After years captivating listeners as one half of the acclaimed duo Lovespirals, Anji Bee stepped into her own spotlight with the 2013 release of her debut solo album, Love Me Leave Me. Three years in the making, this album was more than just a release. It was a statement—Anji Bee’s declaration of artistic independence and a showcase of her skills as a vocalist, songwriter, and producer. Seamlessly weaving through the sultry realms of deep house, the cool sophistication of trip hop, and the warm embrace of Brazilian jazz, Love Me Leave Me announced Anji Bee as a singular force in the chillout landscape. Released independently on Lovespirals’ own Chillcuts label as an ultra-limited edition eco-friendly CD and digital download, this album marked a pivotal moment in her already impressive career.
The Genesis of a Solo Vision: Finding Independence in Chillcuts Studio
While Anji Bee’s collaborative spirit has enriched countless projects, Love Me Leave Me was born from a desire for a more direct and personal connection to her creative output. This vision found its home in Chillcuts Studio, the sonic sanctuary she built with her longtime collaborator and Lovespirals partner, Ryan Lum. Armed with her cherished vintage 70’s Neumann U87 microphone and a state-of-the-art Bricasti M7 reverb, Anji, with Lum’s invaluable support, sculpted a collection that represents her most realized work to date. As she candidly shared on The Chillcast, the decision to release independently, just as Lovespirals had done, was a deliberate choice to maintain artistic control and connect directly with her audience. The album’s very conception, initially sparked by Ryan’s suggestion to revisit their Bitstream Dream collaborations, evolved into a much grander statement of Anji’s solo identity.
Reimagining Past Collaborations and Embracing New Horizons
Long before her acclaimed work with Lovespirals, Anji Bee was a pioneering force in the world of online music collaboration, forging creative partnerships with artists across the globe. Platforms like mp3.com and CC Mixter played a crucial role in connecting musicians in the early days of the internet, and it was through this platform that Anji first began to explore collaborative possibilities.
Her early musical journey saw her lending her distinctive vocals to a diverse range of projects, each showcasing a different facet of her artistic talent. She contributed to the short-lived trip hop project Dreamzone 51 with Canadian musician Moon Dawg in 2000. After the fledging duo split, she recorded several demos with Realm, another trip hop project that ultimately dissolved before releasing anything. With Bitstream Dream, Bee finally was able to bring some of her earlier ideas to life, lending her voice to several songs that helped solidify her presence in the online music scene.
A significant chapter in Anji’s collaborative history involves the CC Asia Band project. In 2009, she contributed vocals to a track for this Creative Commons initiative launched by Taiwan artist MoShang , making her vocal recording available under a CC license on the CC Mixter platform. This act of open collaboration led to numerous remixes of her vocal contribution by artists from around the world, highlighting the power of shared creativity. The track “Buddhahood” featured on Love Me Leave Me is a beautifully reimagined version of her original contribution to the CC Asia Band project, showcasing her ability to revisit and transform past works.
This spirit of collaboration continued with Moosefrog, where Anji’s vocals added depth and emotion to their electronica sound on two tracks from their 2007 release, Adrift, on the Creative Commons netlabel, Lo-Kiwi. Her Spanish-language vocals for “En La Oscuridad” later resurfaced as “Que Quiero” on the self-released 7 Day Visa album, ‘Buenos Aires,’ in 2010. For Love Me Leave Me, the song was reimagined once again as “Mi Amor.”
Long before Love Me Leave Me took shape, Anji Bee had already established herself as a sought-after vocalist in the online music world. Her collaborations spanned genres and continents, giving her a unique foundation upon which to build her solo debut. Now, with the album fully realized, each track tells its own story—some reimagined from past projects, others newly born from this chapter of her artistic evolution.
