your solo ventures?
Ms.D: Less rock, super lush harmonies, the same level of emotions in the song writing and performance but more of my own style
Happy:Lastly, what makes you happy?
Ms.D: Consistent progress, whether it be with myself or music. Ticking things off the list everyday. Having the time and space to pursue my passion and spend time with the people I love.
