Self Esteem returns with cathartic new single 'How Can I Help You'.
The songwriter's stellar Green Man set seems to have become a breakout moment, with new album 'Prioritise Pleasure' set to follow this Autumn.
Out on October 22nd, new single 'How Can I Help You' finds Self Esteem – real name Rebecca Lucy Taylor – reclaiming her first instrument.
Formerly the drummer and percussionist in Slow Club, she's played drums since the age of 13, a role that has often had gendered consequences.
Speaking more widely on the way women in music are treated, 'How Can I Help You' bristles with caustic rage: “How can I help you / Do what it is that you / Always hoped you could set out to prove? … Cos that’s what I’m put here to do / Isn’t it?”
Self Esteem comments…
"‘How Can I Help You’ is one of the first songs I wrote for the second album. After touring the first record and most weeks being told that I am underrated or intimidating I just felt very fed up. I guess I'll be eternally angry for the way as a woman unless you're sweet, nice, settled and quiet, you're considered 'different' and 'difficult'."
"I wanted to play the drums in the video to reclaim how often I used to feel self conscious playing them. The physical act of a woman playing a drum means your tits move – all I ever wanted to do was play but it always came with this fear of being looked at in that way. Now my tits move for me, my song, my video."
"I'm also aware it's probs a nice watch if you're that way inclined, but I'm afraid if you wanna watch it you have to hear what I've got to say. Click for the tits, stay for the feminism!"
Discussing the clip on social media, the songwriter added: "More spelling out: I’ve played the drums since I was 13. It was joyful and I was good at it but once I had tits that joy turned to fear for what might be said to me / predatory looks whenever I played them. The video is primarily about reclaiming it, not being scared anymore duh…"
Tune in now.
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