I am excited to announcethat headlining day two of this yearsWomen, Influence & Power in Lawconference will be tennis champion and New York Times best-selling author Venus Williams!

With seven Grand Slam titles, including five Wimbledon championships, and four Olympic gold medals,Venus is one of the most accomplished and inspiring women in the history of sports.

Beyond her accomplishments on the court, Venushas also been a steadfast advocate for equality throughout her career.

In 2006, UNESCO, the United Nations cultural organization, titled her as the first Promoter of Gender Equality. In 2007, it was her unwavering fight which led Wimbledon to award women players the same pay as their male counterparts.

Mostrecently, she launched an awareness initiative called the #PrivilegeTax to bring attention to wage inequality and unveiled a platform of resources for young women to get inspired and address the issue on a grassroots level.

Register today to be part of this intimate conversation with Venus as she shares her journey of resilience, determination and the importance of celebrating individuality. Whether its overcoming self-doubt or providing tools to navigate a male-dominated industry, Venus unique insights will sure to inspire our WIPL community to not only discover that inner champion but unleash its full potential!

We are also excited that this yearsWIPL conferencewill be held in Chicago at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place.

I hope to see you there!

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Venus Williams to Speak at WIPL on Acing Self-Empowerment and Inspiring Change | Corporate Counsel - Law.com

Maryland country-pop singer-songwriter Bree Jaxson captures self-empowerment and rejuvenation post-breakup on fiery anthem Won Now, which weaves a vivid lyrical imagery of transitioning from loss to personal triumph.

Diving into lost love and the sting of pain that accompanies it, the track is relatable and raw as it unfolds intimate memories laden with powerfully emotive sonic styling. With poignant lyricism and sensuality tinged with sarcasm, the soaring track goes from hurt to moving on and ultimate victory.

Framed by bold affirmations of newfound happiness and liberation, the track showcases Jaxson's vocal prowess and storytelling as it celebrates the fierce independence and sensuality that comes from realizing one's own worth and moving beyond the shadows of past relationships.

Urging us to find strength on the other side of heartache, the track hones in on Jaxsons genre-hopping artistry as she works towards a full-length album.

Connect with Bree Jaxson : Instagram

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[Premiere] Bree Jaxson captures self-empowerment and rejuvenation post-breakup on "Won Now" - EARMILK - EARMILK

Nearly three years ago, the first season of We Are Lady Parts on Peacock was a blast of giddy energy, with six episodes of punk rock, friendship and solidarity. After a far-too-long wait, the British comedy series is back tomorrow (May 30) with six new episodes, a brief but joyous return to the world of the all-female Muslim punk band Lady Parts. My only disappointment about the season is that its taken so long to arrive, and is over far too quickly.

Where to stream 'We Are Lady Parts'

"We Are Lady Parts" is streaming on Peacock

Lady Parts were just getting started as a band by the end of the first season, but as the second season opens, theyve already completed a U.K. tour and have amassed a decent-size fan base. Creator Nida Manzoor, who writes and directs every episode, smartly moves the story forward while retaining the character-focused approach that made the first season so appealing. Lady Parts may be getting famous, but that doesnt solve any of the individual band members personal problems.

Although lead guitarist Amina (Anjana Vasan) is still clearly the main character, anchoring every episode with her Sex and the City-style narration, season 2 offers extended arcs for all four band members, plus manager Momtaz (Lucie Shorthouse). Its a bit more balanced than the first season, which spent much of its time on Aminas internal conflict over whether to join the band.

Everyone in Lady Parts is now firmly committed to the band, and one of the seasons greatest strengths is that its always a celebration of their personal and artistic connection, even when faced with outside challenges.

Newly confident, Amina declares that shes in her villain era and goes after what she wants, even though shes not always sure what that is. Shes still pining for Ahsan (Zaqi Ismail), the brother of Lady Parts drummer Ayesha (Juliette Motamed), although she ends up dating his white co-worker instead. Romantic indecision aside, shes more assertive and ambitious this season, and that gives the show space for the other characters to deal with their own issues.

