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tillidontneedfantasy · 2 years

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A Track-by-Track Breakdown of Taylor Swift’s 10th Studio Album: ‘Midnights’

You would expect by the time a pop star has spent over 15 years in the spotlight that they would run out of steam. But on her 10th studio album, Midnights, Taylor Swift is as energized as ever. Even more impressive, the debut numbers are the biggest of her career yet, landing on a whopping 1.578 million, 1.1 million of those in pure album sales alone. These first week numbers are even larger than that of 1989, which is a huge feat.

Many pieces factor into success like what we’re seeing in this case. One is Swift’s exceptional marketing skills. Her dedicated fans will come out in droves to purchase her art, and the mysterious buzz that centered around the album intrigued the public to tune in. The star’s highly acclaimed releases of folklore (2021’s album of the year) and evermore (a 2022 album of the year nominee) during the pandemic certainly brought in a ton of new fans who perhaps overlooked her sharp lyricism before. But Taylor wants you to know that despite her magical stay in the forest and woodlands, she is in fact still bejeweled, and ready to remind everyone how much her shine still shimmers as a pop titan.

Presented as a loose concept album, Midnights centers on 13 sleepless nights throughout Taylor’s life (plus 7 songs on the “3am edition” that also fit the theme). Surely as she has been re-recording her albums as Taylor’s Versions, old feelings and memories have come to the surface that she is revisiting from a new perspective. Midnights still showcases Swift’s unmatched lyrical ability while taking us on a Jack Antonoff led synth journey.

1. Lavender Haze “All they keep asking me is if I’m gonna be your bride,” Swift laments on the opening track “Lavender Haze.” Which is funny because she spent 2019’s Lover with a bridge of wedding vows and a song about marrying her boyfriend of 6 years now, actor Joe Alwyn, with paper rings. But it is also an astute observation on how the world sees women, as she rejects “the 1950s shit they want from me.” She doesn’t want to follow anyone else’s wishes or timelines, or answer anyone’s questions, she just wants to stay staring at the ceiling with her partner, immersed in the lavender haze (a saying she caught from an episode of Mad Men). She knows that’s where she’s safest, because she’s “damned if I do give a damn what people say.” As an opening track, it delivers sonically and melodically, even in its smaller moments (the little “yeah oh yeah”s in the pre chorus are addictive), it’s a grand number. Best lyric: “I’m damned if I do give a damn what people say.”

2. Maroon The title track of Swift’s project Red is placed at track two. So it’s no surprise that Swift placed a song with red shade as its title in the same spot. “Maroon” details all the little scarlet moments throughout the ups and downs of a relationship, some examples including wine, hickeys, the sky, and rust. The first verse shows the relationship at its peak, “laughing with my feet in your lap, like you were my closest friend,” and the second verse juxtaposes it with its breakdown, “sobbing with your head in your hands, ain’t that the way shit always ends?” The final chorus on the track holds some of Taylor’s most interesting (and sensual) vocal delivery to date, her lower register extremely impressive and underrated. Best lyric: “The rust that grew between telephones.”

3. Anti-Hero Do you remember in 2012 when everyone and their father would make jokes that Taylor Swift should write a song called “Maybe I’m The Problem” as a response to her breakup songs? Well, ten years later, she gave them something very close to what they asked. “It’s me. Hi. I’m the problem, it’s me,” she sings in the chorus of the lead single “Anti-Hero” (though not released prior to the album), which Swift claims to be one of her favorite songs she’s ever written. On folklore and evermore, Taylor sang about mental health struggles without explicitly saying that she was the subject of those songs. However, here, it is clearly autobiographical without question. As a fan, to hear her so blatantly say “my depression” in a song was both jarring and relatable. The track lays out her intrusive thoughts about herself, her maladaptive behaviors, ignoring people or pushing loved ones away instead of letting them in. While she sings “I’ll stare directly at the sun, but never in the mirror,” the song shows how much her music is safe haven for her to sneak a glance at her reflection. Best lyric: “Did you hear my covert narcissism I disguise as altruism, like some kind of congressman?”

4. Snow On The Beach (ft. Lana Del Rey) The dreamy “Snow On The Beach” is a romantic love ballad in which Swift is mesmerized by the fact that the person she wants actually wants her back. She can’t quite believe their love, and she’s afraid if she speaks of it, she’ll find out it was an illusion all along. Throughout Swift’s music, and especially in this song, she uses light to describe her partner, singing “I’ve never seen someone lit from within, blurring out my periphery.” While Lana Del Rey, someone Swift hails as one of her musical idols, mostly singing background vocals might seem like an odd choice, just like seeing snow on the beach, it’s “weird, but fucking beautiful.” Best lyric: “Flying in a dream, stars by the pocketful.”

5. You’re On Your Own, Kid “You’re On Your Own, Kid” is a journey through Swift’s life and career thus far. The song starts by detailing an unrequited love, which leads her to writing songs in her room and playing them in the parking lot, eventually running away and pursuing her dream of becoming a star. And although her dreams aren’t rare, her success surely is. But even at the height of her success, no longer sitting by herself at the lunch table at junior high, she still found herself alone. “I hosted parties and starved my body, like I’d be saved by a perfect kiss / The jokes weren’t funny, I took the money, my friends from home don’t know what to say.” She was degraded by the public and degraded herself. And just as things got better, her life’s work that she put her blood, sweat, and tears into was sold out from under her. But the Taylor’s Versions have been able to give her some solace, “Everything you lose is a step you take.” She ends the song on a hopeful note, reminding herself that she doesn’t have to be afraid; she’s always been on her own and she’s always made it through, and she always will. And the listener can resonate too. We’re all truly on our own at the end of the day, but we’ve gotten this far; we can keep going. Best lyric: “I hosted parties and starved my body, like I’d be saved by a perfect kiss.”

6. Midnight Rain On “Midnight Rain,” Taylor highlights the differences between the life she could’ve had and the life she pursued. “He wanted it comfortable, I wanted that pain / he wanted a bride, I was making my own name,” she (and a distorted voice) sings in the chorus. That life of a small-town girl is far away now, and not one she ever truly wanted, but one she sometimes sneaks a peak at through postcards and time portals and wonders what it might be like. Similar to “Lavender Haze,” this track establishes Swift’s aversion to societal standards, and her embracement of constantly changing and evolving, as evident through her music and career to date. It’s a real catchy ear worm, and after a few listens you really learn to love that voice distortion. Best lyric: “He wanted it comfortable, I wanted that pain.”

