G Flip and Love, Simon

Today brings us an artist from Melbourne. Though she only has one single to her name, this debut single is one of the most talked about tracks from SXSW. G Flip made quite an impression at last week's festival, and begs the question, how can a full blown pop song with an irresistible chorus, be so far from generic?

One of the most notable things about G Flip, is her ability to create a non conventional pop ear worm. The song gets you hooked from the get go, and doesn't really require much time to grown on you. And in a world where pop seems dominated by electronic rhythms and melodies, with very little room for live instrumentation, G Flip turns the table. Being a tour drummer herself, G Flip brings a lot of percussion and rhythm to her debut track. It is heavy and pounding, a wholesome rattling sensation which blows modern pop out of the water. The song even includes a drum solo, a part of music which we don't hear often in general but even rarer to be heard in pop music. 

The musicianship and craftsmanship surrounding this track simply has to be commended. There is a beautiful vulnerability to the song, however, G Flip delivers the lyrics with a cool confidence which makes us really believe the words she is singing. The layered vocals and harmonies make this such a sing along song, without an oversimplification of lyrics or meaning. The simplicity of synths and midi keyboard lines, combined with the multi layered vocals, creates a tension and tantalizing sound. You can't pull away, seemingly becoming more enamored by the song as each second passes. There is a nice depth effect which G Flip is able to create using those synths, which leaves room for the percussion and drums to come in and add a dynamic feel to the soundscape. 

G Flip employs a really cool tactic which can be heard in pop music across the board. She is able to create this high tension and climactic moment through the repetition of two seemingly opposed lines. The two lines swirl around each other, repeating one after the other until we get swept up into this bubble of intensity, until the bubble burst and we are swept into this lovely chorus of harmonies and sound.  

The song feels bold and technicolor, an anthem to fight against giving up. But the beautiful thing is that this isn't a stadium song. It isn't an overly enthusiastic approach to staying strong against a broken heart. There is something more realistic and down to earth about how G Flip conveys this message of overcoming a lost love. There are ups and downs in the musicality, mirroring the ups and downs of staying strong. There is a subtlety to the song, reflecting the idea that battles of the heart are fought and won between you and yourself. It isn't a flashy affair, which is a nice change from other anthems. 

G Flip's sensational debut is a classic example of an artist giving it all to make it. She honed her skills in production, lyricism, and singing which has given her such a well rounded skill set as a solo artist. Not to mention her skills as a drummer as well. That hard work is heard and felt in this debut single. Not only is it a song about getting over a lost love, but I feel like there is even an element of getting over the barriers to pursue something you love. In this case, G Flip has overcome the rough barriers of the music industry and has pursued her love of music. There are a lot of artists to watch, but if G Flip continues releasing music like her debut, we will be seeing and hearing some great things in the future.

Today's instrumental song is from the movie Love, Simon. Though I have yet to see it, the reviews of the film have been absolutely amazing. It is supposed to be a beautiful and moving story, which means the score is equally as brilliant and emotionally powerful. This score is so unique because it functions like a synthpop album, except completely instrumental. There are hauntingly gorgeous motifs throughout the soundtrack, moments where all we hear is a lingering note or a gentle wisp of sound. But there is a poignancy in that subtle sound. There is a vulnerable beauty and sadness in that softness. I really enjoyed listening to this score, with all of its magic and heart. I hope you enjoy the music and please feel free to comment!