Ian Abel, known for his smooth yet velvety vocals and sensual, psychedelic electronic-pop arrangements is not your typical indie voice as he manages to explore the genre in ways others don’t. In his most recent single, Karma’s a Bitch, continues to explore this unique aspect of music.
In 2016, he released his debut EP titled Icarus and has branched out in the New York music scene, achieving some success. There, he performed shows at Rockwood Music Hall, The Bitter End, Goldsounds and Lovecraft Bar.
This queer pop anthem exudes some 1980s-inspired pop-rock music, featuring distinct electroclash synths and electric guitars. The chorus embodies a blend of humor, irony and emotion, with karma, of course, serving as the central theme of the track: “Karma’s a bitch, but damn she sure looks fine from behind / And isn’t it rich that you’re the one who makes me feel so alive? You make me cry ‘oh my.’” The song is accompanied by a music video, in which Abel gets into drag, embodying the queer and frustrated elements depicted in the song that would result in such karma.
“My inspiration for ‘Karma’s a Bitch’ was the personification implied in that saying — what if Karma were a real person?” he said. “And then I was thinking of what a sexy bitch she would be, and how satisfying it’d be to see her get her way, how sweet it would be for her (for me) to get revenge.”
“Karma’s a Bitch” is the lead track from his EP of the same name and is the perfect introduction to Abel’s angry and vengeful queer pop music.
Keep up with Ian Abel: Instagram // Spotify // TikTok // Website
