#coming out like matty healy and lizzo

[mag200]

my expectations of taylor when it comes to saying shit abt politics have always been incredibly low, but i really did half believe that she might say/do something during her nashville gigs to voice her opposition to the drag ban/anti trans legislation stuff there.

Lizzo & hayley kiyoko both brought drag queens out to perform with them on stage during shows right before taylor's tour dates, like hayley kiyoko literally had the cops showing up to her rehearsals telling her to stop & she still stood her ground, yet taylor can't even say a few words or something. She was literally in the perfect position to say a little statement on the matter. She started out in nashville so her opinion as a semi-local girl with country music roots would hold more weight than like... ariana grande or something, but she also isn't in that scene anymore and she's one of the biggest celebrities on the planet so its unlikely she would face any real repercussions for speaking out.

I genuinely don't mind if celebrities don't really talk about their politics bc like, what do the opinions of billionaires have to do with normal people. However if you're going to pay a documentary crew to film you saying you're ready to take A Stand and then do nothing apart from sing your gay rights song and post a solitary black square, while associating yourself with shitty people of every flavour, then actually put your money where your mouth is and do it.

yeah when hayley was posting about that and she was crying and i was crying it was so so brutal but i was so proud of her for standing up for her drag performers even when they told her she couldnt. i didnt know lizzo did this too but holy shit.

all of this with taylor is hugely disappointing. i saw people saying “she cant say anything against the drag bill its unsafe for her!!!” and its like. its unsafe for all of us lol but she has so much more protection. and i dont think she HAS to do it is the thing, but man it does make it feel like her trying to rebrand as an activist back in 2019 was just to sell more copies of lover. you’re so right its like why make a whole big deal about how you’re going to Take A Stand and then just….. not. i also have always had low expectations from her in this regard bc she really did lean so hard into the good girl quiet girl narrative but when she made a point of lashing out against that i was like oh wait maybe she’s actually gonna do better… boo boo the fool is me i guess.

like i do not understand what happened. but since summer 2020 i have not been able to engage w her in the same way as before. and now with everything coming out about matty healy it is another huge fucking blow. i never blamed anyone who was done before this and i dont blame anyone who’s distancing themself from her now. i dont normally give a shit about her relationships but like how can you associate with someone so openly fucking racist? and think it wont hurt people??

all my love is going out rn to bipoc swifties. this sucks so fucking much im so sorry.

#i was like jealous that i couldnt go to eras tour but honestly now im kinda relieved #anewbrainjughead #answered #taylor swift #matty healy

[goldenmusicmoments]

Taylor Swift Here We Go Again......

Taylor Swift once again finds herself mixed in controversy and drama. All of which on most part is unnecessary, however when people find something to use against someone they don’t particularly like they’ll obviously use it and turn it into a trend. It always seems to occur when she’s at a career high, as her latest album ‘Midnights’ broke records and her current tour performing really well. It all kicked off near the start of the Eras tour when people were questions Taylor for not speaking up or showing some sort of solidarity with the LGBT community during any of her shows. They started comparing her to Lizzo who waved the flag that represents the community and Beyoncé who’s show revolves around queer culture. Though their concern for the lack of activism didn’t necessarily stem from genuine desire for her to use her platform, it was more of an attempt to turn activism into a competition. A way for them to say that such and such are better than her.  It was also a thing for those that dislike her to use as a reason to propagate their distaste, without real care for the issue itself. 

Then Matty Healy the frontman of the band The 1975 suddenly found his way into Taylor’s life, though they’ve supposedly been friends for a long time. She’d not to long ago appeared at one of the bands shows and then Matty showed up to her tour. Which then led to many assuming the two were now in a relationship. The two were then spotted out and about, holding hands and from that people took it as confirmation that they were now together. With Jack Antonoff being the one that set the two up, he also happened to be with them at the time. This then led to a new wave of people targeting Taylor, to a point where it became a trend on TikTok that everyone wanted a part of. Especially seeing as it was drawing a lot of content engagement. On most part it was an opportunity taken by those that hate her to use against her. That somehow she was responsible for his past doings. Where was this outrage, prior to the two dating. Hardly anyone was speaking up to try and cancel Matty for his shortcomings. However Taylor should be cancelled as she’s dating him. Even then it was all about holding Taylor accountable, and never a mention of wanting the same for Matty. Yes of course people have the right to be hurt by the stuff that he has said, but was that truly the case for the majority coming out in full swing against Taylor. Do we ever truly know the intent of someone, who knows maybe she felt that he’d changed. Are we not giving people the benefit of the doubt anymore, that maybe they could have grown from the people they once were. On top of that you’d expect most of those upset about Taylor associating with him, being her fans. Which wasn’t the case, and the fans were actually being guilt tripped into agreeing with the stance of her critics. 