Ayesha is happy in a new relationship with an outgoing, supportive woman, but she still hasnt been able to come out to her parents. Bassist Bisma (Faith Omole) struggles with her self-image as a responsible wife and mother but also a rebellious punk rocker, and shes showcased in some of the seasons most eye-catching set pieces. Band frontwoman Saira (Sarah Kameela Impey) continues to fight for Lady Parts integrity, even as shes tempted by the prospect of a high-powered manager and a deal with a major record label.

Even Momtaz, who was more of a background presence in the first season, gets her own empowering arc, as she examines her place in Lady Parts career and the music industry as a whole. Aspects of the industry storyline feel rushed, given the limited number of episodes and their short running times, but Manzoor captures the entire life cycle of an up-and-coming band thrilled by the prospect of stardom, then disillusioned by corporate interference.

During the long break between seasons of We Are Lady Parts, Manzoor wrote and directed the action-comedy feature film Polite Society, and she brings some of that grand, stylized approach to the musical sequences in the new season. The first season had its share of catchy songs, but season 2 features even more original music, including an improbably rousing number about responding to work emails at a reasonable hour.

Lady Parts is a punk band, but their original songs in season 2 feature touches of country and rockabilly, too, and theyre catchy and fun while getting across the adversity that the characters often face as Muslim women in the U.K.

Manzoor, who writes the original songs with her siblings, also makes brilliant use of some unlikely covers: Amina brings poignancy to her solo rendition of Extremes More Than Words, Lady Parts rocks out to a hard-hitting version of Britney Spears Oops! I Did It Again while playing a for-hire gig at a wedding, and Bisma delivers an anguished, slowed-down take on Nina Simones Dont Let Me Be Misunderstood while working through her family issues. The show even comes close to making Hoobastanks goopy power ballad The Reason tolerable during a climactic romantic declaration.

Each song is presented via elaborate musical sequences, with magical-realist touches that make their way into the non-musical scenes as well. Bismas tension with her daughter is represented by a remote control that allows her to literally pause family arguments to vent her frustrations, and Sairas potential censorship by the bands new label manifests itself in her voice being forcefully silenced.

Those heavy moments never drag We Are Lady Parts into sad-com territory, though. This is a comedy that always remembers to be funny, delivering consistently clever jokes while staying true to its characters lived experiences. Bingeing the new season may only offer a short window of time to spend with those characters, but its worth savoring every minute.

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'We Are Lady Parts' is back for season 2 and it's an irresistible binge - Tom's Guide

Gone are the days when self-help books for women were cheesy, impersonal, and boring. Now, if you know where to look, you'll find empowering, genuinely useful self-help books designed to make you feel goodlike you'rereceivingadvice from a trusted friend or an inspiring mentor. Self-help books are also handy for anyone interested in growing their creativity, career, emotional maturity, or spiritual life. No matter what you're going through in lifeor even if you're just looking for a life-changing book to readwe can all use a little self-help and learning from time to time. Ahead, check out some of the self-help books for women that made our required reading list.

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The 37 Best Self-Help Books for Women to Read in 2024 - MarieClaire.com

Eyewash and ridiculous -- these were the terms the High Court used to describe the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) report on the tragic death of a child from anesthesia during a routine circumcision.

The High Court further characterized the report as an attempt to evade liability and expressed concern regarding the presence of mafias. For the average citizen, such a scathing rebuke of this crucial government agency could be viewed as an indictment of the helplessness we face when dealing with our medical establishment.

Despite previous media reports of alleged medical negligence or mistreatment, very little seems to have come of these. This may in part be due to the intricate and resource-intensive nature of the legal system. Furthermore, families grappling with such losses, undergo severe trauma as it is; revisiting that in the courts may further heighten their suffering.

Hence, the importance of institutions such as the DGHS in protecting peoples lives. When the High Court describes their investigation as eyewash and ridiculous, where is the everyday citizen left to go?

In 2011, film director Tareque Masud and cinematographer Ashfaque Munier Mishuk met their untimely and tragic deaths in a highway accident. Despite the outpouring of grief, little progress seems to have been made in road safety. Tareques spouse, Catherine Masud, continues her ground-breaking legal battle to ensure that road crash victims and their families may have a means to be legally compensated for their losses.

