Du Blonde

Du Blonde

Du Blonde is the recording name of Beth Jeans Houghton, a singer and songwriter from Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom, born in 1990. The project marks a reinvention of Houghton’s earlier work, with a new name, a new sound, a new band and a more direct approach to performance.

Background and style

Houghton describes the project as a break from the version of herself she had previously presented, and as a return to the artistic ideas that first drew her to music. She cites the dramatic, character-driven approaches of artists such as David Bowie, Marc Bolan and Captain Beefheart as early influences. Du Blonde’s work is associated with indie rock and rock, and the project’s listed genres also include freak folk and psychedelic pop.

The artist is sometimes based in California, but is identified as coming from Newcastle upon Tyne. Du Blonde is presented as a solo act rather than a separate persona or character.

Albums and recordings

Welcome Back To Milk is Du Blonde’s second album overall and the first released under the Du Blonde name. It follows Houghton’s 2012 debut album, Yours Truly Cellophane Nose. The later record is described as a more stripped-back and forceful collection than the earlier release, built around heavy guitar riffs, loud drums, vocal snarls and quieter, more tender passages. Jim Sclavunos produces the album, and Samuel T Herring of Future Islands contributes guest vocals on the track Mind Is On My Mind.

Live performance and themes

Du Blonde’s work is shaped by anger at online judgement, misogyny and pressure on women in music and business, and by a stated desire to challenge passivity and live performance conventions. The project’s live focus is direct audience connection, with Houghton aiming to perform without the distance that she associates with earlier work.