Beyoncé has given the people an anthem of cultural pride just when the world needs it most.

Following the unlawful death of George Floyd, the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has been sparked across the world. With all 50 states and 18 additional countries protesting for racial equality, Beyoncé has been a leading supporter of the movement. She has used her social media presence as a means of activism, encouraging people to sign petitions to get justice for others who have died at the hands of police brutality. In an open video message, she pleaded with her followers to be a part of this movement, and to help the families of the victims.

When Beyoncé surprised fans with a new song in the final hours of the 19th of June, she was bookmarking Juneteenth into history.

Juneteenth is the celebration of slaves being emancipated on the same date, in 1865. The song- named “Black Parade”- is a call to action for African Americans, as she lyrically encourages them to be proud of their roots, of where they come from. This is especially potent when she sings “I can’t forget that my history is her-story”. The song is rich in cultural references, coming from all over the continent of Africa. From the “Ankh” symbol that comes from Egypt to the West African goddess of love and femininity, “Oshun”. This broadens the horizons of who can relate to the lyrics, and who can emotionally connect with the song.

Check out Beyoncé’s New single above

When you listen to it, it’s almost overwhelmingly full of pride and emotion. It feels like a community breaking through and refusing to keep quiet about their culture anymore, and it’s absolutely beautiful. The essence of it reminds me of writers such as Toni Morrison and Grace Nichols, who both wrote about being proud of their roots, and embracing their history. When posting about the single on Instagram, Beyoncé wrote “Please continue to remember our beauty, strength, and power.” Black Parade” celebrates you, your voice, and your joy”.

Alongside the song came the BeyGOOD Black Business Impact Fund. This new campaign is made to support and promote black-owned businesses and elevate them during these hard times. The fund will be administered by the National Urban League. Alongside this announcement on her website came a directory of black businesses, ranging from Art and Design to Restaurants and Bars.

While the BLM movement continues to take over the world in a wave of justice, it’s important to help independent owners.

The song is so rich that I could spend hours analysing every word or image included in it. It is the perfect song to release and is exactly what people needed right now. Empowerment, freedom, and pride.

Words by Abigail Forrest

Graphics by Katie Janes

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The post Beyoncé Releases Surprise Single “Black Parade” to mark Juneteenth celebrations appeared first on Voir Fashion.

“Take Yourself Home” is the first time we have heard music from Troye since the release of his sophomore album, Bloom, of which the supporting tour helped to propel fellow star Kim Petras into the success she now has. Bloom saw a more developed and mature Troye explore the passion and emotion surrounding love and relationships, most likely referencing the almost four-year-long relationship between Troye and boyfriend Jacob Bixenman.

The song has been teased on social media for several weeks, with Troye posting the single cover art 3 days ago. The cover art undeniably looks eerily similar to the film poster for 2017’s “Ladybird”. Twitter obviously picked up on this and began to compare the two pictures, to which Troye replied with a picture of the movie poster and the caption “Me” – we stan a self-aware king.

‘Take Yourself Home’ opens on a soft, emotional note, with Troye singing “I’m tired of the city, scream if you’re with me” (a lyric he had previously teased on Twitter just over a week ago). These lyrics showcase a more vulnerable and melancholy side to an artist often signing about the ‘good side’ of love, if you pardon the reference. The lyric, “if anyone can hear me, switch the lights” especially stood out as a particularly potent insight into the mind of one of pop’s freshest faces, as he comes to terms with the damaging emotions that surround the celebrity he has earned; feeling as though you are invisible despite and sometimes as a result of being observed by millions.

Lyric Video of Troye Sivan’s New Song ‘Take Yourself Home’

The song’s chorus, consisting of a swelling, smooth beat and Troye’s gentle yet deliberate singing is both erotic and moving. The angsty lyrics with the soft mellow beat is representative of Troye’s interpretation of pop music and manage to perfectly reflect the feelings of a generation. The words invite the listener into the faded existence described in the song, and the subtle jazz influence helps to curate a near-perfect auditory experience; entirely relaxing and refreshingly intoxicating.

At the near-end of the song, Troye’s vocals begin to get lost in the humming baseline seemingly bringing a close to this mellow ballad describing the angsty experiences of a young pop star, before the listener is suddenly immersed into a hyper-electronic sonic explosion. The beat becomes metallic and feels as though its warping and bouncing off all corners of the track, much like the sounds often used in Charli XCX’s PC music. It utterly stuns the listener, yet absorbs them into the somehow infectious dance break.

In conclusion, “Take Yourself Home” is truly a window into Troye Sivan’s outlook on the pop landscape. The dejection and detached lyrics, the peaceful beat and explosive ending all tell an infectiously vibey story of pop music in 2020. This release signals Troye venturing into a new sound, one that is both gripping and alluring.

We can’t wait to hear what you have in store for us, Troye. Until then, we can just ‘Dance To This’.

Words by Joe Gardner

Graphics by Katie Janes

, , , , , , , , ,

The post Troye Sivan Challenges His Artistry With “Take Yourself Home” appeared first on Voir Fashion.

“Take Yourself Home” is the first time we have heard music from Troye since the release of his sophomore album, Bloom, of which the supporting tour helped to propel fellow star Kim Petras into the success she now has. Bloom saw a more developed and mature Troye explore the passion and emotion surrounding love and relationships, most likely referencing the almost four-year-long relationship between Troye and boyfriend Jacob Bixenman.

