Jehnny Beth's Honest Playlist: A Musical Journey Through Anger, Love, and Loss
Jehnny Beth, the acclaimed singer and actor formerly of the post-punk band Savages, has opened up in a candid interview about the songs that have profoundly influenced her life and career. In a heartfelt exploration of her musical tastes, she shares stories ranging from early jazz inspirations to tracks that now carry too much emotional weight to bear.
The First Song I Fell in Love With
Beth recalls her formative years with a piano teacher who introduced her to jazz legends. "Chet Baker was charismatic, good looking, and stylish," she says. "Even though I had a really soft, small voice, I'd give My Funny Valentine my best shot." This early exposure to Baker's smooth vocals and timeless style planted the seeds for her own artistic development, blending vulnerability with strength in her performances.
The Song That Changed My Life
A pivotal moment came when Beth discovered Le Tigre's Deceptacon by chance at a friend's house. "It shook me to the core," she admits. "I had never heard something so angry and feminine." This track, with its raw energy and feminist punk ethos, resonated deeply, inspiring her to embrace a more assertive and politically charged sound in her work with Savages and beyond.
Emotional Connections and Difficult Listen
Beth's playlist is not without its sorrows. She speaks emotionally about Fontaines DC's A Hero's Death, a song she played for her father while he was in a coma. "Even thinking about it makes me emotional, so I don't think I can listen to it again," she confesses. This poignant story highlights how music can become intertwined with personal grief, transforming a beloved track into a source of pain.
Similarly, she addresses her conflicted feelings towards Kanye West's Black Skinhead. "I used to love it, but now I find him unbearable," Beth states, citing his controversial political views. "I cannot condone his statements, so I cannot say in public that I like this song any more." This reflects a broader trend of artists grappling with separating art from the artist in today's cultural landscape.
Party Anthems and Morning Motivators
For more upbeat moments, Beth recommends Sextile's Contortion as the ultimate party song. "I don't know anyone who can resist dancing to it," she says, praising the band's punk electronic fusion. To start the day, she turns to Chastity's Heaven Hell Anywhere Else, a post-hardcore track that tackles themes of isolation and youth with relentless energy.
Intimate and Final Soundtracks
When it comes to more personal settings, Beth suggests Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross's Pure Love from the film Queer for a sensual atmosphere, though she jokes it might be better suited for afterglow. For her funeral, she chooses Talk Talk's Eden, describing it as a masterpiece with a spiritual quality that offers solace.
Looking Ahead
Jehnny Beth's new solo album, You Heartbreaker, You, is out now, showcasing her evolution as an artist. She will be touring the UK from 17 March, bringing her unique blend of punk intensity and emotional depth to live audiences. This playlist not only reveals her musical influences but also underscores her journey from Savages to a bold solo career, marked by honesty and resilience.
