From the fog-drenched clubs of the West Coast to the quiet mountains of Appalachia, Pleasure Victim’s story is anything but ordinary. The enigmatic synth-pop duo, formed by married musicians Taylor and Alison Hill, have carved out a space all their own, blending brooding atmospherics with dancefloor-ready grooves and noir-soaked storytelling. Their new album ‘Berlin’ is both a musical evolution and a personal landmark: a bold, glittering body of work forged in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastation, and shaped by resilience, reinvention, and a deep-rooted love of new wave aesthetics.
Equal parts seductive and surreal, ‘Berlin’ is packed with icy synths, cinematic drama, and infectious hooks. With tracks like ‘Sweet Nothings’, ‘Gemma’, and ‘Heart of the Sun’, the duo channel themes of loss, escape, desire, and identity into something deeply transportive. And yet, there’s a striking intimacy in the way it’s all delivered, through Alison’s haunting vocals or Taylor’s sprawling production, and the raw humanity at the core of it all.
We sat down with Pleasure Victim to dive deeper into their sound and the inspirations behind it.
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Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in music?
We’ve both been playing in bands forever. Alison used to play rock shows at CBGBs and I was busy DJing goth clubs on the West Coast. When we met we realized we have a major musical affinity and have been supporting each other in our musical projects ever since.
Who are your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your sound?
70s and 80s UK post-punk everything
Was there a specific moment or experience that made you decide to pursue music seriously?
We’ve always been pursuing music for better or worse. As a kid I made my first drum set out of buckets and old pot lids. Alison wrote her first song at age 8 called ‘Paranoia’ – it was the inspiration for one of our earlier singles “Paranoia Pop’.
Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process?
I always have music running through my head. Every once in a while it’s a song I’ve never heard before.
How do you find inspiration for your music and lyrics?
Inspiration is everywhere, sometimes the challenge is choosing which ideas to pursue.
What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from your music?
My hope is any amateur artist dreaming of making their own way is inspired. If I can do it, you can too.
What challenges have you faced as an emerging artist in the music industry?
The same challenges I face everyday – trying to stay true to myself. Life demands conformity – you must resist!
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your musical journey so far?
Working in a creative flow state.
How do you stay true to yourself and your artistry in a constantly evolving industry?
Don’t sell out for social media likes.
What can fans expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or tours?
I’m always writing so definitely new music coming after promoting this record. Also we’re looking forward to getting back into playing live. Our big cross country move and then hurricane Helene delayed that for us.
Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next five years?
Our dream is to tour with one of our heroes.
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Listen to Pleasure Victim’s new album ‘Berlin’ below.
