I love all kinds of music, I don’t really care for genre- so long as it has meaning. I favour anything that is dark and vulnerable. I can relate to it more than I wish to at times, but that’s how it is. There’s more in it.
Chelsea Wolfe is on the same level as Zola Jesus, well to me she is. She’s got a dark quality to her music that immediately grabbed me the same way Zola Jesus did. I wasn’t expecting it to happen, but it did. To be honest, I was quite reluctant to feel like about any artist other than Zola Jesus.
Hailing from the City Of Angels aka Los Angeles, Chelsea pretty much justifies that a LOT of excellent music is pouring out of LA right now. I mean, it alsways has; but recently the surge of amazing artists coming from there is amazing. Her album Apokalypsis is fucking creepy. It’s enthralling, eerie and ghastly. It’s perfect. Chelsea and Zola Jesus have both put out this year’s most eeriest and darkest albums; it’s beautiful.
Apokalypsis consists of haunting vocals and BIG drums.The sounds echo in your hear, leaving you shaking. Be afraid reader, be very afraid. The album feels like the end of the world, but you don’t care for the world ending. You just want to sit inyour own corner of this world and listen to this amazing record.
Last year’s release The Grime And The Glow is just as eerie. Think Bat For Lashes versus the worst nightmare you could possibly imagine having. It’s a beautiful record, and one that was highly underrated last year. Such a shame. Something takes over you as you listen to her music. What happens is, her music sinks deep into your soul and wraps itself around your heart. It becomes part of you. Her music stays with you through all that you do. It stalks your mind.
The piano on the track, Benjamin has a wintery feel to it. It sends shivers down your spine. Your body becomes cold. It’s a flawless song. Personally, I feel Fang is the stand-out track from last year’s release.
If her album was a season, it would be Winter. Cold and unapologetic. She is such a brilliant artist that for the life of me, cannot understand why she isn’t massive. She has a sound that you want to listen to as you take a walk on those early, dark, cold nights. Her voice will haunt you. Her music will send you floating. If you’re looking to be moved by something, then invest in Chelsea Wolfe’s music.
When a band names themselves after The Vaselines and Iggy Pop, you know they are going to be something very very special. Also, when they cover your favourite song of all time (The Smiths-There Is A Light That Never Goes Out) and do not fuck it up- you know you’ve found a band you are going to love for life.
Their debut album, I Will Be is a phenomenal debut album and now I am enjoying their second album as the rain beats hard against the windoe. Dum Dum Girls have a sound that fuses 60s girl groups and surfer pop/lo-fi. Two things which I adore. My love for 60s girl groups is possibly a borderline obsession, I’m not sorry. What I love about Dum Dum Girls is that make you think you are anywhere but where you are. They make you want to go surfing, lay on a beach (I don’t care that it is October, the beach is always perfect regardless.) and they make you want to lay on a hill in the middle of the night gazing at the stars. Probably alone because you are the only person who will appreciate it, another person would just ruin the scenario and all you feel. Humans have a wonderful way of getting in the way of other people’s joy sometimes don’t they.
Before I delve into the album in full, I must say that Coming Down HAS to be the highlight of the album. Anyone who is familiar with Dum Dum Girls knows that their songs last around 3 minutes. Coming Down is double that, and it is a truly gorgeous song. It just shows the sheer strength and power in Dee Dee’s vocals, it’s beautiful.
A lot of the songs feel like lullabys and just put you at ease. Songs such as Caught In One and Bedroom Eyes. The album has a grander sound and there is such growth in comparison to I Will Be. All band members play on this record, and with Dee Dee giving up the control on the record, it really does pay off. I know a few bands have the “DREADED SECOND ALBUM” nerves trembling through them, but with this record it honestly feels like a record you’d expect from a band well into their career. It sounds so different from I Will Be. This isn’t a bad thing, both albums are highly remarkable. Besides, if a band was to keep making the same album over and over, and not developing there would be no point.
I could easily write a thousand words and more on Coming Down, just because it is one of the most chilling, eerie and stunning songs I’ve heard all year. It has a sense of loss and giving up in it, that isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes we need to hear a song like that because we all feel that way. You’re lying to yourself if you claim to have never wanted to give up. You’re human, not a machine. When she hits that note in the middle, if it doesn’t cover you in goose bumps or make you emotional- you’re probably dead inside.
