Breakthrough ‘brat punk’ sensation Delilah Bon is someone you should keep your eye on – especially if you’re a metal head! Infusing bratty riot grrrl punk with lyrical hip-hop and hard-hitting nu-metal, Delilah Bon’s distinct musical style generates fierce anthems that will give you the freedom to be angry and loud. Her music explores important political and societal issues, honing in particularly on women’s rights and the LGBTQ+ community, creating a much-needed cathartic space for marginalized communities to come together. She perfectly communicates the anger and frustration that comes along with being a person who is consistently pushed to the sidelines and told to shut up. Over 2023 she started to develop serious traction when she was nominated for Heavy Music Awards ‘Best Breakthrough Artist’ and appeared at several festivals, including Glastonbury. Fast forward to 2024, Delilah Bon has just finished her sold-out U.K. tour – which I had the pleasure of attending – ‘Evil Hate Filled Female’ proving she is a rising star that’s a force to be reckoned with.
After an exceptionally busy and exhausting day on 31st October 2024, I arrived at Cardiff’s Clwb Ifor Bach in need of a good pick-me-up. My wish was Delilah Bon’s command as her wonderfully energised performance left me feeling amazing and I raved about the gig for days. As soon as I walked into the top floor of Clwb Ifor Bach, I immediately noticed that Safe Gigs for Women were in attendance. It was clear that safety for everyone at the venue was a top priority, which really emphasised the values of the band and the safe atmosphere that they create. As the gig began, I immediately noticed how captivating Delilah Bon’s empowering stage presence was. Once the lights hit the stage, and the music started it was impossible to pry your eyes from the vibrantly playful Delilah. As it was Halloween, the fun of the concert was really enhanced, with myself, most of the crowd, and the band all dressed in costumes. Throughout the concert the band interacted with the crowd so much, coming down from the stage to dance amongst us, throwing out candies, and even hilariously tossing an inflatable penis across the audience. It was such a positive concert experience with every attendee inspiring a warm and friendly environment.
Delilah’s latest album ‘Evil, Hate Filled Female’ features empowering messages, exploring the bad and ugly of the internet, feminism, Jeffery Epstein, and so much more. Her music can act as a form of escapism for fans and provides a space for them to feel angry and be in touch with complicated feelings that we are often taught to suppress and hide. It felt like a concert space where you could really relax and leave your worries at the door. One of her songs, from a previous album ‘Dead Men Don’t Rape’ really highlighted the freedom of expression her concert gives to her fans. Getting to scream along with her in frustration at the government, and figures ignoring the threats to women’s bodily autonomy and the abuse that they and LGBTQ+ people face daily, was very therapeutic.
The highlight of my evening was getting to interview Delilah Bon herself after the gig, she graciously accepted the offer for an impromptu interview for Quench Magazine.
Q: You mentioned that you’re quite a quiet person in your everyday life, would you say that your music is an outlet for you, a kind of catharsis?
D: My entire life I have been quiet. I journal all the time, so it just seems to bubble out of me. As soon as I started speaking my mind, I began to find a community of people. I have struggled with my mental health my whole life so performing can be quite scary at times. It’s difficult feeling shy on stage and portraying confidence outwardly when I feel differently inside.
Q: You speak a lot about politics and particularly the impact that is had on women, could you tell us a little bit about the motivations behind your music and what inspires you?
D: I am not a political person, but I became one. My dad always said to not involve politics in music, but I feel like I can make a change. The more I spoke about it in my music, the more my fans would tell be about what’s going on around the world. Like Roe v. Wade in America the more I heard the more I read into it.
Q: Personally, the experience of the gig was very welcoming and made me feel very safe, could you talk a little about your crowds and the kind of space you are trying to create?
D: In my previous band, I played for the majority men. I didn’t feel safe and looking at the women in the crowd I could tell they were feeling uncomfortable too. Safety at my gigs is everything, I am not afraid to stop the gig to kick someone out to make sure that everyone is safe. There aren’t many spaces where you can safely express your rage.
After our short interview, we spoke casually for a few minutes. We embraced in a hug and Delilah thanked me for the interview, saying that it was very sweet. It was great to speak to her and tell her that the gig really did have a positive and safe environment for the entire audience.
I recommend that you go see Delilah Bon live. Her music gives her audience the space to be angry and to shout about their anger, whilst relaxing in the knowledge that they are in an enjoyable environment where safety is a huge priority.
Words by: Olivia Nilsen