Jehnny Beth's Candid Playlist: A Journey Through Music and Emotion
Jehnny Beth, the acclaimed singer and actor formerly of the post-punk band Savages, opens up in a deeply personal interview about the songs that have defined her life. From early jazz influences to transformative punk anthems, her playlist reveals a raw and emotional connection to music that spans genres and decades.
The First Song I Fell in Love With
Jehnny Beth recalls her formative years with an incredible piano teacher who introduced her to jazz records. She would learn and sing along to these classics, with Chet Baker standing out as a charismatic and stylish figure. Despite having a soft, small voice at the time, she boldly attempted My Funny Valentine, embracing its emotional depth and musical complexity.
The Song I Inexplicably Know Every Lyric To
Recently, Jehnny Beth performed Dollar Days by David Bowie at the British Library for the 10-year anniversary of his final album, Blackstar. This experience ingrained the lyrics in her memory, showcasing her dedication to honoring Bowie's legacy and her ability to connect with his profound artistic vision.
The Best Song to Play at a Party
For getting people on the dance floor, Jehnny Beth recommends Contortion by Sextile, a punk electronic band she admires and has collaborated with. She describes them as one of the best in their genre right now, with an infectious energy that no one can resist.
The Song I Can No Longer Listen To
Fontaines DC's A Hero's Death holds a painful memory for Jehnny Beth. She was a fan from the start, and this song became one of her father's favorites. During a time when he was in a coma, she played it repeatedly in hopes of bringing him back. The emotional weight is now too heavy, making it impossible for her to listen to without being overwhelmed by grief.
The Song I Secretly Like, But Tell Everybody I Hate
Jehnny Beth once loved Black Skinhead by Kanye West, but his recent political views and statements have made him unbearable to her. She can no longer publicly endorse this song, reflecting a conflict between personal taste and ethical principles in today's cultural landscape.
The Song That Changed My Life
Discovering Le Tigre's Deceptacon at a friend's house was a pivotal moment. Jehnny Beth played it on repeat, dancing excitedly, as it shook her to the core. She had never heard something so simultaneously angry and feminine, inspiring her own artistic path and empowering her voice in the music industry.
The Song That Gets Me Up in the Morning
Heaven Hell Anywhere Else by Canadian band Chastity, from their 2018 debut album Death Lust, is a post-hardcore track that Jehnny Beth feels is underrated. It addresses themes of isolation, anger, and youth, providing a raw and energizing start to her day.
The Song That Makes Me Cry
Non Voglio Mai Vedere Il Sole Tramontare, with vocals by Caroline Polachek from the contemporary opera Last Days by Oliver Leith about Kurt Cobain's final days, carries immense emotion for Jehnny Beth. Its haunting beauty and tragic context evoke deep sadness and reflection.
The Best Song to Have Sex To
Jehnny Beth suggests Pure Love from the score of the 2024 film Queer, composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. She describes the movie as one of the sexiest she's seen recently, though she notes this track might be better suited for post-coital moments rather than during intimacy.
The Song I'd Like Played at My Funeral
For her funeral, Jehnny Beth chooses Eden from Talk Talk's album Spirit of Eden. She considers it a masterpiece with a spiritual aspect that she finds very soothing, offering a sense of peace and transcendence in her final farewell.
Jehnny Beth's new album, You Heartbreaker, You, is out now, and she will be touring the UK starting from 17 March, bringing her unique sound and heartfelt stories to audiences across the country.