The album feels like an album full of healing and letting go. It’s a comfort blanket, it’s one of this year’s greatest releases. And for me personally, it’s one of the few albums I have been so excited to hear.
Around a week or so ago, something happened in America that made me realise even more that homophobia is disgustingly and sadly more alive than ever. A young lad named Jamey Rodemeyer who was only 14 years old, a baby, took his own life due to being bullied for being gay. He was part of the It Gets Better campaign. A few days later duo, Uh Huh Her (Leisha Hailey and Camila Grey) were taken off a flight just for kissing each other.
Do we throw straight couples off flights for kissing? No, we don’t. No one fucking looks, no one bats an eyelid. However, when it is two people of the same gender showing their affection for each other it is treated as if it is the worst thing in the world. It’s wrong how people will be vile towards two people of the same gender kissing each other, yet no one says a word when a parents hits their child in public.
We live in a world where love and compassion is no longer a core feature in society. We live in a world where all kinds of hatred are glorified and encouraged. This cannot continue. We are harming each other and neglecting unity. It is vile and HAS to end. Thing is, will it ever end? Will we ever live in a world where we just live and let live?
Homophobia is growing. I always knew it was bad and I’d be lying if I said I’d never been on the receiving end of it- more recent than I wish to acknowledge sadly. But for some reason unknown to the good people of the world, it seems to be getting worse. People kill themselves every single day because they are being ridiculed and shunned just because of their sexuality. It isn’t right. How can you possibly judge someone based on their sexuality? Why would you want to hate someone because they’ve found someone to love? Love is love. It has no race, it has no gender, it has no religion; it is just LOVE. When you find someone who can stand you even when you’re being a massive wanker- you’re one of the lucky ones. Not many of us find it or will ever find it. So why on earth would you want to stop someone finding something so precious, so sacred.
Uh Huh Her are a band that I adore, not because they are lesbians but because they make excellent music. Their sound isn’t defined by their sexuality. Just like Holly Miranda isn’t. She’s a singer/song-writer; her sexuality plays no part in her music. That’s how it should be.
Michael Stipe never used his sexuality to sell records for R.E.M; they sold records because of their talent.
Do musicians need to announce their sexuality? Well, it depends how you want to look at it. I don’t care for any of the artists I’m a fan of personal life at all. However, when a band you love has a gay band member you feel you can identify with them more; it gives you a personal connection. It gives you something to identify with.
For instance, Gossip was a band that helped me accept who I was. Now, I don’t use my sexuality to define who I am. Never have, never will. But when I was at Uni, I was away from a place that was so homophobic and small minded. I could finally live my life the way I wanted. I could finally be happy. I’d been a fan of Gossip before Standing In The Way Of Control was released, but when I heard it; it gave me strength and courage. If the song was around a few years prior, I would’ve saved myself a lot of hassle and hurt.
I know I frequently say music should bring us together, but a lot of Reggae/Dancehall artists are STILL promoting homophobia. It’s got to stop. In the Hip Hop community, artists such as Common are working towards stamping out homophobia in Hip Hop. It’s going to take baby steps to get rid of such a big problem, but hopefully people will see sense and stop being small minded. You cannot catch homosexuality- but homophobia is spreading. Kids are becoming more and crueler. Adults are becoming less and less understanding.
Seek refuge in music and just be yourself. People will try to take and take from you, but don’t ever give in. Something has to be done, it’s just a shame it takes a tragedy for people to wake up to what is happening.
Music is such a powerful force and if anything, it should be bringing us together. We need it now more than ever. We cannot be divided anymore. This HAS to end.
