Illustrator In Residence: Natasha Natarajan – ‘Women That Changed My World’ (Part 1)

Natasha Natarajan is a British-Indian visual artist funding her autobiographical comic strip ‘FML Comics’ and zine habit through Graphic/Web Design, Illustration, Arts Administration, Education and a career that basically makes no sense on a CV. Natasha holds a BA in Indian History and has worked in the arts in Copenhagen and Scotland. She has recently moved home to London where she is whole-heartedly winging it. 

In the first of this new two-part series, Natasha shares some of the women in music who have changed her world; telling us what they mean to her, and sharing a unique original illustration.

Women That Changed My World

When I love something it generates a lot of energy in me. In the past I’ve unhelpfully unleashed this energy on various people in my life. But drawing has become a wholesome and productive way for me to deal with it; it feels like a labour of love when I draw someone that’s important to me. I started drawing musicians in 2017 – I listen to their music and draw. As much as possible I try to find a photograph of them playing, rather than a press shot, because I think it’s important to me they’re doing what I love them for. I am so inspired and encouraged by the work of other artists. I hope you enjoy these renditions of the women I have loved!

AGAMA
“My music brings together people who occupy different spaces and belong to different tribes. It’s such a mash-up of genres. We all have a strong need for belonging, and once you find your tribe it can be so easy to become trapped in an echo chamber of beliefs and experiences that match your own and then everyone who is not like you becomes alien.”

Natasha says:
I love AGAMA’s lyrics. Her words are so insightful and tender. Each track could stand alone as a glorious poem. It’s a blessing that we can listen to her sing the words herself because her voice adds a whole other force of energy. She can whisper to you and roar in the same breath, but always with a rawness that feels human. The four tracks that make up her EP deserve listening front to back loud, on good headphones and alone.

Find out more: Twitter / Spotify

Rokia Traoré
“Having been exposed to Europe from a young age I have never seen it as ‘superior’, I have always just seen it as an equal place to Mali. I had enough context to understand the way in which Africa is depicted to the world. The value of life should not need to be tied to money. In Africa, people may have less money but there is value in finding joy in the everyday. There is a different philosophy, a different way of seeing life in Africa.”
– Speaking in brightonfestival.org

Natasha says:
I love the sparse rhythmic beauty of ‘Zen’ and so many of Rokia’s compositions. Each track takes me on a mini journey. Her voice and the instrumentation feel so nude and I’m drawn to her subtle grooves. My heart dances and my shoulders wiggle along. I love nothing more than dancing alone to Rokia on repeat in the kitchen.

Find out more: Instagram / Spotify

Fatoumata Diawara
“We have to keep singing. Women need more motivation. We need to wake up women’s consciences and say, ‘Don’t give up. Continue.’ In Mali, my generation looks at me, at every action I do. I’m like a little example for them, for women. When I’m in Bamako, many girls come to me and say they’re very happy for everything I’m doing. I can tell them what I want through my music.”
– Speaking in The Independent, 2013

Natasha says:
Fatoumata’s music has always been a soothing presence in my life. When I discovered that the lyrics were about her experience as a Malian woman, her sound acquired a new melancholic beauty and I found great respect for the powerful way she communicates her message. I can listen to her first album, Fatou, anywhere, anytime and with anyone.

Find out more: Twitter / Spotify

Dobet Gnahoré
“With a sweet melody, the message comes across simply and reaches people more easily, and the emotion remains. With the African languages that I sing, there are not many people who can understand (them all)… But emotion transcends borders, and it remains written inside the listener’s body.”
– Speaking in The Chicago Tribune, 2015

Natasha says:
Her song ‘Palea‘ has brought me to happy tears many a time, even though I had no idea what she was talking about. She’s right when she says a sweet melody can carry an emotional message. And she does it so beautifully. She does truly amazing things with her voice filling her tracks with so much energy. She’s also an amazing dancer! I am forever stalking her on Instagram and plundering YouTube for live performances.

Find out more: Instagram / Spotify

Huge thanks to Natasha for her inspiring words and truly beautiful illustrations! Keep your eyes peeled for Part 2 of her ‘Women That Changed My World’ feature next week.

Find out more about Natasha Natarajan at her website and Instagram page (and her comic Instagram page too). 

