Aretha Franklin: Until you come back to me

Hi all,

It's been a while and I wanted to dedicate this post to the late, great Aretha Franklin. Called the queen of soul: She was a legend, stage slayer, shade thrower, all round brilliant performer. 

Aretha's unique voice mastered the attention of every individual and commanded them to listen. One of the OG diva's; being an unapologetic proud black woman and a performer in the 1960's could not have been easy and although her music career started off shaky she defied the odds to become a household name. Even though she had a difficult childhood growing up, coming from a somewhat broken home, she made it her mission to create a life for herself that felt complete.

Aretha's music has lots of great memories for me at different stages in my life. One of my favourites being a 6-year-old me serenading a crush with "Say a little prayer". A moment which my sisters relentlessly teased me for many years after and still do to this day. Another being entering teenhood and deciding to learn all the words to "Respect" because I thought ' this is what it means to be a woman right?' and of course that IS right. Hello?! Aretha- feminist icon.

Aretha Franklin was an inspiration to me and many other young black women as a woman who had a beautiful voice and who wasn't afraid to use it. In her music and also in politics as an active supporter of Martin Luther King Jr.

Aretha once said: " Being a singer is a natural gift. It means I'm using to the highest degree possible the gift that God gave me to use. I'm happy with that."

She's finally in heaven now. Rest in eternal peace, queen.

In honour, here's one of my favourite songs by Aretha Franklin:

Artist review: Moses Sumney

You guys. You guuuysss!

This one. Number 4 is coming straight from heaven. This one right here is a real gift.

Artists like this are born when two stars collide and the stardust from the collision falls to earth. I honestly believe that because there's no other explanation for how such ethereal and unique artists like Moses Sumney exist.

His voice and musicality transcend the sole purpose of music being something to listen to or dance to. His voice, his music speaks to the spirit through his lyrics and composition.

In "Plastic" he whispers the word as if to echo the human fear of being 'found out' not as the angel that the other sees you as. Whispering the truth of his artificiality as he is tentative to show the other his essence, wanting to but not really.

The soft chords of the guitar paired with his silk voice leave space for you to really hear and understand the song. The simplicity of the lyrics allows you feel their intense sincerity. This is common in a lot of his songs such as "Don't Bother Calling".

I adore Moses and I know you will too. He is currently touring in Australia, however, if you're in the UK like me his music can be found on Youtube, Soundcloud, Spotify and Deezer. Also, shout out to my fellow Ghanaian! I can't wait to hear more from him in 2018.

Enjoy!

Parma Violets Pick: Goldwash - Seperate

Hey music lovers,

This is my 3rd gift to you. Also a personal favourite memory.

I used to sing the first line of this song all the time to make myself laugh. This was basically me throughout A levels. "I die a little bit" 🤣.

No on a real, this song brings aaaall the good vibes. Just stick your headphones and bump to this song, it's just got that electrofunk mood that'll have you bobbing your head at the desk.

Goldwash is a great, creative, up and coming artist who is experimenting with new songs and styles. He's going big in 2018 so get in early!

Enjoy the song y'all!

Parma Violets Pick: Ta-Ku Love Again

Hey all, just as promised here's my second gift to you guys because you know that AUNTY LOVES YOU!

This song is SO beautiful.

Lyrically it's kinda profound. It's about being reluctant to open yourself up again, finding oneself in a new relationship where you're excited because you think you might have potential with them but being haunted by the ghosts of past experiences. Wanting to be patient and take your time but being painfully aware of the feeling of unworthiness paired with keeping a good girl waiting whilst trying to confront that fear. But being equally defensive of himself because he doesn't want to be hurt again and maybe it's easier for everyone to stay alone. Who says the new relationship is better than being without when the latter is so unknown?

The musical composition of the song is a fusion of R&B, classical music.
The classical adding a silk layer with a use of violin and piano. The classical representing the steady beauty in a complete loss of control and the drums and claves portraying the conflict.

And the vocals. The harmonies, well damn idek they're just good ... just really really good.
ANYWAY enough analysis :

Listen for yourselves- and again.....YOU ARE WELCOME OKAY (yas)

Artist review: YEBBA

The first installment of this end of the month gift.

YEBBA

Without her stage name, she is actual 23-year-old Abbey Smith This woman's vocal range is insane. And her runs are actually life. She lives, breaths, and performs soul. I'm so excited for this artist as she hasn't yet released an album but she does have a single which I listen to on repeat religiously.

A part of me didn't want to give her up as an artist, as her voice is so precious like silk and gold. Listening to her single "Evergreen" I find myself sinking into my essence and being immersed in a feeling of peace.

You will thank me for getting you on this one early... you're welcome.

Here's a small sample of heaven:

Enjoy! xx

NEW YEAR, NEW MUSIC

Happy New Year!!! We made it to 2k18 🎉

Thank you to all of you who have been reading, sharing, and experiencing music with me in 2017.
I hope you all had a great Christmas!

SO. UMM . LISTENNNN

I'm am so excited for what I've got in store for you guys, you just...honestly...you don't deserve me.

I am aware that I didn't get you all a musical gift last Christmas so I'm making up for it! At the end of January I'm going to be sharing a new Parma Violets pick EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.  

(That's like a whole week or more of amazing music)

Yes people! you heard me correctly, and you know auntie always comes through with the good music. You're welcome!!

Not only that but in the next few months I am going to be doing the first ever Parma Violets and Sweet Tunes giveaway and you do not want to miss it! ( Trust me - ask any friend and they will tell you my gifts are the best 💁)

More details about that to follow.

This year is going to be MEGA. I've got so many more surprises planned for you music lovers and I want lots more people to share it with me, so y'all know what you need to do...

Jump on your social media and share my blog with all your friends, family, your haters, and that one cousin that tried to throw you shade over Christmas dinner!

Lets make 2018 the best one yet.


Sending love and good vibes to you guys always,

Miriam 💜