EDWARD SHARPE AND THE MAGNETIC ZEROS. Brixton Academy 11/02/2014.

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With the tube strikes being cancelled I was able to go see a band last night that I’ve been waiting to see for far too long. It seems of late I have fortunately been able to see bands/singers that really mean something to me after waiting for so long. My ability to plan and do things is sometimes questionable. However, if it is music related I am more than likely to be motivated to do something about it. Everything else can wait.

Of course when you are in the seated area of a venue you have the dilemma of “Do I stand or sit? Oh..they’re standing..I can’t see. I’m now standing. Oh we’re back to sitting, alright then!” A bit of light exercise for this fatty, right?

I like bands that are duos because there is something magical about them, but when a band has more than 5 members then I’m not sure what happens to my interest in them. Of course you have the likes of Wu Tang Clan who have a lot of members and they’re one of the greatest groups ever. And if I’m honest I really don’t care for Folk like bands. Over the PA Mumford & that lot was playing, and I felt a bit queasy. I can’t stand them or any band/singer like them, so why do I like Edward Sharpe? That’s easy- because their songs have a lot of meaning, they make you feel alive and make you forget all the bad you have done and all the bad that has been done to you. I can’t say the same for the band I mentioned above (not Wu Tang, obviously!) With Edward Sharpe you get something else. You get the feeling that you are part of something. My girlfriend did turn to me a few times during and questioned if they were a cult. I think she was convinced we were going to leave the show and now be part of some cult. There are worse things to happen. If you’re going to end up in a cult, it might as well be with the love of your life by your side, right?

The setlist was beautiful. Alex asked the crowd what they wanted to hear and we got the delights of Jade, Life Is Hard and Up From Below. Their cover of Nina Simone’s Ain’t Got No was exceptional. It was a real highlight of the show and really made you glad to be alive. During one of the songs (I’m writing this 2 days after, my memory isn’t too great) Alex handed the mic to a girl in the crowd who had this voice that was unworldly. If I was in the band, I’d have asked her to join. Her brief solo caused the whole place to just be taken back and give her the greatest reception I’ve seen in a long time from a crowd. I hope someone tracks her down and gives her a record deal. If any of her pals see this, or if she does- let it be known she has a gorgeous voice that needs to be heard. Jade and Alex’s vocals are on a different planet. Jade has this way of making you think “Where the hell did that voice come from??!!” and Alex just grips you with the power he has in his voice. They chase each other around the stage in a playful and adoring manner. Alex ends up in the crowd during the middle of their first song.  This isn’t just a band; they are truly a family unit.

I could write thousands of words about how Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros are pretty much one of the best bands around and the most exciting bands to see live, but I think it is obvious they are. You really don’t need someone like me telling you that. I can only hope the crowd at their show last night at Shepherd’s Bush got the same feeling. When you listen to their music you immediately feel as if someone is giving you a great big hug. When you see them live, you just feel as if everything shit in the world no longer matters. It shouldn’t matter, but at times it does. Live music is a healer. Trust no one who doesn’t believe in the power of music.

I’m going to try rounding this up by attempting to sum up the feelings this show gave me. As I was watching the band, I was just in awe of how extremely talented they all are. Of course I knew this as I’m a fan, but to see it live is just something else. Their music is that constant feeling of falling in love over and over. You feel as if you could die and it wouldn’t matter because you’d be listening to this beautiful music that just soothes you. On the other hand, their music makes you feel really REALLY alive and you feel as if nothing in this world can touch you. They make you feel part of something truly special, and that goes beyond words. Sure I like music that is the polar opposite of me- aggressive, loud and bold but sometimes I just want to hear something like Edward Sharpe and feel something I haven’t felt before. And what I felt will stay with me for as long as my memory will allow.

L.A.R

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In love, darkness, desperation and heartache, 

I was guided by the angel of New York City. 

Walking with clenched fists and gritting my teeth. 

I want to be set free, I’m in search of Candy. 

The angel took me to their hell and showed me how to make it a peaceful state of heaven. 

A piece of me, a piece of him. 

I turned a blind eye to my sins. 

Slowly and softly his words carry me through. 

 I drag my feet across unfamiliar ground, 

And I welcome the ugly feelings that I should ignore. 

I wait for the unknown. 

His words circle my mind going deep into my soul. 

I’d go back in time to find a cure. 

For all the souls that didn’t quite get there. 

In love and courage, you’re standing in your leather and shades. 

I’ll linger on. 

