Aussie expat Shelley Segal is back with a brand new single and an EP on the horizon. “No” is a modern #metoo anthem giving a voice to the problems many women face when turning down sexual advances today. It gives us a great taste of the kind of thought-provoking music that’s in store for us when her EP Holy drops on November 1.
“No is a song about consent and the subtleties surrounding it,” she explained. “It describes three different scenarios in which the protagonist finds it difficult to say no to sexual advances. I wrote the song because even though it’s 2019 and so many women feel comfortable asserting themselves and speaking up for themselves, and even though there has been so much public discourse and progress on these issues, there are still scenarios where it feels hard to say ‘no’. You can find yourself in a situation that you don’t want to be in and yet be unable to express that. It’s not always easy in the moment to process the potential consequences that may come from your reaction. Like the examples in the song for instance, in a work environment, in the street with a stranger. Saying ‘no’ can create adverse outcomes like risking your job, or your safety. This discussion around consent is not as straightforward as maybe we would like it to be and I wanted to reflect on those nuances.”
Shelley has been living and working in the United States since 2016. Hopefully it’s not too long before we see her back on our shores for some shows. Until then, listen out for Holy on its release next month.
Image used with permission from On the Map PR