STILLBIRTH

This is the debut solo single from Alice Glass, following her departure from Crystal Castles. The dark and angry track was co-written and produced by HEALTH member Jupiter Keyes in their basement and released on July 18, 2015.

Glass was in some version of Crystal Castles from the age of 14, meeting Ethan Kath after she ran away from home. Glass split with Kath in 2014 and following their parting of ways, the pair engaged in a public dispute online. This song is about Glass freeing herself from a toxic relationship, with all proceedings from digital sales going to organizations that help survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence and incest. It is accompanied by a statement, which, though she never explicitly names Kath or Crystal Castles, some writers and bloggers are speculating it could be about him. It reads: "Years ago I began the process of trying to remove myself from an abusive relationship that started when I was a teenager. Over the course of that relationship I was systematically cut off from anyone and everyone that I could truly be close to. I was talked down to, yelled at, locked into rooms and criticized daily about my abilities, my weight, my looks, my intelligence and almost every move I made. When I couldn't take it anymore and I wanted to end the relationship I was threatened, then I was told I was loved, and the cycle would begin again." "I want young women and young men to understand that this kind of treatment of others can happen where it might be least expected. Even in environments that thrive on creativity and open-mindedness, that advocate artistic and counter-culture ideals. Sometimes people will use these things to camouflage themselves so that their abuse might go unnoticed. So that you wouldn't think to consider it could be happening right in front of you." "The clarity I've gained since getting out of that situation has opened up my life in a way that I didn't imagine was possible. Although some of the pain and anger still lingers, my life finally feels as though it has value and meaning. I speak out now hoping that I can encourage other young women and young men to affirm their value within their relationships or get out. Abuse isn't always obvious and it doesn't have to involve black eyes, blood and broken bones. Emotional and psychological abuse can be just as damaging, and it is extremely difficult to remove yourself from." "Those that have known me throughout my career might be surprised that someone who publicly gave the impression of being fearless and seemed as though they didn't take s--t from anyone could find themselves being severely mistreated and manipulated by someone they were close to. This person nearly stripped me of myself. And for years I felt as though they were waiting for my life to end."