I wrote this a few hours after hearing Lou Reed had died last year. I know you should never publicise your private thoughts, but I suppose some things just have to be let out. I don’t enjoy showing anyone my poor attempt at poetry, I’ve only ever shown not even a handful. I have no idea why I’m doing this but maybe it doesn’t need a reason. Not everything does.

The loss of someone like Lou is beyond words, and it leaves a gap. But at least someone like him existed and gave us a legacy of music that will forever inspire.

You’re missed Lou.

TOTAL SLACKER-Slip Away.

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Typing pretty much hurts; I’ve invested in a kettle bell that weighs a lot. I was feeling pretty optimistic when I bought it this week, now I don’t have that level of optimism anymore. It’s alright, feeling that good is bad for my health. I’ve not dropped it on the floor or on my face (yet) so I must be doing something right. Also, if you’re wondering what Lee from that awful pop band Steps is doing now- he’s on the free poster you get with the purchase of a kettle bell demonstrating how you are meant to use this…thing. I’m standing a good distance away from the TV, windows, anything else that I can break whilst I use it. But like I said, I’m not feeling too optimistic. But if my stomach muscles and biceps are hurting, am I doing it right? I can manage going for a run in the rain without falling over so I like to think I’m developing into a worthwhile member of society. Possibly.

So I wrote about Brooklyn wonder-kids Total Slacker about two years ago. They’re putting out their new record, Slip Away next week and it’s also Valentine’s Day next week..I think Total Slacker knew exactly what they were doing when they thought of a release date. The deviants! So aside from being a typical fan of a band, it is pretty easy to get excited over the new Total Slacker record because it is really bloody good. It’s got a Garage Rock feel to it mixed with something hypnotic (think The Stone Roses’ debut record) flowing all the way through. It’s not a record to get angry to, it’s a record to dream to- closing eyes is optional.

Would If I Could is a song to give chase to. It makes you want to walk/run faster; the fury that oozes out of this song is striking. It pretty much makes you want to give up your mundane life in order to make music like this. Out Of Body Experience pretty much speaks for itself. It’s a haunting record, it’ll creep you out in some parts but for the most part you’ll just feel like you’ve taken something strange. I personally wouldn’t know, but Total Slacker make me feel like I have.

Just under two years ago Total Slacker lost their drummer Terence in a fatal hit and run accident; any other band would probably quit after having to deal with something so painful but Total Slacker kept on, and Zoe (their new drummer) is equally as majestic and as wonderful as Terence was. A band like this just doesn’t quit.

Tucker has this way of sounding really down on life when he sings certain songs, and this is what makes him believable. There’s feeling in his voice, and this is what makes Total Slacker stand out from most bands. A lot of singers are afraid to inject any feeling into how their songs, but if you can’t expose yourself in one of the purest ways imaginable- then why on earth are you even doing it? Total Slacker are a band with a purpose.

With New York covered in snow and the UK being cast underwater, Total Slacker are bringing the laziness of Summer to us all early with Slip Away. If you’re fed up or going through a phase of self-doubt then play this record religiously and ritualistically. Shut the door and close the world off.

I’m sure Slip Away has been reviewed and weak comparisons have been mentioned, but I can’t think of a band to compare them to. I don’t have a reason to do so, and I think it’s disrespectful to the band you’re writing about when you do that. For those whinging about there being no new music and everything sounding the same, then give Total Slacker a listen. For me, Super Big Gulp is probably my favourite track so far off the record but I’ll change my mind. But when it kicks in on this track, it is truly magical. If I was wealthy, I’d pay for them to come to the UK but I’ll have to wait for now I suppose.

With songs about Kennedy’s assassination and fighting your babysitter’s boyfriend, and recorded by a someone (Daniel Schlett) who has worked with a band I really love, The Men- you just know Slip Away is going to be worthy of smacking that repeat button numerous of times.

As a fan rather than just another music writer, I’d like to say I’m really proud of Total Slacker and all they’ve done over the past few years. They’re like the noise around the heart. Play it loud and fall into a trance.

 

GIRL TEARS- Kill For Love

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“Don’t know who I am,
But I know that I would kill for love.”

 

One of the most noisiest and magnificent bands around have JUST put out the video to their new single, Kill For Love. Girl Tears are a band to slam your body into a wall to, or into another person. Maybe the latter is more “socially acceptable” so I guess you shouldn’t do it. Don’t do it. Never do it. Ever.

