INTERVIEW: Alternative Rock from Anstase

Coming out of Austin’s alternative music scene, newcomer Anstase is a name that already feels wrapped in magnetic atmosphere. The project began as the profoundly personal outlet of a single voice, celestial and disarmingly honest, but has since grown into something more expansive. Now a duo, with vocalist and songwriter Anstase joined by multi-instrumentalist Nate Ortega, the project has blossomed into a deft balance of power and fragility; heavy, cinematic soundscapes cut through by ethereal vocals that flicker like ghosts through the noise.

First unveiling the Anstase sound in August on the debut single “Woman of Gold,” a collaborative outing with Pahque, the project then shifted towards a duo as Nate joined to start crafting their material. Forming a creative partnership, together they craft music that trembles, aches and exhales, resulting in a gripping musical output that’s sure to win over fans around the world.

Their latest release comes with the single titled “Doe Eyed Lover,” offering the first window into this new era. Recorded in the most intimate of spaces, her parents’ closet, it captures the spark of creation before the impact of full production lifts the song to an anthemic sphere. Every sound, from the crunching guitar tones to the breath caught in her delivery, feels close enough to touch.

Apart from the drums, handled by Ryan Noelle, every instrument was played by Anstase herself, a detail that underscores the song’s emotional context. It’s a solitary meditation rendered in sound, the type of track that feels at once private and widely relatable, all wrapped up in a lively alternative rock setting, peppered with pop-tinged melodies. Ultimately, “Doe Eyed Lover” is a song about yearning, instilled with a subtle sense of cinematic melancholy, offset by the uptempo charge of the arrangement.

Brought in by Anstase’s delicate vocals and pulse of bass, bursts of gritty guitar chords build up the energy as the track flows with smooth melodies. Jumping with the punch of rattling drums, the song surges with moody alternative rock energy where the bouncy rhythms and metallic bite of guitar collide below Anstase’s commanding vocal delivery. Cut with a gripping chorus where instantly memorable hooks ring out above the rousing instrumentation, “Doe Eyed Lover” sees Anstase serve up an enthralling rock anthem from start to finish.

Brimming with driving drums, slick riffs and spectacular vocal performance, it’s an incredible display of Anstase’s thrilling musical vision. Now, with Nate fully onboard, the pair are preparing to release their debut EP this January and with live shows will follow in February, they’re marking the next step in their voyage from solitary expression to shared experience.

We caught up with Anstase to find out more about their inspirations, their new single “Doe Eyed Lover” and what they’ve got in store next. Check out our interview with Anstase below.

How did you get together as collaborators?

We originally started as a duo under the name Massage Parlour. We never released music under that alias, and as time went on we went our separate ways, but ultimately found ourselves back together working again. The music we wrote at that time, along with new tracks, will be released on this up and coming EP.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

We take a lot of inspiration from bands like Fleshwater, Hail The Sun, and Maroon 5. Nate especially takes a lot of inspiration from Hail The Sun with his playing style.

What’s been your highlight of 2025?

Coming together to finally release the music we’ve been working on. Finishing this EP is absolutely the highlight for both of us.

How did you find making your new single “Doe Eyed Lover”?

Doe Eyed Lover was the first song released while Anstase was still a solo project. It took a lot of hard work, as well as trial and error to get it released, and having Nate ultimately be as much of a part of Anstase as I am, makes the creative process much more fulfilling.

How is shifting the project into a collaborative endeavour developing the Anstase sound?

Anstase’s sound as a solo project, was already inspired by our collaborative sound. However, what Nate and I have created can never be truly replicated without the both of us together, and we are both extremely excited to be able to share it with everyone.

What can fans expect from your upcoming EP release?

Something fresh and fun! You’ll dance, you’ll sing and yell, maybe even cry? Who knows?

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

We not only want fans to have fun with it, but we also want them to connect with the lyrics and sound. If you hear our music and suddenly feel the urge to move a little bit then we’ve done our job.

Finally, what do you have lined up next?

Lined up for 2026 is not only our first EP, but live shows featuring Ryan Noelle on drums (who is also responsible for the drums on our recordings) and David Rodriguez of Black Flag on bass. We plan to release our first album later in the year as well.

Listen to Doe Eyed Lover below