Despite what you might think by looking at the charts or listening to the radio there are young musicians out there who are politically engaged and writing protest songs. The ability of young people to use social media to mobilise politically has been so important in the last few years of dramatic worldwide upheaval. In music, these mediums allow independent voices to be heard and shared across the world. Raye Zaragoza is one such musician, and she has recently released her album Fight For You, which is partly a response to the North Dakota pipeline protests. Continue reading “Album Review: Raye Zaragoza – Fight For You”
Dolly Parton and the Importance of Reading
In her book ‘Dream More: Celebrate the Dreamer in You’ Dolly Parton explores four life lessons, including the importance of education and reading. This short book, an expansion of a commencement speech she made at the University of Tennessee, is a fascinating glimpse into what makes Dolly the queen of country music and an inspiration to so many. Continue reading “Dolly Parton and the Importance of Reading”
Album Review: Bedouine – Bedouine
Spacebomb is one of the most interesting record labels in American music today, with their in house band, symphonic arrangements and attention to detail. They have already produced brilliant albums by label founder Matthew E. White and Natalie Prass so I, for one, am automatically sold on any artist they are associated with. When Azniv Korkejian approached White with her songs, Spacebomb couldn’t resist working with the talented singer/songwriter. She took on the name Bedouine, meaning wanderer, and the resultant record has a sound and texture that is both unique and yet warmly familiar. Continue reading “Album Review: Bedouine – Bedouine”
Album Review: Jaime Wyatt – Felony Blues
Many artists pretend to walk on the wild side and do everything they can to create an outlaw style, as though being bad automatically gains you street credibility. Some even choose to go down that road on purpose, to live out that doomed rock star myth as a way to create authenticity. After Jaime Wyatt’s first record deal collapsed she went off the rails and found herself actually experiencing the hard reality of this kind of life. Felony Blues, a short album released in the UK this week, explores her addictions and convictions in songs with real grit and soul. Continue reading “Album Review: Jaime Wyatt – Felony Blues”
Favourite Albums & Songs of 2017 So Far
It’s half way through the year so thought I would do a round up post of my favourite albums and songs so far. This may change as the year goes on, as things fall away or reignite and as new albums are released but here are my thoughts right now. Continue reading “Favourite Albums & Songs of 2017 So Far”
Album Review: Denai Moore – We Used To Bloom
Denai Moore’s Twitter bio describes herself as ’23. Genre free. Heart full of gold, stomach full of tea’ and these feelings of youth, musical freedom, love and a little whimsy are woven into the expansive sounds and lyrical textures of her lovely second album We Used to Bloom. Continue reading “Album Review: Denai Moore – We Used To Bloom”
Festivals Are Failing Female Acts
Recent BBC research has found that only 6% of headline acts at festivals this year are women, and shockingly there are no female headliners at Glastonbury at all, despite its liberal leftie reputation. Lorde, the biggest star out there right now is only second on the bill on the second stage! Is it really that much to ask in the 21st century to have female headliners and a 50/50 split of male and female acts on a festival bill? Continue reading “Festivals Are Failing Female Acts”
Album Review: Beth Ditto – Fake Sugar
Beth Ditto has always been a queen to me, a trailblazing inspiration in music, fashion and life. It’s amazing to have her back and now standing solo with her debut album Fake Sugar. Continue reading “Album Review: Beth Ditto – Fake Sugar”
Album Review: Big Thief – Capacity
Big Thief have wasted no time in following up their debut album Masterpiece, which was released last year. Their new album Capacity feels like an inward retreat, a record of introspection both lyrically and musically. Continue reading “Album Review: Big Thief – Capacity”