A Sonic Tapestry of Emotion: Track-by-Track Immersion
Love Me Leave Me isn’t just a collection of songs—it’s a carefully woven narrative of love, longing, and self-discovery. Anji Bee’s journey through music has been one of collaboration, evolution, and reinvention, and each track on this album reflects a different facet of her artistry. Some songs find their roots in past projects, now reimagined with newfound depth, while others emerge as bold new statements in sound and emotion. As Anji explained on The Chillcast:
“Not every song on ‘Love Me Leave Me’ is a reworking of one of my old hits from internet collaborations—though that was originally what the project set out to be. Ryan thought it would be fun to take some of the old Bitstream Dream songs and reinterpret them because none of them were for sale online anymore. But once we got into the process, we found ourselves writing new songs, and before we knew it, we almost had an album. That’s how the project came to be.”
Here’s a closer look at each track and the stories behind them:
- “Got All I Need”: The album opens with an immediate sense of sophisticated calm. This downtempo/deep house gem, reminiscent of Blue Six’s finest moments, establishes a mood of profound contentment, Anji’s honeyed vocals a soothing balm declaring the simple perfection of love’s presence. This track, as Anji revealed, was a deliberate embrace of positivity after exploring darker lyrical themes for Lovespirals album Future Past.
- “Love Me Leave Me”: The iconic title track, a beloved staple for over a decade, finally receives its definitive, exquisitely chilled rendition. Born from a 2003 demo for the unreleased Realm project and later interpreted by Bitstream Dream, Anji, alongside Ryan Lum, finally captured the sensual, jazzy essence she always envisioned. The lyrics, tinged with a melancholic beauty, explore the delicate balance of love and the fear of its potential loss. Anji’s journey with this song, from its demo origins to this polished version, underscores her dedication to her craft.
- “Saudade”: A brand new original composition, “Saudade” is a breathtaking homage to the golden age of Brazilian jazz. Ryan Lum’s romantic bossa nova melody provides the perfect canvas for Anji’s evocative lyrics, while his backing vocals create a sublime duet reminiscent of João and Astrud Gilberto. This track stands as a testament to Anji’s long-held passion for Brazilian music. Her lyrics reinforce the classic mid-century vibe of the song “Like a vine clings to a tree / Oh my darling, cling to me / Pulling me back / Like a ship out to sea”
- “Foolish”: Stepping into the cool shadows of late-90s trip hop, “Foolish” unfolds with silky smooth grooves, subtle vinyl crackles, and a vintage electric piano. The ethereal shimmer of the vibraphone and delicate touches of disco strings add layers of intrigue to Anji’s confident vocals, which explore the intoxicating yet uncertain terrain of new romantic feelings. This track’s evolution from a 2003 demo highlights Anji’s growth as an arranger and vocalist.
- “Sleight of Hand”: Reborn from its Bitstream Dream incarnation as “Phantasma,” “Sleight of Hand” emerges as a sophisticated and sultry masterpiece. The addition of Doron Orenstein’s saxophone adds a layer of timeless jazz elegance. Anji’s vocals, now smoother and more soulful, glide over a smokier, late Motown-infused production. The lyrics, inspired by Buddhist philosophy and Victorian occult trends, delve into the ephemeral nature of reality. “It’s a sleight of hand; conjuror’s trick / A puff of smoke and it’s gone.”
- “Mi Amor”: This cherished lyric, previously gracing tracks by Moosefrog and 7 Day Visa, finds its ultimate expression here, enriched by Ryan Lum’s masterful guitar work. This version boasts a richer vocal arrangement, a compelling new chorus, and a breathtaking Flamenco guitar outro, all culminating in a passionate declaration of love in Spanish. “Mi amor, mi amor, mi amor / Te quiero.”
- “Try To Forget”: Originally released as a compilation-only track from Lovespirals’ catalog, this moody deep house gem receives a fresh and improved mix for Love Me Leave Me. Its Blue Six inspired vibe provides the perfect backdrop for Anji’s sensual vocals and Ryan’s soulful guitar melodies, creating a dreamy escape from the everyday. Anji revealed the personal inspiration behind the lyrics, penned during a challenging time. “Let’s get away / Just for today / Try to forget.”
