AK Patterson's Haunting New Single "Morticia" Arrives

A dark rock ballad inspired by murder and London's underbelly.

POSTED BY ZOE TYLER

London-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist AK Patterson kicks off 2025 with the release of her gripping new single, "Morticia," available everywhere on 10 January. Following the critical acclaim of her debut track, "I Don’t Know How to Die," Patterson takes a bold step into grittier territory, describing her latest release as "a rock murder ballad."

Drawing inspiration from iconic acts like Soundgarden, TOOL, and The Cranberries, "Morticia" delivers a dark, brooding sound paired with Patterson’s haunting vocal style. The track was recorded with renowned producer Charlie Andrew (alt-J, David Gilmour) in a pitch-black studio to evoke the ominous themes of the song. Patterson collaborated with drummer Adam Betts (AKA Colossal Squid) and bassist Leon Itzler, but the majority of the instrumentation, including an experimental use of a concertina transformed into a subby drone, was performed by Patterson herself.

The Story Behind the Song

Lyrically, "Morticia" finds its roots in a chilling newspaper article about a historical murder. “I wondered what it would be like to write from the victim’s perspective,” Patterson explains. "The narrator pleads with Morticia, a personification of death, to piece him back together in the afterlife." The song's eerie narrative was inspired by Patterson’s time wandering through London’s Borough Market and London Bridge, envisioning the shadowy lives of those swept up in the city's dark underbelly.

Patterson’s early musical upbringing in the Irish folk tradition and her admiration for Dolores O’Riordan’s fusion of traditional singing with grunge are evident in "Morticia." She notes, “This is the heaviest track I’ve put out so far, and I’m excited to explore this direction further.”

A Rising Star with an Unstoppable Momentum

Fresh off a European and U.S. tour with Bastille, Patterson is set for a landmark year. Her forthcoming third EP promises to delve even deeper into themes of resilience and hope amidst darkness, further cementing her reputation as an artist who fearlessly tackles complex themes with unflinching honesty and innovative soundscapes.

“Morticia” drops on 10 January. Don’t miss this bold new chapter in AK Patterson’s artistic evolution.

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