I can’t write hundreds of words about the video or song. I can do it about the band, and I’ve done it before. I’ll hold it for now. You can watch this minute video clip right here:

The cassette will be out this month on Lolipop Records. Again, Girl Tears are another fine band from the West Coast of America starting to make a glorious noise, a beautiful and rambunctious noise. The kind of band you know you just HAVE to see live.

Get their record here: http://girltears.bandcamp.com/

Play loud. Annoy your neighbour with it; especially if they are obnoxious and rude. You’re welcome.

PINK MEXICO.

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I’m aware I could be using my time more wisely, but after this I’ll be going back to that awful chore of looking for a job. I did have a job, that is true. But my contract ended on Friday. I’m not just bored, I’m a whole bunch of things that I plan to ignore. I thought I’d channel my feelings of being useless into writing about a band that I really like because I can do that. Just about. Sort of. I don’t know. I went for a run this morning in the rain; certain songs just make you run faster. As if you have a point to prove. Thing is, it doesn’t matter.

Anyway.

There’s a relatively new band called Pink Mexico who are really good. Last year it was a band called Roses that really blew my mind with their sound. This year, I think Pink Mexico are going to do it. Well for me they will. It’s not about airplay or being on the cover of music magazines that will hold you up one minute and slag you off as soon as your record comes out. Pink Mexico released their debut record last year which you can listen to here: http://pinkmexico.bandcamp.com/

If you want something to make every ounce of fury seem worthwhile, then listen to them. I guess some would say they appeal to fans of Nirvana, but I’m not a fan of Nirvana (is this as bad as me saying I don’t like The Beatles? I know nothing about music anyway.) Pink Mexico don’t sound like Nirvana so dismiss any fool who says they do. Pink Mexico sound like a band you’ve been looking for. You don’t know what sound you’re searching for, but when you hear it you just know. It’s like when you’re looking for a new jacket and you have a rough idea but only until you see it do you know you want it. You understand, right?

Pink Mexico are a band that you need to play as loud as you can stand; I’m pretty sure their live shows will leave the crowd deaf for a while at the end, those are the best shows. They remind me a little bit of Virals, who I saw twice last year. Amazing live. Pink Mexico pretty much reinforce my idea that duos make the best music. I don’t know what it is, but they have something others may not have. They’ve got the rage to make you listen; their sound is incredibly powerful, and people still act like this surge of Folk is still a thing. No way. Guitars were made for music like this.

Songs like A Head Full Of Slime were made for those clubs/bars that nobody wants to go to alone. Out of fear for what is in the depths of them, but they are the best ones by far. The walls know more than the person stood up against them wishes them to know. The sweat covers you- not just your sweat. Personal space is no longer a thing, it doesn’t exist but you don’t care.

The recording for their debut record was in Brooklyn, and Robert (Preston) played all the instruments on the record. It was only until after the release of the record they became a two-piece. John (Chambers) joined and I think they are now based in LA. Prior to Pink Mexico, Robert had been in a slew of bands but with Pink Mexico he’s hopefully found “it.” Whatever “it” may be. He’s an incredible musician, as is John. When you’ve got two brilliant musicians like this making music, they can do anything. They’ve got the guts and passion. I can’t wait to hear more from them. I always said if I was a millionaire, I’d fly out all the bands I love to the UK and get them shows. Pink Mexico are one of those bands that make me wish I was rich so I could do this, but I’ve got nothing. My jeans are starting to rip in unconventional places, but it’s alright.

Trial and error got Robert to where he is with Pink Mexico; they deserve every ounce of success.

FRANK’S DAUGHTER-WE WERE WAVES ONCE (sjöar remix)

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Frank’s Daughter make music that fully justifies my idea that duos make the best music. Of course not all duos are any good; I’m sure we can all think of some that are quite crap. But it’s all down to personal taste and I’m not someone who ever thinks they are right. I’m usually wrong, but it’s no big deal. I think I’m right with my opinion on Frank’s Daughter. Their debut LP, The Sound Of A Heart Unravelling came out in July last year and the dark, haunting feel of the record was something I instantly fell in love with.

The record opens with We Were Waves Once, and towards the end of last year they were giving away a free MP3 of the Sjöar remix of the song. I’m not someone who  goes out of their way to listen to remixes of songs, I guess I like to cling onto the original versions. Yet there are occasional remixes that stay true to the original. The remix and record version of We Were Waves Once both have a chilling feel to them; exposing just how vulnerable the vocals are. This is the kind of music to leave everything behind to, but I don’t know if you’re searching for anything. I guess we all are, deep down.