- “Put Some Music On”: This collaboration with The Grooveblaster and Lovespirals is a masterclass in laid-back, jazzy nu soul with a nostalgic touch. Anji’s sultry voice effortlessly captures the feeling of unwinding at the end of the day. The success of the subsequent remix EP, featuring acclaimed mixes, further cemented this track’s appeal. One of the more lighthearted lyrics of the album, Anji suggests that listeners “Put some music on / Put out the lights / Put your cares behind / Let’s have a party tonight!”
- “Perfect Boy”: A lyrical gem penned in 1994, “Perfect Boy” finally finds its perfect sonic partner. Drawing inspiration from an early Bitstream Dream vibe but elevated with a slinkier, more sophisticated production, Anji’s vocals, layered into a stunning “angelic choir,” beautifully convey the adoration and idealization of infatuation. “Angelic in stature / Graceful and thin / Raven black hair / Pale silken skin.”
- “Love Will Turn Your Head Around (Lovespirals Mix)”: This exquisite collaboration with Karmacoda and the legendary Beth Hirsch receives a signature Lovespirals touch. Anji’s re-recorded vocals intertwine with Ryan Lum’s dream pop guitar, creating a transcendent anthem about love’s transformative power. Anji shared her personal connection to Beth Hirsch’s music, making this collaboration particularly meaningful.
- “Buddhahood”: Perhaps the most unexpected track on the album, “Buddhahood” began its life as part of the CC Asia Band project. Anji’s adaptation of Milarepa’s Buddhist poetry takes on an unexpected and captivating disco-house form, complete with intriguing Oriental instrument samples. This track showcases Anji’s willingness to experiment and reimagine her past work.
- “Just One Word” (Bandcamp Bonus Track): A delightful bonus for dedicated fans, this funky, retro-inspired downtempo track, adorned with soulful vocals, speaks to the simple yet profound desire for connection and reassurance. “I need just one word / Just one word from you”
Setting the Tone: “Put Some Music On” Hits the Charts
Long before the full album dropped, Anji Bee set the tone for her solo debut with the release of Put Some Music On, a single that quickly gained traction in the downtempo and lounge scenes. Originally conceived during a 2006 Lovespirals songwriting session, the lyrics for Put Some Music On found new life in 2010 when Anji received an instrumental track from producer The Grooveblaster. Inspired by its classic, soulful feel, she experimented with pairing her lyrics to the music. With Ryan Lum engineering the vocal session, the result was a smooth and intimate performance that captured the essence of winding down at the end of the day.
Rather than treating it as a mere remix, Anji and Ryan crafted a fresh version of the song, distinct from The Grooveblaster’s take. They agreed to release both separately—Anji and Ryan’s version appeared on the 5 Years of Chillin’compilation in 2011, while The Grooveblaster included his mix, Put Some Music On (Good Times), on his album Out of the Past.
The song’s potential didn’t go unnoticed. In early 2012, 3345 Music took an interest and released Put Some Music On Remix EP, featuring multiple new interpretations. The Intensity of Sound “Retro Funk Mix” made waves, hitting #2 on the Traxsource Lounge Essential 20 list in December and #16 on Juno Recommends Downtempo for January. The full EP itself landed at #2 on DJ Oxide’s Top 10 Picks for January 2012 on Resident Advisor and Urbnet’s Jackhouse Magazine.
Reflecting on the single in The Chillcast: Love Me Leave Me Special, Anji described the project as a defining moment in her solo career:
“That was a really great experience and a great way to debut this whole Anji Bee solo album.”
With its widespread recognition and chart success, Put Some Music On served as a sultry, sophisticated preview of what was to come, solidifying Anji Bee’s place in the chillout music scene.
In 2016, Anji and The Grooveblaster reunited once again for Destiny, their ninth collaboration. Continuing their signature blend of downtempo and nu-jazz, the track showcased their ongoing creative chemistry.
