TRACK REVIEW:
Stephanie O
Woman Oh
9.5/10
The track, Woman Oh, is available via:
https://open.spotify.com/album/59WFmQWItP7d4MuaI2sAOu
GENRES:
Pop; Jazz
ORIGIN:
Paris, France/London, U.K.
RELEASE DATE:
21st June, 2018
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ON this occasion…
PHOTO CREDIT: Sam Copeland
I am talking about Stephanie O and her beautiful music. Before I get to her latest single, Woman Oh; I want to address a few things. There is a lot to investigate but I want to study female artists and, again, why I think we need to pay more attention and create some parity. I will look at vintage strands and those who look at the past. I’ll go on to talk about artists with curiosity and an ambition that brings colour and texture into things; Paris and, in fact relocation – ending by speaking a little regarding Stephanie O’s future and possibilities. There are a lot of Pop artists out there and people who produce emotive and revealing work. I am looking around the mainstream and I rarely find myself dipping in and out that often. That goes through waves: sometimes, I am engrossed by an artist but, right now, there are few I am interested in. Maybe it is the Pop core that leaves me a little bored. Those established, quality-laden artists are the ones I am more interested in. I feel we need to shake things up a bit – as I always say – and an artist like Stephanie O provides a new angle. I am always concerned we are not putting enough emphasis on female artists and, whilst this is not a fight that needs to be championed on this occasion; I feel the disparity and the scales shifting towards male artists. The rumour mill for Glastonbury is cranking and there is speculation the likes of Paul McCartney and Madonna could be featured – maybe Fleetwood Mac and Taylor Swift. Whilst the headliners might, finally, mix male and female; I wonder whether festivals, really, are starting to equalise (in terms of gender). The reason I bring up the gender subject is the sense of passion and depth you get with female artists. Maybe it is the way they approach music or a different set of emotions they unleash. In any case; I tend to get something more engaging and long-lasting when I hear a female artist play.
PHOTO CREDIT: Lily Rault
In terms of Stephanie O’s music; she digs deep into the soul and projects something quite fantastic. You get heart and spirit; there is urgency but time for gentleness and a softer touch. A mixture of sounds and sensations goes into her music. I am not suggesting male artists could not create this impression – a lot of them do – but I feel inadequate credit is being given to female artists. That will all change, in time, and I know artists like Stephanie O will get their just reward. The songwriter has worked hard and achieved quite a lot in a short time. She has performed alongside names such as Carole King and Cindy Lauper; there is that love of strong and pioneering heroines who have paved the way and opened doors for the next generations. One of the things that bug me about the modern industry is a real unwillingness to look beyond the commercial and radio-friendly Pop music that seems to ‘tick all the boxes’. More diversity is coming onto the scene but there is still that reliance on the easy and uncomplicated. Maybe I have spoken about this too much but I get annoyed by the lack of real progress. Look at artists like Stephanie O and you are getting something different and more intriguing. I will talk about the flexibility of her music but, when listening to Woman Oh; it is a song that deserves a lot of praise and focus. I know there will be moves to create a more ‘equal’ music industry but I think there are a lot of problems that could be fixed quite quickly. Rather than labour over gender and inequality; let’s turn our attention to a fantastic young artist who is producing incredible music. Stephanie O is a perfect example of the modern artists and someone who is turning heads – an exceptional talent who has her sights set and is concocting an original and compelling sound.
One of the pre-requisites regarding my blog is, for interviews, having a fair few images free. Many artists have particular images for various campaigns whereas some have very few available. In the case of Stephanie O; she has some great shots available right now. To my mind, she is someone who has the potential to really shine and stun. She has the looks and demeanour of a classic star and Hollywood idol; a sophistication and strength that radiates. Her love of the vintage and romantic could lead to some great new shoots. Maybe a Paris-set photoshoot or something that engages with a vintage setting. There are possibilities but I think, if she were to hook with a trusted and brilliant photographer; the two of them could work some magic and come up with some awesome snaps. I am not sure if that is around the corner but, from what we can see; you get an impression of who Stephanie O is by looking at her photos. That love of the vintage and classic seems to dictate how she goes about things. Her music mixes the new and vintage – thus, creating something original – but it is great hearing someone inject modern Pop with bygone Swing and Jazz. I know Stephanie O established her own Swing group, The Puppini Sisters, and has affection for Doris Day and Peggy Lee. When you listen to an artist, and try to figure their sound out, you ask them about influences. I have interviewed hundreds and you start to see some common names. To be honest; I have heard of very few who go that far back in music and have the same influences of Stephanie O. Rather than crib from modern artists and what is being played on, say, BBC Radio 1; Stephanie O looks back and sources from a more alluring and sophisticated treasure chest. It is fascinating hearing that blend of the older-days and modern production.