The song has been teased on social media for several weeks, with Troye posting the single cover art 3 days ago. The cover art undeniably looks eerily similar to the film poster for 2017’s “Ladybird”. Twitter obviously picked up on this and began to compare the two pictures, to which Troye replied with a picture of the movie poster and the caption “Me” – we stan a self-aware king.

‘Take Yourself Home’ opens on a soft, emotional note, with Troye singing “I’m tired of the city, scream if you’re with me” (a lyric he had previously teased on Twitter just over a week ago). These lyrics showcase a more vulnerable and melancholy side to an artist often signing about the ‘good side’ of love, if you pardon the reference. The lyric, “if anyone can hear me, switch the lights” especially stood out as a particularly potent insight into the mind of one of pop’s freshest faces, as he comes to terms with the damaging emotions that surround the celebrity he has earned; feeling as though you are invisible despite and sometimes as a result of being observed by millions.

Lyric Video of Troye Sivan’s New Song ‘Take Yourself Home’

The song’s chorus, consisting of a swelling, smooth beat and Troye’s gentle yet deliberate singing is both erotic and moving. The angsty lyrics with the soft mellow beat is representative of Troye’s interpretation of pop music and manage to perfectly reflect the feelings of a generation. The words invite the listener into the faded existence described in the song, and the subtle jazz influence helps to curate a near-perfect auditory experience; entirely relaxing and refreshingly intoxicating.

At the near-end of the song, Troye’s vocals begin to get lost in the humming baseline seemingly bringing a close to this mellow ballad describing the angsty experiences of a young pop star, before the listener is suddenly immersed into a hyper-electronic sonic explosion. The beat becomes metallic and feels as though its warping and bouncing off all corners of the track, much like the sounds often used in Charli XCX’s PC music. It utterly stuns the listener, yet absorbs them into the somehow infectious dance break.

In conclusion, “Take Yourself Home” is truly a window into Troye Sivan’s outlook on the pop landscape. The dejection and detached lyrics, the peaceful beat and explosive ending all tell an infectiously vibey story of pop music in 2020. This release signals Troye venturing into a new sound, one that is both gripping and alluring.

We can’t wait to hear what you have in store for us, Troye. Until then, we can just ‘Dance To This’.

Words by Joe Gardner

Graphics by Katie Janes

, , , , , , , , ,

The post Troye Sivan Challenges His Artistry With “Take Yourself Home” appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Former Youtuber, up-and-coming pop star and gay heartthrob Troye Sivan never fails to enchant the world with his music and has managed to do so again with his new single, “Take Yourself Home.”

“Take Yourself Home” is the first time we have heard music from Troye since the release of his sophomore album, Bloom, of which the supporting tour helped to propel fellow star Kim Petras into the success she now has. Bloom saw a more developed and mature Troye explore the passion and emotion surrounding love and relationships, most likely referencing the almost four-year-long relationship between Troye and boyfriend Jacob Bixenman.

The song has been teased on social media for several weeks, with Troye posting the single cover art 3 days ago. The cover art undeniably looks eerily similar to the film poster for 2017’s “Ladybird”. Twitter obviously picked up on this and began to compare the two pictures, to which Troye replied with a picture of the movie poster and the caption “Me” – we stan a self-aware king.

‘Take Yourself Home’ opens on a soft, emotional note, with Troye singing “I’m tired of the city, scream if you’re with me” (a lyric he had previously teased on Twitter just over a week ago). These lyrics showcase a more vulnerable and melancholy side to an artist often signing about the ‘good side’ of love, if you pardon the reference. The lyric, “if anyone can hear me, switch the lights” especially stood out as a particularly potent insight into the mind of one of pop’s freshest faces, as he comes to terms with the damaging emotions that surround the celebrity he has earned; feeling as though you are invisible despite and sometimes as a result of being observed by millions.

Lyric Video of Troye Sivan’s New Song ‘Take Yourself Home’

The song’s chorus, consisting of a swelling, smooth beat and Troye’s gentle yet deliberate singing is both erotic and moving. The angsty lyrics with the soft mellow beat is representative of Troye’s interpretation of pop music and manage to perfectly reflect the feelings of a generation. The words invite the listener into the faded existence described in the song, and the subtle jazz influence helps to curate a near-perfect auditory experience; entirely relaxing and refreshingly intoxicating.

At the near-end of the song, Troye’s vocals begin to get lost in the humming baseline seemingly bringing a close to this mellow ballad describing the angsty experiences of a young pop star, before the listener is suddenly immersed into a hyper-electronic sonic explosion. The beat becomes metallic and feels as though its warping and bouncing off all corners of the track, much like the sounds often used in Charli XCX’s PC music. It utterly stuns the listener, yet absorbs them into the somehow infectious dance break.

In conclusion, “Take Yourself Home” is truly a window into Troye Sivan’s outlook on the pop landscape. The dejection and detached lyrics, the peaceful beat and explosive ending all tell an infectiously vibey story of pop music in 2020. This release signals Troye venturing into a new sound, one that is both gripping and alluring.

We can’t wait to hear what you have in store for us, Troye. Until then, we can just ‘Dance To This’.

Words by Joe Gardner

Graphics by Katie Janes

, , , , , , , , ,

The post Troye Sivan Challenges His Artistry With “Take Yourself Home” appeared first on Voir Fashion.