Category Archives: Influential Women In Music.

Ladies First: Female Rappers.

Posted on by

Hip Hop is a massive love of mine. They’re not rappers, they are modern-day poets. Well, some are. Not all. Read the lyrics of Tupac and you will see that it is poetry. Read the lyrics of Soulja Boy and well, maybe not yeah? Maybe not. However, the Hip Hop industry has always seemed to favour men. I don’t know why, you may not know why. Nobody may know why. Thing is, there are SO many female rappers around. Go back to the start of Hip Hop and strong female MCs have ALWAYS been there.

The first ever female rappers I remember hearing were Monie Love and Queen Latifah. They did an amazing track together, Ladies First. Not only was it incredibly produced; it was also (and still is) one of the cleverest Hip Hop tracks written. The way they bounce off each other was probably enough for any female of the early 90s hearing this song, want to rap. More importantly; make a difference.

When I heard Ladies First, I just immediately became aware of how sexist the world was and how society viewed women. I was so young, but after watching the video and hearing the song..I just kept asking my mum so many questions. She just sat me down and said the world and life, was unfair- but I didn’t have to settle for it. Ever. That I shouldn’t be told I couldn’t do something because I’m a girl. The term “Feminist” leaves the tongue of some many like a bitter taste. Like it is a bad thing to want rights for your own gender. But, I firmly believe that you don’t have to have boobies and a vagina to be a Feminist. It’s just called being a decent human being, you know? Any good person wants equality for all. Regardless of age, gender, sexuality, colour, religion, disability or no disability. With so much hate and hurt in the world- we need to come together and be kind. Be gentle and comforting. There is nothing weak about wanting to be held. There is nothing weak about having a kind heart.

A lot of female rappers seem to think, if they talk about having sex with whoever, wearing next to nothing and just selling themselves out-it’ll bring them money. Sure it will, but will it give them respect? I say this, but I really really adore Foxy Brown. She’s always been a favourite of mine. She’s struggled with a hell of a lot. Gets knocked down and ridiculed, but in my eyes- she’s one of the greats. Now, I know she wears hardly anything- but listen to her lyrics (okay maybe not Hot Spot or Candy) but she has some songs that are just mind-blowing. B.K Anthem just tells you about Brooklyn in a way that’s never been done. The Letter (which features THE legend Ron Isley) and Broken Silence are heartbreaking and honest. To put yourself out there in that way, well fuck it, I respect her. I respect anyone who metaphorically rips their heart out and spills their guts out. Admitting to their faults and just being so open- I just admire that. I don’t care who you are, if you’re honest- then that’s all that matters.

Hip Hop is one of the most honest genres of music. It’s real. You believe in every single word. Everyone faces struggle in life. Some every so often, some every single day. Some use Hip Hop as a crutch to just plough on through. To hear songs like those I mentioned by Foxy Brown are enough to make a woman who is feeling utterly low and damaged, to just pull through. She’ll feel comforted by it because another female is expressing those insecurities and has cut herself wide open for all to see and hear.

Then you have the whole, Lil’ Kim vs Foxy Brown thing. It was ugly, and it was brutal- but it made for great entertainment for those voyeuristic blood suckers. Of course it got personal, it always does. It was almost impossible for the Media to state that these two female rappers were both as good as each other. For me, I was always on Team Foxy. I couldn’t really connect to Kim for some reason. Her early stuff was too much, but gradually, I guess she became more grown and easier to listen to. But like I said, Foxy is the one.

If you want to class M.I.A as a rapper, she’s probably the best around right now. She has a message. Maybe it is too political for most, but as far as I’m concerned, Hip Hop has always pointed out all the wrong in the world in order to make it right. That’s what M.I.A does, most of the time.

I want to touch briefly on Nicki Minaj for a second.

She’s probably hated as she is loved. Some claim she’s a gimmick, some see she’s for real. The only person who knows what she is about is, well, her. Personally? I love her. I’ve been a fan since 2008 when I was listening to some of her old mixtapes I heard online. I just became obsessed with what I was hearing. Sure it was a bit vulgar and overly sexual, but her honesty well, was admirable. To have the guts to be as open and nasty as some male rappers- well fuck it, she was playing them at their game. And she was winning. Now look at her. Her second record, Roman Reloaded is free of those topics. I can’t find fault in it. And I’ll admit, I do get pissed when people slag her off. They seem to ignore her background. They seem to think she just came from nowhere and became a star overnight. Bullshit. She’s always been a star, she was just busy in the background working hard to get to this point. She’s frequently laid into because she is apparently a gimmick. Some dressing up and not going by her real name/creating alter egos has never been done before? Sure..I mean, Ziggy Stardust was real wasn’t it? It isn’t cool to be someone who gets off on being disrespectful to others. If you want to slag her off, go ahead. But it just makes you seem pretty childish. Are you on stage every night pouring your heart out? Nope. So shush your noise, and go put your hate into being frustrated at the state of the world instead. Maybe I care too much, or maybe I just don’t get why anyone would care that you hate someone you do not know? I mean, it does seem pretty stupid to hate someone you do not know doesn’t it? Maybe I’m alone in that. Maybe..maybe.

I think females have a long way to go in the Hip Hop industry, and Music in general. There’s still blatant sexism floating about. Not just in Music, but everywhere in life. It’s like, “Oh she’s a female rapper, she must be a lesbian.” Oh please do fuck off. kd lang’s a lesbian and she doesn’t rap. You don’t need to dress like a tramp to be taken seriously and to be heard. Kids aren’t inspired by that- they need something real. Something they can hold onto for life. Something that teaches.

One of the first female rappers I really admired was MC Trouble. She sadly passed away in her sleep during the production of her second record. She may not have been around for long, but she’s easily as influential as the likes of Queen Latifah, Monie Love, Roxanne Shante etc.

I cannot mention female rappers without mentioning the one who had THE most distinctive voices ever in Hip Hop, and was part of one of THE most influential female groups ever. Lisa Lopes aka Left Eye from TLC was just so perfect and pure with her words, and the way she rapped. She totally owned the mic and every stage she stood on. Her small frame didn’t stop her from being so great and highly influential. I remember when she died (10 years on Tuesday) I just broke down. It was a shock, it always is. A truly heartbreaking moment in music. Maybe the standard of female rappers slipped when she passed. I have no idea. I don’t know. All I know is that she had something that will now always be missed. She was such a strong character. She taught girls how to be strong and utterly fearless. My love for her is totally different piece altogether. Maybe one day when it stops being a sore subject, I’ll get it out.