Vintage and classic sounds/looks are always good to see in music. I feel there is too much emphasis on the modern and ultra-fast. We are moving at such a pace and it seems there is little time to move and breathe. Whilst some artists throw in some classic threads into their own music; there are relatively few who have that true appreciation and knowledge of music from far back. I feel too many modern artists name-check legends and older music but rarely source from it. If they do, then you get rather obvious and over-used names. Listen to Stephanie O and you get that sensuous Jazz edge combined with something rather unexpected. She has brewed her own sound and takes you directly into the song. Listening to Woman Oh is like sitting alongside her as she creates music. When you do hear the voice/music play; one instantly gets images of a dreamy and filmic-looking Parisian flat; the heroine in her chic and vintage clothing – the world going by and the sun beaming through the windows. The songwriter has that immersive and physical quality that arrests the senses and makes you conspire. I fear a lot of modern music is soulless because (the artists) feel people want something instant and uncomplicated. Rather than write something meaningful to them that has sophistication; they would much rather provide rather simple and samey music. It is great seeing an artist who goes against the predictable and commercial sounds of the mainstream and, instead, creates music that has a unique and smoky sound. You listen to Stephanie O perform and can hear how much music means to her. You know it means everything to her and she is not just in the business for quick success – she wants to remain and inspire generations to come. There is a long way to go but I can tell, even now, there will be a lot more coming from her.
Another thing that strikes me about Stephanie O is the colour and vivacity she brings to the music. Rather than release something rather plain and unengaging; you get music that brings you into the moment and compels the mind. It is like, as I said, walking in the song and being there with the writer. Maybe that ability comes from the likes of Day and Lee – those who could do the same thing to their audience – but I think it is the way Stephanie O writes and imagines. Rather than take lyrics from cliché and diary pages; her process is a lot more interesting and detailed. You get a sense of where the track was written and the sounds (and sights) outside her window. I will come to look at Paris in a bit but, in a way, there is a little bit of the city running through the veins. I am looking for music that goes beyond the routine and actually moves you. I listen to Woman Oh and can speculate what inspired it and what was happening when it came together. I imagine the songwriter sat in a rather calm setting, watching the world go by and a sense of tranquillity wash over her. With embers of legends in her mind and personal memories in mind; it is a fantastic thing to hear the song and watch it unfold. I guess every songwriter has their own method and writes their own way: Stephanie O brings a lot more to the plate and does a lot more. The artist does not want music to be simply sounds that get into the head and do something in the short-term. Stephanie O wants the listener to get involved with the song and it remains in the head for a long time. She wants the words and melodies to keep coming back and the embers of the track to remain in the eyes for as long as possible. She is not someone who writes quickly to fill the market and so something temporary.
PHOTO CREDIT: Sam Copeland
Stephanie O originally hails from London and she formed the Swing-Pop harmony group, The Puppini Sisters, before leaving to strike out on her own. Moving to Pairs, in a way, was when things started. The artist was inspired by the world outside the dressing room and curious about the world at large. She was not willing to simply do the same thing over and over – the desire to do more and embrace the world was always in her heart. I have talked about the colours and emotions one gets from Stephanie O’s music. What amazes me is the clash of geography and scenery. I know Woman Oh is not about Paris but, when you listen, you do get images of the city come through. That may sound strange and it might be something to do with the elegance, passion and prowess one hears in the song. It is an extraordinary thing that has its body and feet in the U.K. but has a heart, soul and spirit in Paris. I have never been to the French capital myself but it is somewhere I will need to visit before too long. I can understand that urge to move and experience somewhere new. Paris is not too far from London – so Stephanie O has that easy access – and you have a different way of life there. Rather than get buried in the rush of London and experience the music we have here; Paris has a different vibe and is a whole new world. There is similar music to that of London but Paris offers its own dynamic and depth. You have Jazz clubs and great Blues artists; there is that retained history and the ghost of legends past. I can imagine walking through Paris does all sorts of magical things to the mind. The scenery and chatter; the shops and busy cafes – that is enough to get the hands twitching, excited by the prospect of a new song.
