By Colin 
Queer alt-pop artist annie on the run is back with a bold new release. Her latest single, ‘Lipstick Staining’, lands on Friday 18th April and marks the start of a confident new chapter in her career. With its glitchy textures and emotionally raw lyrics, this track captures the tangled feelings of a queer breakup — pairing heartbreak with a danceable pulse.
Entirely self-written, produced, mixed, and released by annie, ‘Lipstick Staining’ offers a fresh take on vulnerability. Drawing on sci-fi imagery and metaphors of space, it explores the messy reality of loving someone you’re no longer with. Despite its emotional depth, the track bursts with energy and boldness. Fans of Chappell Roan and Billie Eilish will recognise the influence, but annie makes the sound her own.
Recently, she stepped away from a record label to embrace creative independence. This new single reflects that change. As annie explained, Chappell Roan’s Grammy speech gave her the final push to do what was best for her art.
Embracing independence and creative growth
“Being signed made me feel rushed,” annie shared. “I realised I needed space to let the songs develop naturally. Now I’m in control of every part of the process, and it feels right.”
Thanks to support from the Music Producers’ Guild and Tonic Music, annie has evolved into a strong producer and mixer. Her skills have already gained industry attention. She’s been featured on Apple Music’s New in Alternative, heard on BBC Introducing, and spotlighted by platforms like Future Hits Radio and Indie Music Women. Press coverage from TuneFountain, Lock Magazine, She Makes Music, and PowHer Sound has also helped her reach new audiences.
‘Lipstick Staining’ is more than a breakup track. It’s a statement of intent. It shows an artist taking control of her sound, pushing boundaries, and speaking directly from the heart. It’s also a reminder that independence can be a powerful creative force — especially for queer artists navigating an industry that doesn’t always make space for complexity.
This is only the beginning of annie on the run’s next era. If ‘Lipstick Staining’ is anything to go by, we’re in for something special. You can pre-save the single here and follow annie on the run over on Instagram.