Crowd Funding and Building Buzz with Remixes
Anji Bee employed a forward-thinking strategy to build anticipation for Love Me Leave Me and directly engage her fanbase. Recognizing the power of collaboration and community, she released a series of five remix singles for the title track as a celebration of the 10th anniversary of “Love Me Leave Me”. This innovative crowdfunding campaign, announced on her popular podcast, The Chillcast, not only generated excitement but also directly funded the album’s physical release. Featuring a diverse array of interpretations from artists like The Grooveblaster, Lovespirals, Mr. Alfa, Karmacoda, Daniel Knoxville, Urban Punks, Rom Di Prisco, and The Morphism, these singles showcased the versatility of the song and the breadth of Anji’s musical network. These remixes were later compiled into an EP, released on June 19, 2013, and made available on all major streaming platforms, ensuring wider accessibility.
With remixes fueling the album’s momentum, Anji extended her promotional efforts beyond just pre-release singles. She took a multi-platform approach, ensuring Love Me Leave Me reached both long-time listeners and new fans through diverse media channels.
A Full Circle Moment: “Love Will Turn Your Head Around”
“Love Will Turn Your Head Around (Lovespirals Mix)” is a result of a fascinating collaborative journey. The song was originally co-written with Karmacoda and the legendary Beth Hirsch for Karmacoda’s 2011 album Eternal, where it served as the lead single. For Love Me Leave Me, Lovespirals created a completely new version of the song, utilizing the original stems from that collaboration. This rendition seamlessly blends Ryan Lum’s signature dream pop guitar with Anji’s re-recorded vocals, marking a full-circle moment in Anji’s artistic journey. As Anji Bee shares,
“It was such an honor for me to work with Beth Hirsch, and it was especially wonderful to work on a song with Beth Hirsch and Ryan because when we were first dating the Air album, ‘Moon Safari,’ came out and I had a lot of romantic times listening to that album with Ryan. It’s almost like we’ve come full circle artistically, not only doing music together, but working with someone who was a big inspiration to me.”
Karmacoda strongly promoted the original version of the song, which became the band’s #1 track on Apple Music. It was released as both a radio edit and extended album version as a pre-release digital and CD single in 2011.
Glide Magazine praised the track, writing:
“The ear-catching ‘Love Will Turn Your Head Around’ is arguably the gem of the album, dark, languid, and teasingly dangerous sounding: in short, everything a trip-hop song should, in the ears of this listener, be.”
On February 22, 2013, Karmacoda released Love Will Turn Your Head Around (The Remixes), a digital EP featuring the Lovespirals Remix alongside multiple reinterpretations, including:
- Karmacoda Redux
- DJ Puzzle Remix by DJ Puzzle
- California Sunset Remix and Da Funccc Remix by Mr. Alfa
- Synapsis Remix by Tim Angrave
- Return to Mono Remix by Andy Sybilrud
- DJ’s Dub Remix by Den Jones
Karmacoda’s Eternal album saw physical releases on CD and vinyl, in addition to digital distribution. This extensive promotional push highlighted the song’s resonance within the trip-hop and downtempo communities.
Anji’s collaboration with Karmacoda didn’t stop there. In 2016, she lent her vocals to Naïve, a standout track on their album Love and Fate, bringing her signature sultry style to the group’s evocative, trip-hop-infused sound. Then in 2019, Ryan and Anji contributed their own remix to Karmacoda’s Revealed (Intimate Remixes), reworking “My Love” into a dreamy new version featuring additional backing vocals from Bee.
The Morphism: A Remix Odyssey and a Personal Tribute
Few artists have been as deeply connected to Love Me Leave Me as Anton Gagarin, known as The Morphism. A devoted fan of Bitstream Dream, Gagarin created the VK-based Romulus Club to celebrate the band’s founder, Rom Di Prisco, and worked to keep their music alive online. Given his passion for their work, it was only natural that he would eventually put his own spin on “Love Me Leave Me,” a song originally produced by Di Prisco for Bitstream Dream’s 2004 album, Integration.
His remix journey officially began in 2013 when he contributed a bold, old-school techno rework of “Love Me Leave Me” for the fifth remix single released on Bandcamp. His mix, featured alongside Di Prisco’s original Bitstream Dream Mix, paid homage to the 2004 version while adding his own signature style. The remix later appeared on the Love Me Leave Me Remixes collection, released across all major streaming platforms in June 2013.