7. Question…? While Taylor leaves many hints as to what or who some of her songs might be about, “Question…?” Has one of her most obvious clues to date, as the song starts with a sampling of her song “Out of the Woods” from 1989, a song famously known to be about her relationship with Harry Styles. Not only is there the sample, but also lyrical parallels. “The rest of the world was black and white / but we were in screaming color,” she sings on “Out of the Woods.” On “Question…?” She says, “I don’t remember who I was before you painted all my nights a color I’ve searched for since.” One could assume while going back and rerecording 1989, she may have reflected on the relationship, with questions popping up. While it seems as if Swift knows the answers to these questions already, she still wants to ask them and get the confirmation and closure she’s searching for, a very relatable feeling. Just like in life, though, she doesn’t get any explicit answers in the song, but maybe she doesn’t need them anymore, anyway. Best lyric: “Does it feel like everything’s just like second best after that meteor strike?”

8. Vigilante Shit When listing the things that kept Taylor up at night, serving as inspiration for this album, one thing she cites is plotting revenge. In the revenge fantasy “Vigilante Shit,” Swift tips off the FBI about her enemy (presumably Sc**ter Br**n) and his “white collar crimes,” and assists his ex-wife in winning their divorce. “I don’t start shit, but I can tell you how it ends,” she croons. Which, historically, is true. Swift has rarely been the instigator of a feud or fight, but when she’s targeted, she comes back on top every time. After all, karma is her boyfriend. Best lyric: “Ladies always rise above, ladies know what people want / someone sweet, and kind, and fun / the lady simply had enough.”

9. Bejeweled “Bejeweled” is an exciting and fun pop song about letting go of the people and things that drag you down and allowing yourself to shimmer again. We can surmise that “Bejeweled” represents a night during a dead-end relationship where she finally prioritized herself again and learned she can still shine on her own right. In a radio interview, Swift said that “Bejeweled” mirrored her re-entrance into the pop landscape after her folk escapades, and that she had to pump herself back up into believing that she could still do it. The track itself proves that Swift stills rules without competition. Best lyric: “And when I meet the band, they ask, ‘Do you have a man?’ I could still say, ‘I don’t remember.’”

10. Labyrinth One of the few ballads on the standard edition, “Labyrinth” tracks Taylor’s thought process as she realizes she’s falling in love again, despite all of her fears after being burned in the past. She laments her pain and acknowledges her worries. The progression from “uh oh,” to “oh no,” to “oh,” before the line “I’m falling in love,” shows her trepidation turned to acceptance, due to the length’s this person would go to just to make her smile. While there are some synth sounds that seem slightly out of place, overall it is a song anyone who is learning to open up their hearts after being hurt can relate to. Best lyric: “Break up, break free, break through, break down.”

11. Karma “Ask me why so many fade, but I’m still here,” she sings on “Karma.” The answer? One could be her incredible talent and hard work ethic. But an additional answer is because her and karma vibe like that. In this catchy pop hit, Taylor reaps the rewards of staying true to who she is while karma takes down her enemies who never keep their side of the street clean. She knows karma is on her side, and she can relax trusting that it’ll do its thing. And so far, it has served her well. In the most Taylor Swift™ fashion of all time, she compares karma to a cat purring in her lap because it loves her. And it is! It does! Best lyric: “Karma’s a relaxing thought / aren’t you envious that for you it’s not?”

12. Sweet Nothing Co-penned by William Bowery aka Joe Alwyn, “Sweet Nothing” is a love song from Swift to Alwyn. She discusses all the negative things going on around her and the way people push and shove to get a piece of her, while her partner is just in the kitchen humming, asking nothing of her, just loving her as she is. We get a brief peak into their dynamic in the truly sweet lyric, “On the way home, I wrote a poem / you say, ‘what a mind,’ this happens all the time.” To be loved for your mind rather than your status is a gift for someone like Swift. I’m sure the poems are lovely. Best lyric: “Outside, they’re push and shoving, you’re in the kitchen humming / all that you ever wanted from me was sweet nothing.”

13. Mastermind A word that has been weaponized against Taylor over the years is “calculated.” On “Mastermind,” the standard edition’s closing track, she owns the claim, singing, “I’m only cryptic and Machiavellian cuz I care.” “Mastermind” is Taylor’s confession to her partner that she masterminded their entire relationship from the first night he saw her. She confides in him in one of her most personal lyrics yet, singing, “No one wanted to play with me as a little kid / so I've been scheming like a criminal ever since / to make them love me and make it seem effortless.” She thought no one could love her unless she tricked them into it. But upon her confession, his smile proves her wrong, because he knew the entire time that she thought she was masterminding their relationship, but in reality he went along with it because he wanted her too, schemes and all. She finally found her effortless love. Best lyric: “No one wanted to play with me as a little kid / so I've been scheming like a criminal ever since / to make them love me and make it seem effortless.”

3am Tracks

14. The Great War On the first 3am track, Taylor teams back up with her other folklore & evermore collaborator, Aaron Dessner of The National. “The Great War” seems to be about a fight in a relationship, and Swift’s difficulty bouncing back from it. She lays out her lack of trust from past relationships and how that has interfered with reconciliation efforts, as she sings, “And maybe it’s the past that’s talking, screaming from a crypt / telling me to punish you for things you never did.” But despite some of these maladaptive behaviors, her partner still reached for her hand, trying to make things right. And they did it, they survived, and that survival brought back her faith. Best lyric: “You drew up some good faith treaties / I drew curtains closed, drank my poison all alone.”

15. Bigger Than The Whole Sky “Bigger Than The Whole Sky” is a song about loss. Although the loss of exactly what is unclear, the grief is palpable. She searches for what might have caused such a tragedy, wondering if she was at fault. There are so many questions in grief to which we never receive answers. This song has resonated with many fans online, relating it to their own personal experiences of miscarriages, deaths, and pet losses. Best lyric: “Every single thing I touch becomes sick with sadness.”

16. Paris In this fun pop song, Taylor compares the view of her partner to that of the city of Paris. She’s so in love that she might stop breathing, that she doesn't care about her friends’ gossip or what’s on the news. She’s transported into a world of romance where nothing else matters, where alleyways appear and cheap wine tastes like champagne. It’s the excitement of completely falling into someone as the rest of the world fades away. Best lyric: “I wanna brainwash you into loving me forever.”

17. High Infidelity “High Infidelity” is an intriguing track, produced by Aaron Dessner, about the end of an unhappy relationship. We can presume that she is referring to her ex, the DJ known as Calvin Harris, her previous long-term boyfriend before meeting her current partner, with lyrics like “put on your records and regret me” and “put on your headphones and burn my city.” In the song, Swift is implying that there was some type of infidelity, whether physical or emotional only is not quite clear, but either way she admits, “I bent the truth too far tonight,” and asks, “do I really have to tell you how he brought me back to life?” But she didn’t think it would matter much to him, and is surprised by his sense of betrayal and hurt, but not particularly remorseful. Best lyric: “You know there’s many different ways that you can kill the one you love / the slowest way is never loving them enough.”

