LA-based songwriterShelley Segalhas today announced her latest singleNo, a modern, bold and assertive track that describes the difficulty many women face when turning down sexual advances, out October 4. Shelleyhas also announced her masterful new EPHoly, a masterclass in intimate lyricism and exciting, innovative Americana, set for release on November 1.The Australian musician has been living and working in Los Angeles for three years, writing and recordingHolyin the US while touring and collaborating on a host of noteworthy artistic projects.
Nohas a sentiment that will ring true for many women who have found themselves in a situation where it was almost impossible to say the word. Driving guitars and textured percussion propel the track forward with serious attitude, whileShelley’s honeyed vocals carve a stunning melody on top. Speaking on the inspiration behind this important track,Shelleyexplains,“Nois a song about consent and the subtleties surrounding it. It describes three different scenarios in which the protagonist finds it difficult to say no to sexual advances. I wrote the song because even though it’s 2019 and so many women feel comfortable asserting themselves and speaking up for themselves, and even though there has been so much public discourse and progress on these issues, there are still scenarios where it feels hard to say ‘no’. You can find yourself in a situation that you don’t want to be in and yet be unable to express that. It’s not always easy in the moment to process the potential consequences that may come from your reaction. Like the examples in the song for instance, in a work environment, in the street with a stranger. Saying ‘no’ can create adverse outcomes like risking your job, or your safety. This discussion around consent is not as straightforwardas maybe we would like it to be and I wanted to reflect on those nuances.”
Nois the first taste ofShelley Segal’s glorious new EPHoly. This is an artist who has truly found her feet;Holy Manshines with energetic roots, rock riffs, skilled arrangement andShelley’s undeniable lyrics and beautiful vocal performance. San Antoniotugs at the heartstings, a simple acoustic track with a deeply affecting message, whileHolyis steeped in attitude and power, asShelleysings,“I believe my body is beautiful, and it belongs to me.” The EP wasrecorded in Brooklyn atAtomic Sound StudioswithDakota BowmanandMerle Chornuk(Tandy, Ryan Adams), it wasproduced and co-written (3 songs) with New York producer, guitarist and film composerAskold Bukand was mastered by Ted Jensen (Norah Jones, Dave Matthews). Speaking on the making of the release,Shelleyenthuses,“I’ve been working on the songs for this record for over the last three years – since 2016, the year I moved to the US. I’ve called the ep ‘HOLY‘ which felt like a really powerful statement. In the Jewish tradition I grew up in, what was holy was dictated to me. Which words, items and actions and even which people were holy was dictated to me. To elevate my life, my songs, my experiences and my voice (which was not allowed to be heard unaccompanied in my synagogue), to call them holy is incredibly empowering. It’s a challenge to those who want to use concepts of holiness and the sacred to create hierarchies, often placing themselves at the top. I hope it will inspire people to decide for themselves what is holy and sacred to them.”
Head Honcho, Editor in Chief and writer here on VENTS. I don't like walking on the beach, but I love playing the guitar and geeking out about music. I am also a movie maniac and 6 hours sleeper.
Head Honcho, Editor in Chief and writer here on VENTS. I don't like walking on the beach, but I love playing the guitar and geeking out about music. I am also a movie maniac and 6 hours sleeper.