Hip Hop will always be a huge love of mine, and a vital part of my life. I do believe female rappers have a long way to go, but we’re getting there. You don’t need to be half-naked to be sexy. You don’t need to have a vulgar tongue to be heard. Be strong, stand up and say something that hasn’t been said before.

An ode to Riot Grrrl:”She’s a rocker dressed like a killer, she’s got lips like wine not sugar.”

Posted on by

As much as Punk and Shoegaze mean to me, there’s always been another movement in music that has meant the world to me. A movement that I feel, was just as vital as Punk. A movement that has the same values as Punk, and is as equally as influential.

Punk basically started in New York. That’s the heart and soul of it. Fast forward a couple of decades in Olympia, Washington. Female fronted bands developed a DIY ethic (much like Punk) and were making their own sound. Creating their own movement that moved like a hurricane. So powerful and as I said, so important. Without this movement, where would we be? Thing is though, I feel most have forgotten about this movement. That now all women must do now to sell records is strip off and sing songs that mean nothing.

I don’t want to write this as a THIS IS WHAT RIOT GRRRL WAS. If you know, then you know. If you don’t, then get to know. Go listen to Heavens To Betsy, Sleater-Kinney etc. Go listen to them. They will show you what music truly is. Play with angst. Play with passion. For gods sake play with HEART. Have something to believe in, and carry it with you. Make some noise.

For me, Riot Grrrl was something entirely sacred. I explored the world of Riot Grrrl because I was a HUGE fan of Le Tigre. I went back and explored the past projects of Kathleen Hanna, which of course, led me to Bikini Kill. That was it. I was hooked. Transfixed. I was old enough (12 years old) to understand why people were mad at society. I was angry too. As a kid, I was constantly bullied all through secondary school. So music was my outlet. Music was the thing I turned to in order to gain some kind of sanity in my life. I needed something I could use that no one could take from me. All my hell and fury was coming out of the songs by Sleater-Kinney, Bratmobile and The Butchies. I felt part of something. I had no voice to unleash all of this, so music did it for me. Punk did it and Riot Grrrl did it. As did Garbage but you already know that.

I favoured Sleater-Kinney above all. I have no idea why, I just did. I connected immediately to their songs. I fell in love Carrie Brownstein. I wanted to be as tough as her so much. Instead, I was just a lost sensitive cause who had no idea what to do. Sleater-Kinney were more than just a Riot Grrrl band. And yes, I was beyond pissed off when they broke up in 2006. I’m not mentioning it. I live in false hope that one day..one day. I know it won’t, but still. You’ve got to cling onto something. I loved Sleater-Kinney because every word of despair that was falling out of the speakers and into my ears was providing me with hope, of sorts.

The whole Riot Grrrl movement helped me come out. For years and years I struggled with it- internally. Hating yourself because of who you are is not living. Thing is, my mum isn’t even homophobic so what was I scared of? So much. In time, as I listened to more and more Riot Grrrl songs with older ears- I found the courage to do it. Mainly because I found so much comfort and security in a band that stemmed from the Riot Grrrl movement-Gossip. Their debut record, That’s Not What I Heard had songs on it that I felt “Oh holy shit…” towards. Fast forward a few years and Standing In The Way Of Control dropped. I followed the band up and down the UK. I skipped lectures at Uni to see them anywhere and everywhere I could. I met them and I felt like..I don’t know. I can’t put it into words. So in 2008, I had the guts to come out. Sure I did it by text message to my mum, but I was in a different country. She likes to mock me for how I did it. Sometimes, the most daunting thing in life is really the easiest thing to confront.

Without being exposed to Riot Grrrl I don’t know what I would’ve done. I probably would’ve remained being an empty shell that never knew what she wanted to do with her life. In my last year of Uni, I did a module called Women In Journalism and I did a presentation on Riot Grrrl and fanzines. I’ll admit I fucked it up a bit. Mainly because I decided at last-minute I hated everything I wrote so I just did my presentation off the top of my head. Besides, it was an excuse to listen to some of the bands all over again and pass it off as “research.” Maybe I’ll go back to appreciating Riot Grrrl everyday when Beyond Pink but their new record out this year. Here’s hoping.

All too often the press will deem a woman as being a “bitch” if she is as honest as the likes of Shirley Manson to Brody Dalle to Courtney Love to Kathleen Hanna to Joan Jett. They fail to acknowledge that they are STRONG musicians and have influenced so many. Their words have tended to souls and saved lives. How does that make someone a bitch?! Sure a lot of angst was flying around, but it wasn’t angst that was like “MY JEANS DON’T FIT ME.” It was angst towards society and how they were (and still are) putting women down, ignoring topics such as rape and domestic violence. The whole Riot Grrrl movement was a platform for women from Washington and beyond to stand up and say “THIS ISN’T RIGHT, AND WE WON’T STAND FOR IT NO MORE.” It may be over in a music sense, but the struggle is still there. You’re shot down if you call yourself a Feminist and you are looked at as if you have 6 heads when you speak freely on taboo subjects such as rape. FUCK.THAT. You can try to shut them up all you want, but it won’t work. Music is more powerful than you can wrap your head around. I wish the Riot Grrrl movement would occur once more. We bloody need it.

Maybe we’ll never have a movement like this again, who knows. But I’ll be forever in debt to the bands involved. Not just for the music but for their words and courage. The zines they created and the music made showed that the whole DIY ethic is something you can never and should never compromise.

Never compromise your art and all you believe in. Ever.

Patti Smith-April Fool.

Posted on by

If it wasn’t for Patti, I probably wouldn’t care for words. I wouldn’t care for how people pronounced words or wrote words. Words would be meaningless to me. Because of her, I’m obsessed with words. I believe in words not actions, and I’m possibly in the minority with that. You can fake actions just as you can fake your words- but you still cling onto the fact that there may be some honesty in the words. It just depends. You can make yourself believe in anything if you want it to be true enough.

