You may have heard the name Shepard Fairey before (we assure you that it is a real name belonging to a person in real life and not somebody’s League Of Legends handle). If you haven’t, he’s a street artist, activist and the founder of OBEY Clothing (those shirts with the ‘Andre The Giant has a posse’ face on them).
He also dabbles in being a giant dick, as you’ll see in the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbsOx1woXWs
‘Shepard Fairey Shares His Collection of Vintage Band Tees’, a video title that sounds about as exciting as watching bread go stale, was produced for Hypebeast and is two minutes and thirty-three seconds of utter wank.
He takes aim at Justin Bieber from the outset, claiming that he won’t let him ‘taint an entire genre for me’ in response to his noted penchant for wearing band t-shirts depicting artists as wide-ranging as Nirvana, Pantera, Tupac Shakur and Marilyn Manson amongst countless others that have raised the ire of those noble guardians of who is and is not a real fan of particular music, a consortium evidently spearheaded by Fairey.
You’d think Bieber had worn a t-shirt that proclaimed in 72 point Jokerman font ‘I banged Shepard Fairey’s mother and never called her again’ instead of one with a simple Pantera logo, such is his outrage.
I’m sure most people who have worn a band t-shirt in public have encountered one of these tapeworms at some point. The ‘real fan’, who demands you justify your reasons for having the stones to be wearing a t-shirt featuring one of their favourite artists within a hundred feet of them, often by proving your knowledge of their music and history to be at a level acceptable to them.
I’ve been on the receiving end of it a bit, going to a fair amount of gigs and usually wearing band t-shirts to them because it just feels right. I wore a FIDLAR shirt out once and found myself talking to an intolerably painful couple who I’m sure are making each other miserable to the point of murder at this very second. Without even asking me or letting me get a word out (FIDLAR are one of my absolute favourite bands as it happens), they reached the conclusion that I clearly only liked FIDLAR ‘because Cocaine was on the Grand Theft Auto V soundtrack’ and laughed at me for not being a real fan like them and also told me I shouldn’t be wearing their shirt for these not at all insane reasons.
Not being a confrontational person at all, I bottled up my irritation at their petty bullshit so hard I’ll probably have an aneurysm later in life.
Like Doc Rivers, only with 60% more brain screams.
Another night I wore a Wu-Tang Clan shirt out and was accosted by a wholly unpleasant git at a set of traffic lights, who initially demanded I rap Clan lyrics at him (something I’m capable of doing to a degree) to prove I wasn’t just wearing the shirt ‘for show’, then decided I wasn’t a fan at all and started hurling abuse when I wouldn’t comply simply because I wasn’t in any mood to be a dancing monkey for a drunken dickhead.
These are the kind of people (and I’ve had experiences with many others) who would worship Shepard Fairey as a false idol for ‘holding poseurs accountable’.
‘I saw a girl wearing a Joy Division t-shirt and I said “oh, Joy Division” and she went “what?”‘, the gremlins inhabiting his physical form maneuver his voicebox to hiss about halfway through the video, “…she’d seen it on Tumblr and bought it at Urban Outfitters, very depressing.”
The kind of depressing horror that can only be expressed through Hank Hill gifs.
Bafflingly, Fairey then goes on to praise Kanye West for introducing new audiences to different artists and aspects of different subcultures through sampling music his fans probably haven’t heard of in his own music. Despite the fact that Justin Bieber wearing a Metallica shirt while performing might have the exact same effect. I mean, Jesus Christ this is contradictory trash at its finest.
Fairey then gets the glory of showing the audience his own favourite band t-shirts as though they’re somehow now validated any more than anyone he’s just been chastising.
If you’re like Shepard Fairey, if seeing other people wearing merch featuring your favourite artists new or old fills you with the kind of uncontrollable nerd rage that would cause you to go on a self-indulgent rant like this, you should probably stop and take stock of what’s important to you.
No fan ‘owns’ a band or their music or has any say in what constitutes being a fan and what people can and can’t do or say or wear regarding any artist, whether you’re Shepard Fairey or that guy who stands at gigs on his own vaping in the corner and glowering at everyone there daring to even slightly enjoy their time because they probably haven’t been listening to this band anywhere near as long as you have.
