Wildcard (week 35):
Self Esteem – How Can I Help You
Are you ready for ‘something completely different’ (as Monty Python would have it)? I can help you! How? By introducing you to Self Esteem’s new single. Built around only drums, vocals and voice effects, it doesn’t sound like anything else out there. And If you think this minimal set-up sounds dull, you couldn’t be more wrong. Maybe this is the right time to hit the play button below, while you read on…
I don’t know shit, but How Can I Help You is a ferocious beast of a song. A track born of frustration (to quote James). Rebecca Lucy Taylor (her real name) describes it in a press release as ‘a biting response to the misogynistic standards and objectification that women are subjected to’. And yes, that’s Self Esteem herself playing the drums.
Be sure to check the video as well. It captures a live solo performance of the song that’s sticky in more ways than one. The artist explains: “I wanted to play the drums in the video to reclaim how often I used to feel self conscious playing them. The physical act of a woman playing a drum means your tits move – all I ever wanted to do was play but it always came with this fear of being looked at in that way. Now my tits move for me, my song, my video. I’m also aware it’s probs a nice watch if you’re that way inclined, but I’m afraid if you wanna watch it you have to hear what I’ve got to say. Click for the tits, stay for the feminism!”
This powerhouse of a track is taken from Self Esteem’s upcoming second album Prioritise Pleasure, set for release on 22 October.
How Can I Help You is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. It’ll feature here prominently for seven full days. At your service!
Recommended as well:
Self Esteem – Prioritise Pleasure
Self Esteem – Girl Crush
Follow Self Esteem on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2021 playlist you’ll find all of this year’s Carte Blanche Music Wildcards so far.

I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.
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