Connect with us

We Speak Music

Sohodolls re-write classic 00’s single “Bang Bang Bang Bang” in stand against gun violence!

Published

on

London’s influential electro-rockers, Sohodolls returned last year after being out of the limelight for more than a decade. A globally enforced lockdown revived one of their classics “Bang Bang Bang Bang” into an unexpected viral TikTok hit among the Gen Z glitterati. It so happened that Madonna had posted a recording she made of her daughter Estere Ciccone performing her own original choreography to the track and as part of the ensuing TikTok trend “Bang Bang Bang Bang” rocketed up the Billboard Top 50 and is now sitting on over 100m Spotify streams.

The new viral attention inspired Sohodolls to reform and release new singles “Letter To My Ex (Thank You Goodbye)” and “Bad” in 2022, which both picked up considerable press & radio attention, including airplay from Nels Hylton on Radio 1’s ‘Future Alternative’, Frank Skinner on Absolute Radio and features with highly regarded music blog Atwood Magazine. Now Sohodolls have gone back to where it all began to re-write and re-record “Bang Bang Bang Bang” to bring it up to date for 2023.

On how the new Otabek Salamov produced version of “Bang Bang Bang Bang” came about, main Sohodolls songwriter Maya Von Doll said: “I changed the lyrics from “hold the gun” to “kill the gun” to make my standpoint clearer. I’ve always been against guns. After BBBB went viral, I could see some confusion with some people believing it was a song about school shootings and that’s not what it’s about at all and I didn’t want people to carry that narrative nor think I was glorifying guns. I was slightly referencing Kurt Cobain’s suicide but mostly because I was so shocked and saddened by what happened as Nirvana was such a big part of my youth.”

It’s the Nirvana grunge influence that Sohodolls tap into further with the “Bang Bang Bang Bang” re-write, with explosive distorted guitars replacing the original version’s synth heavy backdrop. A more raw and gritty incarnation, the new “Bang Bang Bang Bang” feels both nostalgic for the early 90s and fresh and relevant again for 2023, Maya Von Doll’s voice as sumptuous and infectious as ever.

Revealing further on the song’s themes and the updated new version, Maya Von Doll explains, “The song is actually about being a misfit and finding your tribe. I wrote this song when I was a teenager feeling like I didn’t quite fit in with any of the cliques at school, but I started going out in Soho and meeting all these wonderfully different people. Even though I’ve always been anti-guns, I wanted to update the spirit for the times we’re living in now where you have to be clearer about what you stand for. I do think gun ownership is a bad idea.”

Continue Reading
Advertisement

We Speak Music

Marsha Swanson Releases New Song “Like An Angel”

Published

on

By

Marsha Swanson

Now out, Marsha Swanson’s most recent track, “Like An Angel,” has already started to stir among listeners of progressive pop. Released on January 31, 2025, the song, which offers a very personal experience, honours the one-year anniversary of her album “Near Life Experience” which came out in 2024.

The track was originally an untitled ghost track from the album and it has been re-recorded with a live band and a string section, bringing a new level of emotional depth. It was produced at Echo Zoo Studios by Henry (King Thumb) Thomas, whose credits include Randy Crawford and Paul Weller, the track blends the ethereal beauty of the original with a fresh, dynamic arrangement. The lineup of talented musicians—Martyn Barker (drums), Tony Qunta (guitar), and Anders Olinder (keyboards)—adds to its lush, atmospheric sound.

Inspired by those who have departed but still lead us, in life “Like An Angel” pushes into themes of love, acceptance, and remembrance accompanied by a visually spectacular video filmed by award-winning filmmaker Sam Chegini. Comparisons to the work of Kate Bush and Tori Amos help one to really relate to the spiritual and cinematic sense of the song.

Having already reached the semi-finals of the UK Songwriting Contest, “Like An Angel” reinforces Swanson’s reputation for insightful lyricism and compelling compositions. With continued airplay and critical acclaim, the single stands as a powerful testament to her artistry—a gift to listeners and a celebration of the album’s lasting impact.

Continue Reading

Trending