There are many reasons as to why I love April Fool (I know I’m late on this, sorry.) The main reason being it has Tom Verlaine on guitar. Tom was the frontman of one of the greatest bands ever (and highly underrated) Television. His solo work is just as inspiring and important as his work with Television. I want to talk about Richard Hell, but I will go off on one. I’ll save that for another day. My love for Richard Hell is always kept in my heart, away from harm.

April Fool just shows how delicate and loving Patti is. Her words have been my crutch. You see, Patti is the only solid thing that has EVER made me feel like I can do anything. All too often people are quick to say you cannot do something. Patti is the only force that has made me believe that these dreams I have, that may seem stupid and crazy to someone…aren’t stupid or crazy at all. She taught me how to put my heart and soul into something without letting it drain me. Shirley Manson makes me want to be tough, Patti Smith makes me want to make things happen for me. Everything about her is just so wonderful and beautiful. She is just everything I’d love to me. But I’m me, and I’m starting to see that it’s not such a bad thing.

April Fool makes you want to fall in love with a fellow writer and just escape. Patti’s music and lyrics have always shown me that there’s a better life, and it’ll come if I stick at it. My love for her is probably too much for my body to contain. I keep her words in my heart and constantly on my mind. She goes beyond being everything to me. Some people just have that indescribable quality about them that blows your mind; Patti has that.

Courtney Love.

Posted on by

When you truly love a singer, you look beyond all the bad press. You know that the press are just out to set a person up for a fall. For some fucked up reason mistakes are held up high and any hints of success are immediately ignored. Humans are becoming less and less compassionate. Increasing in their cruel streak.

I’m not saying Courtney Love is perfect. She will tell you she isn’t. Nobody on this planet is perfect. We all do things we aren’t proud of. Some on a daily basis. If you learn and keep growing as a person, you’re just fine. Fuck what anyone thinks though, right?

I’ve always loved the music Courtney Love made. Whether it was on her own or in Hole. I never cared for her personal life at all. She had a drug habit? Big deal. She was married to Kurt Cobain? Big deal. I was never a fan of Nirvana. Everytime I hear some wanker say “Courtney killed Kurt” I do want to throttle them. Were you there? No. You weren’t. You probably only claim to dig Nirvana because you want to seem cool. Rip your jeans and hate the world. It’s just an image to you. I was never a fan of Nirvana, but I respect Kurt as a musician. His lyrics could cut through your heart with his honesty. So how come nobody has ever saw this in Courtney’s lyrics?

If you want to find a strong female musician who, against it all, kept going when she was expected by so many to just keep on fucking up and giving up- then Courtney is your woman. Those who are quick to judge her and slag her off, have you ever listened to her words? Have you heard Live Through This? That record is empowering in its truest form. It touches on subjects most are afraid to touch on due to them being “taboo.” How can you expect society be open when it shuts up on haunting subjects? We truly need women like Courtney in music. I still live in hope that some 14-year-old girl is listening to Hole and feels the need to start her own movement. Live Through This starts some kind of fire inside of you. When you’ve listened to this record, you just see the world in a different way. You see the unfairness and how unequal society still is and it makes you want to do something about it. What are YOU going to do about all the wrong you see?

For me, Courtney is the underdog that has so much heart and soul you cannot ignore her. How could you want to silence such a force?

I first heard Hole in 1994. I remember seeing the video to Doll Parts and my young eyes were just obsessing over what I was seeing. I couldn’t get my head round the video. I loved the angst feel to it. You know, one of the first tapes I remember being given was a 4 Non Blondes album by my mum. She knew I loved the angst feel. I wasn’t an angry child. I was much like I am now. Quite, sensitive and stupidly gentle. I just loved music that was loud, bold and honest. I still do.

When you hear how much a singer believes in what they are singing, you really cannot help but believe in every word too. You fall for it. It is just like falling in love. You get the butterflies when you hear their voice. You cling onto every single word. You believe in it with all you have and refuse to let anyone say a bad word against them. Maybe it can be destructive, but look beyond that and you see all it is, is unconditional. So long as they put out the songs that sum up how you feel, you will love them with all you have.

Maybe I just love Courtney so much that I cannot see why anyone would choose to keep such a strong woman down. Or maybe I’ve answered it myself right there. Maybe it is because she is so strong, she is seen as a threat you know? Because she speaks her mind and writes from the heart, she is seen as some kind of threat. Well you know what, I’d rather have someone as strong and fierce (I don’t mean it in a Tyra Banks fashion) be seen as a threat than someone stupid (insert any politician really.)

Her lyrics touch on anything and everything. From rape to romance. From wanting to never wanting again. To wanting to give yourself to a person to wanting a person to take everything from you. Maybe you’re scared of the fact that you can identify with her lyrics, you hate how open she is and you hate how you cannot be open. Face that fear.

I don’t understand how a person such as Courtney is ridiculed and shot down- yet if it was anyone else, they’d probably hold that person up so high. I can list the few singers that caused me to write songs/poems and Courtney is one of them. Earlier this evening, I just sat on my bed and wrote her a poem. She’ll never see it, no one will ever see it. But she’s been an inspiration to me ever since 1994, it’s the least I could do.

It pains me that Courtney will be one of these artists that people will pay attention and love when she is no longer with us. Why can’t we just see how talented she is now and stop being a general asshat towards her talent? If it wasn’t for her, a lot of the female musicians we have now wouldn’t have bothered to pick up a guitar and start their own movement.

Females such as Shirley Manson, Brody Dalle, Gwen Stefani are all as equally as inspiring to me (and others) as Courtney is. Strong and honest. Stop seeing these qualities as a threat. Try and silence them as much as you want, but its obvious you never ever will.

If it wasn’t for Courtney I don’t know if I would’ve cared for lyrics as much as I do. Yes, I love Morrissey but with Courtney she let out the fears, pains and furies one feels as a female. Now more than ever, as an adult I can relate a hell of a lot more. There’s so much more to her than what you have read about her. Don’t believe the press, believe in her lyrics. That’s where you will find the truth.

Her vulnerability in her lyrics mean more to me than I can even attempt to express. She made it okay for you to feel like you are falling apart, but still find that one tiny thing to give you the strength to drag yourself through. Basically “Live Through This.”

Billie Holiday.