I want to finish this with something my mum posted on Facebook a few days ago, of all the people I know; she is by far the most wisest and compassionate human beings I know. I like think, no- I KNOW I inherited all my good qualities from her. My bad ones are just habits I picked up along the way of growing up and learning. Reading what she wrote made me proud to be her daughter and to be who I am. I’m lucky to have such an accepting mum. I know of so many that aren’t as lucky as me, and it makes me so sad. Like my mum has always said- my personal life isn’t her business so long as I am happy and safe. That’s all that matters. Here’s what she wrote :
“To be gay isn’t a choice it is a heart and soul felt emotion. To be gay is no threat to heterosexuals, you aren’t their type. How many gay serial killers and rapists have you heard of; gay people are not the enemy. The world has enough hatred without throwing it at vulnerable, gentle souls that want nothing other than to be left to live quietly and with dignity. If your child is gay its not really your business, did you love them before- hopefully yes- if so then how do you not love them now? If you can’t understand same sex relationships, don’t bother live in your ignorance, but leave them alone. How on earth can you harm someone just because they are different to you, try deflating your anger. You know you are seriously mentally unstable when you can harm an innocent person that you don’t know just because they are gay. LIVE AND LET LIVE, LOVE AND LET LOVE. Everyone is special, everyone is worthwhile. As Moms we love our children equally and without thought of gender, sexual preference or belief. We have to realise that hatred is killing the planet, starving us of compassion. We need to gently show the people of the world that being “gay” is not a reason to be hurt by ignorant homophobic “people” who don’t want to understand that if we were all exactly the same it would be a mighty lousy world. Embrace your children, all of your children, and for those who cannot understand same sex love, well then don’t bother-but for God’s sake leave them alone to be happy and content. Gay is no threat to your world stop being afraid they don’t want to convert you. You are vicious and hateful, you aren’t their type. God Bless Everyone, especially young gay kids. xx”
One last thing dear reader, never hide who you are from the world. Be yourself and don’t give up or give in to the hate. You’re better than them. Have heart and be gentle.
I’m not aiming to make any sense with this. I never make any sense. Maybe I’ll write stupidly short sentences or I’ll just rant with poor punctuation. Thank fuck for spell check. I’ll just get excited about mentioning certain bands and lose any sense of intelligence I have. It happens a lot, be grateful you don’t know me; you’d probably want to punch me. Most want to anyway, I fully get it. It’s okay.
Everyone has a band or singer that when they listen to them, a wave of emotion just takes over. They lose their mind, their body goes into some kind of fit and their heart beats double time. I don’t care who it is for you. I don’t care if Converge make you just lose your shit, if Ace Of Base make you so happy you piss yourself or if The Cure make you feel so fucking alive. I don’t care. This isn’t about the artist, it’s about the feeling you get from the music. It doesn’t have to be everything a band has done, it can just be one song that sends you into some ridiculous frenzy that you can only express by making noises only dogs can understand and flapping your arms about like a person trying to rid themselves of a wasp.
This year, I’m sure it was the start of February, I heard a song. Since hearing that song on that dull February day, I have played it every day since. No day goes by where I do not play I Want You by Summer Camp. It’s vital that I play it every day, I have no idea why. It’s just the best song I have heard this year. You know what it does to me? EVERYTHING. It makes me feel so fucking happy inside and out. I’m not the world’s most cheerful human being, but then again; who is? Nor am I total misery guts. I have good and bad days, I’m not afraid to feel disgustingly low. It doesn’t scare me. When I hear I Want You, I am just overcome with joy. So much joy. If I ever heard it in a shop or wherever, I think I’d have to sit down….or have a nap. I’d be uncontrollable. I love the synths; I love when it kicks in and just smacks you so hard in the face; but in a pleasurable manner. I adore Elizabeth’s voice, it’s stunning. I’d probably slap someone if they said they didn’t like this song. However, I’m not a violent person so I’d end up slapping myself in the face by accident. I’m book smart, not street smart. I Want You is just one of the many songs that cause me to react this way. Some eat cake to make themselves feel better, I just listen to music. Especially this song. Hand on heart; I can say it is my favourite song of the year. NO DOUBT.
I’ve always said I could never love a person as much as I love Morrissey. Obviously, I welcome the challenge. No ones challenged how I feel about this, so I’ve come to the conclusion that one is unlovable (yes that is a Morrissey based pun, it’s also true.) For me, Morrissey is THE ONE. The ultimate one. My lifeline and my life saver. Everything about his music and just him makes everything worthwhile. I know sometimes it is hard for us humans to carry on, but when I listen to Morrissey; I can’t help but feel okay with how I feel. I could feel so awfully low, but then I play one of his songs and I feel, “someone gets me.” He says the things I cannot say. He says the things I wish I could say. However, I know people who do not allow you to have an opinion so I just keep quiet. It’s the quiet ones you should watch, that’s what people say. I’m not a menace, I’ll stay quiet. Morrissey’s live shows feel like coming home. They make me feel like I can do anything. His live shows are like an epiphany. Anyone who has seen him live knows exactly what I mean. I don’t believe you can like just one or two Morrissey songs. I believe that once you hear a Morrissey song, that’s it for life. You become hooked. You don’t just like him, you love him. You love him unconditionally.