In 2018, two high school students were killed when a speeding bus ploughed into them. Young students marched on to the streets to demand justice, only to be forcefully dispersed later.

Last year, a daughter, mother, and grandmother were struck by a bus while sitting at a stand. The daughter was luckily spared, the mother lost her leg, and the grandmother died after two months. The family has spent over Tk12 lakh in medical costs by borrowing and mortgaging all their assets. The bus owner gave them a take it or leave it offer of BDT 200,000. If they didnt accept, he said see you in court. The family settled. Meanwhile, road accidents have emerged as the leading cause of disability in the country.

Is it little surprise then that powerful forces, whether in the medical profession or elsewhere, continue to enjoy absolute impunity?

The media has also been reporting on the alleged negligence in the treatment of a young man who tragically died from a routine endoscopy procedure at a well-known hospital. It is reported that multiple tests indicated he was at higher risk for general anesthesia.

The doctor responsible has come on record to state that he was unaware of a particular health condition and that the patient opted for general anesthesia. This reminds me of the time when, as lay persons, we sought stenting instead of open heart surgery for our mother. The doctor advised against it, deeming it absolutely crazy for one of the critical blockages.

We expect doctors, as trained professionals, to know better about the health risks. If multiple reports indicate heightened risks, why would patients be subjected to general anesthesia, especially for non-life threatening conditions?

Where are the doctors of yesteryears who would thoroughly examine the patient, delve into their family history, and use tests to confirm what they already knew? What happened to compassionately viewing patients as fellow human beings rather than mere ticket numbers?

Then there is the role of the hospital. Reports indicate that the young man was among a long line of patients awaiting the procedure that day. The doctor is said to have arrived late at night, hours after the scheduled operating time, to perform a high volume of procedures.

Does this kind of factory production-line approach fall under set standards? The hospital spokesperson claimed that they follow WHO protocols, yet they are quoted in another report as stating that the person who administered the anesthesia was from outside and not affiliated with the hospital! It seems they do not even know who exactly administered it.

In the latest news, the DGHS swiftly shut down a healthcare facility following the heartbreaking death of another child from anesthesia during circumcision, with the doctors in question arrested. The health minister has vowed decisive action, emerging as our beacon of hope. As a technocrat minister with a profound understanding of the importance of preserving human life, we pray that he will be able to withstand the inevitable pressures and ensure justice for the families.

Every year, Bangladeshis with the means to do so, travel abroad in droves for medical treatment, reflecting a lack of faith in the domestic medical establishment. Those who do not have the means, have to settle with what is available here. Furthermore, it is not always realistic or practicable to travel outside.

Hence, as consumers of healthcare services, it is imperative that we take greater control of our decision-making process. While I acknowledge that for many, such steps may seem unattainable due to limited resources, power dynamics, and access to information, we need to start somewhere.

First, it is crucial to adopt a healthy lifestyle to minimize conditions that would compel us to visit doctors in the first place. As it is, we live in a stressful environment where our capital has one of the worst air quality in the world, our foods are laced with chemicals, our roads are congested, and our water polluted. Embracing a healthy lifestyle means eating in moderation, eating at the right time, avoiding harmful foods and products, exercising, meditating, getting sufficient sleep, nurturing positive relationships -- the list goes on.

Second, adopting a healthy lifestyle is not solely the concern of the middle-aged or elderly; its imperative to start early. What we do to our bodies when we are young impacts us when we grow old. The young tend to think that their bodies will fix itself. It may not.

Third, always ask family and friends for advice. Try to seek out a doctor in your circle who can be your counsel. Having that relationship can provide you with information as to which healthcare provider may be best suited for you.

Fourth, dont be unduly influenced by titles or awards. Do not solely go by social media marketing when it comes to your life. We know how social media can be manipulated. Rely on trusted sources of information.

