Emilie Autumn: Fight Like A Girl

Friday 13th went by and I didn't even realise. I've never been much for that superstition, more of a magpie's girl myself but it just so happens that every time Friday 13th comes by I have a pretty good day. This time round was no exception.

My best friends and I went to see Emilie Autumn at the Electric Ballroom.

I've never really heard her music before so I only had a very vague idea about what to expect. I have to say I was blown away by the results.

It was like entering another world. Walk through the wardrobe and into a post apocalyptic Narnia, where the Queen is still in charge but she's serving tea, crumpets, booze and glitter. A steam punk wonderland. And they had tea! I freaking love tea!

The first person who came on stage was a wonderfully odd looking pirate who I later learned was called Captain Maggots. She is one of three of Emilie's band/gang/army called 'The Bloody Crumpet's'. 

Captain Maggots is my favourite! She has a great affection for 'slicing and dicing and warm pastries.' I feel in love with her on sight. I love pirates and pastry. 

The other crumpets were just as awesome. Naughty Veronica is an extremely sexual young woman, who pulls up innocent girls and corrupts them with her mysteriously titled 'Rat Game'. Her fan dancing was visually intoxicating- honestly she made me glad to be a woman!

The Blessed Contessa got the crowd moving with her 'fingers and toes' chant. But she loves the feeling of 'crunching a bone betwixt (her) teeth', so I couldn't guarantee I'd stay alive in her presence for very long. I have to say she was the most expressive facially when she dance and looked convincingly menacing while being beautiful. I reckon she would bite you if given half the chance- elegantly of course.

Emilie's songs were haunting, dark and at times humorous. There was something enchanting about the whole night. The atmosphere created by both performance and audience is one I shall never forget. I haven't been able to get Emilie Autumn out of my head since. Even going back to work felt mundane after that.

It would be dramatic to say that this has changed my life. It has inspired me to write, draw and compose. I will post my drawings up when I'm done. I think that when I have an iPod that works again, there will be a sizable chunk that will be taken up by Emilie Autumns music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bKWjMQThMI&feature=related

I have a voracious hunger to know more of her music, to read the 'Asylum' book she wrote and to write darker material with as sharp a wit as she uses in her lyrics.

Emilie Autumn is a lyrical and musical genius. The Bloody Crumpets are each talented in their own right and as a collective are one of the greatest live acts I have ever had the privilege of seeing. Unknowingly I walked into a bucket list moment and at the nearest opportunity will sign myself into the 'Asylum for Wayward Victorian Girls' without hesitation.

Thank you Erika and Sarah for sharing your wonderland with me. I have been corrupted- I'm a muffin in training.

Remember everyone- Fight Like a Girl!

National Gallery!!

I go for long periods of time without absorbing anything culturally enriching. I just finished a season of Geordie Shore, only to start the new season of Jersey Shore. I need to feed my brain something good instead of all this junk television that tastes so badly good.

I can't lie that I was inspired to go to a gallery by my blogging friends Emi and David who went to see a Yayoi Kusama exhibition at the Tate Modern. One of them was intrigued and the other repusled and their polarized opinions made me want to try viewing art for myself. I was craving something a little bit more classic so I went for the good old National Gallery with my friend Felicity 'Flick' who is certifiably insane and lots of fun.

While I was there I didn't want to get told of for taking pictures (lol Emi) so I wrote down the name of  few paintings I liked. I'll list them below and attempt to tell you exactly why.

Dona Isabel de Parvel- Francisco de Geyo

It's very dark and moody looking. Her smile is suggestive of a seductive elegance. I like the idea of using pictures  as stimuli for writing prose or poetry. I think this would make a good story.

Venice: The Basin of San Marco on Ascencion Day- Canaletto

I love any scene with water, especially when the artist pays special attentions to the way the light plays off the water. It was such a vibrant scene that I wanted to be part of it.

The Coronation of the Virgin- Johann Rottenhammer

This painting is mesmerising. I love the shadow of the clouds and the faces of the saints and the souls in the background, each painted with exquisite detail. All together the painting gives off of a breathtaking ethereal light.

The Holy Family and St John the Baptist- Jacob Jordeans

I remember it from when I went to the National Gallery last summer. It's a really unique representation of the Virgin Mary. She actually looks her age. She looks fragile and innocent. My eye is drawn to her immediately. The rich colour and the lustre in the folds of the fabric is stunning too. This is one of my favourite paintings ever.

Flick being Flick, we couldn't go to an anything without visiting a coffee shop. We also did a tourist stint around Trafalgar Square.

From here on in it's a bit less cultured. Those of an artistic disposition look away now!

Look everyone, Nelson's Column- Huzzah!

Here she is looking modelesque- I am aware that isn't a word. And I'm sure you are aware I care little for the triviality of failing to speak ones first and only language.

And here I am! Attempting to look poised or something. I don't know.

I would definitely encourage you to give the National a bit of time. You only need an hour or so and the National Portrait Gallery is just down the road. Didn't get a chance to to it but will definitely go for it when I have the opportunity.

Bye for now!