Posted on by

 

 

97 years ago today the GREATEST female singer of all time was born. Her voice could break your heart, it still does. Listen to Strange Fruit and you will feel such hate for humanity because of how cruel they are. Listen to P.S. I Love You, and your heart will ache from how loving it is. Her voice was a voice that STILL inspires so many singers now. If it wasn’t for her, we wouldn’t have so many of the strong female singers we have now. She was as powerful as she was weak, and that is what made her believable and easy to relate to.

I did part of my dissertation at Uni about her. I learnt so much about her. Until then I just respected and loved the voice. The further I delved into her background, the more I felt towards her music. Her music oozed love and pain. Just like her life. Swindled out of money during the last few years of her life, it’s just so sad. A vulnerable and talented woman who changed music forever.

Happy Birthday Billie Holiday xx

Camila Grey.

Posted on by

 

I wrote this about a week ago..maybe a bit longer? I lose track. Me and the concept of time just do not go together at all. I don’t own a watch. I just don’t like having to schedule stuff. Anyway, I wrote this little thing about Cam from Uh Huh Her. Except what I wanted to do was write about her as musician. Not as..well, anything but I guess. You know what happened? BAD SHIT HAPPENED. I was called various things and got some wonderfully shit messages from people who evidently took this the wrong way. You see, they failed to see that I was writing about a musician and just got mad possessive over an actress that USED to be in The L Word. Oh, and just so we’re clear- The L Word was a TV show. Shane was a fictional character, she doesn’t exist. You are not her, so please lesbians- stop trying to act like her. However, I’m aware that many try to emulate this character in order to get some vagina. Be yourself. That’s more attractive (however, I’m constantly myself and no one wants to know but..hey, why listen to me right?!) It pissed me off because I stupidly put a lot into writing about Cam. I admire and respect her, as a musician. Yes I know she is highly attractive (as is Leisha, I know.) But I wrote it as a profile of a musician that’s been around for some time now, and I personally felt that her work needed to be recognised. Not just as a member of Uh Huh Her. However, it turns out I was wrong to do that because some that cling onto The L Word had a problem. So, I deleted it. I thought, why should I even bother. I’ll just stick to writing about Garage Rock bands or whatever and leave out anything else. FUCK THAT. I’ve changed some parts, and this is staying. If you cannot see that this is about a musician called Camila Grey- then don’t read it. Just don’t bother. If you feel the need to slag this off, why bother? Go do something productive with your time rather than missing the point on something purely innocent.

So here, have some kind of article about a musician that I just admire, that’s all. Let’s try do this without the negativity from some, alright?

I guess I could’ve just written this about the band, but let’s be honest most know who Leisha Hailey is and what her past music endeavours were (The Murmurs then re-named Gush in 2001..) But, I feel for some horrible reason people are lacking their knowledge on Camila Grey. So, as I am a sadcase who has no life- I’m going to write about her. And guess what? I won’t be mentioning how hot she is. It’s about the music right now, but yes..she is very beautiful. Anyone with eyes can see that.

So here’s what you need to know. Cam isn’t just some beautiful woman prancing about with instruments. Oh no, she’s not like that. Actually, before I go into detail about her past music deal, I’m going to mention something that caused me to have a mild fit. I was watching an interview of Cam a while ago, and she was mentioning bands she liked. I kind of already knew she probably had a solid music taste judging by the music she makes. So, she lists a couple of bands then BAM! She mentions a band that I have loved since I was a baby. I had their music played to me at a very young age, and partially the reason as to why I’ve always been drawn to lyrics. She mentioned The Fall. Camila Greys digs THE FALL. Fucking..Mark E Smith. She is a fan of one of the best bands to have EVER come from Manchester. You really cannot imagine my reaction to this. I felt like someone had told me I had won the lottery or some shit. I think I yelled “FUCK OFF!!!” at the computer as she said it. I couldn’t get my head around it. You never really hear someone mention The Fall anymore, I have no idea why as they are such a vital band. Mark E Smith’s way with words is hilarious and accurate, for someone who I think is nothing short of amazing to mention The Fall? No words. Honestly. Oh, and she collects vinyl- so combine all these factors and you pretty much have my favourite person in life that I have never met. Just watch this clip :

Right, I’ve had my brief outburst as to why I personally think she’s amazing. Now I’ll be a bit more “professional.” Oh, before I continue- I stand by my wish to sit in a pub with her and discuss The Fall. I own a few albums on vinyl, and I think her and I need to discuss The Fall together. Can someone make it happen? Thanks.

Cam was educated at Berklee College of Music. She met her former band mate of Mellowdrone (listen to them, seriously they were/are pretty damn good) Jonathan Bates there. She’s worked with Busta Rhymes, in my head this means she has done a rap album with him full of mental freestyles over blues samples..and it has yet to be released. The world isn’t ready. This is what goes on in my head, and sometimes I worry myself. Would be pretty cool if we ever heard Cam rap, right? Oh wait..what?

I think this justifies my idea that she has done a rap album with Dr.Dre and Busta. And as you know, she also toured with Adam Lambert. I think he may have rapped on the record too. Probably did a little beatbox freestyle. This has to happen. Can we make this happen? I know I said I was going to be “professional” with this, but I’ve clearly messed that up.

Alright, so what I love about Cam (I don’t want you to think I don’t love Leisha, because I do. I just think more need educating about Camila, that’s all. No bad feelings here.) I love that you can tell she fucking loves music. You read any interview, watch any live performance or read any interview- you can just feel the pure passion she has for music. I got into Uh Huh Her’s music in the summer of 2008. I have no idea how I found their music but I know I was listening to them before I ever watched The L Word. That’s right, I am such a SHIT lesbian. I heard Common Reaction and just thought it was an incredible debut record. I didn’t even know Leisha was in the band. I watched the video to Not A Love Song and thought..”SHE LOOKS FAMILIAR!!! Oh wait..there’s a unicorn.” The fake unicorn impressed me more than it probably should. And because of that, I now stick ice cream cones on the heads of horses… I don’t, just in case any anti-animal cruelty people come knocking. I’m a vegetarian, I love animals. Probably more than I love people. Animals are more loving and compassionate aren’t they. So yeah, I didn’t know Leisha had a band. So I read up about Uh Huh Her, got the record and fell insanely in love. I think I played Common Reaction to death, however I never ever listen to Dreamer. That song ruins me. I don’t care that I’m a stable person now, but listening to that song can make me just fall to pieces. I can’t think about it. Wait Another Day is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard, and I think I now hate how much I can currently sort of relate to it.

