Catchy Rhythms and Difficult Situations
Tacilim Oréfice comes to us all the way from Brazil with this thoughtful review of Kara Cole’s new EP Firefly. Thanks for helping to support music journalists from all over the world!
From the first chord to the last, Kara Cole hits right at the heart of the listener and makes you wish you’d known her songs earlier in her new EP Firefly. It burns inside of you, bringing to light the good feeling of hearing a truly great song. For those listening for the first time, they’ll just enjoy perfect songs for entertainment and likely be surprised when they discover what inspired Cole to create these amazing tracks.
But don’t be fooled by the catchy rhythms, well-written lyrics, and beautifully arranged songs. That’s just the surface. On a deeper level, you’ll find a different meaning, like in “Burn” or “I’m a Mess,” where what first seems like a person passionately in love turns out to be an exposure of the overwhelming feelings of someone who doesn’t know how to cut the cord and struggles with a toxic relationship or partner.
Surprisingly, these songs don’t reveal that depth on first listen, but they resonate even more when you catch the second layer of meaning. Because, like in many difficult situations, things often look fine from the outside. The person living through it, no matter how hard they try to express their feelings, is often met with responses like, “I think it’s not that bad, give it more time,” or “You’re overreacting, things will get better.”
Cole succeeds in being a beacon of hope for anyone struggling with something, be it addiction or abuse. Firefly is the perfect title for this EP because it truly shines as a small but powerful light for those who might one day see it as the start of their path out of the shadows. On another level, it poetically shows listeners what these abused individuals are going through. Some things are so hard to say, you have to sing them—to show them in a different way so people will pay attention. It’s a call for friends and family to really listen to what someone in this situation is trying to say.
“Burn” is the perfect example of all of this, besides being a testament to Cole’s artistry and resilience. Hidden behind a lively melody is a story full of depth, of someone trying to stay away from addiction and abuse. Followed by “I’m a Mess,” the EP has a strong beginning showing all the sensibility and heartbreak situation of ending a bad relationship and, at the same time, not wanting to get rid of it. Next, “Dancin’” makes us happy with its rhythm, but brings to light a story full of depth and of someone who tries to stay away from addiction and abuse. The last song combines heartfelt tune with powerful lyric, making it resonate with anyone who has faced challenges of the heart and soul. “Firefly” is the perfect conclusion to an EP you should listen to with your eyes closed and heart open.
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9/20 (Brooklyn) — Queer Country Swing Night is back at 3 Dollar Bill!
9/20 (Nashville) — Justin Green headlines a queer country show at Phat Bites
9/21 (Nashville) — The Wonder Women of Country Music will be playing the Grand Ole Opry!
9/29 (Manhattan) — Rainbow Rodeo LIVE (hey that’s us!) featuring Robert Bock of the Locksmiths, Olivia Ellen Lloyd, jackfruit, Kandia Crazhorse, and a surprise guest!
10/3 (Harvard, MA) — Mary Gauthier leads a songwriting workshop and an evening of song with Jamee Harris at The Fruitlands Museum
10/19 (Philadelphia) — Baby’s First Rodeo is back at Johnny Brenda’s with Bobby Dove, Big Benny Bailey, and lesbian house band Fist City featuring Sam Rise and Brittany Ann Tranbaugh
10/17 - 10/20 (Texas) — Mary Gauthier, Jaimee Harris, and Carrie Rodriguez launch their Three Women & The Truth tour
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Are you on BlueSky? Queer country artist 2 AM Wake Up Call created this feed of musicians. You can ask them to be added to the feed!
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Eli Conley is teaching Unlock the Song Inside: Beginning Songwriting Class for Queer & Trans Folks & Allies, and he also offers an online LGBTQ+ songwriter circle!
Are you on Mastodon or another part of the Fediverse? Get your music on RadioFreeFedi!
PS — If you’re thinking of joining Mastodon, make an account on musician.social and read my tips for making Mastodon work for you!
Submit your music and events to The Q LGBTQ Creative Network
This Twitter thread has a whole list of places to find jobs in the music industry
And here’s a list of resources for “women” entering the music industry — presumably they also encourage nonbinary participants
Submit your profile to the Country Everywhere which seeks to unite BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disabled artists and professionals
Sign up to the Black Opry Revue’s interest form!
Check out the weekly Queerfolk Fest show in Nashville