18. Glitch Another Antonoff produced track written alongside Sam Dew and Mark Anthony Spears, “Glitch,” is one of the sexier tracks on the album. The concept is that Taylor can’t quite fathom how this love of hers has worked out for 2,190 days (that’s 6 years, if you didn’t know) and counting when all she’s been used to is situation-ships and dudes who give nothing. So if it’s lasted this long, it’s gotta be a glitch in the system, right? Best lyric: “And I’m not even sorry / nights are so starry, blood moonlit.”

19. Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve While “Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve” is arguably one of the best tracks on all of Midnights, everything Swift does is for a reason. When you listen to the song, it becomes quite evident why she put it at track 19. “And I damn sure never would’ve danced with the devil at 19,” she sings. As an avid fan, you immediately hear the echoing of the best song on her third album Speak Now, “Dear John,” which has the lyric, “don’t you think 19’s too young to be played by your dark twisted games when I loved you so?” And it becomes clear what she’s discussing: the power dynamic in her relationship when she was 19 with John Mayer, who was 32 at the time (Swift’s current age). One could assume rerecording Speak Now (which Swift has highly hinted at being the next rerelease) brought up some old feelings. “Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve,” is a powerful track filled with intense regret. She describes him as a “promising grown man,” putting a spin on the monicker often given in defense of younger men who abuse women. She likens the relationship to religion: “you’re a crisis of my faith,” “all I used to do was pray,” “gone along with the righteous.” This was a man that she idolized, and the fall from his pedestal crushed her in irreparable ways. “Give me back my girlhood, it was mine first,” she pleads with a heart wrenching ache in her voice. It’s hard to listen to this song without feeling pain for her, especially as she ups the octave for the outro, making the regret feel more urgent, more palpable. Best lyric: “God rest my soul, I miss who I used to be / the tomb won’t close, stained-glass windows in my mind / I regret you all the time.”

20. Dear Reader The 3am edition closing track is “Dear Reader,” a letter to her listeners. She gives advice about avoiding traps, starting over, keeping secrets, and aiming for the devil. But she also gives the caveat, “Never take advice from someone who’s falling apart,” supposedly referring to herself. But the best advice comes from those who have fallen, who have experience, who feel a range of emotions quite like Swift does. That’s why she is so popular; because people can relate to her words and they keep them close to their hearts. “You should find another guiding light,” she suggests. But this sign can’t stop me because I can’t read! Best lyric: “You don’t have to answer just cuz they asked you.”

Target Deluxe Edition

Hits Different The Target Deluxe Edition exclusive song “Hits Different” marks the return of Swift, Dessner, and Antonoff all together. The song feels very vintage Swift, almost like it could’ve been a recent “From The Vault” track. “Hits Different” is about a breakup that is much harder to get over than any other she’s experienced. She hears their song everywhere, she stops receiving invitations because she can’t stop slurring his name when she’s out with friends, she cries over a hat. She’s so far gone in this breakup that she thinks people are coming to take her away. Anyone who has experienced a tough breakup could probably find a lyric in this song to which they can relate. But even without being able to relate, it’s a fun, funny, enjoyable track served as a nice treat for loyal fans who actually go out and buy CDs these days. Best lyric: “I pictured you with other girls, in love / then threw up on the street.”

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In conclusion, 16 years into her career, you best believe Taylor Swift is definitely still bejeweled, and on Midnights she shimmers more than she ever has, even when touching on long-gone relationships and peering into old wounds, being more vulnerable than she has on projects past. Each album and era seems like her peak, yet she continues to outdo herself in multiple ways. With more Taylor’s Versions on the horizon, hopefully Swift will continue to gain inspiration in various ways as a result of revisiting her old work. But if she doesn’t, we know she’s always got some tricks up her sleeve.

DISCLAIMER - REVIEWER’S BIAS: Taylor Swift is the mother I never had, she is the sister everybody would want, she is the friend that everybody deserves. I don’t know a better person.

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ingek73 · 2 years

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The Earthshot finalists & winners weren’t even invited to attend the ceremony

December 04, 2022

By Kaiser

Just after Netflix premiered the Harry & Meghan teaser trailer, a Kensington Palace source huffed to Valentine Low at the Times: “They are two people who are accepting awards for themselves, talking about themselves, doing programmes about themselves. [William and Kate are] active members of the royal family who have a job to shine a spotlight on other people, give awards to other people. That’s the contrast.” Well, funny story – you know the big, keen Earthshot Awards which were endlessly previewed and served as a huge aggrandizement for Prince William to magnanimously “give a platform” to people doing groundbreaking environmental work? Well, William didn’t even want those Earthshot prize winners in Boston with him. Please, he might have had to touch someone poor. They did a satellite link-up for the Earthshot finalists and winners. Which wouldn’t be so egregious except that William burned through millions of dollars to put on an “awards show” with celebrities in attendance.

The food was plant-based, the flowers grown locally and the carpet, as is now tradition, was green. Guests invited to the second annual Earthshot Awards were whisked to the venue in electric taxis and encouraged to recycle pre-loved outfits.

Five budding winners each won £1 million to scale up their projects.

“A million dollars is significant,” Justin Winters, executive director of climate philanthropy organisation One Earth told the Boston Globe. “For a lot of these nonprofits and companies, it’s a game-changing investment. But I would say in this case, the level of attention and partnerships that are brought to the table — to the finalists and the award winners — are really significant.”

In order to reduce the carbon footprint, all finalists were filmed on home turf, joining the ceremony via a live video feed.

The Princess was among those who presented an award, warning that air pollution “poses a threat that knows no borders.”

Guests were treated to performances by Ellie Goulding, Annie Lennox, and Billie Eilish. After the show, the Prince and Princess went backstage to thank the celebrities who had taken part.

The royals flew home on a British Airways flight overnight to be reunited with their three children.

[From The Telegraph]

Arguably, the best thing one could say about Earthshot is that William is platforming diverse people making diverse solutions to environmental issues, and that Earthshot could become a place to facilitate innovation, growth and collaboration within sustainable and environmental industries. Except that for William, all of the Earthshot winners should literally stay at home, not meet with each other, not fuel collaboration or innovation, and here’s some money and now shut up about it while he chums it up with Rami Malek. They seriously made celebrities fly into Boston for a big awards show… and then didn’t invite the nominees to come to Boston. He made them stay at home. He doesn’t think that looks bad or that it should have been organized differently. He does not believe that prize winners should actually be feted and recognized for their work in person.

#prince william #earthshot vanity project #kate middleton #abolish the monarchy #celebitchy #kaiser

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fancuries · 2 years

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Nominee Spotlight: Precure Moonlit Heist

Precure Moonlit Heist is nominated for multiple awards at the 2022 Fancuries. Here’s what the creator @dreamypassionprecure has to say:

Thank you to everyone in the fancure community for making this such a great place to be. My fanseries, Precure Moonlit Heist, was nominated for Fanseries Concept of the Year, and Cure Trick was nominated for Coolest Design for a Cure. I’ve put a lot of time and effort into developing PMH as a concept, and I’m currently in the process of writing it in screenplay format. I wanted to combine my love of magical girls and Precure with my love of phantom thieves like Lupin III and of course Saint Tail. I’m glad people appreciate all that’s gone into making it.

