Being fearless in thought is a talent, and it's not widely spread in the population. One can be a talented musician, athlete, surgeon, cook, salesman, welder, or any of the other myriad talents people possess. Being fearless in thought often conflicts with the fear of being ejected from the herd. There is also the fear of losing one's job, ones mean of support, and the fear of repercussions on those around you. I don't have many talents, but I am fearless in thought, easy for me as I'm not a loner but also not necessarily social and I'm retired on a pension and running a small farm, so no fear of repercussions. Those with this talent must not waiver as there are few voices trying to tell the herd to slow down and change course before they head over the cliff. We've seen the misery throughout human history when the herd goes over the cliff. You are amazing with your backbone, and I pity those who know better but will have to live with what they have done. I started following you because your writing is excellent, and I like reading about areas of life I know nothing about. In October I also learned you have a backbone of steel. I will not be leaving. 63-yr-old mother, wife, daughter, retired USN, sheep farmer, hardened feminist, and fallen Catholic.
Thanks, Eve, for explaining to us over-40 somethings the concept of Charli XCX. (Now, about that XCX part …?). Your voice is so much more important than theirs, and probably longer lasting. As a woman who experienced the heyday of the 1980’s I can tell you that that lifestyle ages badly. Whereas integrity and substance have lasting value. Love your writing!
Brat, Schmat. It just reflects on how shallow, uneducated and unprincipled the music industry is and has always been. If you are useful, are fawning over them or can further their career they love you. Take a courageous stand that may be controversial, may require a spine or principles— well then — they lose your number and shun you. Looking at it, yes music is exciting and serves a purpose in our lives, but if the musician has no soul or standards, is a phony grasping money hungry, uneducated fool their music is of no value.
It’s really not that black and white. There’s an expectation for artists to be political that I have personally grown extremely fatigued of. It’s absolutely more than fine to be an artist who makes great entertainment for people to escape in and enjoy. There’s inherent value in that, whatever your opinions are. And if I’d never stood up and used my voice, and had instead continued to be part of that world I’d hope people wouldn’t have judged me for it. We all fulfil a different purpose.
How unfortunate to have to put aside your talents in favor of educating people that hate is wrong. Any chance you would consider coming out to live in Israel for a few years and just letting your talents flow here? We've got a ton of musicians for you to discover and a diverse music industry to explore. No, not the big leagues like what you're used to. Campier. Scrappier. Consider it a vacation. A sabbatical. Take a break and channel your talents inward. Your tribe will embrace you and your Brat-ness, in all it's glory. And you can go back to being you.
It’s just nuts how well qualified you are to comment on this moment.
Ok I had to look up ladette culture:
“ The concept of ‘Ladette culture’ emerged on the centre stage of 1990s British society, as more and more women found liberation in behaving the same as men; boisterous, outspoken and unapologetic. Women were suddenly claiming the right to …generally being as badly behaved as the ‘lads’.”
Sounds fun, but given the male-dominated music industry’s historic misogyny and overall lack of ethics or moral clarity, one could say your experience demonstrates that women in the music industry have indeed, sadly, succeeded in behaving as badly as the lads.
In other words, unable to tolerate your integrity, Charli herself has proven, to borrow a phrase, Charli IS industry.
As for Harris, a wink at Charli’s endorsement by, say, changing her campaign’s X/twitter profile image for a few hours, might have been amusing. But trying to seriously co-opt Charli’s popularity is just worrisome and pathetic to me.
I know more now than I ever cared to know before about Charli XCX and the deep background of "brat." Digesting it all still--but please do invite me to the brat mitzvah!
Hard to believe you’re in LA, and nobody has yet thought to do a documentary on your story. (But I’m guessing it would require burning so many people it would rival the real life fires there. I can just picture everyone being both afraid to be mentioned in it, and afraid not to be, lol)
You are indeed "brat" (to the extent that I understand what that word even means, given that I'm an old guy). You will persevere, and while I do not know how many Substack subscribers you have (or followers on Instagram, etc.), I can guarantee you that the vast majority of them/us will be rushing out to buy the next magazine which features your brilliant writing.
Great piece and thanks for explaining modern parlance! Strength and courage are standing up for your principles and daring to speak out. The rest are sheep and pathetic at that. Holding on by a tenuous thread until they too get cancelled for using the wrong pronoun or something. Big question though - is Kamala ‘brat’ enough to stand up for what’s right?
This piece was much fun to read, even though I understood only half of it. But the part I didn't understand left a good vibe and instead of making me feel old, made me feel young. Helped me and no doubt others to understand you before you were blacklisted, and the cowardice and herd mentality of those artists and media folk who despite their creativity and talents, lack backbone and courage.
Having our most powerful politicians aspire to, and follow, performers is a new low. Social media has given a voice to some very uneducated people who, unfortunately, have power due to their following. As Netanyahu said in his speech to Congress yesterday, they all get an F in history. That this is who is driving the voting in our country is beyond frightening. God help us.
