Mary Wollstonecraft once said,
“I do not wish women to have power over men; but over themselves.”
From that moment on a spark was lit, a fire grew, and feminism was birthed right then and there by Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797). Bristol-based solo artist Billy Nomates explores the life and impact of the mother of feminism on the world in their new album, Mary And The Hyenas.
Mary And The Hyenas, out now on Invada Records, is a soundtrack to a brand new play with an all-female cast. With 11 tracks made for the 18th century and yet still terribly relevant for the 21st century, Billy Nomates uses spoken singing to tell a story. The instruments cut through time to bring you to a particular place, while Billy Nomates’ voice sets up the scene.
My absolute favorite song off the album is ‘How’d You Grow A Girl.’
Billy Nomates matter-of-fact lyrics and common sense delivery make ‘How’d You Grow A Girl,’ feel like a disheartened song sandwiched forcefully in unyielding determination. I can’t help but to play it on repeat to remind myself that even when we live in a state, a country, or a world that is so hard on women, we have to fight back.
When asked about the inspiration for the album Mary And The Hyenas, Billy Nomates (also known as Tor Maries) said:
“I didn’t know about Mary Wollstonecraft. It seems history rarely embraces pioneering women. Her story is a compelling one. A true trailblazer, but a human being, ahead of her 1800s environment. I wanted to bring the music into the last few decades, a contemporary place, not wholly defined by now. An attitude and feeling that resonates across time and ages.”
This was the first time I had ever heard of Mary either, but in my opinion, Billy Nomates does her justice with this album. The only thing that bums me out is that I can’t go see the play myself. Running from 7 February to 29 March 2025, you can catch the play and album Mary And The Hyenas at first the Hull Truck Theatre and then the Pilot Theatre! I bet its going to be a blast and I hope attendees leave feeling empowered. I know I would!
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