FMR
After multiple boundary-pushing and captivating singles, chuala hits us again with ‘FMR’, her edgiest track yet.
The Berlin-based songwriter never steers away from experimenting with new sounds and addressing taboo issues in her music, and this is no exception.
‘FMR’ is an assertive, passionate track. chuala shows off her vocal ability whilst challenging sexual norms – this could make it challenging for some listeners, but her colourful lyrics and grungy production make the song a unique experience for anyone.
It comes alongside what feels like almost B-movie, video-taped, found footage style visuals – filmed and directed by fellow Berlin resident Enantios Dromos, who operates his distinct low quality, VHS aesthetic. chuala looks the audience dead on, rarely breaking eye contact with the lens.
The video is filmed in two century old brothels, also in Berlin, bringing the songs explicit themes to life, whilst shining light on places that are usually frowned upon and kept in the shadows.
chuala’s vocals range from hushed whispery tones to loud cries, whilst the wailing electric guitar sounds like something crafted out of a druggy studio session with Mike Dean and Kanye West. Meanwhile, the wandering percussion carries the instrumental to cinematic heights.
Although it will be, the song is not meant to be provocative, chuala wants to empower women through her sexuality. Speaking on the track she said ‘I myself am in the process of claiming my own sexuality and understanding that it is a beautiful and powerful thing, to know what I want and to be able to communicate my desires unapologetically. Especially in a patriarchal society and in a culture that so often objectives women and their bodies, as if sex is something for male consumption only’.
Whilst her YouTube channel currently sits at only 119 subscribers, she’s just hit over 50,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, thanks to releases like ‘good morning world’, and the infinitely replayable anthem ‘wake up!’.
Stay on the lookout for the unconventional, experimental artist bound to cause a stir, and check out the video here.