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Rookes Launches New YouTube Series #PopNotPop

Pop music is one of life’s greatest wonders — so why does it stress us out so much? That’s one of the questions singer-songwriter and GIHE fave Rookes is trying to answer in #popnotpop, a new YouTube series that explores her volatile and complex relationship with pop music.

And there’s good news if one of your hang-ups on pop is its reliance on smoke and mirrors, because Pop Not Pop also chronicles the creation of Rookes’ debut album, a no-holds-barred and winningly transparent move that’ll allow fans a glimpse of the creative process. Rookes explains: “As well as seeing me reveal my secrets as a pop artist who doesn’t in fact always love pop music, you’ll be able to watch me make a pop record in real time.”

The honesty of #popnotpop will come as no surprise to anyone who’s heard Rookes’ EPs Liminal and The Game And The River, which won fans with their lyrical directness and fearless exploration of queer-female identity. In Episode One, Rookes ponders her past relationship with pop, from initial engagement as a kid, through an off-and-on relationship through her teens, then into adult life and the realisation that for all her resistance over the years, she’s become a ‘pop’ artist herself. And a rather good one, as it turns out.

And, what better time to have a new bit of insightful and fun-filled music-related YouTube content… ?!

Check out all the #PopNotPop episodes so far below:

And if, like us, you’re a big fan of Rookes’ own shimmering alt-pop sounds, check out her recent poignant video for single ‘Liminal’ below and listen to the EP of the same name on all online platforms now.

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Introducing Interview: MeMe Detroit

Having received acclaim from the likes of Clash, Louder Than War and BBC Introducing, as well as wowing us more than once with her energy-fuelled live show at The Finsbury, Birmingham’s MeMe Detroit creates emotion-fuelled rock ‘n’ roll propelled by sweeping melodic hooks and front woman Maria Rodriguez’s gravelly snarl.

Following the release of their gritty latest single, ‘Can’t Get You Out Of My Mind’, we caught up with Maria to find out more…

Hi MeMe Detroit, welcome to Get In Her Ears! Can you tell us a bit about the band?
I’d describe it as a big fat raging ball of uplifting angst fuelled by positivity with a shot of melodic tenderness thrown in… Sounds like a banging cocktail that, I’d drink it!

How did you initially decide to start creating music?
Starting out as a solo artist, I’ve been lucky to work with a number of great musicians but I’ve always aimed to have a stable band around me. I love being a solo artist as there’s more of a sense of control, but I also know it’s important and a great thing to collaborate with other musicians. So that’s why I opted to get full-time band members in over sessioners for the long run. This year via the wonders of social media, I met drummer Kallum McEwen and bassist Steve Hildebrand. It definitely feels different now, like all the pieces fit together as a proper unit. We’ve started writing for the next album and it’s already sounding immense, so I’m really looking forward to seeing what comes out in the near future.

Your new single ‘Can’t Get You Out of My Mind’ is out now – can you tell us what it’s all about?
This is kind of my ode to all those hurting right now, as well as a slight fuck you to all those heartbreakers who I’ve now left for dust. The song tells of the journey we go through when we get our hearts broken from a relationship break up. At the time, it’s devastating, that awful, constant and unrelenting heavy chested, sunken feeling; you almost feel like you can’t get through, but eventually do and, woah, when you finally do, it’s empowering as fuck. You come out so much stronger and more resilient.

 

You’ve been compared to the likes of Foo Fighters and Wolf Alice, but who would you say are your main musical influences?
I take inspiration from so many different artists and styles. I love Foos, so I can see why that comparison comes in, but I’m also a massive fan of house, old skool ska and hip hop. I love good rhythms and catchy moving melodies. I guess my main influence growing up however was probably Radiohead… The first time a mini MeMe heard a Jonny Greenwood guitar line, it was love at first hear.

How is your local music scene? Do you go to see lots of live music?
There’s something happening in Birmingham right now that is really really cool. There seems to be a real sense of community with all artists and across different genres, everyone’s there to support each other. I believe a big reason for that is the new introduction of the Birmingham Music Awards and the awesome inspiring spirit of radio personalities such as Tim Senna (Switch Radio/BBC Introducing) and Alex Noble (BBC Introducing). There’s so much fresh and exciting talent coming out right now, it’s hard to not go to shows for FOMO!

And what can fans expect from your live shows?
The audience are as big a part of our live shows, so I definitely aim to make them feel that way. Expect an insanely high octane whirlwind of raucous passion with a generous slice of audience participation, and a fat slab of heart gripping noise.