Great writing Eve! You will be noticed again, for all the right reasons! Xx
Being fearless in thought is a talent, and it's not widely spread in the population. One can be a talented musician, athlete, surgeon, cook, salesman, welder, or any of the other myriad talents people possess. Being fearless in thought often conflicts with the fear of being ejected from the herd. There is also the fear of losing one's job, ones mean of support, and the fear of repercussions on those around you. I don't have many talents, but I am fearless in thought, easy for me as I'm not a loner but also not necessarily social and I'm retired on a pension and running a small farm, so no fear of repercussions. Those with this talent must not waiver as there are few voices trying to tell the herd to slow down and change course before they head over the cliff. We've seen the misery throughout human history when the herd goes over the cliff. You are amazing with your backbone, and I pity those who know better but will have to live with what they have done. I started following you because your writing is excellent, and I like reading about areas of life I know nothing about. In October I also learned you have a backbone of steel. I will not be leaving. 63-yr-old mother, wife, daughter, retired USN, sheep farmer, hardened feminist, and fallen Catholic.
Thanks, Eve, for explaining to us over-40 somethings the concept of Charli XCX. (Now, about that XCX part …?). Your voice is so much more important than theirs, and probably longer lasting. As a woman who experienced the heyday of the 1980’s I can tell you that that lifestyle ages badly. Whereas integrity and substance have lasting value. Love your writing!
Brat, Schmat. It just reflects on how shallow, uneducated and unprincipled the music industry is and has always been. If you are useful, are fawning over them or can further their career they love you. Take a courageous stand that may be controversial, may require a spine or principles— well then — they lose your number and shun you. Looking at it, yes music is exciting and serves a purpose in our lives, but if the musician has no soul or standards, is a phony grasping money hungry, uneducated fool their music is of no value.
It’s really not that black and white. There’s an expectation for artists to be political that I have personally grown extremely fatigued of. It’s absolutely more than fine to be an artist who makes great entertainment for people to escape in and enjoy. There’s inherent value in that, whatever your opinions are. And if I’d never stood up and used my voice, and had instead continued to be part of that world I’d hope people wouldn’t have judged me for it. We all fulfil a different purpose.
Sorry but I cannot ever imagine you staying silent after Oct 7 as, say, Haim has
How unfortunate to have to put aside your talents in favor of educating people that hate is wrong. Any chance you would consider coming out to live in Israel for a few years and just letting your talents flow here? We've got a ton of musicians for you to discover and a diverse music industry to explore. No, not the big leagues like what you're used to. Campier. Scrappier. Consider it a vacation. A sabbatical. Take a break and channel your talents inward. Your tribe will embrace you and your Brat-ness, in all it's glory. And you can go back to being you.
It’s just nuts how well qualified you are to comment on this moment.
Ok I had to look up ladette culture:
“ The concept of ‘Ladette culture’ emerged on the centre stage of 1990s British society, as more and more women found liberation in behaving the same as men; boisterous, outspoken and unapologetic. Women were suddenly claiming the right to …generally being as badly behaved as the ‘lads’.”
Sounds fun, but given the male-dominated music industry’s historic misogyny and overall lack of ethics or moral clarity, one could say your experience demonstrates that women in the music industry have indeed, sadly, succeeded in behaving as badly as the lads.
In other words, unable to tolerate your integrity, Charli herself has proven, to borrow a phrase, Charli IS industry.
As for Harris, a wink at Charli’s endorsement by, say, changing her campaign’s X/twitter profile image for a few hours, might have been amusing. But trying to seriously co-opt Charli’s popularity is just worrisome and pathetic to me.
You are and always have been the best can i say Eve Barlow is Brat ♥️💙♥️
I know more now than I ever cared to know before about Charli XCX and the deep background of "brat." Digesting it all still--but please do invite me to the brat mitzvah!
Hard to believe you’re in LA, and nobody has yet thought to do a documentary on your story. (But I’m guessing it would require burning so many people it would rival the real life fires there. I can just picture everyone being both afraid to be mentioned in it, and afraid not to be, lol)
You are indeed "brat" (to the extent that I understand what that word even means, given that I'm an old guy). You will persevere, and while I do not know how many Substack subscribers you have (or followers on Instagram, etc.), I can guarantee you that the vast majority of them/us will be rushing out to buy the next magazine which features your brilliant writing.
Welcome back. We missed you 💕
Great piece and thanks for explaining modern parlance! Strength and courage are standing up for your principles and daring to speak out. The rest are sheep and pathetic at that. Holding on by a tenuous thread until they too get cancelled for using the wrong pronoun or something. Big question though - is Kamala ‘brat’ enough to stand up for what’s right?
This piece was much fun to read, even though I understood only half of it. But the part I didn't understand left a good vibe and instead of making me feel old, made me feel young. Helped me and no doubt others to understand you before you were blacklisted, and the cowardice and herd mentality of those artists and media folk who despite their creativity and talents, lack backbone and courage.
Having our most powerful politicians aspire to, and follow, performers is a new low. Social media has given a voice to some very uneducated people who, unfortunately, have power due to their following. As Netanyahu said in his speech to Congress yesterday, they all get an F in history. That this is who is driving the voting in our country is beyond frightening. God help us.
You are beautiful. Through and through.
Yay you’re back ! Thank you for explaining brat. Missed you ❤️🇮🇱❤️