Growing up in El Paso, Texas, Greg Gonzalez dreamt of achieving the kind of global fame enjoyed by bands like Metallica and Queen. However, when his band Cigarettes After Sex released their debut EP, “I,” in 2012, it seemed his dreams were out of reach. “I felt like a failure,” Gonzalez admits, reflecting on the disheartening reception. For years, the band played to nearly empty venues in New York, struggling to find their audience.
The turning point came in 2016 when the lead track “Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby” suddenly went viral. Gonzalez recalls, “I started getting notifications, then I was getting an email every second. It was like lightning struck.” This unexpected surge in popularity transformed the band’s trajectory almost overnight. Their 2017 single “Apocalypse” has since amassed over a billion streams, and this year they are set to headline New York’s Madison Square Garden and play two nights at London’s 20,000-capacity O2 arena. “It’s everything I wished for,” says Gonzalez.
Four Favorites with Greg Gonzalez of Cigarettes After Sex 🎶
X’s, the new album from Cigarettes After Sex, is out on July 12th. @partisanrecords @CigsAfterSexx @psychicmovie pic.twitter.com/f5BBietESh
— Letterboxd (@letterboxd) July 8, 2024
Cigarettes After Sex’s music, characterized as sensual dream-pop, typically isn’t the kind that fills arenas. Gonzalez describes it as “bedroom music,” noting that fans often tell him they listen to it to fall asleep, which he takes as a compliment. The band’s reverb-heavy sound has found a perfect niche on Spotify playlists like “Sad Indie” and “Songs for Rainy Days,” contributing to their viral success. The androgynous quality of Gonzalez’s voice, which often leads listeners to question his gender, adds to the music’s intimate and enigmatic allure.
The resurgence of slowcore, a minimal and slow-paced indie genre popular among Generation Z on platforms like TikTok, has also benefited the band. Influences from the Cocteau Twins and Julee Cruise are evident in their music, with Gonzalez aiming to create songs that evoke strong, surreal imagery and emotions. He strives for a timeless quality in his music, inspired by classic love songs from artists like the Everly Brothers and Marvin Gaye.
Despite the intimate nature of their music, Cigarettes After Sex has managed to captivate a wide audience. Their gigs are characterized by a minimalist aesthetic, with the band often performing in near darkness. Gonzalez prefers to maintain an air of mystery, a strategy that draws listeners deeper into the music. “Mystery invites you in. It makes your brain go crazy in a nice way and you want to solve the riddle,” he explains.
New “What’s In My Bag?” episode with @CigsAfterSexx!
Greg Gonzalez, the singer, songwriter & bandleader of Cigarettes After Sex, goes record shopping at Amoeba Hollywood. Check out what he found!
🎦Watch the full episode: https://t.co/71bIzZAamC pic.twitter.com/pMSBn3bQ2I— Amoeba San Francisco (@AmoebaSF) July 8, 2024
Gonzalez’s songwriting is deeply personal, with lyrics that are romantic, sensual, and at times, explicit. He writes to process his emotions, capturing vivid details that bring his experiences to life. “I write about situations to get to the heart of what I felt,” he says. While some lyrics might be intense for certain listeners, Gonzalez insists they are honest reflections of his feelings.
Their forthcoming third album, “X,” continues this candid approach, detailing the four-year rise and fall of Gonzalez’s last serious relationship. The song “Dark Vacay” narrates the breakdown of this relationship during a vacation, capturing the raw emotions of the experience. Gonzalez’s ability to translate personal stories into universally relatable songs is a key part of the band’s appeal.
Cigarettes After Sex’s Greg Gonzalez: ‘I’m not bitter. I don’t write from that place’ https://t.co/fyCK1tcv0M
— Independent Arts (@IndyArts) July 11, 2024
As Cigarettes After Sex continues to grow in popularity, Gonzalez remains committed to creating music that resonates deeply with listeners. “They’re my stories, but anyone can share them,” he suggests. For Gonzalez, the ultimate goal is for his music to reach as many people as possible, believing that its power lies in its ability to connect with audiences on a profound level.
Key Points:
i. Greg Gonzalez of Cigarettes After Sex struggled with initial obscurity, feeling like a failure when their 2012 EP gained little traction.
ii. The band’s breakthrough came in 2016 when their song “Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby” went viral, drastically increasing their popularity.
iii. Cigarettes After Sex’s music, characterized by its sensual dream-pop style, became widely popular on Spotify playlists, contributing to their success.
iv. The band’s minimalist aesthetic and Gonzalez’s androgynous voice have captivated audiences, leading to major performances at venues like Madison Square Garden.
v. Gonzalez writes deeply personal, romantic, and sometimes explicit lyrics, aiming to create timeless music that resonates with a broad audience.
Charles William III – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