Fifth, it is essential to consider how a doctor treats you. Do they patiently answer your questions? Do they give time? Are they empathetic? This level of personal care may be challenging in a densely populated country such as ours, but we need to start somewhere.

Safi Khan works in the social sector.

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Patient self-empowerment: Taking charge of your healthcare - Dhaka Tribune

Candace Williams sheds light on the transformative power of faith in God

LOCUST GROVE, Ga., Dec. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Candace Williams marks her debut in the publishing scene with the release of a compelling memoir that seeks to guide women to confidently step into adulthood and live a life of fulfillment.

"A Better You Experience" (published by LifeRich Publishing) offers a profound exploration of the transformative power that God can bring to a woman's life. Here, the author reflects on her journey while artfully weaving together a rich tapestry of pivotal moments that have profoundly shaped the trajectory of her life. From sharing the personal journey of celibacy and choosing abstinence until marriage to breaking free from generational curses, overcoming self-sabotage, and mastering financial stewardship, this book provides a detailed roadmap toward self-improvement and personal fulfillment.

"This book stands apart from its counterparts through its unwavering commitment to purity, unvarnished honesty, and unfiltered realism," Williams states. "Unlike many other books on this subject, which often skim the surface when discussing matters of faith and spirituality, this book delves deep. It fearlessly explores both the uplifting aspects of life and the often-neglected, darker facets of the human experience. In doing so, it uncovers profound insights and invaluable lessons, offering readers a rare, authentic glimpse into the multifaceted tapestry of existence."

For those embarking on a journey of self-discovery, yearning for a deeper spiritual connection, and in pursuit of the allure of positivity, "A Better You Experience" stands as a tailored companion. To get a copy of the book, visit URL https://www.amazon.com/Better-You-Experience-Candace-Williams/dp/1489747877/.

"A Better You Experience" By Candace Williams Hardcover | 5.5 x 8.5in | 242 pages | ISBN 9781489747891 Softcover | 5.5 x 8.5in | 242 pages | ISBN 9781489747877 E-Book | 242 pages | ISBN 9781489747884 Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author Candace Williams is an insightful author and a motivational figure in the realm of self-discovery and personal growth. Through her illuminating book, "A Better You Experience," she shares her profound wisdom and takes readers on a transformative journey, empowering women to make life-altering decisions with unwavering confidence and a clear sense of purpose. Having weathered the challenges of young adulthood herself, Williams deeply grasps the importance of intentional decision-making during this significant phase. Her book offers a compassionate and nurturing approach, skillfully guiding readers toward a deeper connection with God and an enhanced sense of self-worth. Through her eloquent prose and relatable anecdotes, Williams not only motivates readers to view past mistakes as stepping stones to growth but also encourages them to perceive these experiences through the lens of divine guidance and nurturing influence. She calls upon readers to wholeheartedly embrace their true purpose, leaving behind years of grappling with self-doubt.

LifeRich Publishing, the strategic publishing partnership of Reader's Digest and Author Solutions, LLC, was created to provide all writers a platform for sharing their stories, recipes, advice and more. LifeRich authors will benefit from a wealth of editorial design, marketing and education resources, specially created by Reader's Digest editors for the enrichment of these LifeSmart individuals. Books can be published in print, ebook or audio formats, with additional distribution to up to 25 million Reader's Digest customers through its online properties. For more information or to publish a book, please visit liferichpublishing.com or call 844-686-9607.

Media Contact

Marketing Services, LifeRichPublishing, 844-686-9607, [emailprotected], https://www.liferichpublishing.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/851105-a-better-you-experience

SOURCE LifeRichPublishing

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Discover your path to self-empowerment and personal fulfillment with 'A Better You Experience' - PR Web

The secret to making it in art and science, according to research  Haaretz

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The secret to making it in art and science, according to research - Haaretz

I used to view abortion as something I hoped I would never need but wanted access to just in case. Then I became a Christian and my views on abortion quickly shifted. I knew my belief in a Creator Godwho knows us intimately (Ps. 139:1318) and makes us in his image (Gen. 1:27)meant Id never have an abortion.

But I still identified as pro-choice. Although my personal views had changed, I didnt think it was right to push those views on other women. Id make my choice. Theyd make theirs.