And your favourite band really don’t need you to ‘protect’ their music by weeding out these ‘fake fans’ either. Not in an era where merch sales are now such a huge part of an artist’s revenue stream. I’m sure they don’t give two thirds of three eighths of a shit that someone has bought one of their shirts, uber-fan, casual fan or someone completely ignorant of the fact that they bought a band t-shirt in the first place like that monstrous ghoul of a woman who dared to think a Joy Division shirt at Urban Outfitters looked cool without knowing all the words to Atmosphere.
SAVAGES! IDIOTS!
If you’re as huge a fan of a band as you claim to be, you should find yourself wearing a shit-eating grin whenever you see somebody else donning their merch, it’s money in their pockets so they can continue making the music you live for.
Dislike Bieber all you want (I certainly do because I find his own music to be utterly unpalatable), but if him wearing a band shirt makes you like that band less or taints an entire genre for you then maybe you should scrutinise your own fandom before peering down your neckbeard at other people. This kind of exclusivism just has no place in the 21st century and you come off like a complete dick when you indulge in it.
You don’t have to own a band’s entire discography or have seen them at every show they’ve played in your city since 2002 or know the maiden names of each member’s mother to be granted the privilege of wearing one of their shirts, you don’t even have to know the band you’re repping at all.
It’s a fucking shirt, not a declaration of war against your personal taste.
Image: The Wrap
After months of speculation, Justin Bieber has announced Australian headline tour dates for March 2017. The artist released Purpose late last year, signifying a massive shift in style, personality and treatment by the media.
The performer has been on an extensive world tour ever since. Now, finally, he has announced Australian tour dates for Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney, as well as Auckland in New Zealand.
Bieber will also be bringing along Dutch producer Martin Garrix as his main support. Garrix is no stranger to our shores, having played festivals like Future and Stereosonic in recent years.
Say what you will about the Biebs; if nothing else, his transformation across the past two years has been an unbelievably impressive and entertaining display of phenomenal publicity and marketing skills. And let’s be honest, some of those tracks are pretty damn catchy.
Frontier touring will be holding a Frontier Members pre-sale from Monday October 10, while general public tickets will be available from Wednesday October 12. All details can be found here.
Justin Bieber
Purpose World Tour – Australia & NZ Tour Dates
Monday March 6: NIB Stadium, Perth
Tickets
Friday March 10: Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
Tickets
Monday march 13: Suncorp Stadium: Brisbane
Tickets
Monday March 15: ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Tickets
Sat March 18: Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland
Tickets
Read more: This town loves a comeback and Justin Bieber’s is a surprisingly good one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2l1cK22EJBs
Image: Supplied
With the bite and grit of a woman scorned, Lady Gaga’s comeback single was released last week to much fanfare – mostly because Kevin Parker and Mark Ronson co-wrote and produced it. Though the song itself has received mixed feedback from critics and fans alike (a lot of people seem to be overlooking the fact that it is Gaga’s song and will be on her upcoming fifth album when they screech “less Gaga! More Kevin!” but I digress), it’s a clever career move for all involved. The Tame Impala mastermind recently told Triple J about his thought process when the offer first came up: “It was amazing, really really good. One of those life/career-defining times. It started out sort of like a career move. Like, ‘I’ll get in on that.’ But it quickly became something so personal and so meaningful for everyone involved. I’m just happy it’s all out in the open now. Now I can not tell secrets anymore.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oB94lvJbETE
And he isn’t the only one. A pop collaboration of such a magnitude can breathe new life into a career, boost a newer artist into the spotlight, bring two (or more!) distinctive voices together, help one make the transition from boy/girl band into solo super stardom. Or, it can fail miserably and fizzle out. Here, we take a look ten other life/career defining (for better or for worse) pop collaborations of recent memory – from Gaga to Gwen, there have been a few.
Bang Bang – Jessie J, Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HDdjwpPM3Y
A Lady Marmalade for the 2010s, Bang Bang had it all. The seasoned, jazzy vocals of Jessie J’s are bolstered by those of the current princess of pop, Ariana Grande. However perhaps the most important element of all, and something that could be considered a genre all it’s own, the track features what is known as Nicki’s Verse. Once again, Minaj steals the show, to the tune of a wildly energetic rhythm and immediately infectious earworm riff.
Lady Marmalade – Lil’ Kim, Christina Aguilera, Mya & Pink
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puKhmJEIw3I
You can’t mention Bang Bang without Lady Marmalade, the last great multi-female pop-rap collab. Originally released in 1974, it was always intended to be performed by a vocal ensemble. However, upon featuring on the Moulin Rouge soundtrack, it this version will forever endure as The One when it comes to pop collabs. Having sat at no. 1 for five weeks after its release, you would have thought it was written with no one other than Christina Aguilera, Mýa, Pink and Lil’ Kim in mind.
