It’s a lesser-known fact that Hollywood royalty Drew Barrymore is actually a bit of an indie-head. By day, she embodies grace and glamour. By night, she enjoys a sweaty venue and witnessing a live indie band.
Since a young age, music has been an essential aspect of Barrymore’s life. The Go-Go’s held her initial fascination, with the actor even emulating Belinda Carlisle throughout her youth. Although she’s embraced numerous other passions since then, her admiration for the pioneering Los Angeles band has remained unwavering.
Throughout the years, she has consistently shared her current music preferences openly. In an enlightening discussion with Spin in 2010, the actor divulged various insights into her musical preferences, including her ideal festival lineup. She said: “I’ll say Crystal Castles, Band of Horses, and Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, who are awesome live. The first time I heard ‘Home,’ it was like walking into a trippy world.”
Along with the music itself, Barrymore also appreciates creative and thoughtful music videos. In a feature with Entertainment Weekly, she discussed a handful of music videos that have inspired her, both professionally and personally. One of these favoured clips included The Strokes ‘Hard To Explain’, which she liked mostly for its collage-feel: “Here is a video where I felt like they did sort of a photo book,” she said, “a montage of clips, in the coolest way. I love great graphics, and if I could, I would have my own graphics and ad agency.”
She also mentioned Björk’s iconic video for ‘Triumph of a Heart’, describing it as “authentic and raw” she continued, “I really love a duality. I can’t have too much romance, and I can’t have too much street. I want love in the street!”
However, it may come as a surprise that among her treasured videos, The Prodigy’s ‘Smack My Bitch Up’ commands a spot. “I love a surprise ending,” she said. “Make me go on a journey and then turn my head around — I’m in. It’s got fun. It’s got debauchery. Sometimes we’re a little naughty in life, and this one to me has naughtiness with a delicious whip and a smile.”
The fourth video that she holds in high regard is Justice’s ‘D.A.N.C.E.’, a work of art that Barrymore appreciates for its originality: “Somehow they’ve made a cartoon whimsical and cool but made it feel like a modern effect,” she explained. “And it was original! I was like, ‘Oh, that’s so friggin’ cool!’ Anyone who has a fresh idea, they have my complete and utter admiration.”
Barrymore has showcased her diverse tastes a lot over the years, not just through music videos but by actively curating playlists for her fans on her Spotify profile. In these playlists, she’s also admired other contemporary artists like Snail Mail, Easy Life, and Rex Orange County, alongside a selection of timeless classics.
Martinborough Music Festival 2023: Robert Orr (ob), Todd Gibson-Cornish (bssn), Laurence Matheson (pno) Photo: Pete Monk Photography The sixth annual Martinborough Music Festival took place in the wine village's fully restored Town Hall in September of 2023. The festival was founded to bring some of New Zealand's best classical musicians to the small Wairarapa town each year for a weekend of stellar chamber music. The festival's co-artistic directors are long time friends and colleagues Wilma Smith and Donald Armstrong, both […]