Matty had partaken in a podcast where he laughed at the hosts comments about Ice Spice. Which was another thing that was being mentioned now that he was attached to Taylor (prior to that the moment didn’t create much of a conversation at the time of its occurrence). Soon after it was announced that Taylor was releasing a remix of her song ‘Karma’ and that it would be featuring Ice Spice. This was taken by those that were having a go at her as damage control. A PR stunt to somehow cover up all that was happening. Later on it was revealed that it was in the works long before and people still found it difficult to accept, because they so desperately wanted to believe that it was what they thought it was. Soon after it was reported that the two had broken up and that they were never truly a couple, but just hanging out. Which then led to many believing that they were the ones that pushed Taylor into cutting things off with Matty Healy, as though their words hold weight enough to do such a thing. There are many examples of others who are associated with partners or spouse who have controversial pasts, yet that hasn’t resulted in this magnitude of a response. 

Rina Sawayama during a recent live performance called Matty Healy out, and part of that included her mentioning that he had a percentage ownership over her masters. To no surprise the usual suspects came running to use that as an excuse to point their fingers at Taylor. Rina’s and Taylor’s situations are very different, if those that are always so loud bother to do their due diligence they’d notice that. However the desperate pursuit of the downfall of someone they don’t like, hinders their ability to comprehend and apply logical analysis to what they are speaking on. They’ll continue to twist and exaggerate things in regards to her in order to try and make her a villain. Then it was revealed that Taylor had turned down Meghan Markle’s invite to appear on her podcast. Another thing for them to throw at her, as though she hasn’t been extremely busy and thus didn’t have the time to do much outside of her current commitments.

This all reignited the entire conversation in regards to Taylor’s use of her platform when it comes to activism. That she hardly ever speaks up and when she does it is only when it benefits herself. Yes she’s not been someone who’s made social media posts to address political issues, though she’s been vocal when it comes to elections. Of course we’d love to see people who have a big reach to use their voices to speak up for those who don’t have the ability to or require support. However that should be up to them, that they shouldn’t be coerced into doing so or do so just for the sake of pleasing people. Her documentary become part of the conversation where people were claiming that it was all about speaking up and using her platform, when that was only a small part of the film. This exaggerated claim was in order to push their agenda and heighten the moment. If they’d paid attention, her team weren’t exactly happy with her wanting to do so and they most definitely still play a role in preventing her from doing so.

She then during one of her shows gave a short speech in which she said that her shows were a safe space for everyone in particular the LGBT community. She prompted people to take an active role in voting during elections and to research candidates in order to see who best to vote for. As expected many were still not happy and complained that she didn’t say enough or that she wasn’t as direct as she should have been. They seemed to want her to spoon feed them on who exactly to vote for. At the end of the day she can’t please everyone and it isn’t her job to do so either. 

Her fans often come under attack during these times, as the haters seem to think that the fans should flock in agreement of their critique. Then it turns into the usual of labelling all her fans as ‘white’, ‘republicans’, ‘racists’ and ‘nazis’. With people making it a competition to see who can spot a person of colour in the audience, as though POCs are props. Yes she may have fans that are republicans, and they should know that those they support have fans from that group as well. She started out as a country artist and that genre is one that has a huge following that consists of republicans. Are her fans ‘racists’, sadly there is a bunch of them who are and need educating. That in moments where they are defending her, they resort to racist remarks towards those they are responding to. Though she has fans consisting of various backgrounds and races, her fanbase in the USA is predominantly white. However its odd that people use that as a dig at Taylor, when it isn’t what they see it as. Oft times people of colour are shamed for liking her, and thus you seem to find many not publicly showcasing their liking for her or her music. 

