“Full of emotion, carried by a velvet voice” is how velours describes her sound. The SaskMusic-nominated alternative pop singer-songwriter released her debut EP, Identity, in 2020 and these are her six favourite songs. /Gregory Beatty
“Girlfriend in a Coma”
The Smiths | Strangeways, Here We Come (1987) | YouTube
This was my favourite song in elementary. I remember listening to the CD in the car with my mom. The emotional complexity of him not wanting to see her, and the subsequent desperation always drew me in. It’s a situation I’ve never been in but can picture and feel intimately.
“Perfect Places”
Lorde | Melodrama (2017)| YouTube
“Perfect Places” got recommended to me on YouTube and it’s been an influence ever since. The industrial beat grabs me so intensely that when Lorde’s emotive, layered voice comes in, I’m taken to this poetic place where you dance and feel existential at the same time.
“Laid”
James | Laid (1993)| YouTube
This song reminds me of car rides where you exaggerate every word and have to sing it out the window for everyone to hear. From the strumming of the guitar to the energetic drums, those instrumentals have become immortalized in my mind. The high note he chimes on, “ah, you think you’re so pretty” is one of my favourite musical hooks.
“Changes”
David Bowie | Hunky Dory (1971)| YouTube
There’s a reason this iconic song has been in classic movies like Shrek 2 and The Breakfast Club. The depth in his lyrics let you rest on his thoughts about change until his catchy chorus pulls you into a state of jumping around, singing unknowingly about constant change. Bowie influenced me to express my feelings and thoughts through music.
“Grace Kelly”
Mika | Life in Cartoon Motion (2007)| YouTube
I remember so vividly when music videos would play in movie theatres and this would pop up. I was ecstatic! It’s such a bright, beautiful, colourful song that has always brought me joy. Mika’s range is masterful, and he brings alive a plea with a theatrical side I fall for.
“No Need to Argue”
The Cranberries | No Need to Argue (1994)| YouTube
This final track on one of my top albums is such an intimate state of vulnerability, using the organ, Dolores O’Riordan’s evocative voice and gorgeous harmonies. I close my eyes and feel along with the song, while tears usually start to flood. Every line carries such weight, right up to the last line, which lingers even after the song is finished.