Today, we’re checking out English singer/songwriter Dodie. Her musical style is giving me a little Fiona Apple, a little Kate Bush, and even a little Pomplamoose. Usually when modern singers, especially women, use a tiny voice, I am annoyed. I feel like it’s laziness, like they can’t be bothered to learn how to sing. That’s not the case with this performer. She’s clearly got some power in there, so her soft-voiced singing is in fact a show of strength and control. Although her personal style is a bit challenging to me (I think I’ve finally figured out who buys those things I feature on Etsomnia), I certainly can’t fault her creativity!

I was struggling with how to describe her music, then I stumbled upon Untitled Magazine‘s review of her single and music video, Hot Mess, and I know I can’t do better than this:

“God, twenty-seven, still crying in cars,” she berates herself in the opening song, declaring, “I’m a hot mess,” as she walks – and then runs – toward the ever-moving goalpost of the camera. The track’s upbeat tune heightens the lyrical message of insecurity and self-doubt by creating a deceptive sense of ease and juxtaposing joy and misery. The effect is reminiscent of a 20-something laughing after an embarrassing mistake in order to cope, all while they continue to narrate the story’s every detail to their closest friends.” –Untitled Magazine

You can follow Dodie on her website and on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.