What I adore about Frank’s Daughter is their fragile sound that feels like a safety net. They sound as frail as you but something about them protects you. Maybe it’s the reassurance that someone else gets it, you know. Sometimes that’s the most comforting feeling, other times it is quite frightening.

For me, Frank’s Music make the kind of music that those like Burial, James Blake and Deptford Goth make- made for listening to in the dark. Whether you’re making your way home by foot or public transport or sat alone in the darkness. They are perfect for a state of solitude and clarity.

You can listen to the gorgeous remix here: https://soundcloud.com/franks-daughter/we-were-waves-once-sj-ar-remix and get a free copy of it here: http://www.franks-daughter.com/

Drift off to sleep to their music and have beautiful dreams.

Goodnight x

SONS OF AN ILLUSTRIOUS FATHER-NO MERCY/LOVELETTING.

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A book can make you feel like you’re in a hidden world that no one else can ever uncover. A song can make you wish you were somewhere else and by the time it is over, you’re there. Not all bands have the nous to do such a thing. Or sometimes they work too hard doing it, they sound nothing like they want to.

I wrote about Sons Of An Illustrious Father last year, and from that I was opened up to a scene in New York that is not like anything else I’ve heard before. Thankfully they are not part of a movement that make songs about how bored they are. Nor are they sickly love songs that make you want to gauge your eyes out. I can’t put Sons in a genre box for you; I don’t have the right to do that and people who listen to only one genre of music are quite dull. Never trust anyone who says they only listen to bands like Mumford & Sons. There’s a wealth of music out there and to only limit yourself to one kind is pretty daft. If I only listened to Punk I’d only be listening to dead musicians pretty much and I’d never go to shows. That would be quite boring. Through listening intensely to one, I subjected myself to other bands. From other bands telling me to do so or for accidentally finding them in the depths of certain websites I expose myself to as much music as I can. I don’t care if it is some unheard Howlin’ Wolf song or it is something brand new, made by some one person genius in their bedroom- I want to hear it. I have to. So where to Sons come into all of this?

They’re a band that make music that feels like a menacing fairytale. Their sound was made for bitterly cold weather. When you think because the sun is out it will be a little warmer. It isn’t. You become so cold you are numb but you have Sons music playing in your ears and a feeling of bliss takes over. Do you accept yourself yet? Sons make music to accept yourself to. Listen to their music whilst staring at your reflection for clarity and out of fear. Disdain, possibly.

No Mercy and Loveletting were recorded at the hub of all things euphoric and meaningful- Mama Coco’s Funky Kitchen produced by the man who everyone should strive to be produced by, Oliver Ignatius. The combination of Sons and Oliver means your ears ar going to be subjected to some raw and passionate sounds. Sounds that unleash your fury and your doubt. A mirror isn’t the only thing that is your reflection; it’s in music too. A mirror may not lie but music picks up on the hidden things. The things that really count. Sons aren’t afraid to be open with their music and lyrics. Their open ways is what makes them accessible and believable.

You can listen to the songs here: http://sonsofanillustriousfather.bandcamp.com/album/no-mercy-loveletting and whilst you’re at it, do some exploring with their music. And to their music. Don’t be afraid of what you find.

DUM DUM GIRLS-TOO TRUE.

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As I’ve not gone into work today (I’m ill..and I’ve lost my voice) I should probably do something productive like sleeping- which I will do. I fell asleep around 4am and woke up 3 hours later. I feel as if I’ve been hit by something bigger and stronger than me, not really hard to beat that to be honest but anyway.

Next week a record I’ve been beyond excited about comes out. I was going to stay away from the streaming of it because I wanted the excitement to stay there. I was silly to think it wouldn’t. As I listen to Too True I can hear no resemblance between this and I Will Be and Only In Dreams. This is when you know a band are phenomenal. If they’re going to keep making the same record over and over, you lose interest. I don’t need to mention how brilliant their past releases are, because I won’t stop. Each one has sentimental value to me, I guess that’s why Dum Dum Girls mean a little bit more to me than other bands do. It’s Dee Dee honest and vulnerable lyrics that hit me right in the same place Morrissey’s lyrics do.

Too True is a relaxed record that from start to finish makes you feel as if you are not where you currently are. Even the most stable human beings wish they were somewhere else. Loathe where you are but use the hate to change your surroundings.