As for Cure Trick, her design just seemed to come to me. Usually I start designing a character with a basic idea of what I want already. But sometimes, like with Cure Trick, I just start drawing and see what looks right. It’s not a method that always works, but when it does, I think it makes some of my best designs. Originally I was going to make Cure Trick a blue Cure, but eventually decided she looked better with yellow/orange. I’m so happy that people like her!

#fancuries #fancuries 2022 #nominee spotlights 2022

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princessrainevillanueva · 2 years

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My Opinion on The Game Awards 2022

The Game Awards 2022 is getting better than last year.

Since Geoff Keighley announced the nominees, I can't decide if I should pick Elden Ring or Xenoblade Chronicles 3 for Game of the Year. I put a poll on my Twitter on what should I vote, so XC3 leads the race but for the others, I'm not a fan and haven't played Elden Ring, but they have positive reception from those gamers who think that it should win.

I didn't change my final decision, but my bet finally won. There's also a prediction that God of War: Ragnarok will win because they grabbed lots of awards.

The most controversial is Genshin Impact winning Player's Voice. Sonic Fans are talking why Genshin won against Sonic Frontiers is they've used bots to have a landslide. I voted for Sonic Frontiers, but still we did a good job.

For Nintendo, they're also the spotlight when they announced the new Bayonetta Origins game and Fire Emblem: Engage DLC, plus they even won awards for Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Bayonetta 3, Splatoon 3, Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope, and the upcoming The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

My favorite announcement is the first sneak peek clip from The Super Mario Bros. Movie, with Keegan-Michael Key (voice of Toad in the movie) introducing. It was amazing that we have to see this movie immediately when it comes out.

I had to share this tweet from Sonic the Hedgehog's Twitter Account. My friend Miggy sent this to me on the final round of Player's Voice on a voting battle against Sonic and Genshin fans. Even if your chosen vote is lost, there's pride and support given to the nominee.

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners of The Game Awards 2022!

Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/princessrainevillanueva/

#the game awards

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popentertainment-interviews · 1 year

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Niki Waltl

Thanks To An Oscar Nom for the Documentary Navalny, Cinematographer is in the Spotlight

by Brad Balfour

With Oscar night fast approaching – this Sunday, March 12th – it's time to get inside some of the nominated films in various categories such as Best Documentary Feature. Among those nominees is Navalny – which details the struggle of imprisoned Putin opposition leader Alexey Navalny. The film shines a new, brighter light on his plight in a way a basic news story can never accomplish. Along with the praise for the film, its cinematographer Niki Waltl has also garnered attention for his fine visual work.

Austrian born and bred, Waltl first picked up a camera as a teenager. As part of the '90s popular skate and snowboard culture, his videos first sparked his interest. Once he started shooting his friends when participating in both winter sports, he got a taste of filmmaking. In 2010, Waltl moved to Barcelona to study Direction of Photography (DoP) at the Centre d'Estudis Cinematografics de Catlunya (CECC). Revealing a talent for camerawork, he got commissioned work for such major companies as Converse, Nike, GoPro and Vans. He also produced commercials and other productions for Habitat, Element Brand, Chocolate – some of the biggest skateboard companies worldwide. This filming took him to China, South Africa, Morocco, Kyrgyzstan and other parts of the world.

Through noted below-the-line professional Frank Berger, Waltl received training in film lighting in Holland, who was Robby Müller's gaffer for several years and worked with legendary Danish director Lars von Trier. Today, Waltl went on to work worldwide as a freelance DoP, with a focus on character-driven documentaries and fiction films. Navalny, the 2022 documentary – which tells the tale of imprisoned politician Alexey Navalny, controversial dissident and Vladimir Putin's arch opponent – has been AAC director of photography Waltl's most notable work. After it premiered at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival and won the Audience Award for Best US Documentary and the Festival Favorite Award, it started racking up more accolades and nominations including the BAFTA award for best Doc. And now, Navalny is nominated for the 2023 Academy Award for Best Feature Documentary.

How have all these awards and nominations changed your life? Basically, we've been on a journey with this film since it premiered at Sundance last year, screening it at festivals and promoting it. With the recent nominations, this journey has kept going and I was able to meet many great people on the way. Sure, new doors have been opening for me as a cinematographer. I'm very thankful to be a part of this project. The success of the film is also bittersweet, as Alexey Navalny is still in prison, in solitary confinement in a Russian gulag. It's because of him and his bravery that we even got to make this film. Did you ever think the film would get such a reaction? In a way, yes. As soon as I got the call to work on this project I knew that this is a defining story of our time and that a film about it will possibly find a very big audience. At the same time, it is all quite unreal. That the reaction would be as big as it is now, with the Academy Award nomination, and winning the BAFTA, I mean nobody expected that. I'm rather speechless.

What do you think made Navalny such a contender? I think it's a combination of things. First and foremost, because of the urgency of the story and the popularity of Alexey Navalny. The whole world was following what happened with his poisoning, his recovery and the developments after. Also, the war in Ukraine has indirectly made our film more relevant. But it's also a good film on its own merits. I really like the work of our director Daniel Roher and what he created with the team. The editors (Langdon Page and Maya Hawke) did a great job, the same with the music composed by Marius de Vries, and etc.

What were the most difficult scenarios to shoot? Maybe the phone call scene. We shot it at 4 am for logistical reasons and thought we'd be back in bed after 15 minutes of shooting as the prank idea probably wouldn't work. What followed was the now almost infamous phone call that went on for about 40 minutes. I had the camera on my shoulder the whole time and was giving my very best to operate it as well as I could. 40 minutes is long for a handheld take! What cameras were used and how was this like or different from other films that you've shot? It was shot mainly on RED cameras. I own a RED Gemini so bringing that to set was a no brainer. Documentaries are more like that – cameras get chosen for practical reasons. On narrative projects there's more time for testing equipment and choosing which tool is the best to help tell that specific story. I was very happy with the RED here though. We did rent the large format version for the interviews (RED Monstro) just to give the interviews an extra special feeling and look you know.

What did you learn about the whole political situation in Russia? On the one hand, I see the complexity of it. The current political situation in Russia is based on a long history that obviously dates back to the Soviet Union and times before that. There's a lot to learn and it's an ongoing process as things keep unfolding in Russia and Ukraine. On the other hand, things seem simple – I do think things can immediately change for the better the moment Putin's regime is taken out of power.

How has this whole experience influenced your direction professionally and personally?

I actually think that working on this film has changed me personally much more than professionally. The time we spent with Navalny, his family and team, the developments we were allowed to witness – this all has had a deep impact on me. It's a bit like waking up to the reality of the world we live in right now. It does feel like it's on fire and that it's important to be aware of developments, to have an opinion and stand up for it.

