Re:Verse

Promoting discussion between young people regarding the portrayal of women within music culture

[regardingverse]

@brudadre on his female role models & what's influences his own music - listen to more at https://soundcloud.com/chill-fuu

[regardingverse]

"I will never be what you want and that’s alright, Cause my skin ain’t light and my body ain’t tight."

There's so many great messages in this song; a great anthem for women of colour.

"Who made you the center of the universe?"

[regardingverse]

Basheba - No More (Yo Yo Boy Remix)

[regardingverse]

Interview with Laurie Nicoll aka Basheba - Singer/Songwriter

The remix to her EP 'No More' is fresh to Vevo; a real raw and passionate track - it's definitely worth a listen so check it out.

Basheba - No More (Yo Yo Boy Remix)

1. Do have any female role models in the music industry?

I think in this current industry it is hard to have a “Role Model” as such. However there are female artist I respect such as Aretha Franklin, Lana Del Rey, Adele and Paloma Faith.

2. Do you think music (lyrics and videos) influences how people treat women?

Definitely. I think young girls feel they have to live up to what artists such as Rihanna or Beyonce portray. I think sex has always been a focal point in music, however in this day and age it transfers to videos taking it to another level.

3. Can you think of any male artists who promote a positive portrayal of women?

I think John Legend is a good example of a male artist who portrays women in a positive way.

4. Can you think of any artists who don’t have the most positive lyrics; but are your guilty pleasure?

I do occasionally find myself singing along to a Miley Cyrus track (unfortunately) But I would say Lana Del Rey’s lyrics are very dark and focuses heavily on drugs, Sex and hate quite openly.

5. Often women in the music industry are scrutinised for how they look and dress?

What pressures do you think are on male artists? I actually think male artist today have it harder than ever. Being “cool” is highly important to labels. Attracting a large female fan base today is not as easy as it used to be.

6. How does your music and your videos reflect upon you?

Laurie Nicoll and Basheba are two very different people. I like to keep them separate as I feel in music it’s best not to take yourself too seriously. I use my video and music as an outlet and from that outlet I created the character Basheba. Basheba is a very dark and mysterious character, where as I am quite the opposite.

[regardingverse]

Interview with 'just' Alex Singer, Songwriter and Musician | Written/Worked with:

Peredur Ap Gwynedd (Pendulum), Nico Bentley (Afriquoi), Raz Olsher (Sam and the Womp), Jonny Harris (Foxes, Rudimental) & Azealia Banks

1. What female role models do you have in the music industry?

Cathy Dennis, Amy Lee.

2. Do you think the music you listen to influences how you behave/think?

I think people idolise artists and therefore try to emulate them in some way or another whether it be fashion or whatever, I think it differs from person to person, for me it doesn’t and I think it impacts less on people’s thinking and behaviour than most people think it does other factor on ones life have a greater impact in my opinion.

3. Can you think of any male artists who promote a positive portrayal of women?

Dallas Green aka City and Colour.

4. Can you think of any artists who don’t have the most positive lyrics; but are your guilty pleasure?

DMX, The Game, Chris Brown.

5. How do you think you portray women in your own writing?

Although I don’t discuss girls much in my lyrical content, I much more portray personal bonds be that with men or women. I feel I’m very neutral and equal and when I rarely talk about women or men directly for whatever reason I treat them as equal entities but I usually take that personal relationship and portray it in a metaphorical way.

[regardingverse]

A wonderful criticism of the music industry, or a video guilty of the same tropes it condemns? Watch it and decide for yourself.

Either way, it's refreshing to hear this imbalance being openly addressed by a mainstream artist.

[regardingverse]

On June 1st, CHIME FOR CHANGE presented a global concert event to bring girls' and women's issues to the world’s stage. Millions of people joined in THE SOUND OF CHANGE LIVE, to promote Education, Health and Justice for girls and women everywhere.

[regardingverse]

What do kids actually think about the controversial music videos of 2013

[regardingverse]

A Male Feminist'€™s Take On Crying, Pornography, And Miley Cyrus