Music for weird black girls
March 3, 2017 12:18 PM Subscribe
Cameroon-born Lætitia Tamko is the sole force behind indie experiment Vagabon. Her just-released LP Infinite Worlds is getting some attention, which surprises her. Her opening track - The Embers - puts her as a small fish in a big pond, and in the music video her petite dark frame dances next lanky white men. It's a fitting metaphor for the girl who never thought she'd be on the radio. She embraces her position in indie music with raw talent, but wishes there was more space for young black women.
Her lyrics draw from other sources, always personal. She compares herself to the well where her village got their water : "People don’t always check to see if there’s any more left after they’ve taken what they need. No one looks down a well."
Her lyrics draw from other sources, always personal. She compares herself to the well where her village got their water : "People don’t always check to see if there’s any more left after they’ve taken what they need. No one looks down a well."
I love this (at least judging from The Embers). Her voice reminds me of the singer from Chastity Belt. Will definitely check out her album.
posted by urbanlenny at 1:23 PM on March 3, 2017
posted by urbanlenny at 1:23 PM on March 3, 2017
Weird coincidence -- I'm listening to it on repeat right now! Highly recommended -- I'm getting hints of Laura Veirs among others... but there's something fresh happening here too. Thanks for the additional background info.
posted by foodbedgospel at 1:42 PM on March 3, 2017
posted by foodbedgospel at 1:42 PM on March 3, 2017
Whoa! Full stop! This. Is. Fantastic!
posted by brokeaspoke at 1:55 PM on March 3, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by brokeaspoke at 1:55 PM on March 3, 2017 [1 favorite]
Interesting to listen how 'Sharks', off her Persion Garden EP in 2014, transforms into this softer version in 2015, eventually evolving into 'The Embers' in 2016 (as in the original post above).
posted by Kabanos at 1:59 PM on March 3, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by Kabanos at 1:59 PM on March 3, 2017 [1 favorite]
Excellent! I'm really enjoying this.
posted by Miss Otis' Egrets at 2:23 PM on March 3, 2017
posted by Miss Otis' Egrets at 2:23 PM on March 3, 2017
Also, bonus cuttlefish!
posted by GenjiandProust at 3:37 PM on March 3, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by GenjiandProust at 3:37 PM on March 3, 2017 [2 favorites]
She's playing with Allison Crutchfield at Mississippi Studios in Portland, OR on the 26th. Gonna go check it out.
posted by gucci mane at 5:41 PM on March 3, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by gucci mane at 5:41 PM on March 3, 2017 [1 favorite]
I like this quite a bit! New music, yay!
posted by inparticularity at 10:48 PM on March 3, 2017
posted by inparticularity at 10:48 PM on March 3, 2017
Very nice, thanks!
posted by Malingering Hector at 6:20 AM on March 4, 2017
posted by Malingering Hector at 6:20 AM on March 4, 2017
She's playing in my town next week! I feel lucky to have stumbled on this post, thanks!
posted by opinions at 9:13 AM on March 4, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by opinions at 9:13 AM on March 4, 2017 [1 favorite]
Someone recommended her to me because I mentioned I was listening to Hop Along. They're very similar, vocally. So check them out too if you haven't! I recommend Waitress or Texas Funeral to start.
Glad everyone is enjoying!
posted by FirstMateKate at 12:39 PM on March 4, 2017
Glad everyone is enjoying!
posted by FirstMateKate at 12:39 PM on March 4, 2017
Playing in my hometown in April! So very psyched to see her live!
posted by brand-gnu at 10:00 PM on March 4, 2017
posted by brand-gnu at 10:00 PM on March 4, 2017
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posted by Tevin at 1:12 PM on March 3, 2017