The Boy is Mine – Brandy & Monica
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Va1Y6uAgNJY
So iconic was this Brandy and Monica collaboration that it’s recently been given the sample treatment along with Destiny’s Child. Nothing beats the original though: two fierce as fuck women in what at first seems to be a girl-hating anthem but turns out to be an exposé of a good for nothing, two timing cheater. Honestly, with the way their voices work together on The Boy Is Mine, it’s a wonder Monica and Brandy didn’t release an entire album together, Then again, too much of a good thing may have meant have taken away some of the shine.
Telephone – Lady Gaga & Beyoncé
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVBsypHzF3U
Kevin Parker isn’t the only major artist who saw an opportunity in collaborating with Lady Gaga. This 2010 hookup resulted in one of the biggest, most important pop collaborations of both artist’s careers. Originally written by Gaga for one Britney Spears, the song was released as part of Gaga’s Grammy nominated album The Fame Monster the year before Bey dropped 4. It pushed Beyoncé into a new light, everything from her double time verse to the masterpiece of a music video were highly calculated moves that helped her build upon the Sasha Fierce attitude while bringing together two pop powerhouses who might have otherwise seemed to be on opposing sides of the genre.
My Boo – Usher & Alicia Keys
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPgf2meEX1w
Originally left off the final track listing to the record, My Boo was leaked online along with three other previously unreleased tracks from Usher’s 2004 the album before being added to the expanded version of Confessions. Having previously collaborated with Alicia Keys on If I Ain’t Got You, producer Jermaine Dupri wanted to tap further into the musical relationship between two of the biggest names in r&b and pop at the time and to say it worked out well would be an understatement. It went on to be the fourth single from the album and was the highest debut of them all, coming in at number twenty nine upon its release.
Where Are Ü Now – Justin Bieber, Shrillex & Diplo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nntGTK2Fhb0
Justin Bieber, Pop’s comeback kid of 2015 knows a thing or two about collaborations. He’s worked with Queen Nicki and his 2015 album featured Big Sean, Halsey and Travi$ Scott to name but a few. Commercially however, one of the biggest standout pop collabs of the past year came from his partnering with Shrillex and Diplo for the second single from the duo’s debut album. The song blew up airwaves (including a brief moment where Justin Bieber was actually aired on triple J) before it went on to be included on Bieber’s Purpose. Officially marking his return, Where Are U Now almost singlehandedly reintroduced the world to the slick, new, adult Biebs that went on to cultivate an entire new generation of fans.
California Gurls – Katy Perry & Snoop Dogg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F57P9C4SAW4
Snoop has had his fair share of collabs – we could have made a list with his alone. However, of recent memory, his appearing on Katy Perry‘s California Gurls sticks out as one of the most wtf collaborations conjured up by executives somewhere no doubt. Still, something about it worked because it earned Perry her second US no. 1 hit and Snoop his third as it went on to reach the top spot in ten other countries and received a Grammy nod.
Suit & Tie – Justin Timberlake & Jay Z
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsUsVbTj2AY
Marking the end of his musical hiatus, Suit & Tie was the first single off Justin Timberlake’s 20/20 Experience – a critically acclaimed commercial juggernaut of an album that sparked a near two-year tour. The Jay Z-featuring Suit & Tie surpassed Timberlake’s own record for the most sales in its first week, with the slightly out of time beat and hazed-out drawl of a song sticking around as the hit of what seemed to be the entire year.
Dilemma – Nelly & Kelly
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WYHDfJDPDc
Off Nelly’s album 2001 Nellyville and the lead single from Kelly Rowland’s debut solo album, Simply Deep, released later the same year, this track won the duo a Grammy award. While Rowland’s career hasn’t reached the heights of her fellow child of destiny, Beyoncé, this was the track that showed her to be much more than essentially a featured backup singer for Bey’s. While Beyoncé has her plethora of collaborations and Michelle sings the Lord’s praise in her new career as a gospel singer, neither can stake claim on Dilemma, practically the most enduring collaboration track of the early 2000s with a (now meme-worthy) video to go along with it. I.C.O.N.I.C.