After hearing Common Reaction, I went back and listened to their EP, I See Red. The title track is probably my favourite by the band. Although, if you play Another Case to me..I’ll probably do anything you want. Within reason. Oh, and Explode makes me think every single part of me is going to just combust. In short, the band mean a hell of a lot to me. However, when I listen to them at the gym I really don’t enjoy Debris coming on when I’m on the rowing machine and an attractive woman is near me on the treadmill. That song wasn’t made for that kind of situation. It always seems to creep up on me at times where it shouldn’t. But I just love how it has a Grunge feel to it. The guitar..good lord the guitar. That alone is enough to send me funny. If they do this when I see them in April (SHEPARDS BUSH!!) I’ll probably have to leave the room.

Although they’re not hugely popular, I mean who cares- but with a band like Uh Huh Her, you do NEED them in your life. What I admired about them the most is how they self-funded Nocturnes (one of the best records of 2011) It also showed just how loyal their fan base is..even if some are partial to yelling “I LOVE YOU ALICE” at gigs. If that happens on the 24th April, I will NOT be responsible for my actions at all. It’s just disrespectful more than anything.

Have I spoken about Camila enough? I haven’t? Okay. I love her voice. It has a seductive but gentle feel to it. I feel like a right arse typing that, but it is true..isn’t it? Her voice can sound so delicate on some tracks, yet on others she sounds so…I don’t even know what the word is. Just listen to Criminal..then go listen to I See Red. You should be able to get the general gist of what I am getting at. Oh and also she absolutely and amazingly mothereffin’ KILLS the guitar. It is seriously enough to make you want to grab the nearest person to you, and get up in their face and yell “WHY IS THIS THE MOST PERFECT THING I HAVE EVER HEARD.” My friends are already concerned about my welfare and general behaviour at the gig in April. It’s okay. So long as I have a bit of whiskey and a fruit tea, I’ll be totally fine. It’s just after the gig that could be the problem. I’ll compare everything in life to it, and just end up experiencing disappointment. Something which I force myself to never feel, it’s been working just fine in my 25 years on this planet.

So there you have it. A brief rambling as to why I love Camila Grey and as to why she is a bloody incredible musician. I don’t think I’ve done her justice have I? But all I can do is write as a fan who adores those who make amazing music. When you feel some kind of connection to a band, you feed off the love they have for what they do- and it makes you believe in them, and yourself even more. What I learnt from Uh Huh Her, especially with regard to the second album is that you should never EVER compromise who you are to get what you want. Do it your way, and only your way because it is the only way you will reach any kind of satisfaction with yourself, and what you do.

Holly Miranda.

Posted on by

You know when a voice is just so perfect, and when you listen to it you are so unsure of the right words to use to describe it? That’s pretty much my feelings towards Holly Miranda. I started writing this last year (sometimes, I’m really slow with important stuff. I know my bad traits all too well) and for some stupid reason I left it. I guess I just didn’t know what to write, or how to write it. So I re-read what I had written and in a fit of “I AM SO SHIT” I deleted it. I deleted it just before starting it again. Normally I’d just ignore it and never think about it again, but it has been on my mind most of the evening. It makes a change because most of the time my thoughts are all over the place. Maybe it is because I haven’t had a nap today.

I was a huge fan of The Jealous Girlfriends. Organs On The Kitchen Floor is a song I play a hell of a lot still. It reminds me of self-indulgent cowards, we all know some. I try to avoid them. However there are some things in life you just cannot avoid. So enough putting off writing this. I spend my time just writing and writing. Seems like the quote to sum up my life is from the film, Almost Famous : “I’m always home, I’m uncool.” It doesn’t phase me anymore, especially when it means writing about Holly Miranda.

So yes, it all started with her being in The Jealous Girlfriends. I have no idea where I was when I first listened to them, I think I was at University to be honest. Seems about right. I think it was around 2007. Then a year or so later, I really go into Holly’s solo work. It just blew me away. I just wish I had the right vocabulary to express to you how much I love her voice. It isn’t your typical kind of voice, it’s why I love her SO much. You know when you hear a singer, and you just think “I want to meet this person and talk about music, and everything about it.” That’s how I feel. I’ve got about 10 musicians I feel this way about, Holly is one of them for sure. I’m just drawn to musicians that make music with all they have. You can tell they do it for the love of the art- not for the money. Selling out massive arenas isn’t what its about- it’s about staying true to your art. I just love that. Those who do not compromise who they are and what they do are people I find easy to admire and connect with. I find it to be the most inspiring trait a person can have.

Her voice is so damn soulful. It has such a bluesy feel to it- much like Janis Joplin. Did I just compare Holly to Janis? Yeah, I did. I went there. I’m not sorry. I don’t expect you to agree, but seriously..they both have that rugged yet vulnerable texture to their voice. It is so so perfect. Aside from me absolutely being in love with her music, there’s another reason as to why I’m writing about her.

Like a hell of a lot of musicians, Holly has a Pledge page where you can donate money in order to help the record be funded. Even if you’re not a fan of her work, please check out the Pledge site because you may just find your new favourite band. You can check out Holly’s page at : http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/hollymiranda Also, money will be going towards a charity Holly has chosen to endorse which is : http://www.i-live-here.com/malawi.html

I don’t regard sexuality to be a big deal in music, and I don’t see how you can use it to define a sound. Maybe it’s because I’m secure in my sexuality and don’t use it to define who I am. Who knows. Anyway, Holly is gay (big deal, I know but stay with me..) and I read a quote once and it pretty much said,

“I have no problem being out, but I don’t think it has anything to do with my music.” 

Can we just take a moment to applaud her for speaking the TRUTH. Her personal life is just that..PERSONAL. Same with anyone. I don’t care who you’re involved with. Just be happy and safe, you know? Music is music. It’s a force that brings people together regardless.