When you love a band, they become part of your life in a way you could never imagine. You think you’ve reserved this kind of love and emotion for your significant other, it overwhelms you. The love you have for the band or singer is on a completely different level. It’s the definition of love, respect and loyalty. You won’t let anyone say a bad word about them. You form friendships based on mutual love for them. If I wasn’t so shy, I’d probably attempt to form friendships in record shops. Then again, I can’t even chat up girls so I’d be useless at making friends. I mean, I do have friends but I didn’t mean them in record shops. Ranting now aren’t I.
When I was in secondary school, a section of my life I wish I could erase, all my work books were covered in band photos and lyrics. To this day, I still decorate my lyric books with lines from songs I love and writing the names of bands I love. The feelings a piece of music can give you can really take you aback sometimes. You wonder if the artist had the intention of having such power to do that to the listener when they made the record. Did Bob Dylan ever think he would be such a huge influence to people? Did Patti Smith ever think she’d inspire people to stand up and say something? How do they feel about it? It must be overwhelming for them too. Imagine walking on stage every night and having thousands and thousands of people sing your words back to you. Words you broke your heart to write and the audience feel every single word. I just don’t think there is any greater feeling in the world.
So what is it exactly that draws the line at “regular” fan to someone who is just obsessed? I’d never sleep outside my favourite singers’ house and present them with oranges when they opened their front door. You hear about people breaking into singers’ homes, casually taking a bath or whatever. Why would you do that? Bathing is private- USE YOUR OWN BATH. Are these people registered as mentally ill or do they actually love the singer? Only they know. I don’t condone such behaviours. There is nothing wrong with losing yourself to the sounds of your favourite band and/or at a gig; but don’t bloody follow them home. They’re people too, they are entitled to privacy. We all are.
I’ve always been obsessed with music. I remember dancing to Kraftwerk and Dee-Lite when I was a baby in the living room, in my nappy. I had moves dear reader, I had moves. Now? I don’t like to unleash them. I don’t want to threaten anyone; they’re not ready for them at all.
The best thing about feeling a song so deeply is when you meet the ones responsible for creating the sound, and just seeing what it means to them. I will always say interviewing Warpaint is my greatest achievement. I took so much from that interview, just being in their presence meant so much. If you watch their interviews or performances; you can truly see that they feel the music. It is their live. As it is their life, you fall completely and utterly in love with it; and it becomes your life. When a band or singer gives you their all, and they believe in their words- you can’t help but believe it too.
Everyone has a singer or band that they give themselves over to. They skip school to buy the record on the day of its release (I’ve done this, I’m not sorry.) They decorate their rooms with posters, name pets or children after the singer they love, have tattoos in honour of them. You follow a band everywhere on tour; you spend all your money on seeing them live. The best conversations are had whilst waiting in line to see your favourite band live. It just takes over, people call you obsessed. Don’t listen to them. We all need something or someone to believe in. It’s easier if it’s a singer because they cannot hurt you. All they do is project your nagging insecurities, your weaknesses, your joy, your pain, love, tears- everything. They do it all. They are there for you at 4am when the world is asleep. They provide the comfort no other can or ever will. Music is a crutch; it’s up to you how you use it.
There’s one thing that expresses the true meaning of being a fan. It isn’t in a song, it’s in a film; Almost Famous. I watched this film during my first year of University. I was full of self doubt, and didn’t know what to do. A relative told me to watch the film. I watched it, and it changed my life. It made me realise that all I want to do with my life is write. I may not be any good, but music and writing are my passion, I just have to do it. I don’t want to do anything else. My role models aside from my mum are two people who I believe changed music- Lester Bangs and John Peel. They fuelled something inside of me that caused me to love music as much as I do. It’s more than just a passion for it, it’s my life. Everyone has that one thing that is their life, mine is music. When I listen to The Kills first record, it makes me feel so fucking alive and like I can do anything. When I listen to the Velvet Underground, I fall in love with their raw sound and just want to create something wonderful.
