Norway’s Annie Strand – better known mononymously as Annie – has teamed up once again with The Sound of Arrows’ Stefan Storm for a new single, “The Sky is Blue”, released today on her own Annie Melody label. The two previously worked together on Annie’s 2020 album Dark Hearts – her first since 2008’s ill-fated Don’t Stop – and on 2021’s Neon Nights EP.

With “The Sky is Blue”, Annie leans into Nordic melancholy over a trance-pop, post-euphoric synth landscape that feels right at home with early ‘90s classics of the genre and more current examples. 

“‘The Sky is Blue’ is about getting a new chance,” says Annie in a press release, adding:

“When there is too much confusion and you just need to get away. It can all be a bit overwhelming sometimes. Chaos, intrigues, family issues and when you can’t find any peace of mind... the only thing that could save my week, month and days was to go outside, try to leave all my troubles behind…look up at the sky, feel the strength of the sun, the heat, the wind and start all over. A new beginning, a new day.”

Listen to it below:

The 12" vinyl release of the single includes an extended club mix and a version of the song sung in Norwegian ("Himmelen er Blå").