Gretel on Goth, Existentialism and Her New Single “Far Out”

Words: Charlotte Amy Landrum

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Maddy Haenlein, who makes music as Gretel, is back with a brand new song – “Far Out” – and an accompanying video, featuring the track’s co-producer Mura Masa. Featuring choreography that references Sweet Charity, and a bombastic chorus with shades of Sleigh Bells, the single and visual represent an exciting new phase for the London-based artist.

We sat down with her to discuss long-distance relationships, horror aesthetics, and festivals with pour-your-own-pint Guinness. Here’s our conversation, alongside some exclusive BTS imagery from the “Far Out” shoot.

Charlotte Amy Landrum: What was your creative process behind Far Out? 

Gretel: It was a little ironic really. I was deep up my own arse writing unlistenable music for ages and eventually I was faced with ‘Maddy, we need a single’. I was in the studio with Alex [long term collaborator, Mura Masa] at the time and we just kinda rolled our eyes and said ‘alright let’s make a single then’. It was written pretty sarcastically, which I can certainly hear, and we never took it too serious. But somewhere along the line we realised it was good which actually just made it all the funnier… and relieving. I wrote it about my new long distance relationship, doomed from the start. He lived 5 hours away and loved the white lines, so ‘Far Out’ stood for a few things. Listening now I can hear I knew it was over before it started, I mean the whole song is about expressing enthusiasm for someone but being so far away that a tsunami of love just looks like a teardrop to the other person.

What would be your dream collab? 

I like working with people that bring out the strongest elements of your craft, that’s why I love working with Mura Masa. He has a real power for really listening to an artist's qualities and using his production to shine a light on their most special elements. There are some other artists and producers I’d love to work with; it’s hard one cos only now have started realising my own styles and tastes. I think I’d gel well with Porches in the studio these days, I really like his music. His new song ‘Rag’ is fantastic. Fontaines DC too, I feel like you can isolate any element of their music and it's brilliant- the guitars, hooks, melodies, lyrics, drums...they have a lot of the sounds and attitudes I strive for in the studio. Me saying that may only make more sense when I've released more of my new work though.

I read you were set to study physics and philosophy at university before dropping it to focus on music full time - how has it been following this path? 

I mean I dropped out of my third A Level so I wouldn’t have gotten into that course anyway. I was cornered into my passion…and thank god for that. One thing I’ve learnt is you can swan by and hope for the best or you can work your arse off but only you can make that choice. Creating is 24/7 and can be completely exhausting, humiliating and give you your lowest lows. But it also gives you the most cathartic, exciting moments when you capture ‘that great idea’ or you stumble upon something that claws at your gut. Yes, I get into dark spots but no matter how low I get, I have an outlet. It’s the healthiest and yet most toxic relationship that I’ll never leave.

Does anything from your philosophy background influence your output? 

Philosophy background or lack thereof. That’s why I was gonna study it! In school I liked writing these creepy short gothic stories and they were often morally very ambiguous. I’m a big fan of the mundane and grotesque and being existential makes the mundane look even drearier. That tastes good to me. The early writing output probably influenced me picking philosophy.

How has it been navigating the music industry in a time where it seems that most young women are having an ‘industry plant’ allegation thrown at them?

I’ve been blissfully ignorant to that. Has anyone said that about me? Maybe it’s a rite of passage. My music comes from deep inside me, even the ones where I’m just having a laugh. I think that’s audible. As for plants, do they exist outside of X Factor? I do remember seeing the unfair accusations against The Last Dinner Party  now you mention it - It feels like there’s a lot of bitterness in the indie community sometimes, just because a girl is making good music doesn’t mean she’s a plant, and actually if she is a plant then just shut up and enjoy the good music. 

There’s been a growing moment of horror aesthetics and tones making their way into the music mainstream - why is it such a mainstay in your songwriting? 

That’s new to me…Oh no, am I gonna go out of style soon? The darkness in the grotesque drew me in from the minute I could hold a pen. The little gothic horror stories i'd write as a tween slowly became poems, then lyrics and sounds. It’s in my DNA as a writer. Nowadays I kinda feed from subtle horror; it offers me everything I need-humour, honesty, beauty, fear, arousal- all those vitamins.

What’s been your favourite city to play in? 

Chicago, the windy city, was great. They're real musos and there's no ego in the crowd - so I can excuse the deep dish pizzas. I always enjoy Germany but hey I'm biased. Ireland is great too, you play a fezzie there and they'll have pour-your-own-pint Guinnesses behind each stage. Amazing. Oh the crowd is great too! Oh I dunno I need to play in more places!

What artist are you listening to the most currently? 

I don't wanna say Mk.gee because everyone says that I'm sure. My friend recently put me onto Mannequin Pussy and I was filled with a fury that artists can only feel when they know another artist is damn good and in a similar lane. Jealousy is a big compliment! I love their new album.