It all on most part points to the fact that many feel threatened by her success that they are so desperate to see her fall. There were many in the comments under videos that were calling for Taylor to be cancelled saying how the outpour of people speaking against her brought them joy. That this was a moment they were longing for. It is rather sad that people find joy in someones downfall, that they root for those they dislike to fail. As though she’s done something bad to them. They also used the situations to call Taylor ‘mediocre’ and ‘talentless’. A recent trend seems to be the labelling of her music as ‘white people music’, all of which seems like an attempt at downplaying her talent. Which isn’t the diss they think it is. Her music is universal and one that resonates with everyone, as her focal points are oft those that we all experience. Then again they’ve never actually listened to her discography and make fleeting statements in regards to it. Which we’ve always heard from those that don’t like her. Its okay for you to not be a fan of someones or not like the music they make. However its unfair to wrongly discredit someones talent.

If people spent the same amount of energy they did on trying to ‘call her out’ on issues that are real and need discussing, we’d likely see positive change. However people waste it on things that are pointless and of no value. The level of outrage and desire for change online is never reflected in times when taking a stand is necessary, such as turning up to vote. A lot of talk, but very little action. It makes you wonder how many people are genuine in their claim of activism. 

#Taylor Swift #Beyoncé #Lizzo #Matty Healy #The 1975 #Ice Spice #Jack Antonoff #Swifties #TikTok #Controversy #Haters #Politcis #Music #The Eras Tour #Tour #Midnights

[holyshit]

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#'what worries me' anon from a bit earlier: #answering in the tags because it seems the discourse has moved on since i got your message and went on my work break #and don't want to drop random discourse on people freaking out about the louis songs lol hope you understand ily!!! #but i think in this case it is not as big of a deal bc people like lil nas x are nominated as well #so he isn't being prioritized instead of poc artists doing similar things #and they seem to be deliberately nominating both out artists and allies/people who have been more vague and haven't done an official #coming out like matty healy and lizzo #so i don't think he is particularly being spotlighted moreso than everyone else if you know what i mean #and despite the stunts #anyone who actually does pay attention to celebrity gossip should know how harry has been hinting at being not straight for YEEAARS now #since 2014 when his 'not that important' quote got tons of headlines #and then again with Medicine #and some of his comments about his sexuality in interviews (even if they were vague) still reads as something someone who isn't straight #would say #and these are all things that a lot of people should have seen if they pay attention to celebrity gossip even if they are not fans #so i think it's fair for him to be treated as someone who is likely not straight but just hasn't officially come out yet #and for MP #remember that emma ended up coming out recently so there is an out woman in the film now! #which is great #as for david #he could easily not be straight as well and just not out of the closet bc he hasn't had any public relationships as of yet #so i don't think we should treat him as straight when there is no indication of his sexuality one way or another #and i think actors in the closet should still be allowed to take on roles they can relate to and that are important to the #*them #and they shouldn't be forced to come out in order to take these kinds of roles #it's a nuanced topic so there are levels to it #but i don't think anyone should be forced to put their personal and professional lives on the line by coming out to be 'allowed' to #play gay roles #discourse / #hs

[obtusemedia]

Top 25 songs of 2019: Honorable Mentions

In 2019 — a commendable year to close out the decade, musically speaking — Gen Z’s budding stars fully arrived, while long-time stalwarts created some of the best work of their careers. There weren’t any albums that threatened the top of my decade-end chart, but the year still delivered a crop of solid records in a variety of genres.

This year, I’m doing my year-end list a bit early, because I plan on releasing my decade-end list around New Year’s. So before we do that, let’s kick off the celebration of 2019 with 15 great songs, listed in alphabetical order by artist, that just missed the top-25 cut off.

“People” by The 1975

Manchester pop-rock geniuses The 1975 have already dabbled in almost every genre under the sun. So a sharp pivot into near-screamo punk rock seemed inevitable.