Do you think the film can affect Navalny's future, good or bad? I do hope and believe that it has had a positive effect for him. So many people know about his story now. I mean, he was in the news before that, obviously, but the film keeps him there. As we know, Alexey Navalny is still in prison, where he continues to be one of Russia's fiercest anti-war activists and we can't allow him to be forgotten in any way. The film definitely helps with that.

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#Niki Waitl #2023 #movie interviews #Navalny #Brad Balfour #Oscar Nominees

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redcarpetview · 2 years

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Yola to Perform at American Music Awards 2022!

Photo credit: Joseph Ross Smith

Yola continues her meteoric rise with the confirmation of her performance at the ‘2022 American Music Awards,’ which will air live from the Microsoft Theater at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles on Sunday, Nov. 20, at 8:00 p.m. EST/PST on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu. Yola will be the SONG OF THE SOUL featured performer, which spotlights an emerging, mission-driven artist that has inspired change and invoked social justice through their lyrics. To celebrate the honor, she will share an electrifying rendition of her song, “Break The Bough.” Written in 2013 following her mother’s funeral, it is a homage to her mother, sharing an imagination of her afterlife. Her poetic lyrics are a wish for her late mother to find a joy she couldn’t find on earth, and an anthem for anyone dealing with complicated grief. With a genre bending mix of R&B, soul and classic pop, the performance is set to be one of the most epic of the evening.

Commenting on this landmark moment Yola stated, “I have long dreamed of performing at the American Music Awards, and honored to be included during the “SONG OF THE SOUL” moment. ‘Break The Bough’ creates a loving false construct of what I hope my mother experienced in her afterlife. A mix of all the things she held dear and brought her happiness during her life. Specifically, her pre-windrush Barbados childhood, disco and Sci-fi.” Yola added, “I hope the song brings a little peace and joy to anyone who has lost someone close to them regardless of how challenging the relationship may have been.”

The song featured on her pivotal sophomore album, “Stand For Myself,” which was twice GRAMMY nominated, making her a six-time GRAMMY nominee. “Stand For Myself” drew widespread critical acclaim.

The Black British genre fluid superstar this year made her acting debut when she portrayed Sister Rosetta Tharpe in Baz Luhrmann’s musical drama “Elvis,” who is played by Austin Butler, alongside Tom Hanks, Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Alton Mason. Her role received widespread praise with support from New York Magazine, Rolling Stone and Harper’s Bazaar.

Yola has since continued her meteoric rise. From joining The Recording Academy®'s Black Music Collective (BMC) Leadership Council alongside H.E.R. and Mickey Guyton to making her debut at Coachella, Yola defines her path and dashes expectation in her wake. Yola also recently appeared on a special CBS Saturday session at D.C’s historic Lincoln Theater. Watch her performance of “Stand For Myself” here.

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twwpress · 2 years

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Weekly Press Briefing #12 - September 11th - September 17th

Welcome back to the Weekly Press Briefing, where we bring you highlights from The West Wing fandom each week, including new fics, ongoing challenges, and more! This briefing covers all things posted from September 11 – September 17, 2022. Did we miss something? Let us know; you can find our contact info at the bottom of this briefing!

Challenges/Prompts:

The following is a roundup of open challenges/prompts. Do you have a challenge or event you’d like us to promote? Be sure to get in touch with us! Contact info is at the bottom of this briefing.

Trope Soup: A Josh/Donna Tropes Fest is open for prompt submissions and claims. The deadline was extended and fics will be revealed on Saturday, October 22. Learn more here.

Big Block of Cheese Day announced its September prompts. Submit to the AO3 collection here.

The September 20 prompts in 20 days are up on Tumblr.

Photos/Videos:

The premiere of season 5 of The Handmaid’s Tale means lots of new Brad content! Here’s what was posted from September 11-17.

Bradley Whitford posted an old photo of himself kissing O-T Fagbenle for the season premiere of THT.

Allison Janney posted photos from the premiere of her new Netflix movie, Lou. 1 | 2 Amy Landecker posted photos with Brad at SAG-AFTRA’s Emmy Nominees night.

Amy Landecker posted behind-the-scenes photos of the cast of The Handmaid’s Tale (including Brad).

Mary McCormack posted a photo of her and her husband, Michael Morris.

Mary McCormack posted a photo and a birthday wish for her daughter.

Marlee Matlin posted a photo and a birthday wish for her son.

Lyn Paolo posted a photo of John Spencer.

@JessBakesCakes: September 15

Edits/Artwork:

it’s been a long, long year by sinistercherubs [VIDEO]

Miscellaneous:

Bradley Whitford is a guest on the latest episode of WTF with Marc Maron.

Bradley Whitford appeared on the Late Late Show with James Corden.

Elisabeth Moss appeared on the Late Late Show with James Corden.

Creator Spotlight:

Welcome to our weekly creator spotlight. Each week, we will talk to a fandom creator and ask them questions about their work and their process. We’ll also give you the opportunity to ask questions of them, too! Want to be a featured creator? Find us via one of the methods listed at the end of the briefing!

This week’s creator is @casliyn (@kennysroys on twitter / casliyn on ao3). You can find the spotlight on tumblr or on twitter.

Shout-Outs:

This is where shout-out members of our fandom (and the people who brought us the show, in one way or another). Got a birthday coming up? Did a friend start their first watch-through of the show? Let us know! Contact info is at the bottom of this briefing.

Happy birthday to Twitter user @thefinestmuffin! You can find their fics here.

Happy birthday to Twitter user @joshlymoss! You can find her fics here.

Editor’s Choice:

Because the Emmy Awards were this week, we thought we’d celebrate The West Wing’s Emmy wins by featuring a fic about each character/relevant episode that an actor won an Emmy for. A huge thank you and shout out to @S4MWILSON for contributing almost all of the non-Josh-focused fics! You can find the thread with all of the suggested recs here; please feel free to add your favorite fics for any of these characters! Toby Ziegler / Richard Schiff, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (2000)

VIDUI by Marguerite | Rated T |Toby Ziegler (No Pairings) | Complete | In the fall of 2001, Toby went to shul.

"In past years he had carried sins enough to confess, sins both petty and great, transgressions against God's ordinances and those of men."

Josh Lyman / Bradley Whitford, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (2001)

pauses then says, you're my best friend by sam_writes_fics | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete | It’s a role reversal if he’s ever experienced one – she’s usually freezing and he’s complaining about the heat. If this were any other day, he’d probably try to make a joke about it, saying that the world has been completely turned upside down, but it’s not. It’s today and it’s now and his world has just barely come around to right side up again, and he doesn’t want to tempt fate.

//post noel, josh is cold

under red lights (i'll show myself it wasn't forged) by joshatella (shuuuliet) for sam_writes_fics | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete | "It might have been that day, when it began.