When you truly love something like this, you are made to feel like you can do anything and be whatever you want. And you know what, you really can.
Nika amazes me. Every album, every video, every song just totally blows me away. Her voice is one of the most stunning voices around. Her sound is so distinctive and powerful. It shakes your soul and wakes up that part of you that yo allowed to become quiet and untouched for so long.
Vessel is the first single to be taken from her latest album, Conatus. If you don’t own it- the hell are you playing at? One of the best albums of they year, easily. A lot of artists go with having a dark vibe to their music in order to seem “cool” or something daft. Thing is, it’s a natural thing. Having a dark sound is natural, you cannot force it. Real recognises real. The true Zola Jesus fans are the ones who believe in the power of her music and know that it is all natural. When you have such a natural approach to your work, you become believable. You become something to invest in.
The video is stunning. The imagery is just perfect, it fits the song completely. Nika doesn’t have to do over the top videos nor does she have to be overproduced to be popular. You can tell she doesn’t care for fitting in- THAT is what makes her easy to relate to. You see, you have artists such as Gaga who bang on and on about “EMBRACE BEING A FREAK!” Fuck that, for serious, just fuck that. Just be who you are, you don’t need to always be the centre of attention to be loved. You don’t have to turn it into a self-absorbed show and demand attention. That doesn’t make you real. You’re just masking it. That’s why I love Nika, she just makes music for her and doesn’t demand attention. Yes she’s different- but we all are. She doesn’t need to go on about it. She has a human touch to her music that many seem to lack.
The video is artistic and dark; but not in a pretentious way nor does it seem like she’s trying too hard. It’s just perfect, she’s perfect.
There’s always a singer or a song that you remember hearing for the first time. You remember where you were, who you were with, the date and what you were wearing. I’ve got an atrocious memory, but when it comes to music; I remember more than I probably should. It’s a good job we can’t read each other’s minds because I’d probably be fucked.
One Christmas, my mum bought me a Janis Joplin album. She knew of my love for female singers with strong voices that made your whole body tremble. She used to play Janis Joplin around the house when I was younger, and to finally have my own Janis Joplin album made me insanely happy. I spent that Christmas morning sat in my room just playing it over and over. I probably would’ve spent the whole day in my room listening to her if I could.
Janis’ voice is one that, regardless of what genre of music you favour; you still have a place in your heart reserved for her. Her voice could warm the coldest of hearts; it could break the hardest of hearts. It had such power; you couldn’t believe a voice like this could come from someone who seemed so gentle and fragile.
As someone who is drawn to anything that seems vulnerable- I don’t mean it in a creepy way, I just love voices that project such fragility and vulnerability; I fell instantly with Janis’ voice, I can’t understand how anyone couldn’t. With every note that she sang, you could really feel it. You didn’t feel it in your heart, you felt it much deeper. You felt it in your soul. Thing is, you still feel the same way now which proves that Janis Joplin will ALWAYS be one of the greats, if not the greatest.
Of course you get those who are obsessed with the “Club 27” theory; they fail to see that a talent was well and truly lost 41 years ago today. During the 60s, the two most valuable and important women in music were Janis Joplin and Grace Slick. Both had a voice that had you in a chokehold. But the kind of chokehold that you didn’t mind to be in, you wanted them to grip you harder and for as long as possible. They were more than icons, and still are. They paved the way for how a front-woman should be; fearless but with a fragile side. I say front-woman, but it can apply to anyone who fronts a band. Her favourite drink was Southern Comfort, when I drink it, I lose my eyesight. This has nothing to do with any of this; I just felt you needed to know. Y’know, casually adding a personal touch and whatnot.
I don’t need to write hundreds or thousands of words to tell you just how greatly missed she is or how gorgeous she was or how wonderful her voice was; it’s obvious in every single performance and recording of hers. You can tell, even with album recordings, that Janis Joplin put her heart and soul into all she did. You felt every single word she sang because you knew she felt it too. Your heart broke because she was expressing your heartbreak and frustrations. Sure there are some semi decent singers around now, but none will ever have the power Janis had. None will ever be as inspirational. She set the trend, it’s just a shame the standard has declined since.