“People” isn’t my favorite song of theirs — the best version of The 1975 is when they’re fully in ‘80s synthpop mode — but it’s still very effective. The crunchy, thrashing guitars fit perfectly with Matty Healy’s off-kilter vocals and apocalyptic lyrics. In a way, “People” is a sequel to their generation-defining 2018 single, “Love It If We Made It.” But while that song is anxious, the main emotion in “People” is fury. And it’s not hard to miss the message, as Healy screams it in the chorus: “STOP FUCKING WITH THE KIDS.”

“Baby Boy” by Kevin Abstract

BROCKHAMPTON’s boy-band/hip-hop collective is too chaotic to have a true frontman. But if there is one, it would be Kevin Abstract. And the Texan rapper/singer’s 2019 solo album, ARIZONA BABY, was a stellar showcase of his talent.

“Baby Boy,” a cooing, soft love ballad, is the record’s best track. Between the gorgeous melodies and the left-of-center production and singing, it seems destined for the soundtrack of a quirky rom-com. And it’s nice to hear Abstract flex his R&B chops.

“Everybody Here Hates You” by Courtney Barnett

This loosie single by Melbourne’s finest indie rocker is classic Courtney Barnett. All the ingredients are there: deserty guitars, a shuffling groove, and Barnett charmingly speak-singing her sardonic lyrics. Barnett’s clearly notched a lane for herself with “Everybody Here Hates You.” And frankly, if she never leaves it and keeps making solid songs like this, I wouldn’t mind.

“Twist The Knife” by Chromatics

Speaking of consistently excelling in your specific soundscape — here’s Chromatics! “Twist The Knife” has all the off-key synths, ghostly Ruth Radelet vocals and general nocturnal, cinematic sound you’d want from the mysterious group. Perhaps the one major difference is the thumping, 808-heavy disco beat. But, like with Barnett, Chromatics’ sound is solidified by this point. And luckily, they’re still the masters at soundtracking nighttime drives.

“Arabesque” by Coldplay

Coldplay returned this fall with two singles. One was “Orphans,” which had a conventional Coldplay sound (sing-along chorus! aggressive perkiness!) to contrast with an unconventional Coldplay topic (refugees). 

The other was “Arabesque,” which sounds like nothing Coldplay have ever done before. It’s got a hard-hitting Afropop beat, a French interlude, Chris Martin dropping the f-bomb, and most amazingly, a sax solo that’s nearly two minutes long. It’s a weird, jazzy detour for the group — and it’s incredible.

“Falling” by Dude York

Seattle indie rockers Dude York wrote a song about a topic you don’t hear much often in music: romantic complacency. The couple in “Falling” isn’t a bad one — lead singer Claire England makes it clear that she’s having a great time. But she also calls the relationship “practical,” and describes it as a very casual, low-stakes romance. “Falling” brings up the question many long-term couples ask themselves: Weren’t there supposed to be butterflies? Is it bad if our relationship is more cozy than passionate? It’s an intriguing subject, backed by killer rock production.

“Tough Enough” by Ex Hex

Ex Hex’s sound is knowingly old-school. The rip-roaring El Camino-rock of “Tough Enough” could’ve easily been a Pat Benatar or Joan Jett single in the early ‘80s. And that’s what makes it great — who doesn’t love Joan Jett? “Tough Enough” isn’t something you have to think too hard about; it just kicks ass.

“Summer Girl” by HAIM

Asking HAIM to give you a sleek retro-pop song is like asking Spoon to give you a nervy indie rock single: they’ll deliver the goods. But the San Fernando Valley sisters gave their formula a few tweaks with “Summer Girl,” their best single since their 2013 debut.

Instead of their typically slick production, HAIM opted for a barebone, funky ‘70s groove. The vocals rarely go above a whisper. And the most prominent element of the song is a honking sax riff, which sounds like it comes straight from A Tribe Called Quest song. But all these changes don’t erase HAIM’s strongest quality: their solid-gold hooks. And you’ll be humming that doo-doo-do-do-doo chorus for days after hearing “Summer Girl.”

“Nice To Meet Ya” by Niall Horan

I had no expectations for former One Direction member Niall Horan’s new single this year. I didn’t love his previous white-guy-with-acoustic-guitar style, so I didn’t plan on enjoying his new stuff.

