Hailing from Epping, Essex in the United Kingdom, Dodie Clark, branded "dodie," has been creating videos on YouTube since 2011. For six years, Clark has been singing and playing her ukulele to covers and original songs, she has made creative videos involving animation, painting, etc., and has openly had discussions about her mental health, sexuality, and many other topics. In the time that they've been live on the internet, Dodie's channels have become a place of acceptance and warmth to many young people. In 2016, Dodie Clark became "dodie "and along with this name change, she has attached a distinct shade of yellow to her name. She has released two EPs, "Intertwined "(2016), and "You "(2017). She has also published a book based on her mental health and the lessons that she has learned throughout her twenty two years. Today, August 11th, 2017 is the day that dodie's sophomore EP "You" was released. I, being an avid listener of the songstress, have listened to it more than a few times through since its midnight release. These songs have lingered on dodie's personal YouTube channels (as opposed to the Vevo account she secured last year) so it was a treat to hear these tunes that I have grown to love in a brand new but strikingly familiar form. Here's the track list of six songs, in listening order.
1. "In The Middle" (3:01) - “What are you doing Friday?" dodie sings over percussion, a plucky bass, and other string instruments. About an imaginary sexual experience between the singer and two other people, this song is laden with gang singing in the funky choruses and hooks. Miss dodie’s soft but powerful voice carries the “bop” along with various rifts and a hell of a lot of flare. A fast-paced song on the EP, "In The Middle" may just be dodie’s most playfully risqué song thus far. I think I'm "very "into it.
2. "6/10 "(3:05) - This very cinematic song includes a beautifully delicate piano part, loads of strings, and the voices of dodie’s listeners. Written about not feeling very great about oneself, "6/10 "is without a doubt sentimental and the passion in dodie’s voice throughout the tune showcases the vulnerability that the lyrics paint. Throughout the song, dodie sings of social anxiety and feeling like she is troubling those that she cares about with her presence. As with many of the musician’s other songs, this one could easily be used in films. Contrary to what the title suggests, this song is superb with a ranking of 12/10 at the least.
3. "Instrumental "(0:50) - Inspired by one of dodie’s favorite films, 2016’s "LaLa Land," this interlude is elegant and composed skillfully. The notes cascade throughout the song, a delicate duet between strings and the keys. This particular small tune seems to follow the waltz-like tempo and tone that the titular song on the musician’s debut EP, "Intertwined." As illustrated by this EP and her last, dodie is quite fond of interludes and has become very skilled at composing them.
4. "You "(2:51) - Another song with a cinematic feel, the titular song on this EP is all kinds of magical. Inspired by events in her life, the song has a Parisian-esque feel to it with the little vocal riffs and the backup singing. Fun fact - the music video was actually filmed in Paris! The song was originally published on dodie’s main YouTube channel, doddleoddle (established in 2011) and has since been upgraded from its original form with only harmonies and the singer’s trusty ukulele to back her up. Much like many of her other songs, "You" evokes nostalgia, this time related to failed love. Although the song came from the aftermath of an unbearable breakup, it is upbeat and never fails to bring a smile to the listener’s face.
5. "Secret For The Mad "(3:17) - Written for her friend who was going through a difficult time, "Secret For The Mad’s "message is poignant and powerful. The singer addresses her friend and tells them to hang onto the small things that make them happy as she carries the song through with its simple but gorgeous melody. The vocals, harmonies, and gang singing combined makes this poignant song exude life and hope.
6. "Would You Be So Kind" (3:01) - Starting off with simple snaps and a strumming pattern, this sickly sweet tune quickly is enhanced by strings and drums. As the song progresses into its second chorus, gorgeous harmonies and backup vocals are added into the mix. Although it was originally written as a rather solemn song inspired by dodie’s want of a relationship and her partner’s opposition to that sort of situation, "Would You Be So Kind" is rather joyful and an overall enjoyable song.
While dodie is producing and writing more beautifully written songs, you’ll find me listening to her two EPs and cheering her on from the States. Dodie, I admire your work and I love "You "and "Intertwined "very much. Keep creating and feeling!
When she's not making beautiful music, you can find dodie on Twitter (https://twitter.com/doddleoddle?ref_src=twsrc^go...), Instagram (http://instagram.com/doddleoddle), and at her YouTube channels (https://www.youtube.com/user/doddleoddle, https://www.youtube.com/user/doddlevloggle, and https://www.youtube.com/user/dodieVEVO)


