Holly’s music is just something I hold very dear to me. As you know by now I’m not a fan of covers but she’s done some AMAZING covers such as Ex-Factor, Let’s Get It On (her version of it is a serious deal..if it doesn’t sexually frustrate you, seek help), I’d Rather Go Blind..she’s just..man, if I had the right words I’d use them. But, I’ve done all I can. Holly if you see this (I wish you would) then I am so sorry I haven’t done you justice with this. I just think you’re incredible. I’ve put this under my “Influential Women In Music” category, because I believe she truly is influential in so many ways.

Anyway, have some songs to make up for the fact that I’m useless and she isn’t. ENJOY!

Dee Dee Penny.

Posted on by

Every so often a band come out, and they have the most striking lead singer EVER. You find it hard to actually decipher what it is about this person that has lured you in with great speed, but the thing is- trying to explain it would ruin the mystery. This person holds more than most. You’re unsure of if you want to BE the person or if you just want to be in their company. Who knows. But, you are sure of one thing- you admire them. Sure they may not have been around as long as some others, but they’ve impacted your life in a way that is close to the likes of Kim Gordon and Patti Smith. They have everything you want in a lead singer, they are just the pinnacle of all you admire. Call it a band crush, if you want. Call it just straight up admiration. Whatever the word is, you’ve never managed to understand it.

I’ve loved Dum Dum Girls since I first heard them in 2009. I heard a song called Catholicked. It was just my mind that was blown, it was my heart that was stolen too. The absolutely incredible girl group and garage rock band fusion probably left me curled up in a corner from being overcome with so much joy and happiness over the fact I was hearing something so new, but with such an instantly historical feel to it. I am not ashamed to say that their music has reduced me to tears many times. Last year, I heard Coming Down and froze. My body froze and all the tears my eyes could produce streamed from my eyes. You know when you just connect with a song, and think “This is my life. This is how I feel, this is what is going on.” I was feeling pretty low, for reasons which are obvious (my mum got ill…people’s general shitness..you know the deal) and I heard this song, and I just felt like, every fucking frustration in my bones and every bout of despair was just falling out. I’m sure Coming Down stopped me from going insanely insane at the time. I listen to it now, and I just get this euphoric feeling coming over me. Anyone who has heard this song and connected to it, knows exactly what I mean.

What is it about Dee Dee Penny aka Kristin Gundred that I just adore? Well in short, EVERYTHING. In person, I’m not someone who has many words. However, with this I need to be extremely vocal. You see, I firmly believe that Dee Dee should go down as one of the best females in music. Her style, her musicianship, her song-writing, her shy demeanour it is all something any fan of the band treasures. There’s one thing that I always seem to fall for in a singer- if they seem shy in interviews and at home on stage, I will probably adore them. For some reasons being confronted by one person is more daunting than spilling your heart out on stage to thousands. I don’t understand it, but I think I get it. I guess you can be someone else on stage, or maybe you can be yourself. It’s the one on one thing that is too much.

Of course I love the way Dee Dee and the rest of Dum Dum Girls dress, anyone with eyes can appreciate just how heavenly stylish and flawless they all are. I’ve always said that, you should wear your clothes and not let your clothes wear you. I think I once blurted that out in a drunken emotional outburst once. Don’t give me Rum because THAT happens. I turn into Yoda or something..or when I’m extremely tired, it just all comes out. I can sort your life out. But my own? The less said about that, the better. I’ve read many interviews with Dee Dee and I’ve watched some too and you can see how shy she is but the thing is, you can also see how important making music is to her. That’s another thing that draws me into a band. I don’t care what genre of music you make, if you are making it with all you have and every ounce of passion you have is filtered into your art- I will admire that. For instance, I’m not a fan of say..Jessie J but I can see how important making music is to her, and how much she adores her fans. And for that, she gets my respect. You don’t have to be a fan to acknowledge the heart someone puts into something. To dismiss it and brush it off just makes you ignorant.

I was reading a few interviews before I began typing this, and I found a quote from Dee Dee that just hit me right in the heart. I just felt this immediate understanding of it, and thought “Fuck this is the quote I need right now.” Anyway, here’s the quote :

 “You can work so hard and put everything you have into it, and there’s an overwhelming chance that nothing will come of it. I don’t know: I’ve always had something inside of me that has helped me to keep going, despite basically failing at what I was trying to do for years.”

As someone who has been writing for the past 6 years and getting nowhere, and is increasingly amounting to nothing by the day- this quote is the damn TRUTH. For this alone, my love for Dee Dee can be 100% and more, justified.

When I listen to Dum Dum Girls I try to think of all the reasons as to why I love them, and to grab strangers and just yell “YOU NEED THIS BAND IN YOUR LIFE. YOU NEED TO ADMIRE THEM. LOOK AT THEM.” But I have learnt that I need to keep it inside, however if you were to discuss music with me, Dum Dum Girls would be one of the bands I’d talk about and would find it hard to stop.

Dee Dee’s voice is so crisp and pure. She sings every word so wonderfully clear. The pronunciation in the words just makes you feel it so much. On the song Just A Creep, you can sense how pissed she is at this person but she has such a beautiful voice that your attraction goes to her voice rather than the words. The vast majority of Only In Dreams is heartbreaking. I don’t want to go into detail, mainly because I don’t want to delve into Dee Dee’s personal life. But knowing she was going through quite possibly the worst thing ever, you really feel every song. But, you do have certain songs that just make you so bloody happy. Bedroom Eyes is such a fantastic song. Do you want to call it pop music? Okay, well if that’s the case- it was the best pop song of 2011. The repetition for some may be annoying but to them I say SHUSH. I listen to it, and I just want to sing it at people. Maybe a person in particular. I have no idea, it just makes me so happy. Dum Dum Girls just make me so happy. Even the sad songs make me feel alright. That’s what music is about- making you feel alright when you’re not so sure.

The first record, I Will Be. Oh my god. Jail La La, Bhang Bhang, Yours Alone..the whole record is just a bloody brilliant first record. I remember hearing Jail La La when it first came out, and just thinking “Is this from the 60s?!” I was in total awe of what I was hearing. The distorted sound mixed with a girl group feel and garage rock. I was in Heaven. Nothing else could compare.

I’m close to wrapping this up, just a few more things to touch on.

