"Operator" by Animals In Denial - A Journey through Love, Loss, and Emotional Disconnect

With latest single "Operator", Animals in Denial takes listeners on a journey through the emotional labyrinth of love and heartbreak, all set against a backdrop of cyberpunk-inspired soundscapes.

Taking inspiration from The Matrix and a teenage memory of cruising the streets with a rhythm stuck in their head, Operator is all about the enduring power of artistic vision, and the years it can take for that vision to come to life.

Listen in here:

https://open.spotify.com/track/1RRrDQQFPYAcWTvB82GG2n?go=1&sp_cid=32c04a5aa0ceb363029ee806318cbe9d&utm_source=embed_player_p&utm_medium=desktop&nd=1&dlsi=ac1db8f11625436e

At its core, Operator is built on a pulsing beat that feels almost alive and driven by synths.

The rhythmic foundation traces its origins back to a beat that haunted the artist since age 14, finally brought to life years later with the help of Ableton Live, Acid 4, and a handful of drum samples. This rich, layered production creates a sense of suspense and momentum, evoking both the relentless march of time and the emotional weight of distance.

Lyrically, it reflects on a formative relationship. The titular “operator” functions as a dual metaphor - a lifeline during the relationship’s peak and a symbol of the disconnect that eventually took hold. Written about an ex who inspired several of the artist’s other works, Operator examines the experience of giving your all to someone who remains emotionally distant.

Christian Imes explains:

"Musically this one came together quickly, as I had this beat stuck in my head since I was 14 when I first saw The Matrix. I would ride around the streets of Canton, NC and the beat was just stuck in my head. At the time, I had just started playing guitar and I didn’t have or know anything about synths at the time. Flash forward years later and I decided it was finally time to do it. So, using a lite copy of Ableton live and a couple of drum samples I doubled, I used acid 4 to piece it together and sample from a free 8 pack that sonic foundry used to do. This was one of the fastest songs as far as how it was written in only about 30 mins for the original demo music and lyrics.

The final version took a bit longer, and one of the few songs I didn’t mix everything on. For the mix and additional production, I enlisted the services of Steven Seibold of Hate Dept/Pigface to help. He had not only synths and mics I didn’t have at the time, but he also had experience and a good ear for what the song could be, as the demo was super rough but the song was complete and the vibe was there."

The collaboration with Steven Seibold of Hate Dept and Pigface was a masterstroke.

Known for his expertise in industrial and cyberpunk aesthetics, Seibold’s influence takes Operator from a strong idea to a realized work of art.

The way that he refines the vocals and re-imagines the structural elements, introducing subtle production enhancements ensures that the track has a dynamic evolution from start to finish.

One standout moment is the third verse, where a shift in vocal delivery transforms what could have been predictable into something strikingly fresh.

Interestingly, an earlier version of Operator included guitar parts, but the decision to remove them in the final mix allows the track’s synth-heavy soundscape to shine. This choice amplifies the cyberpunk vibe and gives the song a sleek, futuristic edge, perfectly aligning with its themes of technological and emotional detachment.

While the track’s cold, metallic production evokes a dystopian world, its lyrics and vocal performance ground it in human experience.

As much as the song serves as a catharsis for the artist Christian Imes, helping them process the emotional fallout of a challenging relationship, it also offers listeners a mirror for their own experiences. It’s a reminder of the pain and growth that come with heartbreak and the clarity that emerges from further reflection.

Find out more about Animals In Denial on the Website.