Michelle O Faith, 'Black Lolita'
‘Black Lolita’ - when the perceived prey holds the power.
Michelle O Faith is a stylish young artist to make you sing, dance - and think. The spectacular vocalist, song writer and producer, precedes the second of her ‘Lagoon’ trilogy of EPs, with new single; ‘Black Lolita’.
The video was shot (and co-directed) by Parri Thomas (above image is a still) It’s visual vibrancy reflects the iconic, starshaped rays emitted sonically The message is a sad, and thankfully uncomfortable, indictment of “showbiz” reality. The total is a breathtaking instant pop classic.
“Black Lolita is a song about the abuse of power that, sadly, is rampant in the music industry - (and indeed, entertainment industry at large). I wanted however to put a spin on the classic tale of Lolita, and provoke thought in the listener by subverting perceptions around what the story traditionally represents.
The “black” in the title is both intentional and significant, as the song speaks to the fetishisation of young black women, specifically, by older white men in the industry. (I have certainly experienced the above - more than once).
I do not align myself with Lolita. That is to say, the idea of the song is not that I am this character willingly - but rather that, in situations of a highly specific kind, the character is one enforced upon me by the male gaze. The song is me narrating my acute awareness of the above as it occurs.
“It’s the way you look at me when we are together / Like you don’t care you oughta know better… Wanna dress me up in white summer dresses / Brush my long tresses.” In this awareness lies the key to me subverting role of victim, and actually becoming the empowered one in the dynamic, as I remain one step ahead of this particular brand of Humbert.
The refrain of “I’ll be your Black Lolita” is both: my feigning ignorance, and allowing the older, powerful gentleman to think his fantasy is being realised; whilst almost daring him to fall into the role that experience has shown me his type so has a proclivity for. In spite of its light and lush sonic, Black Lolita is underpinned by a sad knowing that isn’t necessarily apparent on first listen.”
Michelle is SO much our kind of rock n roll star. A melodic cyber-vixen with a sussed mind and kind soul.
‘Black Lolita’ is one of TheZineUK’s Newer Wave songs and videos of the year.
Cos ya gotta have faith…
Straight outta South London (where so much creative originality is being sparked that the capital’s next two boroughs of culture are Lewisham and Croydon) where she was born to an east-African mother and west-African father, Michelle O Faith is a young vocalist, songwriter, and producer with added edge.
Awarded a scholarship for Classical Voice tuition, by Deptford’s inspirational MIDI Music, at the age of ten, this charismatic musician is an astonishing prospect.
By eighteen, she was a concert-level Opera Singer. This technique seeps into Michelle’s vocal delivery, making for a striking sound that has earned her comparison to Kate Bush and Lana Del Rey - whilst still maintaining her singularity. It has also won wide acclaim across the coolest media.
Michelle's last EP project, ‘Birthday Blues’ (2017), was funded by PRS Foundation via their prestigious Women Make Music Award. Michelle promoted the collection with a series of electrifying live shows at some of London's heritage venues - including The Bedford, Troubadour, Tooting Tram & Social, Hoxton Underbelly and BIRTHDAYS, (a sold-out gig where she supported IAmDDB).
Currently, Michelle is rolling out her most ambitious project to date - a trilogy of EP’s titled Lagoon. The set is funded by the MOBO Help Musicians Award.
Volume I of the trilogy was released (and deservedly well received) in Summer 2020, preceded by the singles Bloomsbury Hotel, Speaking in Tongues, and Lemonade (Pt. II).
Volume II of Lagoon arrives in Autumn 2020 preceded by ‘Black Lolita’. If you don’t think Michelle O Faith is one of creativity’s most exciting prospects, give yer head a wobble.
Dizzy Spell, Editor of TheZineUK, with Michelle O Faith, sofa time at The Great Escape Festival 2017