Q&A: Cuntrol Balances Intensity and Tenderness in New Single, “SANE”
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY FAITH LUEVANOS ☆
BORN THROUGH SELF DISCOVERY AND A SHARED ARTISTIC VISION—comes Cuntrol, an LA-based indie punk band. Each member arrived from a different corner of the music industry, eventually finding one another through a mutual desire to create something raw, cathartic, and honest.
Consisting of Anissa Rodriguez, Daniel Shapiro, Brittany Maccarello and Gigi Zimmer, the band channels chaos into a sound that feels both explosive and intimate. Their new release, “SANE,” out today, is a sonic blend of gentle melodies and heavy-hitting textures that demand attention from start to finish. Rodriguez’s vocals lead the charge, balancing delicate restraint with commanding intensity against a backdrop of addictive instrumentals.
The Luna Collective received the opportunity to chat with Cuntrol about “SANE,” its accompanying music video, their shared musical inspirations and more. Read the full interview below.
LUNA: Everyone in the band comes from different pockets of the music industry. How did you guys come together to form Cuntrol?
CUNTROL: Our roots trace back to the local music scene in Phoenix, Arizona, where we all played in various bands during and after high school. Years later in Los Angeles, Anissa and Daniel reconnected while on tour. As we both moved on from our respective groups, we found a deep alignment in our musical tastes, artistic visions,and life perspectives.
The decision to collaborate was a natural step toward serious artistic exploration. Although an initial indie punk project was halted by the onset of COVID-19, that period of transition led to the formation of Cuntrol. After developing a unique sound that fully embodied our identities and completing an album's worth of demos, we began searching for additional members. This led us to Gigi, who also emerged from the Arizona scene and shares our musicality and perspective.
LUNA: In what ways have playing in other bands or working with other artists changed or benefited the way you all approach working together here?
CUNTROL: Our experience in previous bands has provided us with a clear understanding of the do's and don'ts for touring, performing, and collaboration. Starting at a young age without proper guidance forced us to be resilient and learn through experience. Today, that background gives us the necessary knowledge to manage a band effectively.
We have seen how some in the industry take advantage of artists through poor business deals and misinformation. This time, we are taking significant precautions and prioritizing awareness for both our team and other artists we work with or know.
LUNA: By the time this comes out, "SANE" will be out as well. What are you most looking forward to with having song #3 out in the world?
CUNTROL: We are excited to share our latest release, "SANE." We believe this track is a significant song for the band because it highlights our softer and more ethereal side.
While the chorus maintains a heavy undertone and jagged vocal delivery, the song serves as a bridge for our current listeners. By blending these familiar heavy elements with a more melodic atmosphere, "SANE" provides a balanced transition into this other dimension of our music.
LUNA: The music video for "SANE" has a gorgeous contrast to the vocals and grit of the song. What inspired that?
CUNTROL: We wanted our album to feature a song that showcases the duality of soft and hard elements. This track achieves that by blending a 90s-inspired identity with modern indie and hardcore influences.
The lyrics of "SANE" are central to the artistic direction, reflecting the same balance between heavy and soft elements found in our sound. We explore life's dynamics and the search for equilibrium, mirroring our musical goal for the song: merging a soft palette with a heavier one.
LUNA: What does the typical creative process look like? Are you all always in the same room while making music?
CUNTROL: We always work together in the same room. Daniel produces a soundscape for the track at hand, and Anissa evokes the performance necessary to match those musical intentions. Lyrically and musically, we collaborate to ensure a genuine performance that reflects the specific direction and goals of each track.
LUNA: Who or what are some inspirations for you?
CUNTROL: We love creating our music with searing, distorted and thick electric guitar rhythms. We particularly lean heavily into ambient leads, expansive vintage padded synths and washed-out tape sounds.
Musically and vocally, we are drawn to the dynamic interplay between dark and light, as well as the contrast between rough and gentle textures.
Anissa’s vocals are inspired by 90s artists such as Hole, Veruca Salt, Mazzy Star and Joan Jett. Collectively, the band draws from 60s, 70s and 90s psychedelic influences, shaping our experimental production and spaced-out sounds. Our heavier elements stem from early punk and hardcore, leaning toward grunge.
LUNA: Are you guys planning on bringing these songs to a stage soon? What does a Cuntrol show feel like?
CUNTROL: After playing our first Cuntrol show, we plan to tour and focus on developing our band's natural sound through our live performances. What you hear on record will be what you hear live.
We believe that live shows are the ultimate way to establish our legitimacy. Rather than following social media trends, we value the genuine connections found in the underground, punk, and DIY scenes. Our goal is to bring that authentic energy to a larger scale while staying true to our values.
LUNA: Any final messages for fans or people who may be discovering you through this interview?
CUNTROL: We are currently finishing our upcoming album and are eager to share this new music live. We look forward to performing these songs at various venues and locations worldwide.
