Nothing bothers me more than a person in a position of power that destroys dreams and goals of young people. I have met such people all throughout my life and I’m dead sure there is a special place in hell prepared for them. There is nothing more soul crushing for a child than to hear their plans don’t matter, that they will never reach their goals or should never even try. Some adults, upon hearing what I wanted to do in life, laughed at me, belittled me or even mocked me. All they had to do was to listen up and say that they will do what they can to help me on my way. It really costs them nothing to do this, but somehow, they weren’t even able to offer a kind word. I wasn’t telling them I wanted to be a mermaid or unicorn herder, but my dreams were to either work in the music industry or in the diplomatic corps. It’s really hard to continue when everyone around keeps repeating you should quit. I’m fucking proud that Delilah Bon persisted, cause if she had given up, we wouldn’t have one of the brightest stars in the alternative music today.
“Finally See Me” single cover
I’m not sure why some adults (teachers, coaches, and most often parents) are so determined to discourage kids from following their dreams. I can understand the concerns that some career paths are not as lucrative as others, or much, much harder to achieve, but kids are great at instinctively choosing things that are well suited for them. And every career can be fulfilling and bring decent income, be it in the arts, humanities or in tech or medicine. All the kids need is positive encouragement, a bit of faith in them and a real shot at trying out things. That’s all there really is.
Delilah Bon’s new single “Finally See Me” tells a very similar story. Lauren Tate has been making music since she was 12 yet her aspirations to become a singer were dismissed and ridiculed at school. She was bullied and even told that she will never amount to anything. Instead of being supported and encouraged, she was told to quit. In a recent interview with Metal Hammer, Tate said that she was a very quiet kid, feeling out of place, without a network of friends. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that kids with extra sensibilities or artistic sense that do not easily fit into popular trends, are often vulnerable and require support. Growing up is hard enough, but growing up in a school that feels like a warzone is a horrendous experience. Those who survive emerge on the other side as broken adults: with traumas, PTSD, low self-opinion and with no dreams. It sometimes takes decades of therapy for people to start making plans and having life goals or aspirations again. Don’t get me wrong, I admire teachers, they do one of the hardest jobs in the world, but some teachers should never, ever work in a school. What kind of person clips the wings of their students? I truly lack the words to describe how heartless some educators can be around kids. I can only count teachers who truly supported and inspired me on the fingers of my one hand. The rest were just doing their basic minimum, and many were absolutely not fit for the job. And I have never met a single adult who would have only positive experiences with teachers – that says a lot.
Delilah Bon photographed by Helen Tate
“Finally See Me” is Delilah Bon’s three and a half minute reckoning with the school years, unsupportive faculty staff and the bullies. Those who denied seeing her ambitions and potential, can’t pretend not to notice now. Thousands of followers on social media, millions of streams, articles in the biggest musical press, sold out shows, and rave reviews for her festival appearances. Delilah Bon triumphs despite all the shit thrown at her for years. It takes huge amounts of courage, self-persistence, determination and spirit to keep on going despite all the difficulties.
Musically – this track reminds me of a mixture of KORN and Kittie. Slower than her previous single “Maverick”, “Finally See Me” has some truly twisted (in a really positive sense) riffs and beats. Delila raps as fast and strong as Tairrie B of Tura Satana, and I would seriously give away my manga collection to hear them two sing on one track. Sonic turns, curves and bends give the song a bit of manic sound, but you will enjoy this madness very much. The nu-metal age is softened by the alternative rock and hip hop influence and there is a bit of heavy metal in it too, to add some extra spice. Young kids going through shitty time at schools will love Delilah even more and I hope she will very soon break through in America. Some online trolls may be sending Delilah threatening messages, but alternative music fans love girls like her over the Pond. Delilah will again perform at Glastonbury this year on our side of the water, but an invite to Coachella doesn’t seem to be far away. I keep my fingers crossed, we need a voice of reason in popular music now more than ever!
In short, those who didn’t support her when she needed them the most, can kick themselves now knowing the rock and roll history will not remember them fondly. As for all others – all hail Delilah, the queen of nu metal core in the United Kingdom. Seriously guys, bend a knee.
Follow Delilah Bon on social media at:
https://www.delilahbon.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/delilahbonofficial/
https://www.facebook.com/DelilahBon
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5JUFYlgwsbqpLcU9TMlsve
https://twitter.com/DelilahBon_
https://soundcloud.com/delilahbon
https://www.youtube.com/c/DelilahBon
https://www.tiktok.com/@delilahbon
Rita Dabrowicz
Indieterria 
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