Edna Million

The female voice has always been a projection screen for sexist expectations, the conscious and unconscious reproduction of which British pop researcher Helen Reddington aptly describes as ‘gender ventriloquism’ (the ventriloquism of gender stereotypes). Even in the 21st century, half a century after Nico, breaking these expectations – despite all the empowerment posturing – is still a conspicuous gesture.

As in the case of the 21-year-old Viennese Edna Million, who is studying in Berlin. Her deep, dark vocals, denying any hint of emphasis, are embedded on the brittle base of her semi-acoustic guitar, which sounds like two, because the string sound picked up via the microphone complements the warm sound of the pickup and amplifier. The result is a haunting intimacy that gives the narrative details of Million’s stoically recited stories plenty of room to resonate.