We Speak Music

Loose beat poetry fused with ravaged vocals on new Michele Ducci single ‘Hic’

Published

10 months ago

May 30, 2024

Don Reed

‘Hic’ (Latin for ‘here’) is the third single from the debut solo album by former M+A and Santii member, Michele Ducci. The track is a more experimental departure from the rest of the album, fusing loose, percussive Beat poetry with ravaged vocals.

According to Ducci, “‘Hic’ came to visit me towards the end of SIVE’s recordings. I was listening to the tapes, it was night, the bathroom in the house had flooded and I had lost my voice. Not being able to continue recording the other songs because of the hoarse and broken voice I decided to make a new one exactly with hoarse and broken voice. I started improvising recording myself without instruments and only with what was left of my voice.

“Keeping in mind as canvas some verses by the poet Henry De Régnier I began the musical navigation with this sort of indirect free speech that revolves around the Copernican question of a taking place = x, a ‘hic’ more than a ‘now’, not extensive, but intensive, which is the root of every extended space. An immense threshold which is like a shadow “qui se retire ou s’allonge, selon l’heure du jour qui croît ou du jour qui décline, Marque le cours du temps et la saison divine où l’aube est toujours claire et le soir toujours long.”

“In two hours the song was done with some addition of drums and piano. And the nine-song album became a ten-song album…And with my vocal exhaustion I happily looked upon it as a kind of bizarre drunken Armstrong. I am still grateful for that experience!!!!”.

Accompanying the single is a video directed by Marco Catapano, which was filmed in Greece between Paxos and Corfù.

Michele Ducci’s album will be released on 7^th June on CD in a colour printed card wallet as well as digitally. Pre-order CD here:
https://monotremerecords.limitedrun.com/products/758779

We Speak Music

Etherdene’s “Forsaker” Captures the Power of Letting Go

Published

3 hours ago

April 1, 2025

Philomena Marie

Etherdene’s ‘Forsaker’ is a revelation in both sound and sentiment. The track marks a new chapter in her career, blending the vulnerability of heartbreak with the resilience of moving on, all wrapped in an electrifying package of synth-pop and indie-pop. The result is a song that is both deeply personal and universally relatable, a cathartic journey that encourages listeners to let go and rise above their challenges.

At the heart of ‘Forsaker’ is Etherdene’s exploration of emotional struggle and the painful yet liberating act of letting go. Drawing from her own experiences with the end of a professional partnership, Etherdene’s lyrics are a raw and powerful expression of inner conflict. The line, “Brand new member in the club of quitters, the uniform compliments my eyes,” encapsulates the complex emotions of giving up, flipping the narrative on its head to reveal the strength in choosing to walk away.

‘Forsaker’ is a triumph. Etherdene’s decision to incorporate synth bass arps brings an air of 80s nostalgia while keeping the track fresh and forward-thinking. The electric guitar work from Cory Clark adds a layer of dynamism to the song, complementing its mood perfectly. However, it’s the drums – played by Warren van Wyk – that truly elevate the track, infusing it with energy and warmth that feels almost magical.

What sets ‘Forsaker’ apart is its empowering message. Etherdene isn’t merely recounting a painful experience; she’s showing us the strength that comes from letting go of something that no longer serves you. It’s a message of courage and self-love, encouraging listeners to prioritize their emotional well-being over the fear of walking away from something that seems promising but ultimately isn’t right.

‘Forsaker’ is yet another example of Etherdene’s impressive versatility as an artist. From her early days in the Afrikaans band Kaktus to her current solo career, she has continually pushed the boundaries of what indie-pop can be. With ‘Forsaker’, she’s taken an emotional experience and turned it into a musical triumph that’s as empowering as it is catchy. This track is bound to resonate with anyone who’s ever had to make the difficult decision to walk away – and Etherdene’s ability to capture that moment in song is nothing short of remarkable.