Their cover of There Is A Light..see, I knew Dum Dum Girls were forever owners of a part of my heart when they did a song by The Smiths justice. I stand fully by them being the ONLY band to cover this song and do it well. Any song by The Smiths really. I don’t need to rage about the one who RUINED Please Please Please…over the Christmas period. I will always be angry at that.

There’s so much that I admire about Dee Dee Penny, and to be honest I’ve only briefly touched on it here. She (and the rest of the band) just has this amazing talent. If you’ve never listened- please go listen. Your soul will be lifted, you’ll feel enlightened. If you feel a bit shit, they will improve your mood. Dum Dum Girls just caused my 60s girl groups obsession to go mental. It was always a bit too much, but since listening to them it has gotten way out of hand. However, I’ll never wish for it to be tamed.

I’m going to end this piece with my favourite line from my favourite track by them. It’s a verse that just means so much to me. You already know my feelings on Coming Down, and I believe that song shows Dee Dee at her finest. She hits a note..you know the one, and it just makes you gasp and be enthralled in the talent and range. It is just so haunting. First listen, that note made me cry. I’ll own up to this, it doesn’t bother me.

I’ve yet to meet someone who understands my love of this band. I keep it sacred, much like when I listen to Warpaint, Ramones and Captain Beefheart. Dee Dee isn’t your typical front-woman, and that is why I have a lot of love and respect for her.

“You abuse the ones who love you,
You abuse the ones who won’t.
If you ever had a real heart,
I don’t think you’d know where to start.”

Shirley Manson.

Posted on by

“I think it’s a great thing to have failed in life and then pulled yourself up by the boot straps and actually done something, because then you appreciate it more.”

Here’s to the first woman (aside from my mum) that I remember admiring and wanting to be just like. A few years later, I added Patti Smith to my list. Basically, I admire strong people who talk from the heart. I do that, but I’m labelled various expletives. I’ll never win, I’ve accepted this. So, I’m going to try my best to write down why I think and feel Shirley is so fucking influential.

About a month ago I wrote about Bleed Like Me. Shirl saw it, and cried. If she sees this and cries again then I’m going to have to buy her flowers aren’t I? I’m doing this for many reasons- but the main one being, her lyrics have given me hope. I do feel ashamed to say that they saved my life. I’d probably be dead if it wasn’t for her lyrics. To this day, they have been the only band to sum up every good and bad feeling I have ever felt. The hope and drive their music has instilled in me goes beyond my own comprehension. So with that in mind, this is sort of like my “thank you” to Shirley. And in a way, I guess I hope to make someone else who looks up to her, feel less fucking alone with it. Let’s face it, we live in a time where having certain feelings are made to be hushed. No. Don’t let them shut you up anymore. Listen to a Garbage song, and it will place some courage in you. It has done it for me so many times. I’m probably going to have to cry after writing this hah..or I’ll just go look at cute photos of Snow Leopards again. Or have a cup of tea. Who knows. Maybe I’ll do all three. I’m so wild.

I remember seeing a Garbage video on the tellybox for the first time. I was in awe. I think the first time, the music just went over my head. I was utterly and completely enthralled with Shirley from the start. The video appeared again a few days later I guess, and the music..the song just stayed with me. I was only about 7 or 8 years old, but I just connected. I have this horrific trait where I am entirely empathetic, it’s pathetic. It never does me any favours, no matter what. I don’t learn though.

Why is Shirley such an influential force? How long have you got? No I’m deadly serious. There are not many things that hold my attention. Not because I’m ignorant, but because I find it hard to focus most of the time. Yet, I can sit in silence and read a book- no problem. I’ve learnt to not question my mind and what I do anymore. I love Shirley so much because everything she does and says is with the utmost honesty, pride and passion. She says things that can drag you out of the fiery pits of Hell and so you can feel comforted- because she has been there too. These are the factors that make a person believable. Speak from experience, and people will listen. I listen to songs like Medication, You Look So Fine, Metal Heart and I just feel like someone is summing up past feelings. Present feelings too at times. Some people go to a friend for advice. I go listen to Garbage because her lyrics say all I cannot get out of my mouth. Always on the tip of the tongue, and that is where they seem to stay. I frustrate myself, but whatever. I’m human.

Shirley is influential in my eyes because, she makes you feel okay with having feelings. If you’re pissed off- say so. If you feel happy- let it out. She makes you feel normal (the hell is normal anyway, I know) with however you are feeling. Sure it isn’t okay to feel low. But it is healthy to have a balance of feelings. Today you may feel trapped, but tomorrow something may happen to make you smile. You just don’t know. And the never knowing part keeps me alive. That’s what Garbage’s music did. I didn’t exactly have the best teenage years (did anyone?!) and Shirl’s lyrics made it a little bit easier. I’m 25 years old now, and some say being an adult is easy. It isn’t. Nothing is easy, why should it be? Her lyrics taught me so much. From accepting I was different to appreciating the fact that I HAVE to stick around and push myself- but do not let anyone push me around. Sure at times I let people walk over me, but I’ve grown to be so cautious of people. Trust is like love- do not give it away unless you are so sure. Just another thing I learnt from Shirley’s lyrics.

It is important to be true to yourself and stop hiding. This goes for anything. You can take it as sexuality if you want to, that’s totally fine. But ALWAYS be honest with yourself. It is okay to feel. I’m just regurgitating all the things that Shirley’s lyrics have taught me, and I don’t think I can full explain it all in one go. But I am trying.

I’m still holding on for a Garbage UK tour this year. It’s going to happen, right? It has to. I’ll be at the front shouting every lyric back to the band with all I have. Singing the songs that saved my life and gave me some meaning to it. I’ll be a crying mess, I don’t care at all. With every interview I have read and watched with Shirley, I have always taken something from it. You see, females are frequently subjected to being a certain way in the media. You MUST dress this way, and if you don’t then you are not good enough. Bullshit. I’m not buying into that. I’ll stick to my dark make-up, black jeans and Doc Martens. Fuck what society tells you to be, just be YOURSELF. Yes, another thing Shirley Manson has been teaching me since I was 7 or 8 years old. Do your best to keep yourself strong, but remember it is okay to be weak. I have to carry this around a lot. I listen to Garbage’s music, and sometimes I think what would’ve happened if I never listened to them? Would I have been forever lost? I don’t know. I don’t know if I want to know.

