Therapist: So, PJ, you mentioned feeling overwhelmed by Florence Welch’s music. Can you tell me a bit more about what specifically scares you?
PJ: (Nervously) It’s just… her voice. It’s like she’s channeling some ancient, otherworldly being. And those lyrics! They’re so intense, so raw. It feels like she’s peeling back the layers of your soul and exposing all your deepest, darkest secrets.
Therapist: (Chuckling) Sounds like you’re a bit of a sensitive soul, PJ. Is there a particular song that triggers this feeling the most?
PJ: (Shudders) “Shake It Out.” That song is pure chaos. It’s like she’s summoning a storm, and I’m right in the middle of it. I can feel the wind whipping around me, the thunder rumbling in the distance. It’s terrifying! I sometimes wake up with a start – seeing the image of Florence floating above my bed, seductively. I am confused and attracted and… well plain old freaked out!!
Therapist: (Smiling) Well, perhaps we could try a relaxation exercise. Let’s imagine you’re on a serene beach, far away from Florence Welch’s powerful voice. The sun is shining, the waves are gently lapping at the shore.
PJ: (Closing his eyes) Okay, I’m there. I can feel the warm sand beneath my toes…
Therapist: (Interrupting) And now, imagine Florence Welch suddenly appears, wearing a flowing white dress and a crown of flowers. She’s singing “Shake It Out” at the top of her lungs, right in front of you.
PJ: (Bolting upright) No! No, no, no! I don’t want to be there!
Therapist: (Laughing) Okay, okay, let’s try something else. Maybe we could explore your fear of the unknown. Florence Welch’s music can feel very mysterious and unpredictable, right?
PJ: (Nodding) Exactly. It’s like she’s tapping into something we can’t understand.
Therapist: Well, perhaps we could start by accepting that not everything needs to be understood. Sometimes, it’s okay to just enjoy the mystery.
PJ: (Hesitantly) Maybe you’re right. Maybe I should just let myself be carried away by the music.
Therapist: That’s a great start, PJ. You’re making good progress. Now, could you peak your head out from under the covers. It will be OK… we’ll protect you.
FEATURED ON THIS EPISODE: FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE, REGINA SPEKTOR, GWEN STEFANI, CHERYL CROW, BRITTANY HOWARD, THE MARIAS.
FLORENCE WELCH
Florence Welch, the enigmatic frontwoman of Florence + the Machine, has captivated audiences worldwide with her soaring vocals, theatrical performances, and evocative lyrics. Born in Camberwell, London, in 1986, Welch’s passion for music was evident from a young age. Inspired by her mother’s love of Renaissance art and her father’s punk rock influence, she began writing songs and performing at local venues..
Beyond her music, Welch is known for her captivating stage presence. Her live performances are often theatrical and energetic, incorporating elements of dance and storytelling. She has been praised for her ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level.
FLORENCE & THE MACHINE
FLORENCE & THE MACHINE (S4 | E197)
| Song | Artist | Album | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vicious Sensitive Robot | The Marias | Submarine | 2024 |
| Samson | Regina Spektor | Begin to Hope | 2006 |
| Hotel Song | Regina Spektor | Begin to Hope | 2006 |
| Fake Happy | Paramore | After Laughter | 2017 |
| Sad Happy | Taylor Watkins | Unbiased Eyes | 2023 |
| Just a Girl | No Doubt | Tragic Kingdom | 1995 |
| Shake It Out | Florence & the Machine | Ceremonials | 2011 |
| If It Makes You Happy | Sheryl Crow | Sheryl Crow | 1996 |
| All I Wanna Do | Sheryl Crow | Tuesday Night Music Club | 1993 |
| Future People | Alabama Shakes | Sound & Color | 2015 |
| Shoegaze | Alabama Shakes | Sound & Color | 2015 |
| Hamptons | The Marias | Submarine | 2024 |
