Party Nails Issues a Synth-Laden “Trigger Warning”

In an oddly prescient move, famed director James Cameron decided that his iconic film The Terminator should feature a shootout at a nightclub. In an earlier draft of the script, this club was called "Stoker," but, somewhere along the line, it was changed to "Technoir," and believe it or not, history was made.

Fast-forward to the latter half of the 2000s, when a slew of electronic music producers, inspired by the strong futuristic—if somewhat dystopian—aesthetics of 1980s films, laid the groundwork for a revival of the synth-pop genre. This revival, which continues to nourish the airwaves with fantastic synth-driven and neon-soaked music, evokes nostalgia for a time and place that listeners may or may not have experienced.

Enter Elana Carroll, better known as Party Nails. The Chatham, New York native, who made her debut in 2015 with a sound that captured the essence of modern synth-pop. Her love for music technology and live performance laid the groundwork for what would become an immersive and emotionally driven body of work. Party Nails embodies the aesthetic of "Technoir": decadent, nostalgic, sultry, romantic, and undeniably dangerous.

Describing her sound as "noir-electropop," Party Nails' most recent outing, "Trigger Warning," poignantly explores emotional turmoil. The need for a "trigger warning" captures the unexpected pain of love's disillusionment, leading to a struggle with the paradox of giving up on one’s heart while yearning for connection, reflecting the tension between self-preservation and desire.

Directed by Elinor Howells, the video for "Trigger Warning" is a visual feast that combines surreal landscapes with deep emotional currents. It feels like stepping into a dream, with visuals reminiscent of faded VHS tape. This nostalgic aesthetic enhances the song’s themes of escape, self-discovery, and transformation, inviting viewers to reflect on their journeys.

Beyond her solo work, Party Nails has collaborated with a wide range of artists and contributed original music to projects like the animated series Central Park, for which she wrote the empowering anthem “Rockin’ on the Rag,” a proud and playful ode to menstruation. Her voice has graced tracks across genres, and her music has been featured in popular shows like Girls and Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin. She has also been recognized by outlets like Billboard and Noisey, showcasing her wide-ranging appeal.

Her upcoming album, “Pillow Talk,” marks a new chapter in her evolution. Set for release via Eye Knee Records. The ten-track collection explores retro-futuristic synthscapes, indie rock textures, and emotionally rich songwriting.

Follow Party Nails: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Spotify | Web