With her latest single, “Another Realm,” Johannesburg-born Anke Richards proves that music can do more than move hearts—it can move tides. Released in partnership with Sea Shepherd, this cinematic alt-pop track turns every stream into a contribution to ocean conservation, blending artistry and activism in one fluid motion. But even beyond its noble cause, “Another Realm” stands as a deeply atmospheric, emotionally resonant work that feels like floating in the in-between—somewhere between dreams and reality, pain and peace.
From the opening notes, “Another Realm” feels like a whisper that expands into infinity. The song begins with glassy synths and hushed percussion, surrounding Richards’ close-mic’d vocals in a haze of intimacy. You can almost feel her breath brushing the air, the sound of a confession shared in secret. Her voice carries that same gentle rasp as Billie Eilish and Tate McRae, but there’s something uniquely serene about her tone—an ache wrapped in calm. Every phrase feels suspended in time, as if the world slows to catch her words before they drift away. The production, handled alongside Grammy-nominated songwriter Dante Lattanzi, widens the emotional horizon without sacrificing closeness. It’s cinematic, yet tender—a song that belongs as much in a pair of headphones as it does on a film soundtrack.
At its core, “Another Realm” is about transcendence—the moment you rise above the noise of daily life and glimpse something bigger, something purer. Richards builds her world slowly, layering ambient textures like waves lapping against a distant shore. There’s a fragile rhythm to the song, almost heartbeat-like, that mirrors the rise and fall of emotion. As the chorus swells, her voice glides over the synthscape with effortless grace, whispering of escape, of surrender, of finding light in isolation. It’s haunting and hopeful, like the quiet after a storm when you realize the sky has cleared. The track invites you to breathe deeper, to listen closer, to feel more.
But what truly sets “Another Realm” apart is its purposeful beauty. Every stream of the song directly supports Sea Shepherd, an organization known for its relentless defense of marine life. Richards doesn’t just create a sonic realm—she ties it to the real world, merging art with action. The oceanic metaphor runs deep through the production too: the synths shimmer like sunlight breaking through water, and the layered vocals echo with the vastness of open seas. It’s a rare fusion of message and music, where the theme of connection extends beyond the listener to the living planet itself. In this sense, the song becomes both a meditation and a call to awareness—soft-spoken yet powerful.
By the time “Another Realm” fades, it feels less like a song and more like a moment—one you emerge from quieter, introspective, and strangely renewed. Anke Richards has crafted something more than just alt-pop ambience; she’s built an emotional sanctuary. With its dreamlike soundscape, vulnerable performance, and eco-conscious heart, the track reminds us that music still has the power to heal, inspire, and transform. In her voice, the listener finds both reflection and release—proof that even in a fractured world, beauty and purpose can coexist.
