In this ‘Listed’ feature, we get to know the most radicalist up-and-coming stars through a themed list of their top musical picks. 

This time we speak with rising Northern Irish singer-songwriter Naomi Hamilton aka Jealous of the Birds, most notable for her uncommonly dexterous lyricism that can reference such literary titans as Lord Tennyson and Franz Kafka as effortlessly as it explores the vivid minutiae of everyday life.

Hamilton’s debut album Parma Violets was a strong introduction to the Jealous of the Birds project, showcasing a stark arrangement of folksy instrumentation which allowed Hamilton’s athletic wordplay and richly layered harmonies to shine through with remarkable intimacy. But it’s on Hamilton’s more recent releases that the abundantly multifaceted nature of her songcraft truly comes to the fore. One need look no further than the contrast between Hamilton’s curiously dreamy comeback single ‘Mrs. Dalloway’ and the wild abandon of riotous new cut ‘Plastic Skeletons’ to be convinced of this young talent’s diverse capabilities.

Needless to say, the hypnotic indie-folk and all-guns-blazing grunge of these singles have left us hungry for her forthcoming EP The Moths of What I Want Will Eat Me in My Sleep (released on July 13^th). Until then come down and catch Hamilton’s set at our showcase with Hand In Hive and CALM at the Alt. Escape on Friday 18^th May.

As with all the other artists performing down in Brighton, we asked Hamilton to curate a personal playlist in anticipation of the event, and having written such formidable, uncompromising and affirmative tracks herself, the theme of Hamilton’s ‘Listed’ playlist seems entirely apt. So here’s Jealous of the Birds’ ‘10 Songs by Badass Women’.

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1. Patti Smith - ‘Gloria: In Excelsis Deo’

One of the strongest opening lines I’ve ever heard. The whole song has an exultant sense of individuality that’s reminiscent of the spirit behind punk. Plus, I think it’s a perfect example of just how expressive and transcendent Patti Smith’s vocal delivery is.



2. Nina Simone - ‘Do I Move You?’

The Sings The Blues record is phenomenal, but Nina Simone is an absolute queen on this track. Hearing a woman express sexual desire and confidence in a song as bluesy and delicious as this is insanely refreshing. She paved the way for so many artists in showing that women can be just as creative, sexual, political and bodacious as their male peers.



3. Sylvan Esso - ‘Mami’

This song melts my mind every time. There’s just something about Amelia Meath’s voice and melody here that manages to be playful and sensual all at once. The song has the most catchy pop hooks and a bass drop that will do things to your brain. You’ll want to dance.



4. Björk - ‘Army of Me’

Picking a Björk track out of her wealth of stellar albums is pretty tough, but she definitely cuts the bullshit on this one. The bassline and drums have this industrial feel that just gives it a sense of ferocity and determination. She’s essentially saying, “Quit whining and take control of your own life”. We all need that reminder now and again.



5. Cat Power - ‘Manhattan’

I recently visited Manhattan for the first time in February and was reminded of this song. I love the tension that’s built up throughout it and those little moments where the analogue drums fight with the pulse of the drum machine. As always, Cat Power’s voice has a texture that’s stunning and lyrically the narrative is so self-aware, confrontational and intelligent.



6. Angel Olsen - ‘Never Be Mine’

Aside from the seriously relatable lyrics, I adore Angel Olsen’s sense of melody. Her vocals, the chorus and drums especially have this ’50s Motown honky-tonk vibe that feels so contemporary when blended with those crunchy guitars and effects. She’s an incredible songwriter and one of the most alluring performers I’ve ever seen.



7. Joni Mitchell - ‘In France They Kiss On Main Street’

This entire record is underrated, probably because it’s one of her most experimental. I just love how she fuses so many styles and sensibilities into one cohesive song, and yet it’s still so recognisably Joni Mitchell. She’s one of those artists who just followed their own path and because of that her songs have always been consistently genuine and astonishing.



8. Carole King - ‘It’s Too Late’

Carole King’s music has a directness and depth of feeling that I never get tired of. Any time I turn to this record, I find what I’m looking for. She says exactly what the listener needs to hear, for better or worse. This is one of my favourites, but the songs on the album complement each other so beautifully and demonstrate just how legendary she is at her craft.



9. Hole - ‘Plump’

Courtney Love’s music makes you want to play a rock show. I’d say ‘Live Through This’ is arguably one of the most significant feminist records out there.



10. Kate Bush - ‘Cloudbusting’

This song is a whole world of its own. Plus, it features one of my favourite lyrics about a glow-in-the-dark yo-yo buried in the garden. What’s not to love? I love its weird internal logic, its optimism and how the string arrangement makes it feel like we’re on the cusp of something before it breaks out into the military drums at the end. Kate Bush is a queen.



Catch Jealous of the Birds at the free Hand In Hive x TMR Showcase on Friday 18^th May at Brighton’s The Mucky Duck.

-Karl Jawara