Then my English professor assigned Frederick Douglasss memoir, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave. In it, Douglass shared that some of the most frustrating people to him were those living in the border states who personally thought slavery was wrong but refused to resist the institution of slavery to the South. Theyd even return escaped slaves to their slaveowners because it was the law.

Their reasoning: I believe slaves are people, but my neighbor believes theyre his property. I would never own a slave, but who am I to push my beliefs on others?

It hit me: I was like the abolitionist who valued the slave owners legal right over the life of the enslaved.

In that moment, I moved from pro-choice to fervently pro-life.

I know many smart, compassionate women who are mourning the Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade because theyre outraged by what they genuinely perceive as an attack on women.

But Ive got to be honestas a woman, I find the idea that abortion is a good thing for women deeply offensive. Here are three reasons why legalized abortion is harmful to women.

Our society is shaped by men. Most of our institutions were established by men and therefore default to a male perspective. The fight for female empowerment in the U.S. has focused on women having all the same things that men have, which is a helpful standard when it comes to legal protection, enfranchisement, and access to the workforce. But focusing only on getting what men have perpetuates a society structured in reference to men, downplays the value of women embracing what they uniquely have, and undermines their ability to shape society.

When we as women use a mans point of view to define whats good, successful, and lovely, we end up overlooking and devaluing those things that are uniquely feminine.

When we as women use a mans point of view to define whats good, successful, and lovely, we end up overlooking and devaluing those things that are uniquely feminine.

In a world where women believe they must be like men in order to thrive, where the best option for an unplanned pregnancy is to cut and run, abortion can seem like a good thing. If men can easily escape the situation of unplanned parenthood, why cant women? Abortion can also seem like a good thing in a world that makes us feel as though childbearing is not worth the social, professional, and economic sacrifices it might incur.

But Im not content with this. Im not content with a world where women are convinced that, to be as valuable, successful, or happy as men, they must fight for a mans ability to abandon his child beforeor afterhe or she is born. Im not content with a world where women see fertility and motherhood not as God-given gifts but as liabilities and challenges to overcome on the path to becoming more like men.

I hate that world. I mourn that world. And I want to fight to make it better.

One common pro-choice argument is that abortion opponents are really pro unborn life. In the case of an unwanted pregnancy, youre either on the moms side or the babys side. Not only does this either-or framing put a huge burden on the pregnant mother, essentially forcing her to choose herself or the unborn life, but its also a false dichotomy.

Mom vs. baby is an unnatural warping of a miraculous relationship. Far from an oppositional relationship, a mother and her child represent one of creations most beautiful bonds. Lets get some perspective: for nine months (at most), these two beings are inseparable. After that, both have a lifetime to grow and struggle and thrive as individual lives.

Pregnancy isnt a zero-sum game. Except in very rare, very sad situations, its not a choice between one life or the other. We can care about both a mom and her baby, but not if we kill the latter before he or she even has a chance to live outside the womb.

Roughly half of all babies are female. This means at least half of the babies destroyed in abortions are little girls who would have grown up to be women. How is the killing of millions of girls each year an empowerment for women? And because of the disparity in how men and women are valued around the worldand the availability of sex-selective abortionsthe global rate of girls killed in abortions is likely much greater than 50 percent.

How is the killing of millions of girls each year an empowerment for women?

Studies mapping Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB, the number of males born per every 100 females) demonstrate imbalances that have increased significantly since the 1970s, when prenatal diagnostic tools (such as ultrasounds) and legalized medical abortion became more widely available. The expected SRB falls around 105 males per 100 females. The highest SRBs are in countries in Asia and North Africa, many of which have a strong cultural preference for sons. Here, the ratios are as high as 121 boys per 100 girls, with some regions reaching over 130. Given the large populations of the regions in questionparticularly in China and Indiathese imbalances represent millions of women killed as a result of sex-selective abortion.

We live in a broken world where sacrificing otherseven your own childmight seem like the most expedient way out of a challenging situation. But I refuse to throw up my hands and say, I guess abortions a necessityhow else will women flourish?

