[“Androgyny” Photo by Monica Orozco]
“Heroes” by David Bowie
5songprjct: Two of your picks are very famous for their transformations. David Bowie has transformed not only his music but his aesthetic along with every album. This is also true of Madonna. The photo you did of the Aladdin Sane cover really struck me. It is such an iconic photo of Bowie. What inspired you to recreate the photo?
Monica: My fashionista amiga Judy, who is an avid music/art/fashion fan gave me the word Androgyny. The first thing that popped in my head was Bowie. That shot is inspired and dedicated to Judy. She is also person who expresses herself through clothing and music. She is from L.A. I have seen her at many concerts and dance clubs and that is how we became friends. Bowie also uses his fashion to express different looks. He was the first person I thought of when she gave me that word. I felt like the choice was a dedication to friends.
Glam-Rock Bowie was introduced to me by my artists friends. I had heard of him in the 80s during his mainstream era. This “other” Bowie was out of this world. He represented coolness, uniqueness, determination, passion, he was talented, and someone who doesn’t give a fuck about what they think about them.
5songprjct: We are coming up on the two year anniversary of his death next week. How do you remember feeling during that time?
Monica: I remember his music being the soundtrack of Los Angeles that weekend. I am sure it was that way all over the world. He was an artist that resonated with so many people.
5songprjct: Do you have a favorite Bowie song?
Monica: “Changes,” “Fame,” “Fashion,” “Let’s Dance,” “The Jean Genie,” “Space Oddity,” “Life on Mars,” “Under Pressure,” “Ashes to Ashes,” “Moonage Daydream,” (She goes on to list a few more songs) When you asked me I was in a rabbit hole. I love every fucking song
5songprjct: Unfortunately for this project you can only pick one. Let me ask this question, what was the first song you played after you found out he had died?
Monica: “Heroes.”
5songprjct: Me too. Why that song for you?
Monica: Because we can all be Heroes. Love the lyrics to this song. We can be us, just for one day. Makes you want to believe in something. Also with Bowie, you escape in different realities. I do feel like a hero whenever I listen to that song. Or at least a queen. We all are queens.
I, I will be king
And you, you will be queen
Though nothing, will drive them away
We can be heroes, just for one day
We can be us, just for one day
I like to end with saying that Bowie is a reminder that it’s ok to be exploring different alter-egos and exploring different personalities. He is my inspiration on a day by day basis. It was so freeing to watch someone be playful and could let go and just do something. I felt like I could allow myself to play without caring too much about what others said or thought.
Do you know why he has two different colored eyes? It was a fight over a girl.
5songpjct: I am so excited for you to see the David Bowie Is...exhibit when it is at the Brooklyn Museum this Spring.
Monica: Me too. So excited that I already have my tickets.
[5songpjct note: If you haven’t seen the documentary Five Years, you can watch it here.]
THANK you Monica for being the first participant in this project. Tune in on Sunday for the next contributor and week of music.
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