I’m writing this listening to Garbage and I cannot help but think I haven’t done Shirley justice with this. That I have missed something out. The struggles in the past she has spoken out on make her someone you can easily connect with. She changed my life and I’ve never met her. If I did, I think all I’d be able to say would be “Thank you.” Maybe that’d be enough. You should always show your appreciation for another in the best way you know how. No, I don’t mean stalking the person you like and yelling “I REALLY ENJOY YOUR FACE.” That’s too far..and creepy.

Everyone has that ONE person who is their definition of inspiring. The person they wish they could be as strong and passionate as. I firmly believe you should be yourself and never emulate others. Admiring and emulating are two different things, but can easily be twisted and misjudged. When I grow up, I want to have the strength and courage Shirley has. Live through it, and don’t be ashamed of who you are. If I realised all this when I was in my teens I would’ve saved myself a lot of..well, shit basically. But, I like to think the older I get the more I understand.

I feel I have missed so much out, but it has all come from the heart. I feel there is so much more I could say as to why she’s so influential and important but right now, this is all I have. I know there’s more just dying to be poured out, and I’m sorry- but for now..this is all there is.

All I know is that I wouldn’t have so much strength and fight in me if it wasn’t for Shirley Manson. I’d do as I was told and I’d accept “No, you cannot do that” or “No, you cannot be that” if it wasn’t for Shirley. Stand-up and speak out. Shout if you have to. But for fucks sake, do not let them take anything from you. Ever.

“It’s a torturous time, when you learn almost everything you really have to know about survival. The important thing to remember when you are living through it, however, is that you have absolutely no idea quite how smart and strong and beautiful the pain will make you. So go forth and suffer…. you’ll rule the world.” 

Thank you Shirley. Just..thank you. Again.

Emily Haines.

Posted on by

My love for Metric could be listed as obsessive. I’m obsessed with music, so I don’t really see this as a bad thing. I’m also going to try my best to stick with this “Influential Women in Music” thing I started ages ago here..but sort of let it go. I have no idea why. I need to learn to stick at something properly. I’ll blame Writer’s Block, because that seems a more legitimate reason than just forgetting.

Writing about Emily Haines is going to make me happy because there are SO many reasons as to why I love her. She looks like someone you could just hang with and do dumb stuff with, but at the same time- you could hang out in a library with her and she’ll open your mind to a different world. I’ve been lucky enough to see Metric live, and it is one of the gigs I’ve been to that has firmly stuck in my mind. The room was cramped. You could touch the ceiling with your grubby sweat ridden mits, your body was wet with sweat and probably water, your throat ached from singing a long to every single word. I remember it as if it was yesterday. If only it was yesterday. It was a gig that helped with so much, as did interviewing them a few weeks before. It was just an experience that I needed, that partly saved me from losing my mind at the time. Fantasies came out and taught me about survival. It was Blindness that did it. Nobody will ever fully get what that song meant to me then, and it still does now. I told Emily, and it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off. It’s the main reason why I cannot write-up the interview because the subject matter of the interview..it is just entirely personal. She made me feel like I was talking to a long-time friend, you know? It was easy but at the same time a bit painful. But it is something I hold so dear to me.

Emily Haines looks so gentle, like her voice. The way she moves on stage is the opposite. Her lyrics on her solo work are much more delicate than that with Metric. I’d never pick what I loved the most, I love both equally. Knives Don’t Have Your Back is one record that I feel I cannot go a day without listening to- which is also how I feel about Live It Out by Metric. Her words (solo and Metric) just read like perfect poetry. Which is no surprise as her dad was the amazing poet, Paul Haines. I feel that her solo work portrays Emily’s mellow side that  can calm the wildest of personas. Then you have Metric. Metric give you that loud, unashamed freedom. You shake your body, lose your shit- you just go mental listening to them. Any song from Stadium Love back to Empty, you just allow your body to flail madly out of control. And why must you always have control of what you do? Let go. Emily’s lyrics can teach you to let go. From a break-up, to leaving a life behind that you just cannot handle anymore (I feel this right now more than ever) her words just ease all the tension and trauma you feel inside. I’d be lost without it.

There are so many females in music right now that could learn so much from the likes of Emily and Alison Mosshart (I could list many more but..) Emily has this stage presence which makes you feel like she is encouraging you to start your own kind of riot in the crowd. Not a bad one. One that means you just make a load of noise, spread the love and have a good time.

I know I’m probably mentioning her solo work more than Metric or Broken Social Scene work, but her solo work is so haunting. Her and a piano is truly one of the best things in life.  It just makes you feel right, you know? It does something to you. It takes you to an untouchable place. It is just you and Emily’s voice. The fragile voice she has covers you in goose-bumps. Your limbs become weak and talking seems too much. You want to embrace all the silences in-between. Her voice is just beyond perfection.

What drew me in when I first heard Metric (Combat Baby was the first song I remember hearing) I was just in awe. A voice so calming over a riotous drums, bass and guitars. Surely not?! This cannot be real. Oh it was real. So very real. “No one here wants to fight me like you do.” Her tormenting lyrics sung in the most playful manner imaginable just lured me in, there was no way I could have stopped it from happening, and why oh why would I want to? That’d just be silly.

You know, finding a Metric fan is hard. I know about two people who like them. It is pretty sad because Metric are such an incredible band that have put out solid records constantly. The new record, I firmly believe will be as stunning as previous. I cannot wait for it- and a tour too. There are so many layers to Metric’s music, but with Emily’s solo material it is so simple. Seeing these sides to her way of making music goes beyond being inspirational. However, regardless of who she is making music with her lyrics always seem to hit you right in the heart. This is due to her evidently writing from the heart. I cannot listen to music that doesn’t seem true- to the heart and to the self. I don’t want to hear anything that doesn’t sound genuine. Emily Haines manages to make you smirk with her sometimes sexually charged lyrics, then straight away you feel your heart is going to fall to pieces with the sheer honesty she pours out. There’s just no way humanly possible that you can deny how important and influential she is. Those that know of her, know how true this is. Maybe the new Metric record will cause you to finally pay attention to all you’ve been missing.

“What it is and where it stops nobody knows,
You gave me a life I never chose.
I wanna leave but the world won’t let me go.”