‘Black is Beautiful’ is the new release from Paris-born, London-based artist, Madame So. Led by her distinctive voice and forceful lyrics, the song tells the story a girl who ‘listens to The Cure’, and the consequent backlash from those around her (‘her folks think she’s demented’).

“I wrote this song last year,” Madame So explained, “after a conversation with a family member about the music I make. They went, "You should put more groove to your music, as currently you sound like you’ve been adopted by white people." That pissed me off so much I wrote a song about it. This song is a big middle finger to ignorant people like this – black and/or white – who still believe that black people have to play R&B and hip-hop, and white people rock music. I really invite those lame spirits to revisit music history.”

A big middle finger indeed, set to a perfect drum beat, provided by Hiroshi Kamoshita of The Red Paintings. Deceptively simple at first listen, the song packs a punk-rock punch that’s sure stay with you, both for its adrenaline-fuelled build up, its head-banging melody – and for Madame So’s raw, belting passion, of course.

Her EP, ‘It’s Not Even A Colour’, was released last month, and the other tracks on it are just as striking, showing Madame So’s range (just listen to ‘A Tout Jamais’!). So, dear fans of punk, rock, and captivating lyrics – this is the EP for you.  

Nickie Shobeiry

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