Or, it might have been that day with the brass quartet, or that day that he’d yelled at the President, or the day Bonnie and Ginger had learned how to set cell phone ringtones to play music and insisted on going around showing everyone, such that their phones were constantly playing some awful new pop song. (Was it Britney Spears? Donna had said it was Britney Spears. Josh had said, “I have no idea who that is”, but Donna had said Britney Spears, hadn’t she?)

Anyway, it definitely hadn’t been the night he’d broken his window. He knew that for certain, because that was the night that he had had enough, the night that he couldn’t take it anymore. So it must have started long before then."

Dr. Abbey Bartlet / Stockard Channing, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (2002)

Fifty by AndAllThatMishigas5 | Rated T | Abbey Bartlet/Jed Bartlet | Complete | Abbey Bartlet turns fifty.

Leo McGarry / John Spencer, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (2002)

I’ve Waited Long Enough by rearviewmirror | Rated M | Jed Bartlet/Leo McGarry | Complete | 1993. a business conference in concord, new hampshire.

For Your Service by AndAllThatMishigas5 | Rated GA | Leo McGarry/Annabeth Schott | Complete | Leo awakens from a nightmare and seeks the comfort of the two people who love him the most.

C.J. Cregg / Allison Janney, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (2000, 2001), Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (2002, 2004)

First Call by JessBakesCakes | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss, C. J. Cregg & Josh Lyman, C. J. Cregg & Donna Moss | Complete | “CJ’s your first call if you’re ever in a situation,” Josh explains. “I mean, besides me, of course.”

CJ rolls her eyes.

Wish That I Had Met You When Your Heart Was Safe to Hold by maliciouslymagic | Rated G | C. J. Cregg/Toby Ziegler | Complete | After the embassy bombings have been dealt with, Toby asks about Dayton.

Arnold Vinick / Alan Alda, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (2006)

Last Full Measure by MasterofAllImagination | Rated T | Bruno Gianelli/Arnold Vinick | Complete | Bruno Gianelli has never known religious faith, but he imagines it must feel something akin to falling in love with Arnold Vinick.

Fics:

Presenting your weekly roundup of fics posted in the tag for The West Wing on Archive of Our Own. If you are so inclined, please be sure to leave the authors some love in the form of kudos or comments. Be mindful of posted warnings/tags for each story.

Josh/Donna

Puppy Laws by pipisafoat | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

An Oval One by Caedmon | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

all of you, all of me, intertwined by mikaylawrites for hufflepuffhermione | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

Healthcare Reform by hufflepuffhermione | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

And the world spins madly on by Shinyrosa | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

let my love fix you up (when you're coming undone) by JessBakesCakes for hufflepuffhermione | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

balance your convictions and certainty by amandamonroe | Rated M | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

and i'll wear your sadness like it's mine by hanyolo for hufflepuffhermione | Rated M | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

you're my achilles heel by sam_writes_fics for hufflepuffhermione | Rated M | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

Paradigm Shift by cleansl8 | Rated E | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

Jed/Abbey

Miracle by imperfectirises | Rated M | Abbey Bartlet/Jed Bartlet | In Progress

Wait For Me by imperfectirises | Rated M | Abbey Bartlet/Jed Bartlet | In Progress

CJ/Andy

between by jazzjo | Rated G | C.J. Cregg/Andrea Wyatt | Complete

i was seven (and you were nine) by jazzjo | Rated G | C.J. Cregg/Andrea Wyatt | Complete

Other Pairings/Gen Fic

Figures of Speech by Darsynia | Rated T | Toby Ziegler/Original Female Character | In Progress

i've waited long enough by rearviewmirror | Rated M | Jed Bartlet/Leo McGarry | Complete

good girl faith (and a tight little skirt) by fleurfemme | Rated E | C. J. Cregg/Toby Ziegler | Complete

consider this as a gift (as you taste him on your lips) by sam_writes_fics for thefinestmuffins | Rated E | Josh Lyman/Sam Seaborn | Complete

Multiple Pairings

turning in place by jazzjo | Rated G | C. J. Cregg/Toby Ziegler, Andrea Wyatt/Toby Ziegler, C.J. Cregg/Andrea Wyatt, C. J. Cregg/Andrea Wyatt/Toby Ziegler | In Progress

And that’s a full lid!

THE WEEKLY PRESS BRIEFING TEAM CAN BE REACHED VIA THE FOLLOWING METHODS:

Twitter: @TWWPress

Email: [email protected]

Feel free to let us know if we missed something, if you have an event you’d like us to promote, or if you have an item that you’d like included in the next briefing!

xx,

What’s next?

#the west wing #west wing #tww #weekly briefing #tww fanfic #tww fic rec #tww fandom #fandom newsletter #bradley whitford #elisabeth moss #marlee matlin #janel moloney #allison janney #richard schiff #cj cregg #josh lyman #toby ziegler #arnold vinick #abbey bartlet

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newmusickarl · 2 years

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Mercury Music Prize 2022: Ranking The Contenders

My favourite time of year has arrived – the season of the Mercury Music Prize. Back in July, the twelve albums nominated for the 2022 prize were revealed and, as ever, served up a highly diverse and eclectic list of some of the best British and Irish music released over the last 12 months – some familiar, some not so familiar. Each of these nominated records is now vying for the prestigious title of Album of the Year, the overriding criteria for which has greatly deviated throughout the award’s history.

Traditionally the prize winner would tend to be a lesser-known record, with the judges choosing to highlight the artist and album that may have been overlooked upon its initial release. However, as the profile of the annual prize has grown the judges in recent years have often chosen the album that has been most widely revered amongst music critics as the overall winner.

So, with the likes of Wolf Alice, Michael Kiwanuka, Dave, Sampha and last year’s winner Arlo Parks just some of the acclaimed artists that have taken home the Mercury Prize in recent years, the big question is - who is in with the best shout of being named the overall winner for 2022?

As I do each year, I’ve now listened to all 12 albums and tried to rank them based on what I think are their chances of winning. To be clear, this is not a “Worst-to-Best” countdown – this ranking is based solely on how likely I think they are to win the overall prize.

To determine this, I’ve considered

The impact and artistic achievement attained by the album

The popularity of the artist

The level of critical acclaim the album has received

How similar albums have fared in recent years

All clear? Good!

Without further ado, here’s my final thoughts and analysis on this year’s nominees.

12. Harry’s House by Harry Styles

Having not initially taken to Mr Styles’ third album when it was released earlier this year, I’ve now grown to appreciate it for all its folk and disco-infused pop chic. Opener Music For A Sushi Restaurant is an incredibly fun slice of funk, As It Was remains one of the year’s catchiest singles and tracks like Cinema and Satellite represent some of his most well-crafted solo material to date.