Let Me Blow Ya Mind/and Rich Girl – Gwen Stefani & Eve
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wt88GMJmVk0
During her early-mid-2000s peak, Eve was nothing short of a collab-extraordinaire. But if there was one partnership that proved to be a cut above the rest, it was when she hopped on a track with No Doubt’s Gwen Stefani. Off Eve’s sophomore album, Let Me Blow Ya Mind gave us the first insight into what was truly a match made in pop heaven (or maybe it was hell, because that video was badass AF for the time, even if you did wonder what happened to Gwen’s car once Dre broke the duo out of jail). They followed it up three years later on Stefani’s debut solo album, the Dr Dre produced track Rich Girl. While it was fun and easy enough to go along with, the song (a last minute addition to Stefani’s Love. Angel. Music. Baby) didn’t come anywhere near reaching the bar set with let Me Blow Ya mind.
Image: Consequence of Sound
Justin Bieber and Skrillex received media attention of a different kind this week, finding themselves under fire from singer-songwriter Casey Dienel, aka White Hinterland. Dienel claimed that Bieber’s smash hit single Sorry wrongfully copies, “the specific and unique characteristics of the female vocal riff” from her 2014 track Ring The Bell; essentially, the o-o-o-ohs being questioned as an unauthorised sample.
To try and shine some light on the lawsuit, Skrillex, who produced the track alongside Blood, took to his Twitter with a video that demonstrated specifically how these o-o-o-ohs were created, proving they were in fact not sampled.
SORRY but we didnt steal this 🙏🏻 @justinbieber @bloodpop pic.twitter.com/9897j9sfY7
— Skrillex (@Skrillex) May 27, 2016
So, on the surface it looks as if this was just a simple instance where the pair of them both happened to stumble on the same artistic path, but in the eyes of copyright, that doesn’t necessarily matter. Arguably there is room for debate with this one, but let’s pretend it is completely obvious, if unintentional.
Take legendary Beatle, George Harrison, and his 1970 tune My Sweet Lord for example. Harrison was taken to court following the release of the song for copyright infringement with the 1962 He’s So Fine, written by Ronald Mack. Have a listen to them both and you can tell immediately that these have the same chord progressions and structural similarities. Harrison repeatedly insisted that he did not deliberately copy the music. In court, even the judge believed that he did not intentionally use He’s So Fine, but he nevertheless faced damages of $1,599,987.
Skip back to 2016, and we have a case where this unintentional, questionable, but semi-coincidental infringement is in question. White Hinterland’s song Ring The Bell, does feature that o-o-oh, in the opening but, only three notes, not the four featured in Bieber’s Sorry, but this is something that is just going to have to be debated.
Tastemaker Diplo and Skrillex collaborator chimed into the conversation recently explaining to TMZ, “I’m sure they’ll work out a deal with her. They don’t want to go to court with it.” He then compared the instance to his work with Beyonce with All Night, where the horns resembled Outkast‘s SpottieOttieDopaliscious. “I told them, and then we had to give OutKast 25% of the record.”
Who knows what might happen, in my opinion, I think it will be settled out of court like Diplo says, but in terms of is it just, I don’t entirely think so – but that’s just me. What do you think? Is White Hinterland Right or is this just a stunt to get some more publicity? Read Dienel’s full statement below and compare the two tracks:
https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHinterlandOfficial/posts/10154339160669101
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VW5xIXdfgw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRh_vgS2dFE
Image: Global Dance Electronic
The Billboard Music Awards are done and dusted for another year, and once again brought the goods when it comes to live performances from music’s biggest and (sometimes) best. We’ve checked out all the videos from the show, and narrowed it down to the 5 must see sets. Check them out below!
Rihanna
I have only four words for you: Bad. Gal. Ri. Ri. She absolutely killed it! Her passionate, heart-wrenching ballad taken from her opus, ANTI, titled Love On The Brain was a gentle push on the break pedal from the other high intensity, full throttle performances, and provided a rare glimpse into the other side of Rihanna. A simple set up with a green background, RiRi stood behind a mic stand as she belted out her song, wearing green fur similar to her memorable Bitch Better Have My Money performance with the helicopter at last year’s iHeartRadio music awards. It’s a stunning performance, and definitely the best of the night.