The record starts with Cult Of Love which sounds like something from the Goth era of the early 80s mixed with a James Bond soundtrack. Evil Blooms keeps up that energetic pace that is in Cult Of Love. Both songs feel as if you are running into the unknown but this uncertainty will become a state of bliss that you simply cannot do without. “Why be good? Be beautiful and sad. It’s all you’ve ever had.” If anyone else sang or wrote this line I’d probably regard them as being a miserable git, and that’s coming from me! But the way in which Dee Dee sings it makes you feel okay with feeling low on those days where getting out of bed is the same as climbing a mountain.

Rimbaud Eyes is brilliant and I hope it becomes a single. The video would probably be as hypnotic and as debauched as Lost Boys And Girls Club. Rimbaud Eyes is a gorgeous plea to love and fascination. Personally I love this song because of the reference to the greatest poet ever. A troubled poet with innocent eyes, but most of the great ones are like that. Troubled but innocent in some ways; it all fits together somehow.

Are You Okay is one of the few that make me teary eyed, but the hazy feel to it fills the listener with some reassurance. I learnt very early on that with Dum Dum Girls songs that they have songs that can break and mend your heart in one go. I’ve leant on some of their songs for many reasons, and I guess I can sort of stand up straight now feeling alright. Are You Okay is beautiful live. When I saw them play this last month, this was the one that made me keep my eyes shut and just sway. I don’t know where I was in that moment, but music helps you create your own personal moments that nobody can take from you.

Too True To Be Good feels like a dream. Dee Dee’s words sound as if she is recalling a dream she once had. A dream that is taking her away and making her feel something. We all have those days where we are left numb, and Too True To Be Good is like a longing of wanting more. You get more but is it what you want? “I remind myself it’s gonna be fine.” That’s a line to keep hold of. Most things are too true to be good. It’s alright.

The intro to In The Wake Of You reminds me of White Wedding by Billy Idol- just the guitar. In The Wake Of You really projects how fragile Dee Dee’s lyrics can be. You can runaway with the guitar on this song; just keep on running. It doesn’t really matter where you go. I think it is pretty obvious that Too True is a record that assists with you escaping and discovering. It’s making my ill day off work less awful. Dum Dum Girls have the power to be the soundtrack to your life, but if you’re a fan you’d know this already.

Lost Boys And Girls Club is for those who don’t care for direction, they just want to go. Half the time it doesn’t matter where you’re going or what you’re doing, so give it no thought. I’ve already written my thoughts on this song a few times but I’m not ever going to be tired of hearing it. It’s alright to be lost.

Little Minx has a Punk beat to it. If Joey Ramone was alive, and how I wish he was, he would sound perfect singing this with Dee Dee. There’s something about it that just makes me imagine Joey putting his vocals on it. Of course it sounds just perfect with Dee Dee’s haunting voice. What I love about this record is that you can hear how they’ve been experimenting with different sounds which has led them onto creating this beautiful record. I’m not going to love any other record as much as this one all year. I just know it.

The last two song on Too True; Under These Hands and Trouble Is My Name are my favourites. I can’t pick just one favourite, I think my mind would explode if I had to even try. But these two are lyrically my favourite. There’s something about them that make you just want to roam the street with no means of contact upon you. Leave your phone at home and go outside for a while. I’d do that if I wasn’t ill. They are the perfect songs to end the record on because it feels right to just hit play again when the record finishes. Trouble Is My Name is the one I know I’ll be playing over and over, the one I can’t go a day without listening to.

When it comes to writing about Dum Dum Girls I find it easy to be honest about how their music makes me feel. I don’t feel bad for admitting that I’ve cried to some of their songs or that some of them just sum everything up for me. If music can’t give you hope, then what’s the point? I’ve read no reviews about Too True, and I don’t want or need to. I just want to listen to it and keep up the excitement that my favourite band have put out a full length record. Too True is nothing like I Will Be, Only In Dreams, He Gets Me High and End Of Daze. If you’ve listened to all their records you will have heard how each is nothing like the previous. A band that plays around with their sound is a band that lasts. With Dum Dum Girls you know that music is everything to them, and that’s why their music means a hell of a lot to me and others. Dee Dee’s lyrics are like poems for the soul. She doesn’t need to be aggressive to make a point or to be heard.

Too True is undoubtedly going to be the one record I play religiously this year. It embodies everything you want in music; freedom, lust, comfort and confidence.

Stay in a dream, in a daze and blast out Too True.

ELA ORLEANS.