But “Nice To Meet Ya” thankfully ditches the acoustic guitar. It’s an extremely late-‘90s breakbeat banger. It’s less Ed Sheeran and more classic Robbie Williams. The song it really reminds me of is Republica’s deathless jock-jam classic “Ready To Go” — all propulsive energy and power. “Nice To Meet Ya” is a bit less aggressive, but it’s still a ton of fun and shows that Harry Styles isn’t the only One Direction alum that can produce a great solo track.

“Hey, Ma” by Bon Iver

At this point, Bon Iver can write these beardy arena-folk anthems in his sleep. But that doesn’t make “Hey, Ma” any less of a great update of that song. Amidst the occasional synth bloop and awkward Boomer-esque weed references (not sure anyone’s unironically said “toking on dope” in a while), the single features one of Justin Vernon’s greatest melodies. If anyone’s wondering how Bon Iver became one of the decade’s premier indie acts, the soaring chorus and powerful melody of “Hey, Ma” is an indicative example.

“Juice” by Lizzo

If it weren’t for a certain baggy clothes-wearing teen, Lizzo would’ve easily been 2019′s biggest breakout artist. But although “Good As Hell” and “Truth Hurts” were her biggest hits, those two songs came out way before 2019. Out of the songs that the Minneapolis popstar actually released this year, “Juice” is the perfect demonstration of her irrepressible charisma.

“Juice” is the best-possible combination of Bruno Mars’ retro-funk exercises and a defiant Kelly Clarkson anthem. Lizzo sounds like the most confident, extroverted person on the planet, slyly bragging about her and her friends’ prowess. It’s not quite on the level of “Uptown Funk,” but “Juice” is still too fun to resist.

“Sucker Punch” by Sigrid

“Sucker Punch” is just the latest edition of a wonderful musical tradition: the sleek, icy Swedish pop song! Wait...*checks notes* turns out Sigrid is actually Norwegian. A country that has less ABBA-style pop and more death metal.

But regardless of what part of Scandinavia she’s from, Sigrid’s “Sucker Punch” is still a textbook-perfect bubblegum single. With its bouncy vibe and explosive chorus, it almost sounds like a lost hit from 2011 or 2012 — a golden age for pop. Sigrid’s thick accent and energy just adds to the charm. Old-school synthpop isn’t in vogue anymore, but at least Sigrid is keeping it alive for now.

“Hurry On Home” by Sleater-Kinney

2019 was not Sleater-Kinney’s best year. The Olympia indie legends’ new album, The Center Won’t Hold, received lukewarm reviews. The momentum from their 2015 reunion was mostly sapped. And most critically, longtime drummer Janet Weiss, one of the best in the biz, quit abruptly, saying she was essentially told that she was no longer a “creative equal” in the group.

But at least the trio delivered one stone-cold Sleater-Kinney classic single before they imploded. “Hurry On Home” is a sleazy, thunderous hard rock jam that would’ve snugly fit on their last album, No Cities To Love. It’s got a bit more of a robotic groove, thanks to producer St. Vincent, but the crunchy guitars are still there. Carrie Brownstein’s sardonic vocals are still there. And that trademark Sleater-Kinney intensity is absolutely still there.

“Superbike” by Jay Som

Jay Som’s stellar 2017 debut album, Everybody Works, dabbled in dream pop, but also dipped its toes into many other subgenres. But the lead single of her sophomore album, “Superbike,” is pure hazy ecstasy.

“Superbike” has a bit of Alvvays in its DNA, particularly in the atmospheric guitars and whispered vocals. But Melina Duterte added a bit more California bliss to that formula. The track sounds like the soundtrack to a tranquil jog down the beach, with the sunrise in the background.

“God Is” by Kanye West

Kanye West can’t sing. He’s warbly and incredibly off-key. And that’s why I love it when he genuinely tries to do so.

Jesus Is King is a mediocre, one-note first draft of an album, but it still has its moments. And my favorite moment on the record is when West puts his lack of vocal talent on display. “God Is” features West trying his darndest to belt over a sample of gospel composer James Cleveland’s song of the same name. And he falls pretty flat on his face. But there’s something still powerful about that, like someone badly singing in church, but with so much conviction. It humanizes West.

#top 25 songs of 2019 #hip hop #pop #indie rock