Splitting her time between Paris and London; Stephanie O is busy and, working with producer Peter Lyons, she is looking ahead and what can be. I hope the songwriter spends more time in Paris and does not feel the need to settle her feet in London. That may sound odd but I feel songwriters need to take chances and open their minds to new places. Travel broadens the mind, as we know, so it can do wonders for an artist. If you live somewhere as entrancing and stunning as Paris; I can only imagine what words come to mind and how the imagination works. I am seeing a lot of artists relocate and take chances. Maybe it is the stagnation of where they are and the need to find fresh impetus. I, myself, am moving and there are many others who need to take that leap. I am not saying a move to another city will lead to songwriting revelation but it is a great way of changing style and getting something fresh in the mind. Stephanie O has not abandoned her early sounds – Swing and Jazz – but she has mixed it together with Pop and more-modern elements. I feel many are moving because they want to find new opportunities and get their music to new audiences. I know there is a very strong live scene in Paris and the French crowds are very receptive and attentive. There might not be the same breadth and variation as in London but it is (Paris) a great city to play in. I feel like Stephanie O has found new lease and love by moving where she is. You get a less-harried and stressed style of music; a soothe and sense of movement one would not experience in London. Radio personalities like Gaby Roslin have already paid tribute to the beautiful music; others are noting how the time is not and how (Stephanie O) is primed for something big.
PHOTO CREDIT: Sam Copeland
One gets a rather rousing and soft entrance from Stephanie O on Woman Oh. There is a sense of jump and delight that gets the feet tapping and smiles broadening. Acoustic guitar races and skips as the heroine comes to the microphone and lets her voice play and tease. You get that instant beauty and gratification from her tones – a pleasing and alluring sound that casts the mind back to the 1950s and 1960s and the musical heroines of old. I love the production sound and that sense of the vintage. It sounds like the song was recorded using an older microphone as it has a slight echo and sound that is wonderfully raw and classical. Rather than polish the production and evaporate any soul from it; you have a very real and live-sounding song that puts the vocal right at the top. You are under Stephanie O’s spell and following her as she dances and wonders. The syncopated, restless words look at the heroine hop a train to Paris and meet with a love. They got “drunk and dizzy” and spent hours on the streets; helpless in their abandon and surrendering to the beauty of their surroundings. Whether this relates to a physical relationship or a friendship (at first); you can tell how meaningful and instrumental these moments have been. I love the instrumentation and how it complements the vocal. The guitar work is almost Country-like whilst the percussion patters and has that Jazz inspiration. It is amazing discovering a song that steps away from the ultra-modern Pop and has that pleasing, vintage smile. The pace and flow of the words is the biggest selling point. That addictive and insatiable dance gets the listener singing along and moving their body. The enraptured duo has no money but, as the heroine says, there are free things in life they can abandon. You get a sense of two sweethearts who are from a different time. One can imagine the heroine in a fashionable dress – maybe striped or hopped – and the hero unfamiliar and charmed by a new city.