Overturning Roe is a good thing for women because it helps us to reject the lie that ending the life of a child in the womb is ever an empowering option.

Overturning Roe is a good thing for women because it helps us to reject the lie that ending the life of a child in the womb is ever an empowering option.

Though now illegal in some states, abortion is still legal in othersand in many places around the world. The legal fights will continue, but Christians must also fight the messaging battles around abortioncommunicating truer, longer-lasting answers to the question of how to promote flourishing for women and their children.

We must fight to shape a world that recognizes, celebrates, and honors women for what we can uniquely offer as women, not as people who are interchangeable with men. This includes rewriting the narrative around child-bearing and rethinking our ideas about what female empowerment means. With time, maybe well get to a place in society where, even if a woman finds herself in an unwanted pregnancy, shell never consider the evil equation that says her life can go on only if her childs life does not. Instead, by Gods grace, shell choose to carry the child even if the circumstances are incredibly hard, not seeing this as a compromise of her God-given power and calling as a woman, but as an embrace of it.

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Why Overturning Roe Is Good for Women - The Gospel Coalition

A sincerely raw tale of self-summoning and speaking truth to those who abuse their authority, Canadian singer/songwriter mainstay Rose Rangers new single summons all her pop Power and then some. And arriving fresh from her sixth studio album release, Confessions, theyre both available now.

Power is about justice and finally standing up for oneself; to speak your own truth, Rose shares. Its about how pain can be transformed into power and empowerment from the oppressive forces that want to keep us down and dim our light.

The message is raw and clear-cut, as are some truths that cut people down off their high horses; Power conveys a sense of vulnerability, as Rose Ranger breaks free from a cruel tyrant. Lyrically, the track hits a lot of sore spots while gently soothing open wounds with words of reassurance and empowerment.

Roses vocals add to the symbolism of the lyrics: feeling powerful and ready to break the cycle yet held back, almost anxious to confront such a tremendous task.

My pain is my power / My love is a tower / My truth is gunpowder / My strength is a flower.

As they say, power can be used for good over evil, the Vancouver-based artist muses. It can be used for positive change or misused and abused; this song illustrates both.

I think almost everyone anywhere in the world can relate to being mistreated at some point in their life, she continues. With that, I think this song was living somewhere in my head and heart for about a decade, but I couldnt speak about it.

Hailing from Vancouvers North Shore, Rose Rangers resume consists of multiple singles produced for television and single radio airplay plus a plethora of songwriting awards. Multi-talented, she has studied dance, voice and choir, theatre and film acting, creative writing, psychology, philosophy, womens studies, and neuroscience at The University of British Columbia, Cap U, American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and in private classes.

Within her music, Roses roster of releases continue to deliver lush odes to self-discovery alongside subtle yet profound observations around moments of life.

I just try to write from an honest place, whether the song is autobiographical, about someone else, or entirely fictional she explains of her process. Either way, it has to feel honest.

Its with this sense of transparent songwriting that Power arrives alongside Confessions Roses sixth studio album, and 20 years since her breakthrough debut, 2022s Replies. Weaving themes of resiliency, finding strength in vulnerability, love, and pain, all the way to self-empowerment, and hope, Confessions was produced by Rose Ranger and JUNO Award-winner Ryan Stewart.

For me, I found inspiration in telling it like it is and not candy coating the truth after going through personal and family tragedies she reveals of the deeply personal lens through which she wrote. Writing can be cathartic, with each word offering a glimmer of light at the end of some very dark tunnels.

Metaphorically speaking, the album starts in an alley and ends on the autobahn

Its about being compassionate with both yourself and others because everyone is going through something you probably have no clue about, she continues. Its about finding your inner hero and holding onto that metaphor inside us all.

Hang out with your allies in life; dont waste your life on the people, situations, or environments that try to take you down or drain your life force, Rose Ranger insists. Dont let anyone make you feel like you dont deserve to go for what you want in your life.

Its worth it.

And with that lands real, raw personal Power.