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I’ve always believed that music should be somewhat terrifying. Whether it is similar to the frightening rage that is found in the likes of my beloved My Bloody Valentine or if it is done in a more gentle manner like The Long Wives; I want what I hear to scare me a little bit. I don’t know where this comes from, maybe from a young obsession with Nick Cave. His dark imagery in his lyrics is the same kind of genius that came from Poe’s pen. Troubled, dark and sinister. There’s another level to this, Marquis De Sade. The sexual perversion in is writing is uncomfortable but for the times he wrote it- it is nothing short of challenging. I have one of his books, but reading it on public transport means never holding the cover up so anyone can read the back of it. I want to hate myself for being in awe of his work, but I can’t. I just keep reading.

I should have written about Ela a few years ago when I first hear her music. I have bouts of being utterly lazy. I’ve not written in my notebook since July. Everything I had the intention of jotting down has gradually left my mind. I suppose it wasn’t important to start with. Ela Orleans is yet again another example as to why music from Scotland is astounding. From Shirley Manson to Bobby Gillespie; it is a place that just oozes talent from all over. Parts of England have certain sounds. The further North you go, the darker the sound. The better the sound, of course. However (with the exception of Glasvegas, The View and others) you can’t always tell with Scottish bands. That just proves how excellent they are. You already knew that didn’t you.

Ela Orleans reminds me of someone I admire- Alex Zhang Huntai aka Dirty Beaches. Seeing him live last year had a massive impact on me in ways I wasn’t aware of. Now when I go to shows I notice more than normal, I let it mean more than it used to. He has this powerful presence without even saying a word. His music on record is a pleasure to listen to. It’s a pleasure to listen to because it’s so different to anything I’ve ever listened to and I can’t pick up on what influences him apart from general life and the hunger to make music- that’s the same feeling I get when I listen to Ela.

Her voice resembles nothing like anything else I’ve ever heard. However she can convey torment in her voice like Billie Holiday did. Ela can rip right into the core of you with her voice, the words become hazy because the way she rings pierces through you. But then, on the other side of this, her voice can make you weep with how gorgeous it truly is. Maybe I’m feeling her music more because I’m ill (I’m losing my voice and I sound like a teenage boy today..it’s a good job I’m not a big talker) and I’m swaying towards how her music makes me feel emotionally. Sorry, I don’t know what my excuse is for the rest of the time.

Her music makes you want to pack up your belongings and move to a city where nobody knows you. Where nobody who claims to know you can bother you. Until you get the guts to do so, all you can do is sit and listen to her music and live briefly in the moment through it.

I so desperately want to write thousands and thousands of words telling you all about Ela and why you need to listen to her music, but I can’t. She is one of those singers who you don’t really need to say a word about. When you listen to her music, you immediately become drawn in and you know you are listening to something truly special. Writing this is taking me back to how I felt when I first heard her music- it happens every single time I listen to her music. You keep falling for her music. It is honestly like looking at the one you love and finding new reasons as to why you love them and remembering why you love them. Ela’s music is something that obviously goes behind these words I have typed, anyone can see that. She’s the kind of singer I wish I could be, but I cannot sing. That’s alright though. I’m more than happy to have a voice like Ela’s being projected into my ears and cleansing my soul.

Happy Birthday Aaliyah.

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Every year I write this, and every year it still doesn’t make any sense. It’s a weird ritual I guess that I’ll never let go of.

I’ll never understand why Aaliyah’s death happened. None of her fans do. I don’t buy into the “it was their time” talk I’ve heard so many times about so many people. Nobody deserves to die young, no matter what your profession is.

I’ve seen many of my favourite bands/singers live but Aaliyah is the only one I wish I could have seen. I remember seeing the video to Back & Forth when I was about 7 years old and I immediately felt alright with being a tomboy. She’s done more for females in music than most of these singers around. I won’t get into my dislike for certain singers, but you know. Aaliyah’s style was just gorgeous. Of course I look nothing like her, but she was always someone I wish I looked like. I wanted to be able to dance like her or even be able to sing just a little bit. I’ve interviewed a few bands and singers, but Aaliyah is one I would have loved to have just talked to about music with. From the influences she had growing up to her love for Korn and Nine Inch Nails. She was ahead of her time, and I think that’s what she is remembered for. When I hear her music now it is like listening to something from the future. Her, Missy and Timbaland were the dream team. They made brilliant music together. Timeless music.

There will be many replicas of other singers, but no one will ever come close to Aaliyah. Ever.

Happy Birthday A x