Spotlight Artist: Paris Paloma

“All day, every day, therapist, mother, maid/ Nymph then a virgin, nurse then a servant,” chants Derbyshire-born Paris Paloma in her song “Labour.” Last year, this rousing folk-pop examination of gender inequality brought the now 23-year-old immense recognition. Her song inspired numerous feminist TikTok response videos, earned a spot in the UK Top 40 singles, and garnered over 146 million streams on Spotify.

Paris Paloma channels a gothic sense of femininity and possesses vocal power that draws natural comparisons to Florence + the Machine. Her music is deeply rooted in romantic literature and historical narratives, creating a unique and compelling listening experience.

Paloma began writing songs while pursuing a fine art degree at Goldsmiths, London. This academic background likely contributes to the literary depth of her work. For example, “Labour” was inspired by Madeline Miller’s novel “Circe,” while her 2021 track, “The Last Beautiful Thing I Saw Is the Thing That Blinded Me,” references Daphne du Maurier’s “Rebecca.”

Looking ahead, Paloma’s debut album “Cacophony” draws inspiration from Stephen Fry’s book of Greek myth retellings, “Mythos.” The album promises a narrative that follows a “hero’s journey,” blending mythological storytelling with her musical talents.

The album features a range of musical styles, from the literal screams on the opening track “My Mind (Now)” to the softer, string-laden melancholy of “His Land.” There are also tender moments, such as in “Triassic Love Song,” which recalls the early work of Billie Eilish. Throughout the album, themes of wild women, cruel men, untamed passions, and tragic romances are prevalent. These elements are likely to captivate fans who have recently discovered Kate Bush’s music.