In March 2015, Gagarin created a striking music video for his remix, further cementing his connection to the song. That same year, he collaborated with Anji on an original track, Cetus Aero, for his Madness Shift (EP). By 2018, The Morphism’s full-length album Living Generation featured his 2013 remix of “Love Me Leave Me,” as well as a newly reimagined version of “Goodbye,” a song Bee had originally recorded with Bitstream Dream in 2001. This version incorporated fresh vocal recordings and additional lyrics sourced from an even earlier iteration of the song, dating back to her 2000 project, Dreamzone 51.
Perhaps the most heartfelt tribute came in May 2021, when The Morphism released a deeply personal remix of “Love Me Leave Me.” This stripped-down version, titled Maragaritari (Love Me Leave Me – Wedding Edit), was created as the First Dance song for his own wedding, named in honor of his bride, Margaritari. What began as a remix project had, over time, transformed into something profoundly personal—not just for The Morphism, but for everyone who had connected with the song in their own way.
Bringing the Artwork to Life: The Love Me Leave Me Music Video
The official Love Me Leave Me music video, premiering on The Chillcast Video in November 2013, visually captured the album’s intimate aesthetic. Filmed by Anji and Ryan Lum at home, it recreated the sensual, vintage pin-up style of the album cover, shot by Chicago-based boudoir photographer Aga Furtak. Anji donned the same vintage lingerie and performed in front of the antique vanity mirror and bed featured in the album photography. Cross-promoted on The Chillcast Video and Anji’s platforms, the video quickly gained traction, amassing over 24K views and glowing comments from fans.
“Anji, this video should have a million views and you should be superstar famous. You’re stunningly beautiful, charming, intelligent, down-to-earth and musically gifted. Happy Healthy Vegan has helped me and my husband so much. Thanks for helping so many of us go vegan and thanks for sharing your angelic voice, as well.” – Skycross1712
The visual impact of the video, combined with the sultry, melancholic vibe of the track, cemented its status as a defining piece of the Love Me Leave Me era.
Behind the Scenes: Happy Healthy Vegan Interview
In early 2015, Anji Bee sat down at YouTube SpaceLA for an in-depth Happy Healthy Vegan interview, sharing insights on the album’s creation, crowdfunding, and physical release. She recounted the surprising demand for CDs, selling out her initial 100 copies in less than six months before repressing another batch.
She also discussed the album’s bold cover photo, initially hesitant to use it but ultimately embracing its authenticity:
“I debated for a year before choosing it. But after waiting three years to release this album, I realized this photo captured its essence best.”
The Happy Healthy Vegan interview also featured clips from several album tracks, giving fans a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind Love Me Leave Me. The discussion not only highlighted Anji’s passion for her craft but also underscored the album’s significance as a bold, personal statement in her career.
Album Artwork and Packaging: A Personal Touch
Anji Bee’s personal touch extended to the visual presentation of Love Me Leave Me. She personally oversaw the photography, design, and artwork for the album’s packaging. The striking cover image, an intimate boudoir photograph by Aga Furtak, perfectly encapsulates the album’s sensual and introspective nature. The limited edition CD was an eco-friendly release, and the digital download on Bandcamp included a special poster, the exclusive bonus track “Just One Word,” a 3-page digital booklet with lyrics and additional photos from the boudoir session, and printable tray art, offering fans a complete and immersive experience.
Podcast and Radio Endorsement: Amplifying the Sound
Anji Bee’s influential podcast, The Chillcast, played a pivotal role in promoting Love Me Leave Me. From the announcement of the first single to a dedicated hour-long special covering the album’s creation, Anji offered her listeners an intimate behind-the-scenes experience.
The album also received extensive support from Dave’s Lounge, a long-time fan of Anji’s work. Host Dave Warner featured multiple tracks from the album over multiple episodes, including the Bandcamp bonus song “Just One Word,” and even dedicated an “Anji Bee Takeover” episode to her vast musical contributions. “This brand-new recorded version chills the song out even more than the first time,” he remarked of “Love Me Leave Me.”