Britney Spears
The Princess of Pop reclaimed her throne at the BBMAs this year, with a medley of her greatest hits effortlessly pulled off. The child star-turned-pop-icon-turned-example-of-what-not-to-do-when-you’re-famous-turned-icon-again showed everyone why she is one of the world’s biggest pop artists ever, with a mix of songs including everything from Toxic to Womanizer to Work Bitch. Dance routines and a back up crew cutting all kinds of shapes, as well as multiple costume changes and an exciting light show started things off with a bang this year, and served as a not so gentle reminder that it’s Britney, bitch!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZG9bttWuFo
Ariana Grande
Having just released her sensational new album, Dangerous Woman on Friday last week, Ariana seized the opportunity to show off some new material. Performing a mash up of title track Dangerous Woman and new single Into You, she showcased her incredible set of pipes in front of a gaggle of back up dancers, performing her sexually powerful and self-assertive new tunes with so much confidence it almost came off as nonchalant. Stepping up her musical capabilities as well as her femme-fatale attitude, Ariana killed it from start to finish here. We’re predicting Into You to be absolutely everywhere soon.
Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber has been thrust onto the world stage for the last 6+ months thanks to his “comeback” album, Purpose and the huge amount of certified bangers on it, and whilst in the past he hasn’t exactly given his live performances his all, this time around he looked raring to go. Complete with back up dances, an elaborate stage set up, jets of fire and an insane light show, Biebs was back to administer another dosage of Bieber Fever at the BBMAs. Performing Sorry and Company, two stand out tunes on his album, he showed everyone that the comeback is far from over, and reaffirmed the fact that we are also far from being over it. Yassss Bieber!
Kesha
This performance almost didn’t happen, so the fact that Kesha did in fact get up on stage with Ben Folds to perform a cover of Bob Dylan’s It Ain’t Me Babe was a very big win for an artist who just can’t catch a break. After months of emotionally exhausting court cases to free her from a contract with her alleged abuser, Dr Luke, and having her case consequently thrown out, the music world has rallied around Kesha to hear her and what she’s trying to say, and this jaw-dropping performance showed that although she isn’t in a good place, there is still light at the end of the tunnel for her. Here’s hoping she sees justice soon.
Image: BGR
The 2016 iHeartRadio awards once again brought the goods this year, honouring some of music’s biggest names and delivering a plethora of outstanding performances. Taking time out from his huge world tour, Justin Bieber was one of the night’s performers and typically blew away the hundreds of screaming girls rushing the stage with a mini medley of two of his tracks, Love Yourself and Company.
Although the performance was solid, Bieber’s voice sounding great and his backup dancers giving an extra element to the 5 minute long gig, Bieber’s overall lack of enthusiasm is pretty hard to miss. Being swarmed by fans can’t be fun, but I found myself left quite disappointed with his very clear wish to be anywhere but there. His body was doing one thing, but his face was saying another. Looking positively bored, Justin Bieber got through the performance with a lacklustre attitude that is in line with his recent antics of not showing up to meet and greets at some shows, and cancelling others all together.
Don’t get me wrong, the tracks are jams and I have been bumping Purpose regularly since its release last year. But, being a new victim of Bieber fever, I found this all quite disappointing, and I can only imagine what fans who were actually there would be feeling. Apart from the girl that got to dance with him, she’s probably feeling amazing. Check it out for yourself below.
Image: The Fader
For many, meeting a celebrity idol is a life-defining moment. But in the world of pop music it’s also lucrative business. Having set the price of a simple handshake and photo at $2000, Justin Bieber was intent on pushing the cost of meet and greets to ever greater heights.
But that all changed last week when the Canadian singer published an Instagram post outlining his decision to discontinue the practice.
As we reported last week, the singer stated that that he enjoyed meeting fans but found the experience “draining.” “Never want to disappoint but I feel I would rather give you guys the show and my albums as promised,” he shared.
But those who already booked a meeting have been left in the lurch. Fans who coughed up the fee to meet the singer on the Las Vegas leg of his Purpose world tour were left empty handed. Further adding insult to injury fans were given the option of greeting a poorly conceived alternative: A life sized cut out of the pop star.
*pays $2000 for a Justin Bieber meet and greet ticket* pic.twitter.com/ecvWEQaHMu
— mackenzie (@heavymetalorgy) March 26, 2016
Understandably, fans were not pleased. Clearly the promise of an album and show didn’t cut it for those who had thrown $2000 down the drain. The Daily Mail has since reported that other devastated fans who purchased deluxe tickets will be offered a refund. However, the replacement ticket offered will require fans to forfeit the prime ‘pit’ position they had enjoyed with the original package. With similar tickets costing up to four times as much, it looks like it’s a no win for the hard done by Beliebers.
