Rebecca Lucy Taylor
Self Esteem in full roar Taylor has experience and earnestness in her favor. Her example is having a historic effect, particularly for women. In 2021, Taylor released her second album, “Prioritise Pleasure.” With the success of this single, she became an unstoppable originator of female empowerment and self-love. This radically cathartic manifesto keys in on the restrictive assumptions placed on women but it pulls back the curtain on her own challenges.
Self Esteem’s journey has certainly not been smooth sailing. Prior to her solo career, Taylor was in the indie band Slow Club for ten years. Although the band is only moderately successful at the time, it was her solo endeavor which took her to groundbreaking new heights. Critics lauded Prioritise Pleasure to the hilt. It went on to receive nominations for some of the most prestigious music awards across the globe including the Mercury Prize and the Brit Awards.
Self Esteem released a brand new single titled “69” earlier this week. This dance floor-ready house bop flips the script on sex positivity with a mix of playfulness and self-assuredness. Taylor considers the song to be a playful but sharp exploration of intimacy.
“It’s an idea I had for ages, of listing sex positions and scoring them so that there’s no grey area [for prospective partners],” – Rebecca Lucy Taylor (aka Self Esteem)
This moving track does much more than provide great entertainment. It shines a positive light on a critical crisis.
“But there’s a more political element, which is that women still aren’t saying what they want in the bedroom. And I’m like, I can’t bear this any more. Please let us just enjoy having sex,” – Rebecca Lucy Taylor (aka Self Esteem)
Taylor’s view of female empowerment is visible at every turn through her expansive discography. While it’s easy to get lost in the rollicking beats that colour the record, what makes Prioritise Pleasure really shine is how damn emotional it is.
“It’s not exactly going to win an Ivor Novello Award for lyrics, but I think it stands on the album with moments that are more emotional and deep,” – Rebecca Lucy Taylor (aka Self Esteem)
On stage, the artist has proven to be remarkably versatile. She shone in productions such as Cabaret and opened for Adele on her arena tour. When she participated in the Celebrity Bake Off, she focused on a truly outrageous challenge. Her confidence in the kitchen was shaken when she burnt her crumpets to a crisp!
There’s no question that Taylor is growing as an artist. She’s preparing for a four-night theatrical residency this summer in London to premiere her new album, A Complicated Woman. This year’s project collaborators include South African musician Moonchild Sanelly. It courageously counters Trump’s reaction to the criticism that all artists have received for daring to tell their story.
In A Complicated Woman, Self Esteem’s music becomes a powerful soundtrack to that solidarity. The overarching message of Really Really is about women speaking their truths and discovering power in vulnerability.
“We start in that world where we’re shackled, and then we exorcise it,” – Rebecca Lucy Taylor (aka Self Esteem)
Taylor has been candid about her struggles along the way, sharing times she thought she might give up on her career altogether.
“There were moments where I considered giving up, which shocked me because I’ve been this defiant, angry thing for so long,” – Rebecca Lucy Taylor (aka Self Esteem)
As challenging as these truths can be, Jackson has no plans to retreat or silence her powerful artistic voice. Her recent collaboration with Moonchild Sanelly only deepened that understanding.
Moonchild Sanelly has likewise placed her thoughts on the travel. They are walking together on the way to transforming.
“The world is saying who I am, but I thought I knew myself all these years,” – Moonchild Sanelly
This collaborative work represents the artists’ common experiences in resisting oppression and defying the status quo. Sanelly emphasizes the importance of authenticity, stating:
“I shrink to keep the peace, hoping I don’t shake my purpose,” – Moonchild Sanelly
Through her art, Taylor remains determined to break stereotypes and fight for equality among women. Her lyrics speak to the experiences of the disenfranchised and the muted.
“And now I see it clear with every passing of each year / I deserve to be here,” – Rebecca Lucy Taylor (aka Self Esteem)
As Self Esteem’s career continues to flourish, she remains deeply committed to being a catalyst for that change. She continually uses her platform to encourage dialogue and destigmatize female sexuality and empowerment.
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