City Builders Channels Female Empowerment in New Anthem

Toronto alt-pop artist City Builders returns with “Vengeful Spirit,” a powerful, spooky, and harmonically rich anthem that reclaims the narrative around heartbreak, ghosting, and female rage. Written after a fateful encounter at a Halloween party, the track captures what happens when personal pain transforms into collective empowerment.

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The inspiration for “Vengeful Spirit” came from a striking personal encounter. Grace Turner, the creative force behind City Builders, recalls a conversation with another woman unknowingly dating the same emotionally unavailable man. That interaction became a spark for something larger. What began as a warning evolved into a war cry: a reminder of the power in women sharing their stories.

“The idea for ‘Vengeful Spirit’ sparked while I was on tour with MONOWHALES, sharing demos with the band on long van rides,” Turner says. The song immediately caught the attention of producer Zach Zanardo and songwriter/manager Jordan Circosta, marking the beginning of a new creative chapter for City Builders.

Recording the final version of the track was an intimate and communal process. Turner invited close friends into her bedroom studio for a wine-fueled session, layering vocals and ad-libs that give the song its distinctive, collective feel. Lines like “girls talk,” “good luck,” and “I’m a vengeful spirit” echo the shared energy of women standing together, creating a musical chorus of camaraderie and strength.

“Communication is one of women’s strongest tools, and I think that people fear its power by belittling it as ‘gossiping’ or ‘starting rumours,’” Turner explains. “In some cases, raised concerns save lives and I hope that this song can encourage changing the narrative on women exchanging information and experiences.”

The lyrics of “Vengeful Spirit” are unapologetically bold:

I’m the consequence

I came for revenge

These lines capture the song’s cheeky yet cathartic approach to empowerment, emphasizing that taking control of your story can be transformative. Turner’s lyrics balance bite and humor, allowing listeners to feel both seen and energized by the music.

City Builders’ evolution has been notable. Originally a collaborative alt-pop project, the venture has grown into a dynamic solo endeavor led by Turner, supported by a devoted following known as The Citizens. Following a romantic and creative breakup in early 2025, Turner embraced her solo vision, building a tight-knit community online and in real life. Her viral “Group Scream” event in Toronto’s Trinity Bellwoods Park drew hundreds and earned media coverage from Now Toronto, Toronto Star, blogTO, and more, creating a space for collective release and affirmation.

To celebrate the release of “Vengeful Spirit,” Grace Turner will host “Group Scream 2.0” at Riverdale Park on Wednesday, September 6th, at 7pm. The event invites fans to come together, scream, and release tension in a safe and communal environment. RSVP information is available online.

With a growing online presence of over 17k TikTok followers, City Builders continues to provide a platform for fans to feel seen, scream, and heal together. “Vengeful Spirit” is a potent reminder that revenge can be cheeky, cathartic, and empowering, and that sometimes, embracing your inner menace is part of the healing process.

Musically, the track blends haunting alt-pop melodies with harmonically rich production, creating an atmosphere that feels both eerie and exhilarating. Turner’s vocals are precise yet emotive, balancing intimacy with the communal energy of her friends’ ad-libs. The song thrives in the space between personal catharsis and collective empowerment, creating an anthem that resonates across both online and real-world communities.

City Builders remains committed to building a connection with fans, offering both sonic and participatory experiences that emphasize empowerment and community. With its blend of personal storytelling, communal energy, and unapologetic celebration of female rage, “Vengeful Spirit” solidifies Grace Turner’s place as a powerful voice in alt-pop and a champion for women reclaiming their narratives.