Sunday 23 March 2014

Some Boys // Hen-Jenny

Our latest song 'some boys' has finally been recorded here! I wanted to take some time to explain the lyrics as they represent a very important issue; the objectification, sexualisation and sexual harassment of women in society.

The first verse ("if I say no I mean no that's all there is...") is about the importance of consent. Robin Thicke gets a mention as his song 'blurred lines' pretty much encapsulates how saying no is often misinterpreted. In this post I linked to an article showing quotes from rapists which are disturbingly similar to the lyrics of 'blurred lines'. When anyone says no it should be taken seriously and always respected.

The chorus ("why shouldn't girls just wear what they like? She's not asking for it just 'cos she's wearing something tight...") is about how rape and harassment is often blamed on a girls' appearance. Men often use the phrase 'asking for it' when a girl is wearing something deemed inappropriate. In the chorus we try to show that tight/short/low-cut/whatever clothes should not affect how someone is treated. People should learn to stop sexualising women so that we can get on with wearing what we want without fear of harassment.

The last verse begins by talking about slut shaming; an important issue but we don't go too in to it (lack of syllable space). We finish by predicting the inevitable female world domination (I'm joking) (or am I) ("you try to hold us back but it won't work...").

Please take a listen to some of our other songs while you're on our soundcloud page!


Monday 10 March 2014

Sheezus

Lilly Allen recently announced the title to her new album 'Sheezus' which I initially assumed would be full of girl-power anthems and feminist messages. 'Hard out here for a b*tch' seemed to be trying to do these things although I think it was more of a publicity stunt. As it turns out Lilly Allen is actually against feminism for reasons which seem to me to be untrue and slightly naive.

This NME article about Lilly's views on feminism is very interesting but incredibly infuriating. She has been quoted saying that she hates the word feminism because she thinks 'it shouldn't even be a thing anymore'. 'Why is there even a conversation about feminism? What's the man version of feminism? There isn't even a word for it. Menanism. Male-ism. It doesn't exist'

I strongly disagree with her opinions on many levels; firstly her claim that sexism no longer exists. In the western world, among working, middle class women, it is easy for people to assume that sexism is no longer a problem as on basic levels we do have equal rights. We can vote, we can work; what more do we need? When you start thinking more deeply about the problems women face on a day to day basis (which I wrote about here) then you realise that there are still many obstacles which we need to overcome. Lilly Allen claims that there is no need for a 'conversation' about feminism. I think that this ongoing 'conversation' is a very good sign that things are changing and should be strongly encouraged. The rebranding of feminism is not being helped by people like Lilly Allen trying to give it a bad name.

The above argument excludes the obvious need for feminism in less developed countries where women are still suppressed; regularly being forced in to marriage, abused and denied education. Surely, if only for these women, we must continue to fight for equality. I do not know if Lilly Allen has forgotten these people or simply does not include them in her grand plans for feminist-bashing but I think somebody needs to remind her what is really going on.

On feminism; Lilly Allen also stated that she thinks 'women are the enemy'. She thinks that sexism is more of a 'competitive thing. It's weird. It's just really unhealthy and we're our own worst enemy.' The idea that really we are suppressing ourselves through jealousy seems ridiculous. Jealousy is not an emotion invented by women for the purpose of imposing its effects on other women. It is present within any group of people in the world. Furthermore the aesthetic competitiveness that Lilly talks about happens to be part of human nature which is massively exaggerated in women by the media (which, guess what, is mainly run by MEN). 

Sunday 9 March 2014

Current Favourite Songs // March edition

Mesmerise - Temples 

I was told to listen to temples by Lucy (Hen-Jenny guitarist) and Mesmerise is my favourite of their songs. The syncopation and unusual rhythm makes this song really addictive. If you like Tame Impala you will love this.  

Riptide - Vance Joy

This is not the kind of song I would usually like. It is very upbeat with a country-style guitar rhythm and a catchy melody. This is perfect if you need cheering up as it is very light and happy. 

Can't stop - Red Hot Chilli Peppers

An old classic (released in 2002) but a great song. I rediscovered this a few weeks ago and became hooked on the guitar riff. The jazzy syncopation immediately makes you want to dance.

Love is to die - Warpaint

Yes the warpaint obsession continues and this time with what I would (in my current state) call the BEST SONG EVER. This song starts of slow and mystical with an eery hummed melody. The verse has an amazing drum beat and does a good job of leading up to the chorus. The chorus is literally the best thing I have ever heard. The beat, the melody, the bass line; it is perfect. 

Awkward - FIDLAR

This is simple but amazing. It has such a laid back, long haired surfer vibe. The repetitive melody should get boring but the drums and guitar solos help to keep it exciting.

Thursday 6 March 2014

Super Cool Links

Here are some links to some things that are worth reading/watching:

I think this article on gender equality is genius. Natascha covers pretty much every one of feminist beliefs and argues them incredibly well.

I love this controversial article by Joan Smith about the niquab. I think it is very brave to publish this kind of article as inevitably it will cause a stir. I agree with most of Joan's arguments against the niquab particularly the repression aspect and I think she argues her case very well.

We have all heard of the infamous Blurred Lines (or as I like to call it; 'the rape song') and I think most people would agree that Robin Thicke is an all round creepy guy. This article showing rape victims quoting their rapists is great as it shows just how inappropriate the song is.

I love short, insightful quotes like this one by 'girls get busy' which is just SO UNBELIEVABLY TRUE.

Finally the video for Charlie XCX and Iggy Azelias new song 'Fancy' is just incredible on so many levels. I'm not obsessed with the song itself yet but the video just screams GIRL POWER (plus the 90's style clothes are pretty great). Love it.

P.S. Happy International Women's day