He was the first Bohemian I ever truly encountered, years before I even heard the word "Bohemian" come up in a conversation. With over 20 years of doing offbeat and indie films (in between some big-budget ones), while also making time to do a bit of music on the side and score some wild tats, it is no surprise that Depp has earned the title of being a Hollywood maverick. Savvy?
2. Florence Welch
This musical goddess burst onto the scene with her first album, "Lungs", paving the way for a new wave of ethereal singers first started by people such as Enya and Björk. Her voice is strong enough to bring a skyscraper to its knees, yet gentle enough to pull the tears right out of you. Only one question truly remains: will she ever admit that she is the reincarnation of Aoide?
3. Lana Del Rey
Who says that Americana can't be Bohemian? Ms. Del Rey has shown that she is full to bursting with artistic vision, from Born To Die to the amazingly powerful short film "Tropico". While her voice is not as high as Björk or Enya, she still has a range that will lull you to sleep...if you aren't dressing up in fluorescent crop-tops and smoking on the porch.
4. Laren Stover
The self-proclaimed Bohemian who wrote the book The Bohemian Manifesto has lived the life: she grew up in NYC in a cold-water flat as her writer father and actress mother introduced her to their wild friends, who ranged from offbeat musicians to alternative psychologists. Plus, she loves thrift store shopping, which is always a plus.
5. Julia Butterfly Hill
Two words: Tree hugs! Ms. Hill created a spectacle in 1997 when, in an effort to protest the logging over redwoods in California, she stayed in a tree for 738 days. Her actions resulted in the Pacific Lumber Company agreeing to protect all trees within a 200 foot buffer zone. Since then, she has created the Circle of Life Foundation, wrote a bestselling book, and become a motivational speaker. Power to the planet!
6. Neil Young
When the US was facing the threat of Vietnam, the band called Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young was using their power ballads and protest songs to help create change. They quickly rose to the top of the charts and became an inspiration to the hippies everywhere. After Young left the band, he continued with a solo career and has since found success. He has been cited as a major influence to artists like Pearl Jam and Nirvana, so you could say that Young has acheived full prominence among the counterculture movement.
7. Thom Yorke
Sure, he's in a pretty mainstream band, and he even wrote songs for the first two Twilight soundtracks, but there is plenty to love about Yorke. Having been inspired by artists like Neil Young, his music can reflect mellow atmospheres or intense, uneven experiences. He is an anti-war activist, campaigns for human rights, and is even a vegetarian. Though I am at a loss as whether to categorize him as Zen or Beat...but fuck it, he doesn't need a category!
8. Patti Smith
A friend of Johnny Depp and pioneer of the punk movement, Patti Smith has continued to be an inspiration for eccentrics and oddballs everywhere. Her entire career started out as a Beat poet and evolved into lengendary rock credentials, so this woman has been to the moon and back when it comes to living the offbeat dream. She even inspired Michael Stipe of R.E.M: who knew?
9. Björk
Ah, Björk, is there anything more to say? Her angelic voice has elevated the world to experience a transcendental form of music that continued to captivate and enchant millions. Quirky and bright, she is a ray of sunshine in a troubled world. Not to mention how awesome it is that she wears crazier clothes than Lady GaGa.
10. Enya
Often seen as a sort of celebrity "ghost", as everyone has heard her music but nobody has really put a face on it, Enya has sold millions of records worldwide with her hauntingly captivating voice. She has arguably brought New Age to a wider audience than Yanni. Listening to her music is such a deeply spiritual experience that anyone who pays attention is sure to get chills!
No comments:
Post a Comment