“Don’t compromise yourself. You are all you’ve got.“
Yes I love her and no I don’t car if it’s all an act. Truth is, she has an amazing voice. The kind that makes your whole body turn to jelly and your senses to just fail. It grips you and pins you against a wall. She sings as if she is singing to you and you alone. That every word is just for you, that you are the one that she painfully love. The kind of love that more than likely doesn’t exist in the real world; the kind only singers tell us about because we are too afraid to feel it for ourselves.
Before we knew her as Lana Del Rey, she was known as Lizzy Grant And The Phenomena. She didn’t sound so much of a 50s classy lass with a gun in her pocket then, but the seductive voice was just as strong.
It’s the perfect song to sit under a tree, embracing the shade on an insanely hot day. Her voice has this tone to it that just holds your heart. You don’t want her to let it go, ever. Song such as Disco just make you lose your mind.
Who gives a fuck if the Lana Del Rey thing is a gimmick- she has pure talent. Unlike all the others who use a gimmick to sell records. Her voice moves you; it’s just you and her. It is so powerful in a gentle way. It’s so passionate but with no fury.
As Lana Del Rey, well I think it’s obvious how I feel about her music. The last time I was this moved by a female singer’s voice was Florence Welch in 2007.
Every so often a band emerges that just makes you think you are not in the era that you are currently in. It doesn’t take a wise old soul to realise that current times are a bore and the past is more fullfilling than the present. Mainly because people weren’t materialistic or preoccupied with being something they aren’t. I mean, we all know that one wanker that has to be seen with the latest “thing” or succumbs to any fashion trend just to fit in. They probably don’t read and illegally download music. Arses. ANYWAY.
Weird Dreams are a band that make you feel like you are not here, right now. They make you feel like you are on a beach in the 50s (or even 60s) dousing you in a glorious wave of a surfer-pop vibe.
Their single, Holding Nails is out on 31st October. I suggest you pick it up along with Summer Camp’s debut album and Florence And The Machine’s second album. Treat yourself, you might deserve it.
Music should always give you a feeling that no single person ever could give you. It should take you to an untouchable place; nothing or no one can bother you when you are there.
This is why the band, Childhood exist.
Their hypnotising and euphoric feel is the perfect sound to expose your ears to. To get the full appreciation of this, shut your eyes and plug your headphones in. Listen to relaxing sounds and just let them throw you into a world that you need to be in, because it is better than what you have. With summer ending (it looks like it is actually starting in the UK!) this is the ideal band to listen to as it gets dark far too early (I don’t mind, I enjoy the darkness.)
You’d think that an artist such as Joan Wasser would be some kind of household name by now. More importantly, she’s put out one of the most underrated albums of the year (so far.) The Deep Field is her highly anticipated third album, and honestly it’s her best work. She’s been a huge obsession of mine for some time now, and when I heard The Deep Field, the justification for my love for her just hit me between the eyes.
Nervous is the album opener, and I swear it sends my mind, body and soul into some kind of frenzy. It locks round my heart, I love her voice on this track. So deep and enthralling. The stomping drums is just outrageous; everything about this track is perfect. An intense album opener that just sets the tone for this glorious album. But, this isn’t about The Deep Field. This is about the incredible musicianship that Joan Wasser posses.
In 2009, she did a covers record called. One of the covers is Overprotected by Britney Spears. Seriously? It’s a damn good cover, the record is awesome. Like Cat Power, she covers records extremely well and creates her own feel to it.
Joan has worked with some amazing musicians such as Antony & The Johnsons, Lou Reed and Llyod Cole. She has also supported The Guillemots. Her music is something that you really feel, it hits you in the soul. It has a depth to it that is quite rare right now. Her voice is so powerful and passionate, she makes it seem so effortless.
With such talent, Joan should be massively known. However, to know of her music is to truly treasure it. Everyone has a singer or band that hardly anyone is familiar with, and they keep said artist close to their heart. Joan’s probably one of mine. I will stand by The Deep Field being one of the best albums of this year. Her delicate voice over quite harsh beats and guitar is something that I really adore. What I’ve found in her music is something I’ve not found in any other.
Beat In My Bones. 