If it was anyone else this album could well be in contention for the overall prize but as it is global megastar Harry Styles, you must think the judges will choose to spotlight one of the other records on the shortlist instead. With Harry starring in Hollywood movies and tickets for his current tour reaching the £200+ mark (come on, sort it out Harry!), he certainly doesn’t need the £25,000 cash prize or the extra attention winning the award brings. Never say never, but this is probably one album you can safely rule out of contention.

11. Supernova by Nova Twins

The debut album from London rock duo Nova Twins was probably the album on the list that caught me the most by surprise. Although when I listened to Supernova earlier this year I enjoyed the duo’s politically charged, chaotic mix of 00s R&B and various threads of alt-rock, I never dreamed it would be an album shortlisted for the Mercury Music Prize. Listening again recently, it still feels out of place as typically the judges have always shied away from recognising any sort of heavy rock record.

Whilst it is refreshing to see a heavier/alternative album get the nod, I can’t imagine the judges going a step further and awarding the overall prize to Nova Twins. This one feels like the first small step in recognising albums from a genre that has often been overlooked by the awarding body, rather than a complete revolution against the prize’s ethos. So again, maybe another one you can mark as unlikely to win on the night.

10. For All Our Days That Tear The Heart by Jessie Buckley & Bernard Butler

A stirring collaboration between Irish actress Jessie Buckley and former Suede guitarist Bernard Butler, For All Our Days That Tear The Heart is an intricately crafted folk record that permeates beauty at nearly every turn. If you don’t believe me, see songs like Seven Red Rose Tattoos, I Cried Your Tears or the album’s title track.

However, whilst undoubtedly stunning, this is another album that seems unlikely to win simply due to its already immensely successful creators. Jessie Buckley’s flourishing acting career has already landed her BAFTA and Oscar nominations, along with multiple Olivier award wins earlier this year too. Bernard Butler is also the only artist on this year’s shortlist to have won the Mercury Prize previously, with PJ Harvey the only artist to ever win the award twice throughout its near 30-year history. With this being the case, I think this is another album that is deserving of recognition through being nominated onto the shortlist, but also doesn’t necessarily need to win the overall prize.

9. Forest Floor by Fergus McCreadie

Let me start by saying that this album was by far my favourite discovery of this year’s shortlist. If I was ranking the records simply on how much I love them, this would safely land in the top five. Drawing inspiration from the landscapes and folklore of his native Scotland, Jazz pianist Fergus McCreadie crafts intricate, sweeping instrumentals that will leave you thoroughly enchanted. Closing piece Glade is particularly gorgeous, but epic compositions like The Unfurrowed Field and The Ridge also showcase the best in what contemporary jazz has to offer.

There is no doubt that this is one of the finest records on the list, the only reason I have it down in ninth is simply because jazz records don’t usually fair too well when it comes to winning the overall prize. Even in recent years when highly acclaimed albums from acts like Sons of Kemet and The Comet Is Coming have been shortlisted, jazz albums have still struggled to get the final nod.

I think the aim is to get more people listening to jazz music that wouldn’t typically, so by simply nominating a record like Forest Floor it generates a wider audience and a bigger spotlight that it didn’t have previously. By this metric, Fergus has already won as more people are hearing his amazing album for the first time thanks to the Mercury Prize. So, although I enjoyed this album immensely, I don’t see it being the jazz record to buck the “nomination only” trend.

8. Tresor by Gwenno

Another one of my favourite discoveries this year is the supremely charming third album from Welsh musician Gwenno. Writing her lyrics mostly in Cornish, Gwenno channels the sonic spirit of previous Mercury nominee Bats For Lashes for a dark yet dreamy art-pop record, centred on her journey into motherhood. With a spellbinding blend of hazy guitars, folky strings, glistening electronics and her own ethereal vocals, it all makes for a truly glorious listen. In terms of highlights there are plenty to choose from too, with An Stevel Nowydh, N.Y.C.A.W and Keltek my personal favourites.

This is one I really wrestled with where to place in the ranking, as again its one of the better records on this year’s shortlist. Additionally, if this was on the shortlist during the late 90s/early 00s, you might say it would have a decent chance of winning as the more obscure records were typically favoured back then. That said, in recent years the judges have leaned more towards better-known records and my gut says that trend will continue this year. Also, if you look at albums of a similar ilk to Gwenno’s that have been nominated in recent years, you’ll find there sadly haven’t been many winners from that group. With this in mind, I think this is another album that you can say has already won through simply being amongst this year’s shortlist.

7. Reason To Smile by Kojey Radical

Almost at the halfway point and this is where the more serious contenders start to creep into the ranking. British rapper Kojey Radical finally delivered his highly anticipated debut album earlier this year, which serves up a captivating mix of hip-hop, neo-soul, gospel and R&B, with lyrical themes touching on family, relationships and racial divide. Helping Kojey out is a whole host of guest stars too, including the likes of Kelis, Wretch 32 and Lex Amor.

Overall Kojey’s debut is a strong outing and typically hip-hop records have favoured well in recent years, notably with the likes of Skepta and Dave picking up the overall prize in recent years. However as great as this record is, Kojey is up against another masterful hip-hop record on the shortlist and ultimately I think it would take a brave judge to give the prize to Reason To Smile over that album. More on that later…

6. The Overload by Yard Act

Leeds-based post-punk outfit Yard Act released their hugely impressive debut album The Overload earlier this year and it was no surprise to see this album nominated, having called it myself at the time of its release. Operating in the sweet spot between Britpop greats and fellow Mercury nominees like Blur and Pulp, as well as more modern contemporaries like Sleaford Mods and Shame, Yard Act have delivered a hugely charming debut that’s political, poetic and hugely imaginative. Built around two central narratives that run the course of the record, enigmatic frontman James Smith delivers his witty and shocking observations on Modern British life through a rags-to-riches-to-rags story with a strong anti-capitalist theme.

It’s an ambitious concept that they make look easy across a tightly controlled 37-minute runtime, with plenty of lyrical mastery and sonic experimentation to keep you well engaged throughout. From the raucous opening title track, the straight-talking funk of Payday, the stripped-back bass-driven single Rich, to the big knees-up anthem Pour Another, The Overload is simply littered with great moments. It is one of the most talked about debuts of the year which I think is a huge positive for it heading into awards night, however my gut says it will follow in the footsteps of Fontaines D.C., Sports Team and Black Country, New Road in just falling that little bit short of the top prize.

5. Skin by Joy Crookes

There is no denying Joy Crookes has an awe-inspiring voice. Drawing shades to the late-great Amy Winehouse, the British singer-songwriter blends together soul, jazz and grand orchestral arrangements to soundtrack her timeless-sounding songs of heartbreak and heritage, with her own breathtaking vocal performances always the star of the show. When all these elements are brought together, it paints a dazzling picture with Crookes always the one carrying the paintbrush – be it on writing, production or singing duties. There’s plenty of gems here that will keep you coming back too, like When You Were Mine, Kingdom or Feet Don’t Fail Me Now.