The Canadian star has yet to address his discontented fans.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ELbX5CMomE
Read more: Justin Bieber Cancels All Meet And Greets On His Purpose World Tour
Beliebers across the globe are in mourning as Canadian pop sensation Justin Bieber declares he will no longer be doing meet and greets after the shows on his Purpose world tour. He is set to play 114 shows this year and fans were able to purchase packages that offer either 1 on 1, or group time. If you’re one who recognises a good bargain you will appreciate the prices which ranged between $900 and $2,000.
Bieber announced on Instagram and Twitter that he would be cancelling all future meet and greets because he ends up “filled with so much of other people’s spiritual energy” that he is “drained and unhappy.” He says wanting to make people smile and be happy leaves him “mentally and emotionally exhausted to the point of depression.”
Bieber’s management team told a different story, citing a security incident as the reason for the cancellations.
https://twitter.com/JBCrewdotcom/status/712433936199192578
The supposedly obsessed and dangerous fan who is on Bieber’s security watch list got within 10 feet of him during one of the meet and greet sessions. They are now offering refunds to fans who purchased the packages or a ‘VIP group hangout’ as an alternative – but only if they are willing to give up the concert component of the ticket as well.
Bieber has made a bit of a comeback recent years after getting roasted on Comedy Central and releasing some music which was actually pretty good, including the Jack U collab, Where Are U Now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nntGTK2Fhb0
Not sure why he didn’t just say it was a security threat rather than pumping out some drivel about the thousands of people who love him leaving him drained and depressed. Either way, stay safe Biebz.
Image: NME
Justin Bieber may be the prince of pop, but it seems his words are now gospel. In one of the best ideas to ever leap out of the mixed bag that is the media, Vanity Fair have turned Bieber’s Love Yourself into a dramatic reading. Spoken by the voice of God himself, Morgan Freeman, the actor graces Bieber’s words with his own interpretation.
Lending his mellifluous tones to the verses, Freeman’s reading doesn’t even miss the musical backing it dispenses with. Having much the same effect as when David Attenborough wants to tell me all about the fascinating habits of tree frogs or humpback whales, I could happily drift away to Freeman’s adjuration to go “love yourself”.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRKZh-2j4PY]
Spoken out loud with the addition of Freeman’s years of experience and wisdom, Bieber’s youthful angst takes on the character of an ageless problem. No matter if you’re 22 or 78, judging by the wry understanding in Freeman’s grandfatherly eyes – love is never simple. And bitches still be crazy.
For all the times that you rain on my parade
And all the clubs you get in using my name
You think you broke my heart, oh, girl for goodness’ sake
You think I’m crying on my own. Well, I ain’t
And I didn’t wanna write a song
‘Cause I didn’t want anyone thinking I still care. I don’t,
But you still hit my phone up
And, baby, I be movin’ on
And I think you should be somethin’ I don’t wanna hold back,
Maybe you should know that
My mama don’t like you and she likes everyone
And I never like to admit that I was wrong
And I’ve been so caught up in my job,
Didn’t see what’s going on
But now I know,
I’m better sleeping on my own
‘Cause if you like the way you look that much
Oh, baby, you should go and love yourself
And if you think that I’m still holdin’ on to somethin’
You should go and love yourself
Watch other videos in the series of dramatic readings from Vanity Fair on Youtube.
Image: YouTube.
Justin Bieber has enjoyed an immense and wonderful comeback over the past few months, and if you’ve been reading Howl & Echoes in that time you’ll be fully aware of our support of the Bieber Renaissance. Following the release of his new album Purpose, along with what was undoubtedly some of the best pop tracks in recent years with singles Sorry and What Do You Mean? as well as the Grammy-winning Jack U collab Where Are U Now, a previously unheard track Oh Girl has now surfaced. Now, we’re not sure whether this is totally new, or perhaps a cut that never made it to Purpose, but we do know that it is actually pretty damn great.
More electro-R&B than his usual style, it’s slinky and seductive, with flirtatious lyrics and a seriously steamy melody.
Anchored by a muffled bass, the underlying rhythm glides way under the radar. Opening with a deep beat beneath a lightly auto-tuned melody, with additional percussive layers, piano and more filling up the soundscape. As it moves along, the music continues to build, with synths playfully manipulating the rhythms and overall vibe. Just before the three-minute mark comes a string and piano breakdown, before the entire soundscape drops into a sweeping, progressive instrumental.
One for that bedroom playlist? Absolutely.
Read more: Accepting yourself as a Belieber: a how-to guide.
Image: BreatheHeavy