Alternative Pop from Energy Whores

Born in the closet of a New York City apartment, Energy Whores began as an experiment and quickly transformed into one of the most compelling voices in politically charged electronic music. The project initially paired singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Carrie Schoenfeld with guitarist Attilio Valenti, whose combined vision brought together progressive electronic soundscapes with fearless social commentary. Their name itself comes from a 2019 track Carrie wrote about climate change, a statement of intent that highlights their dedication to using music as a platform for activism as much as expression.

Carrie’s artistic output extends far beyond music, as a filmmaker, screenwriter and fine artist, her creative pursuits range from the sci-fi comedy Asockalypse to visual artworks exhibited around the globe. It’s this multi-disciplinary perspective that feeds into the Energy Whores aesthetic, balancing sound and concept with cultural critique. Attilio’s cinematic guitar lines provided a key dimension in shaping the group’s atmospheric approach, giving their material a unique edge in the world of electronic and alternative sounds.

Since their debut single “No Angel” in 2021, Energy Whores have built an international following, racking up tens of thousands of streams and earning praise for their inventive blend of styles. Carrie has since carried the project forward as a solo act, continuing its story with a steady stream of releases. Last year saw the arrival of “Mach9ne” and “BANG di BANG,” both of which underscored her ability to fuse club-focused energy with pointed cultural commentary.

Bringing us the third single of the year titled “Pretty Sparkly Things,” a slick alternative pop outing packed full of shimmering synths and hyperpop vibes. At first listen, “Pretty Sparkly Things” glimmers like a colourful pop anthem; vibrant synths, crisp beats and hypnotic vocals swirl together in a track that could easily fill a dance floor. Yet the gloss is purposefully deceptive, as Carrie wields biting lyricism to dismantle the shallow consumerism it mimics. Taking aim at influencers, pearl-clutching elites and a culture obsessed with image over reality, the track delivers its punches beneath the surface of its infectious sound.

It’s a perfect example of the juxtaposition at the heart of Energy Whores, music that invites you to move, only to confront you with uncomfortable truths once you’re already in motion. Brought in by the twinkle of lullaby-esque instrumentation and soft vocals, the strike of the beat sets the track in a forward charge as fluttering synths and catchy melodic hooks are offset by the contrast of scathing lyricism.

Gliding with uptempo energy and slick production, it’s a superb display of Energy Whores’ engaging songwriting and performance flair. “Pretty Sparkly Things” also serves as a preview of the forthcoming album Arsenal of Democracy, a politically charged record that’s set to fuse electronic music with folk-like storytelling and avant-garde rock. With “Pretty Sparkly Things,” Energy Whores continue to dismantle illusions with a mix of shimmering pop textures and razor-sharp writing, delivering music that dances on the edge between entertainment and confrontation.

Commenting on the single, Carrie shares, “This song is about how society dangles unattainable dreams in front of us while so many people are struggling just to survive. It’s satire, but it’s also deadly serious because this obsession with luxury and status is what keeps the machine grinding us down.”

Listen to Pretty Sparkly Things below

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