New release - Woman
I released a live version of Woman the other day. It features Joaquina Mertz, who, as you’ll hear, is a phenomenal singer and performer. She has a way of commanding a stage with just the sound of her voice.
She has such power and uses that to create intense intimacy and sensitivity. I already loved her music (Santeria is one of my favourites) so it was so incredible to me that she was happy to come and sing my song. There was something so raw and moving in how she interpreted the lyrics. It was so refreshing to me actually, to hear that song sung by someone else.
It’s an oldie. I think I first wrote it during the pandemic, so that’s what, five years?
I still remember where I was. I sat by the window, I was playing my Gibson (which I sadly hardly play now because it’s basically become my savings account) and had it tuned to DADF#AD, which is a tuning I learnt from Laura Marling’s lockdown tutorials.
It was a sunny day and I just began playing and humming along some words. I think they’re kind of dark, on reflection.
I was living in quite a negative context at the time, though it’s one of those things you don’t fully realise until you’re out of it.
It’s about women (I use this term inclusively for anyone who identifies as one). About the pressures, expectations, patriarchal views of women. In a sense, it’s about male violence. Though I perhaps didn’t know that at the time.
Strap a belt around my neck, tied at your feet. You only see us when we’re on our knees.
A woman too angry, too sad, too undone
Wasting away, or loosing control.
Woman, will it always be so?
This version was recorded at el Teatro de la Ciudad Esperanza Iris in Mexico City last June. A concert I still can’t fully believe happened - I still feel like an imposter. But I think this track turned out beautifully and it reminds me that we should all feel pride in the things we do, the art we create. It has Diego playing atmospheric drums, and was mixed by Ian. (Thank you both!)
I’m very proud of it. And I hope you will listen, share and enjoy it too.
Here’s a video of us:
Notes on blue
My next gig is on 8 March at The Troubadour. It’s an acoustic set so I’m doing it a little differently, as a duo with Laura. Hope to see you there.