In terms of Mercury Prize history, Joy Crookes also has a lot pulling in her favour. Firstly, her album is a debut which typically favour well with the judges and, although stylistically different, fellow singer-songwriters like Arlo Parks, Michael Kiwanuka, Sampha and Benjamin Clementine have all triumphed in recent years. In fact, the only thing really going against Joy Crookes is the strength of the other contenders in the list. So, if you fancy a punt on an outsider this year, then lay your bet on this album.

4. Wet Leg by Wet Leg

Into the Top 4 then and I think this is now where we hit what I would call the serious contenders. Although I’ve not completely bought into the hype around them, there is no denying Wet Leg would be a hugely popular winner on awards night. Their self-titled debut album released earlier this year has been one of 2022’s huge success stories so far, with their mix of wit, profanity and infectious melodies garnering them legions of devoted fans across the world. Falling somewhere between indie-rock, post-punk and garage-pop, their massive hits like Wet Dream, Angelica, Ur Mum and, most of all, Chaise Longue have really come to define the past 12 months.

In terms of factors working against them, there isn’t many at all. The only thing you could say is that the Isle of Wight duo are doing quite fine on their own, with their debut hitting the top spot in the UK and Australia, with further chart success right across Europe. That said though, where commercial success would often prevent an album from winning the overall prize, it has not always been the case. For example, chart-toppers like Dave’s Psychodrama and Arctic Monkeys’ Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not have both claimed the prestigious title despite shifting some huge album sales. With this in mind then, I say Wet Leg have a very real chance of walking away the winners next Thursday.

3. Seventeen Going Under by Sam Fender

Although his career is still quite young in the grand scheme of things, there was no surprise to see Geordie singer-songwriter Sam Fender earn a Mercury Prize for his incredible autobiographical second album, Seventeen Going Under. Having already earned an Ivor Novello award and scooped the Brits Critics’ Choice prize in recent years, award success just seems to follow Sam wherever he goes.

Whether it’s confronting the memory of supporting his sick mother in her battle with the Department for Work & Pensions (Getting Started and the record’s incredible title track), disclosing his inability to effectively communicate with his father (Spit of You) or highlighting important issues of mental health and male suicide (The Leveller, Paradigms, The Dying Light), Fender’s exceptional talent for storytelling shines through with both grace and honesty, making for an utterly engrossing and heartfelt listen.

His debut made him a star but this album catapulted Sam into another stratosphere, solidified by his reception at this year’s Glastonbury Festival. In a short space of time, he has evolved into one of the country’s most prolific songwriters and I really wouldn’t be surprised if the judges choose to recognise and cap off his incredible year by presenting him with the 2022 prize.

2. Prioritise Pleasure by Self-Esteem

In all honesty, I do think this year really is a two-woman race. The final competition for me is really between this duo of outstanding, hugely acclaimed records and either one would be a massively popular winner within the music world. The first of these is of course the amazing second album from Rebecca Lucy Taylor, aka Self-Esteem.

Rightfully receiving widespread critical acclaim, Taylor’s aim for Prioritise Pleasure was quite simple – build on her debut album, Compliments Please. In her own words, she wanted everything to be “bigger and bolder” in the production of this new record, turning strings into orchestras and back-up singers into choirs. The result? Undoubtedly the finest pop record of 2021.

There was no doubting Prioritise Pleasure was a mightily impressive and utterly intoxicating listen, with Taylor exploring themes of love, self-care, sexuality, misogyny and toxic relationships across the album’s grand 13 tracks. The lyrics are meaningful, the instrumentation is extravagant and most importantly the songs are just downright excellent. After 2020 and the COVID pandemic had given everyone’s mental health a battering, this was the open and honest pick-me-up record the world needed. Lifted by empowering anthems like the album’s title track, Still Reigning and, of course, I Do This All The Time, Prioritise Pleasure is a daring and exciting pop masterpiece that has plenty of wit, words of encouragement and moments of sonic splendour.

Most importantly though, this is an honest, unconventional pop record that says the things other modern pop artists might be too afraid to say – and for that, Rebecca Lucy Taylor would be a very worthy Mercury Prize winner. From her interviews and reaction to her nomination, you also get the impression that the award would mean more to Rebecca than possibly anyone else on the list – this is something she has wanted for a long time and to see her finally win and fulfil a dream would be a special moment indeed.

1. Sometimes I Might Be Introvert by Little Simz

However - there is one woman that stands in Rebecca’s way. A previous Mercury Prize nominee who must’ve missed out on the top prize last time by the slimmest of margins. The most critically acclaimed album on the list and my own runner-up Album of the Year for 2021. That’s right, the album I think is most likely to win the Mercury Prize next week is (unsurprisingly) Little Simz’s Sometimes I Might Be Introvert.

Having transported listeners to the top of North London high rises where she grew up on her outstanding breakout and Mercury nominated third record, Grey Area, Simz now brings the listener into her world today on SIMBI, where she is found navigating an industry that isn’t built for a naturally shy person like herself. Where there is still the dazzling whirlwind of fierce lyricism and exciting eclectic sounds that made Grey Area such a success, here Simz also puts greater focus on the production and narrative too.

Much like her contemporary Dave, the introspection and sharing of personal experience from Simz is gloriously backdropped by some stunningly ambitious cinematic presentation. This is highlighted in both the grand, orchestral moments found scattered across SIMBI, but also from the album’s interludes where The Crown actress, Emma Corrin, occasionally turns up to play a sort of Fairy Godmother role to Simz.

It is no secret that spiritual title track Introvert has been one of my favourite songs of the last 18 months, and indeed the same for many others as well. You will really struggle to find a better opening track on any album in the last year and, at six minutes in length, it is an epic, triumphant and utterly majestic personal anthem. Outside of that track, the album is simply littered with more career highlights such as Woman, Speed, Protect My Energy and Point and Kill, to name just a few.

Grey Area was a special record, however with SIMBI Simz has surpassed even that amazing record. The scope, ambition, artistry and lyricism have all been elevated to another level, helping her to tower over the other nominees on this year’s shortlist. I said in my Album of the Year review that I fully expect Simz to land her first Mercury Prize win for this record next year and I haven’t changed my mind on that.

Winning this year’s prize would solidify Little Simz’s position at the top of the musical mountain and help her to shake the “best female rapper” tag she has been given, allowing her instead to finally be recognised for what she really is – one of the best working artists, man or woman, making music today. Period.

So fingers crossed for Simz and best of luck to all the nominees – I will be watching!

#mercury prize #mercury music prize #little simz #self esteem #wet leg #sam fender #yard act #joy crookes #kojey radical #fergus mccreadie #gwenno #harry styles #nova twins #jessie buckley #bernard butler #new music #best new music #album of the year

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