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Birch announces forthcoming LP and looks back on early experiences with sexism in "Spelling Lessons"

24 January 2019, 10:00 | Written by Pip Williams

Last summer we fell in love with Birch's Women's March-inspired "femme.two". She's just a fiercely feminist on new track "Spelling Lessons", couching her call-out of sexism in her trademark woozy indie.

Like "femme.two", "Spelling Lesson"'s politics are a kind of sneak attack. The new track is driven by the backbone of its steady, simple drumline, with gorgeous woodwind and layered vocals melded in. Birch's voice is sweet and pure, but the content of her lyrics is a story that will resonate with horrifying familiarity for women everywhere.

"'Spelling Lessons' is about first experiences with sexist behaviour," she explains. "The first time I was taught that girls exist for boys, not with boys, I was in sixth grade and I bent over in the library to grab a book. My shirt rode up a bit, showing part of my back, and the librarian standing nearby chastised me telling me, 'Young lady, your back is showing. I won't have you in here distracting the boys.' I was shocked, confused and embarrassed."

Sharing her stories is clearly an important part of Birch's feminist practice, along with her vocal participation in events and protests such as the aforementioned Women's March. She also makes a regular donation to Planned Parenthood, a US-based organisation that provides vital reproductive healthcare worldwide.

With the release of "Spelling Lessons", Birch announces her forthcoming debut album, femme.one, due out 5 April. We are expecting more carefuly crafted narratives and intricate production, channelling the dappled sunlight of "Spelling Lessons" alongside the sample-heavy glitch-pop of previous singles.

"Spelling Lessons" is out 25 January.
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