Anna Of The North Takes Control With Latest Single “Playing Games”

With flickers of synth layered over a building bass line, Anna Lotterud’s wistful vocals are stunningly juxtaposed with a fearless narrative as she sings about having the upper hand in a relationship. “I’ve been playing games with your heart, so I know I’ve made my mark,” she proclaims over delicate electronic textures, “I’ll make you jealous so I know I’ve still got you when I’m not home”. It’s daydream pop brimming with the bold outlook of a woman taking charge in the modern age.

Speaking on the meaning behind the track, Anna noted – ‘We’ve all been there. Sometimes it might be better being honest cause you might end up pushing this one person away’.

The glimmering track is yet another tantalizing addition to an enthralling new chapter of Anna of the North. A powerful follow-up to her eccentric pop power anthem, “Thank Me Later” and it’s saccharine video, as well as the defiant raw singles, “Leaning On Myself, and it’s equally powerful follow up ‘Used To Be’, her latest chapter sees Anna of the North in full control.

Together, the tracks shared thus far from her hotly anticipated second record, finds a woman making a clean break with her past as much as she is still exploring the possibilities of a future on her own terms.

Anna’s debut album, ‘Lovers’ continues to take on an unexpected life of its own: over 200 million streams, these songs of heartache, guilt and the tentative joys of moving on have united a rich global audience in their intimate shared experiences. Few modern artists, too, could appear as at home working with Tyler, the Creator (Anna lent her vocals to two tracks on ‘Flower Boy’ alongside Steve Lacy, Frank Ocean, and Rex Orange County) and Rejjie Snow as they are duetting with HONNE, playing with Anderson Paak or landing a viral remix by The Chainsmokers. The record’s word-of-mouth success culminated in the title track taking off via a surprise sync in Netflix’s seminal smash hit ‘To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before’, though it’s a story that keeps evolving: ‘Lovers’ is still streaming over 100K times per day, nearly a year after the film’s release, and made the top 100 charts in 171 countries. Additionally, Anna completed her first US headlining tour in April 2019, selling out Music Hall Of Williamsburg, The Troubadour, and Rickshaw Stop. Anna of the North is a modern-day slow-burn fitting for songs to fall in love to, and an artist even more people, you sense, are about to fall in love with…

All of which has led Anna to where she finds herself in now, as she puts the final touches on her second album. That rare songwriter who strikes an emotional chord regardless of continent, collaborator or genre. A pop star who has perhaps always been hiding in plain sight.