THE ANXIETY
Biography
THE ANXIETY is a musical duo composed of musicians Willow Smith and Tyler Cole. Formed in 2020, the collaboration between the two artists explores a wide range of genres, including alternative rock, punk, and dream pop. Smith and Cole had collaborated on each other's solo projects prior to forming the group.
Formation and Debut Album
The duo released their self-titled debut album, "The Anxiety," on March 13, 2020, through MSFTSMusic and Roc Nation. The album addresses themes of anxiety, panic attacks, and other mental health topics. To promote the album, Smith and Cole held a 24-hour performance art piece at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles where they were enclosed in a glass box, visually representing the stages of anxiety.
"Meet Me at Our Spot"
While the album didn't initially chart, the track "Meet Me at Our Spot" became a viral sleeper hit on TikTok in late 2021. This led to the song being released as a single on October 5, 2021. The song's popularity brought significant attention to the duo, charting on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US and reaching the top 10 in several other countries. The lyrics of "Meet Me at Our Spot" touch upon how the artists' anxieties dissipate when they are together.
Musical Style and Themes
THE ANXIETY's music is noted for its eclectic sound, blending aggressive punk-inspired tracks with more pensive R&B and ballad-like songs. Lyrically, their work often delves into personal struggles with mental health and critiques societal issues. The project was conceived to advocate for mental health awareness.