out february 14th

where mental illness awareness and synthy nostalgia collide…

this single returns to the foreboding melancholy of Hendrix’s 2021 release, Necromantic. Produced in Huntsville by Johnny Okwu, The Girls You Loved Back Then is an anthem for those who often feel unlovable- a notion she says she’s no stranger to.

Hendrix has maintained a vocal presence in the Mental Health Awareness community, most notably in her May 2021 Huntsville City Council Address. Her songwriting often focuses on the darker side of the human experience and she writes candidly of her own demons, not shying away from discussing her diagnosed mental illness or traumas. Grittily honest lyrics weave in and out of literary references as Hendrix delivers lines that break our hearts and make us think “Hey, I know that story!” - like the emotionally atmospheric bridge that begins, “And I think this curse will keep on until I’m better off alone, another monster on Sarpedon turning everything to stone.”

While Hendrix may frequently write herself as the monsters of lore in her songs, her online presence is surprisingly light-hearted. In stark contrast to the seriousness of The Girls You Loved Back Then, Hendrix’s promotional campaign has involved her trademark witty self-deprecation to provide some levity, focusing so far on comedic series poking fun at her own moodiness. The balance strikes a surprisingly relatable chord. The Girls You Loved Back Then will be available on all music platforms Monday, February 14th.

Photoshoot styling by Wheelhouse Salon

Photos by Jon Morgan

lyrics

I never noticed all the shadows that the moon paints on the ceiling

when it filters through the blinds in our spare room.

And your footsteps pause outside and I wonder if you’re thinking

about knocking one more time, but you never do.

I have a sickness, but I’m trying 

to be more like the girls you loved back then.

I’d like to tell you that I’m alright, but I’d be lying 

Just look at this sorry state I’m in

Let the worst of me sink on in

I was so long overdue for anything worth having 

when I saw you in that darkened parking lot.

And it happened when you smiled in an instant gut reaction 

and I felt like you were mine, but maybe you’re not

I have a sickness, but I’m trying 

to be more like the girls you loved back then

I’d like to tell you that I’m alright, but I’d be lying 

Just look at this sorry state I’m in

Let the worst of me sink on in

And I think this curse will keep on until I’m better off alone 

Another monster on Sarpedon turning everything to stone

There are warnings in the thunder, there are omens in the air

Oh I told you back last summer it’s too damn dangerous to care

Dangerous to care

Cause I have a sickness but I’m trying 

To be more like the girls you loved back then

I’d like to tell you that I’m alright, but I’d be lying 

Just look at this sorry state I’m in

Let the worst of me sink on in