FEATURE:
Bravo, Cuntissimo
Why Messages in MARINA’s New Track About Fearless Women, Patriarchy and Ageism Strike a Chord
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ONE of my favourite artists around…
it is always great when new MARINA music comes around. Formerly Mariana and the Diamonds, I have been following the work of Marina Diamandis for years. The Welsh-born artist is someone I really admire. Her debut album, The Family Jewels, was released in 2010. Her current album, Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land, was released in 2021. Her forthcoming album, Princess of Power, arrives on 6th June. Butterfly and Cupid’s Girl have already been released from the album. Exceptional songs that hint at what is to come from her sixth studio album. One that might be her best yet. With a fabulous album cover and a gloriously-named new single, Cuntisissmo – I have not heard it on the radio yet but wonder if broadcasters can say the title and get away with it -, it made me reflect on a recent interview. One where MARINA was discussing the album but talking about Cuntissimo. What it means and the spirit behind it. I think that we still have a music industry where women are judged and subjected to misogyny and sexism. Any fun-loving, fearless and free-spirited women seen as disruptive or messy. Maybe Charli xcx is an example of a female artist not subjected to that sort of judgment. However, greats like Madonna have definitely been judged through their career. In her case, there has been ageism and sexism for years now. Someone constantly judged and criticised. That subject of how women are judged and expected to ‘act their age’. It is something that still happens now. Although there is not the same tabloid scandalisation and obsession with women in Pop and harassing them, you still get women called out and attacked for having fun or being bold. There is still ageism. A music industry where women especially are seen as essential only if they are under the age of thirty. In a modern Pop scene, there is very much this emphasis on the young. Though a few modern icons – such as Charli xcx – are over thirty, most of them established themselves in their twenties. Many stations not playing music by women of a certain age.
This is something most often discussed by women. Men not really addressing the issue. Even though it does not affect them directly, it is something they should voice their outrage at. Taking from this Rolling Stone interview, it is interesting what MARINA says about Cuntissimo and the subjects of ageism, women living life to the max, and the patriarchy:
“Marina wants you to meet the Princess of Power, the love-radiating heroine of her new album. The cult-favorite pop queen has revealed full details of her sixth studio album, Princess of Power, out June 6, and released its third single, “Cuntissimo,” ahead of her main stage Coachella performance on Friday, April 11.
“We are meeting a Marina who is not guarding her heart so much anymore,” she tells Rolling Stone. “I think part of why this album has felt so freeing is that I think I’ve really dove into my fear of love. That’s why for me, it’s so powerful that this superheroine’s biggest power is love.”
She adds: “It can sound trite, but the ability to love is so powerful and brave. It’s a courageous thing, particularly if you’ve been hurt in the past. It can be really hard to reprogram yourself, and I’ve finally been able to do that.”
Marina sees Princess of Power, which she recorded with producer CJ Baran, as reflecting something true about her inner self. “Maybe to others, I’ve had a bold energy. Internally, I’ve always struggled to feel like I’m allowed to be my own person,” she says. “The album is about teaching yourself — or re-teaching yourself — how to love.”
IN THIS PHOTO: Sophia Loren in 1955/PHOTO CREDIT: John Springer Collection/Corbis via Getty Images
The single she dropped along with the album announcement, “Cuntissimo,” is an anthemic pop song inspired by glamorous, brave, confident women “who enjoy life to the max.” As she says this, Marina scrolls through a list of queens who embody “Cuntissimo” on her phone — Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, Madonna, and Rihanna among them.
“That’s really key: pleasure,” Marina says. “Throughout the centuries, it’s been denied us that freedom to be silly and messy. Women have been under such a strict patriarchal power for so long, but this is just like, ‘Fuck you.’”
She pauses before adding: “I want women to not be afraid to age. I think it’s not talked about in pop. Pop pretends it’s not happening. We are getting older. But I don’t want to feel ashamed about it or feel like I have to cling on to youth.”
In some ways, the song recalls themes from her first album, 2010’s Family Jewels, on which she sang about how “girls are not meant to fight dirty/Never look a day past 30.” (The song’s video drops Friday morning.)”.
I love the meaning and mandate behind Princess of Power. I was especially struck reading about Cuntissimo and the meaning behind it. It got me thinking about the music industry and whether it has shifted. Society at large. How there are these incredible women who are brave, fun and fearless. Rather than being celebrated and seen as icons, there is normally this kickback and judgement. In a patriarchal society, there is never going to be respect and equality for women. When women get past thirty, seen as less vital or relevant. MARINA talking about age and it not being a barrier.
Women denied of fun. I still think it holds true. Maybe not to the same extent as years or decades past, we still exist in a world where free and strong women are not as valued as men. Where there is this strict double standard and set of rules that is not shifting. It is wonderful that artists like MARINA are addressing the patriarchy, brilliant queens and not being afraid to age. It does make me wonder, as usual, why there is not more allyship from men. Using their platform to deliver protest against patriarchy and the way women are still reduced to their looks and youth. How women who are unconventional and enjoy fun attacked or seen as bad role models. Pop music especially has always been seen as an arena for young women. Even if things have slightly shifted, there is still ageism and this sense of taboo. That is a woman is past thirty or hitting forty – MARINA is forty this year –, then they are relegated to certain stations and would not get the same focus as younger women. Men not really exposed as much to ageism. I am really looking forward to Princess of Power. I think it is going to be one of the albums of the year. I would love to see MARINA perform it live. Hopefully, there will be dates in London. She has dates in the U.S. booked through this year that stretch from now until August. I am sure there will be some U.K. dates soon. MARINA really is…
ONE of our most important artists.