‘Not the left, or the right, but the bottom…and we’re coming for the top’.
It’s always fun to review a musical release from London-based singer, Gemma Rogers, as her powerful energy and charisma shine through every word of inspirational lyrics, amplified by a strong social message for all to consider. Gemma uses her voice and music to express herself in blunt, no uncertain terms and it’s refreshing to hear musicians relay their thoughts on the world around them. As a gentleman of a certain age, this takes me back to a time when so much music was focused upon social commentary and creative awareness of what was happening in the world around us, whereby we felt that musicians and artists were giving the people a voice. With her latest release, ‘Coming From The Top’, Gemma is at her enigmatic best and the single packs a punch, or ten, mostly aimed at current social injustices and political failures.
I asked Gemma about the inspiration behind her latest release, especially regarding her political viewpoints, alongside the highly-energetic musical elements and the strong, catchy hooks of the lyrics. Gemma: ‘Living under the Tories gives one a lot of creative ammunition. Makes me feel very grateful for the good people I have in my life, they soften the worlds increasingly sharp edges. It was written in a day. This bunch of F**wits in government will give you a thousand hooks – here’s to when blue turns a different colour. Also, as each single from forthcoming EP (dropping sometime this summer) descends into the auditory cosmos – we will be playing a different independent venue. We stand in solidarity alongside all those campaigning to protect these sanctuaries of sound. They’re vital for the next generation of artists coming up through the ranks – the lifeblood of the music industry’s ecosystem’.
‘Coming From The Top’ begins with Gemma’s distinctive voice and a single guitar backbeat, before being joined by further rhythmic instrumentation as we launch into the song. It certainly packs a powerful uppercut regarding her views upon this current government and how she feels that it has completely failed the people. As always, Gemma’s energy and passion shine through the entire song and it has a melody that certainly stays in your head for some time. Thanks to Gemma’s vocal talents, every word of the song is perfectly legible and this adds to the passion of the lyrics, as the listener gets swept up in the messages behind it. The video for the single is shot in black and white, focusing upon a poker game to symbolise social restrictions by the politicians in charge of the country; controlling our destinies.
Regarding the musicians on the song, I complimented them on their output. Gemma: ‘Thanks very much. (My band) the players, engineered by EAMES, mixed by Gareth Ashton (the verve, Rolling Stones, Tina Turner)’. Finally, what next for Gemma Rogers? What does the future hold in store for her and her rapidly-growing fanbase? Gemma: ‘More writing and recording which I’ve been really enjoying and a few gigs on the horizon… come and see us! We’re playing at Bar Doña in Hackney on May 10th. Please come along’.
Gemma’s music and social messages are powerful symbols of self-expression and I thoroughly recommend everyone to go see her live. Her energy is both infectious and addictive.
Gemma Rogers socials: Website | Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter) | YouTube
Article by Kevin J Milsom
Keep up to date with all new content on Joyzine via our
Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Mailing List
1 comment