LIFE LESSONS
ALISON GOLDFRAPP
Words Jamie Tabberer
MAT MAITLAND
From ‘Strict Machine’ to ‘Ooh La La’, Goldfrapp’s speciality has long been synth-heavy pop bangers that pulsate with confident, subversive sexuality. “There’s a directness there that people can relate to, and I myself am quite ambiguous about my sexuality,” reflects frontwoman Alison Goldfrapp on the band’s loyal LGBTQ+ fanbase. “And sexuality in general, I feel like, which is why I’m not comfortable with a definite label. Sexuality, sex and desire transcends so many things.”
One of several whispery acoustic moments among the band’s wider, electronica-driven oeuvre is ‘Annabel’. Written from the perspective of a child questioning their gender, the song, bursting with emotion, didn’t seem to be that big a deal when it dropped 10 years ago. But if it came out today, it would be controversial, although — according to the rule of progress — it should really be the other way around. “I know what you mean,” blinks Alison, who agrees that the song “absolutely” endures as a demonstration of allyship.