Rising from the Shadows: ANNA BRUNNER of LEAGUE OF DISTORTION On Music, Empowerment And Breaking Barriers

Interview by Angela Croudace
In the ever-evolving world of metal, League of Distortion is
carving out its own niche, led by the dynamic Anna Brunner, also
known as Ace. Fresh off the release of their new album Galvanize,
Anna’s passion for music and empowering messages shines through in
every note. We caught up with her to discuss the band’s journey,
the inspiration behind their latest work, and the significance of
representation in the metal scene.
With the self-titled debut album released in 2022, fans are eager
for more. Anna shares that Galvanized features entirely new
material, except for a couple of reworked tracks. “There’s one song
that didn’t fit on the first album, and we took that again and
redid it,” she explains. “But I always have so many new ideas, so
it felt natural to create new content.” The evolution in her
songwriting reflects a shift in mindset, allowing her to explore
themes that resonate with her current experiences.
As a relatively new band, League of Distortion have already taken
the stage at major festivals, a daunting task for any artist. Anna
recalls her first show after the release of their single Wolf or
Lamb. “It felt so natural. I’ve played gigs before, but this was
something special. I was pretty fucking nervous,” she admits,
laughing. “But I appreciate my nervousness; it makes me focus.”
It’s clear that while the pressure of performing can be
overwhelming, it also fuels her passion and drive.
In a genre often dominated by male voices, Anna is proud to be part
of a growing movement of female metal vocalists. “I don’t seek to
be different; I just want to be an example for women and everyone
to show them that if you work hard, you can reach your goals,” she
states. Her commitment to empowerment is not just about gender but
about inspiring anyone who feels marginalized to pursue their
dreams. “I want to show that we can do this together.”
The songwriting process for League of Distortion is a collaborative
effort. Anna works closely with producers Hannes Braun and Julien
Breuker, bouncing ideas back and forth to create a sound that
blends various influences, from hard rock to hip-hop. “We mix
styles, and I never really thought about it; I just throw loops and
sounds together,” she shares. This approach allows the band to stay
innovative and fresh, capturing the essence of their diverse
musical backgrounds.
With the world facing significant challenges, Anna emphasizes the
importance of using music as a platform for hope and positivity.
“There’s so much fighting and envy, and I want to use our music to
give energy back,” she explains. “We are more, and together we can
create a movement for change.” Her vision is clear: to rally
listeners around a shared sense of purpose, encouraging them to
rise above negativity.
League of Distortion boasts an impressive line-up that showcases a
wealth of talent and diverse musical backgrounds. At the forefront
is Anna Brunner, a dynamic vocalist renowned for her powerful voice
and her work with the band Exit Eden. Joining her is Jim Muller,
also known as Arro, from the celebrated group Kissin' Dynamite.
Adding to the band's depth are drummer Tino Calmbach and bassist
Felix Rehmann, both of whom bring their own unique flair to the
ensemble. Together, this powerhouse combination creates a dynamic
that not only enhances the band's distinctive sound but also
reflects their individual experiences in the music industry.
As the band looks to the future, Anna expresses a desire to tour in
Australia, a dream that resonates with fans down under. “That would
be one of my bucket list dreams,” she enthuses. With plans to
continue spreading their message through powerful performances and
engaging music, League of Distortion is poised to make a lasting
impact in the metal scene.
In a world where representation matters more than ever, Anna
Brunner and League of Distortion are not just making music—they’re
making waves. With their unique sound and powerful message, they
are set to inspire a new generation of fans and musicians alike. As
Anna puts it, “We still have a long way to go, but together, we can
reach more people and create something beautiful.”


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