Artist of the Week- Amanda Palmer

Known to the world as Amanda “Fucking” Palmer, she was introduced to the world as the other half of the duo the Dresden Dolls. This very talented singer/songwriter recently released an ep of Radiohead covers called, Amanda Palmer Performs the Popular Hits of Radiohead on Her Magical Ukulele. That should kill some time for Sara’s Covers Revue. Sara and I have different tastes in music, but I can say that Amanda Palmer and Inara George brought us together.

Amanda Palmer is a talented entertainer, but that has not come by easy. Palmer grew up in the Boston area where she was fascinated by the theater. She performed in many school plays and continued to do so in college. During and after college she did a lot of “street theater,” and even performed as a statue in Australia, Scotland and Cambridge. It is this love of performance that has showed through in her art of music.

In 2000, Palmer met future bandmate Brian Viglione at a Halloween party. They quickly became friends and started working together. In 2002, they released their first ep A is for Accident. While the ep did not catch people’s attention, their live shows did. Always known for her theatrical mind, Palmer had theatrical performers on stage while the band played. As their name grew, so did their shows. Their shows would have characters dancing and performing within a club during their songs and often times they would invite fans on stage with them. The band often performed with their faces painted white and their eyebrows and lips overdone. The two would release three incredible albums: The Dresden Dolls, Yes…Virginia, and No…Virginia.

Once the band announced that they would go on hiatus, this opened up the doors for Amanda’s solo career (or vice versa). In 2008, Palmer released her solo debut Who Killed Amanda Palmer? Being the theatrical person, Amanda released a book featuring herself being murdered. The album had a hint of Dresden Dolls, yet had very Amanda Palmer sound. Our very own Sara reviewed this album, click here for the review.

Controversy came with the album when she released the video for a song called “Oasis.” The song talks about a girl being raped and having an abortion, while the video and song seem to be a very “happy-go-lucky” feel to it. Many radio stations in the UK refused to play the song because they felt that the video made light of rape. Amanda, being a rape victim herself, responded on her blog: “i suggested that i might be allowed to play it if i just slowed it way down and played it in a minor key. think about it. if they heard the same lyrics against the backdrop of a very sad and liliting piano, maybe with some tear-jerking strings thrown in for good measure, would they take issue?”

Even more controversy ensued when Amanda Palmer asked to be released from Roadrunner Records. An argument started over the “Leeds United” video, in which Palmer showed her stomach. The label asked to re-shoot the scenes because Palmer looked too fat. Palmer had never been one of those artists to put on pretty make-up. She is a real person and seemed annoyed at the fact that she was told this. Roadrunner Records eventually released Palmer and now she is free to do as she pleases!

Palmer and Jason Webly recently formed the group Evelyn Evelyn. Though the album wasn’t really my taste in music, Palmer once again showed her love of theatrics in her music. Almost from the outset of the album, it just sounded theatrical.

Since being released from her contract, Palmer has been touring to support her various projects. In an effort to bring herself closer to her fans, Palmer reached out to her fans while on tour. Instead of staying at a hotel, Palmer asked fans to invite her over to sleep between gigs. Palmer is also very active on her blog and twitter, giving her fans constant access to her thoughts.

Here presence is undeniable and her love for art is unquestioned. Although Palmer’s style may not be for everyone, her musical style is un matched today. She brings an energy and visual to all her live shows and will leave you wanting more as you sadly walk back to your normal life!

Top 5 Songs

1. Guitar Hero

2. Oasis

3. Leeds United

4. Runs In The Family

Useful Links

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