Beyond podcasts, the album found a home on streaming radio. San Francisco-based downtempo and chillout radio show, Below Zero, championed Love Me Leave Me, featuring Anji Bee as their Break Through Artist in February 2014. In their Weekly Top 10 “Love Me Leave Me” charted for 6 weeks, reaching as high as #6, while “Got All I Need”charted for 3 weeks, peaking at #2. “Put Some Music On,” charted for 3 weeks in 2012, when the single was first released by 3345 Music. They also supported the Lovespirals “Baeleric Chill” Mix of “Love Me Leave Me,” which charted for four weeks.
The LUSH channel on Soma.fm has been spinning Love Me Leave Me continuously since its release, keeping the album in its Top 30 playlist as of 2025. This ongoing airplay demonstrates the album’s lasting appeal in the chillout and downtempo community.to her diverse musical contributions.
Critical Acclaim and Fan Adoration: A Resounding Success
Love Me Leave Me was met with enthusiastic praise from both critics and fans alike, solidifying Anji Bee’s position in the chillout landscape. 3345 Music, regarding the pre-release single “Put Some Music On,” noted, “The impeccable production and Anji’s tremendous vocal range drive a downbeat trip to downtown.” Femme.fm lauded Anji’s solo work, stating,
“I think Anji Bee’s solo work deserves a place among the greatest acts in trip hop, and the original album version of “Love Me Leave Me” is one of her finest tracks.”
Fans on Bandcamp echoed this sentiment, celebrating Anji’s captivating voice and the album’s rich, soulful textures. Jason Painter, a Bandcamp user, commented, “After many tremendous Lovespirals albums, Anji brings us an individualism that is pleasantly surprising.” Another fan, Maria McKenzie, exclaimed, “This entire album is incredible. Anji’s marvelous voice combined with the soulful rhythm makes for a moving, spellbinding experience. Brilliantly performed. Wow.“
Matt Rowe of MusicTap provided an in-depth review, praising Anji Bee’s “honeyed vocals” and the album’s “jazz-fueled chillout style,” drawing favorable comparisons to Sade. He noted,
“On her debut solo release, Anji Bee uses the smooth jazz style to a greater degree than heard on the Lovespirals albums… ‘Love Me Leave Me’ is a collection of eleven indispensable tracks that each have their own mesmerizing quality. The sexiness of Anji Bee’s voice conspire to get your blood racing with her style that is only matched by Sade.”
Rowe further highlighted specific tracks, stating,
“A song like the incredible “Saudade”, which, loosely translated means “a profound melancholic longing for an absent someone that one loves…”. It is a potent listen not only for its engaging subject matter, but for the gorgeous construction of the song.”
He also praised the “club jazz of ‘Sleight Of Hand,’
“With its entrancing repetitive music, its tinkling piano parts, and that sexy saxophone that floats throughout the song, it’s easily one of the album’s best.”
He concluded, “‘Love Me Leave Me’ is an excellent, jazz-fueled, chillout set. This album hits all the right spots.”
A Bold Statement, A Lasting Legacy
Love Me Leave Me wasn’t just a solo debut—it was a creative experiment, a chance for Anji Bee and Ryan Lum to momentarily step outside their usual Lovespirals sound and try something new. Ironically, the project hadn’t even been Anji’s idea. As she revealed on The Chillcast,
“In fact, it wasn’t even my idea, it was Ryan’s idea! Somehow he got it into his head that it might be nice to kinda switch gears with some electronica music… He thought it would just be something kinda fun to do as like a single or an EP. But once he got into the process, I think he kinda enjoyed that completely different way of approaching music with me, where I’m more in the driver’s seat… After things had kinda settled in, we found ourselves writing new songs, and before we knew it, we almost had an album.”
Though Love Me Leave Me remained a one-time creative departure, it added another rich chapter to Anji and Ryan’s musical journey. They ultimately returned to their dream pop and shoegaze roots with Life Goes On (2018), an album that reflected the passage of time and their evolution as both artists and partners. If Love Me Leave Me was a bold detour, Life Goes On was the natural return—proof that sometimes, taking a creative side road leads you right back to where you belong.