PHOTO CREDIT: Lily Rault
They are moving through Paris and looking for adventures. They have little coinage to show but their hearts are full and they are open-eyed to the wonder around them. Romance and tenderness is part of the deal (free, of course), but the sheer delights and eye-catching splendour of the city itself is keeping them amused and hooked. Our heroine is, as she says, the man’s woman; he, in turn, is her sweetheart and that bond is established. She wants to be held and caressed under the yellow sky and feel the intimacy of the moment. Rather than tease the words and build the mood; Stephanie O has that immediacy and rush at her feet. She is never resting and affected by the urgency of the bond. It is almost child-like in its excitement and wonder. You can hear her smile and I can imagine, when writing the song, she was reflecting on a glorious time when anything was possible and there was the fresh bloom of love. The chorus – where our heroine declares her affection and realises something special is here – sticks in the heart and will make you come back to the song. The song becomes instrumental at the half-way stage and allows the listener to imagine what is happening and how the lovers are moving. You jump into the city and wander alongside the dancing lovers. The simplicity of the composition is one of the biggest strength. The guitar-and-percussion combination skips, scratches and hops and never becomes too heavy and intrusive. Stephanie O unleashes some wordless vocals and hums; she breezes and lets her voice sway. The song goes from a racing and rampant thing and dies down; it comes back up and a new lease of life is found. That unexpected (and brief) fade down-fade up shows how nimble and unpredictable the song is. The final words see the heroine in Jazz/Soul territory and singing in a more romantic and softer way. It is a final kiss that perfectly brings the song down. Woman Oh is a track that will keep you coming back and gets into the brain. It is catchy and instantly memorable but has so much nuance and depth. A fantastic offering that will keep people interested and wonder where Stephanie O goes from here. I am excited by the prospect of future material and whether Paris will be in the mind; whether the style will be the same (as Woman Oh) and what we will get.
Going forward, and I feel there are real opportunities before the songwriter. She is splitting her time between London and Paris and is busy working on a new release. We will see an E.P. later in the year and that will be, I am sure, accompanied by performances. I hope, when she does progress and release more material, we see some cool new snaps come through. With Paris at her feet; a classic/1950s-style shoot or something that sees Stephanie O surrounded by splendour and beauty would add something to her social media profiles. There are a lot of possible fans waiting on Twitter and new markets she could conquer. Woman Oh is a cracking song that has gained plaudits and brought in new fans. I am not sure whether there is a Twitter profile for Stephanie O but I feel this is a market she could exploit and do well in. There are loads of radio stations and venues that would love to support her music; other artists she could hook up with and fresh possibilities. I am excited to see where she can go and what the future holds for Stephanie O. I have been following her music for a little while and know how far she has come. It is always hard finding unique and original artists who do something you have not heard before. Stephanie O goes beyond the usual Pop fare and fuses Jazz and Soul sounds together to provide a fresh and fantastic thing. Looking ahead and I feel like London could come back into her mind. There are some great venues here and it would be great to see the songwriter embark on a tour. I know many people would love to see her perform and it is only a matter of time before her music gets to the masses. Festivals are coming up and, whilst it may be too late to hit the big ones now; next year is a real possibility that could see her take to some prominent stages.
IN THIS PHOTO: Sam Copeland
I opened by talking about female artists and how little attention, compared to men, they get. It is sad to think we still live in a time where there is inequality and an imbalance. I am seeing small changes but that sense of evolution is not happening fast enough. Rather than dwell on the problems and divisions; celebrating artists who have something important to say is much more rewarding. I know Stephanie O has been working hard and dedicating a lot of time to fresh music. I am not sure what form her upcoming E.P. will take but I am sure there will be other gems like Woman Oh on it. The market is so busy and varied right now. It can be hard deciding which artists are going a long way and those who are going to be around for a short time. It is early days for Stephanie O but I know she will be around for a lot longer and progress as an artist. Her love of artists we do not really talk about much these days – like Peggy Lee – sets her apart from the crowd. Influences are important and they can have a big say regarding your own music. The talented artist takes a lot from the present-day but it is the music she grew up around that gives her that extra edge. Let’s hope a lot more eyes turn the way of Stephanie O. She is a wonderful and hungry artist who knows what it takes to succeed and is determined to get as far as possible. If you are unfamiliar with the beauty of Woman Oh and have not given it a proper listen; get your ears around it and make sure you share it on social media. I have heard many artists this year and all sorts of music. Many will stay in the mind for a bit and disappear: a select few bounce around the brain and keep me curious for longer than expected. Stephanie O is definitely one of those artists who get into the head and, when you least expect it, come back and…
SPRINKLE magic in the ears.
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