As we’re a new music focused site, are there any new/upcoming bands or artists you’d recommend we check out?
Definitely! There’s so many to choose from, but definitely check out Blue Nation, Nuns of Tundra, Hey Jester, Jemma Freeman and the Cosmic Something, Lady Sanity, Flares, Chloe Mogg and The Pagans S.O.H.

And how do you feel the music industry is for new bands at the moment – would you say it’s difficult to get noticed?
I believe it’s only as difficult as you think it to be. As long as you’ve got good songs, you believe in your brand/product and you’re driven enough to put the work in and commit to it, then you’ll do good. We have this amazing tool and direct personal access to fans with social media platforms nowadays and you don’t need a humungous budget to self release via online distribution companies. I’ve recently checked our Apple Music and Spotify stats and we had a spike of listens in Australia and Sweden. Imagine being in the olden days where the only way that was possible was through big dog record labels?! Now it’s a piece of piss in comparison. 

Finally, what does the rest of 2019 have in store for MeMe Detroit?
We have one more show left in Birmingham at The Flapper on the 28th December with the awesome Templeton Pek, but aside from that we’re taking time out now to write more for the next album. It’s been so manic lately, I personally cant wait for the chill time! That is until the the freight train starts up again next year. It’s definitely important to look after yourself mentally and physically by taking regular time out when it’s needed, especially in the music industry!

Massive thanks to Maria for answering our questions!

‘Can’t Get You Out Of My Mind’ is out now.

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Five Favourites: TOPS

Having just released their new album I Feel Alive, Montreal band TOPS create shimmering, atmospheric offerings, compellingly combining modern dream pop with shades of synth-driven ’80s soundscapes.

We think one of the best ways to get to know a band is by asking what music inspires them or influences their writing. We caught up with Jane Penny and David Carriere from TOPS, who have shared their “Five Favourites” – five albums that they’ve found particularly influential. Check out their choices below, and make sure you take a listen to the new album!

Jane’s Choices:

Berntholer – My Suitor
I was obsessed with this album’s title track when we were making the first TOPS record. They’re an avant-pop/post-punk band from Belgium. There’s something so provocative in the way Drita Kotaji sings English with a French accent. That and the minimalist production combine to make it into this catchy pop song, I love it. It’s a song I’ve been returning to a lot lately.

China Crisis – Flaunt The Imperfection
When David and I got together to make I Feel Alive we realised we’d both been obsessing over this band. He has this on vinyl and we’d listen to it while we made coffee before heading to the basement to work. I love the production, the feel is good, the songwriting is timeless. They’re a British new wave band, and yet this album is produced by Walter Becker from Steely Dan. I love all their records, but this one has a special place in my heart. Marta, who plays keyboard in TOPS, saw them live recently. I guess they still play shows! She said they sounded great.

Prefab Sprout – From Langley Park To Memphis 
Prefab were extremely formative for TOPS. When the band started we were brought together by a shared love of their record Steve McQueen. I chose From Langley Park to Memphis though, because it’s their most TOPsy record, and the most similar to our new album I Feel Alive. The first song is a bit of a stinker, but it also contains the words “Hot Dog, Jumping frog, Albuquerque”?! which is so entertaining. The second song ‘Cars & Girls’ is a certified hit. The production on this album is impeccable. The synths are super glossy, everything is light and groovy. It’s upbeat, great sound palette. ‘Nightingale’s’ is my personal favourite, especially this 12” remix. This is a record to put on when you’re hanging out at home and want something smooth and casual, with the occasional opportunity to giggle at the cheesiness of it.

David’s Choices:

Missing Persons – Spring Sessions M
Big fun, absolute slay masters bringing punk and glam energy to the mainstream with the proclivity of prog perfectionists. All fronted by fashion forward, proto-Gwen Stefani, truth teller Dale Bozzio. Just gets me going.

Gil Scott Heron and Brian Jackson – 1980
To me this is a retro-futuristic funk masterpiece! Extremely groovy tunes paired with Gil’s warmth and subdued delivery are the perfect setting for these songs about personal pressures, societal woes, and fears of the future.

Massive thanks to Jane and David for sharing their Five Favourites! I Feel Alive, the new album from TOPS, is out now via Musique TOPS.

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