Angelika Dusk: “The 80s era is linked to the innocence of our childhood”

By: Georgia Karakani, 26/11/2024

MARIE CLAIRE

Photo by Nikos Koustenis

Following the release of her new single “Deeper Love”, the lead track from her upcoming album, Angelika Dusk shares memories of carefree times and her experience of deeper forms of love, with Marie Claire.

Memories of cassette tapes spinning the moment you hit play and a homemade dancefloor filled with the greatest hits of the 80s come rushing back with the first notes of “Deeper Love”, Angelika Dusk’s new single. It takes us to our own retro utopia — our own San Junipero (to borrow from one of Black Mirror’s most beloved episodes).

It was only natural that our conversation with the singer-songwriter, - who brings light even to our darkest days, even though the name “Dusk” refers to twilight,  - would move to the rhythm of the most colorful and carefree decade, at least for those of us who associate the 80s with our childhood.

What do you love most about the 80s, especially the music?

“Their songs are dreamy. They remind me of road trips on endless highways with the windows rolled down, winter beaches, where the wind blows and you walk hand-in-hand with someone you love, holding your jacket tight, autumn sunsets. It’s all about a nostalgia and warmth that comes from the beautiful melodies and very distinct sound character of that music.”

Can you share one of your fondest memories from that era?

“I must have been 2 or 3 years old, in the living room of our house. My father would play Don Henley, Prince, Fleetwood Mac on the cassette player, and I’d dance while he and my mother smiled. Sometimes I’d pretend I was holding a microphone and performing as Cher, other times I copied dance moves from my favorite movies like Footloose and Flashdance.”

In the visuals of your new single, cassettes take center stage. Is there something you miss about that format, despite its impracticalities compared to modern digital media?

“Of course I miss it! The fact that we listened to whole albums and knew exactly what song came next. The fact that we sat by the cassette player with our finger ready to press the ‘record’ button when the radio played our favorite song — and we’d cry if the DJ talked over it. There was effort, anticipation. Nothing came as easily as it does today.”

“Deeper Love” is a love song, but in the video we see you dancing with a tiny little person. How can the arrival of a child deepen a couple’s love?

“I think it can only deepen it if there’s a strong foundation if both partners are working on their relationship and themselves individually. Luckily, my husband and I are big fans of therapy and never miss a session, no matter what. Also, kids are like dogs (laughs), they sense everything: tension, anger, but also love, respect, and communication between their parents. So yes, if there are strong foundations and the parents evolve as individuals and talk honestly with each other, then the love deepens too, as they watch this little human they created start shaping its own personality. In our case, she’s got a huge personality!”

Were the 80s truly a brighter era, or do they just feel that way through the lens of nostalgia?

“I think it’s both. They’re tied to the innocence of our childhood, but there was also something genuinely beautiful about that time. No cell phones, you’d make plans with a friend and actually show up, hang out with your group of friends and have real conversations, look people in the eye instead of always having the excuse of a screen. There was something more authentic, there was more connection than today. So yes, in that sense, for me it was a brighter era.”

Is “Deeper Love” indicative of the style of your upcoming album, or should we expect a more eclectic musical mix?

“You should expect an album that feels like it was made in 1984 — but with a bit of modern freshness. There are dreamy, feel-good tracks like ‘Deeper Love’, some upbeat and fun ones that make you want to dance like Madonna, and some more melancholic ones that I hope will touch your soul as much as they did mine.”

Photo by Nikos Koustenis

In a recent Instagram post, you talked about how hard it is for people to let go and enjoy dancing. What helped you rediscover that joy?

“To be honest, it was necessity. I had hit a low emotionally, with postpartum depression, and music along with dance helped me calm down and find balance. I was tired of that constant voice of criticism in the back of my head, saying ‘nothing you do is good enough,’ and I just wanted to listen to music and move as my body told me, not as my mind dictated. At first, it was hard. I felt shame. But with the help of Markella Manoliadi, a free spirit and amazing dance teacher, and of course my therapist, I managed to silence that voice for good. You might even catch me dancing in Syntagma Square with my headphones on.”

You recently posted “Watch a child dance, and do the same.” Has motherhood changed how you approach music, either as a creator or listener?

“I think the anger and tension I once had is gone. Beautiful Mess was a more ‘anxious’ album. Now I write about deep love: ‘you are the miracle I believe in,’ ‘cry in my arms,’ and I’ll be there for you without judgment. Yes, my daughter has influenced me, because she’s such a sweetheart — even if sometimes she drives me crazy with things like, ‘No, I don’t want that sock, I want the other one!’ when they’re exactly the same (laughs).”