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Rose Ranger Summons Power in Her Confessions with Release of New Single & Sixth Studio Album - The GATE

Taking on the world with a potent pop vision, Melbourne singer-songwriter Royal Drue has unveiled her debut single Cinderella a lush, fun and nostalgic slice of pop perfection.

Released independently on June 24, Cinderella is as unapologetic as it is utterly enthralling andsymbolises a brand new chapter for Royal Drue, the moniker of established artist Alexandra Smirneos.

Read Melbournes most comprehensive range of features and interviewshere.

Channelling intimate emotion and passionate energy into an addictive, irresistible three-and-a-half-minute upheaval, Cinderella is an anthem surging with absolute confidence.

Packed with the fierce power and catchy flair that youd expect from an empowering pop anthem, Cinderella beats the odds to feel both fresh and exciting upon first listen: Its the combination of Drues impressive vocals, soaring melodies and that unmistakable charisma that helps make this song an intoxicating thrill.

With nods to the likes of Taylor Swift (fans of the Lover album will adore this), Lady Gaga, Beren Olivia, LL and the early works of Katy Perry, the hypnotic pop track showcases Drues songwriting prowess. Weaving a majestic, mesmerizing tapestry of buoyant beats, vibrant verses and wonderful nostalgia, Cinderella encourages listeners to take ownership over their expression, sexuality and identity.

In an inspiring burst of energy, Drue rises to an incredible fever pitch in the songs anthemic chorus and a resounding and catchy statement we will be playing on repeat for years and years to come:

Ill keep crying Im a Princess, Im a Princess Prince Charming

Ill let you love my walk, my talk, and my bullshit stories

Ill even play hard to get when you want my number in your phone babe

Ill keep crying Im a Princess with my blue lips Ill be a darling

And while the track is a roaring anthem of empowerment, as Royal Drue candidly explains, Cinderella started out as a magical accident.

I came up with the chorus melody straight away and then the lyrics fell right into place. I didnt know what it was going to be about until I started the writing process.

After writing the lyrics Ill keep crying Im a princess, Im a princess prince charming I knew I wanted to form the rest of the song around Cinderella references. I loved the idea of making it about sexual role play, so that became the core inspiration for the whole song.

From there I dove in pretty deep and made sure the song had a strong empowering message that you can be whoever you want to be, however you want to be on your own terms.

Working alongside one of Drues closest friends and favourite collaborators, Sean Donehue, and with production taken care of by the talents at MSquared, Cinderella is a super-fun standout pop hit that makes your heart burst. Here Drue expands the scope of her artistry: Sonically, melodically, and lyrically, this track radiates intent.

Equal parts genius and fun, nostalgic, bold and eminently likeable, this debut brings us up-close-and-personal with Drue as a solo artist in her own right; fuelled by passion and an ear for creativity, catchy connection, drawn from her already incredible musical journey so far.

Already at just 24 years of age, Royal Drue has worked with an impressive list of Aussie favourites including Client Liason, Kaiit, Em Rusciano, and Young Divas Emily Williams, as well as sharing the stage with Baker Boy as feature artist at his local shows earlier this year.

Performing since the tender age of five, Drue also performs with the acclaimed Gospel/Techno crossover project Sunshine and the Disco Faith Choir as both lead singer and vocal director who recently signed to Lonely Lands Agency alongside heavy hitters including Tones and I, Tash Sultana and Boy & Bear.

With a wealth of experience, Royal Drue is a project that will see the singer-songwriter dive deeper and dig further than anything shes done before. At the same time, judging solely from her debut and vision, this project promises to be the singer/songwriters most accessible and relatable work to date.

Its always been on the cards but there were plenty of things I needed to do before going out on my own as a solo artist. All of my experiences as a session musician and collaborations with other artists have made me who I am today.

I can and have been impatient lol but Im so glad I got the chance to work with all these incredibly talented creatives because it gave me the chance to figure out who I wanted to be as an artist myself and what story I was going to tell.

Ive tried, failed, changed my mind, failed and tried again so many times. My journey to now has been so important in my development not only as an artist but as a human and I think thats how I know that nows the time to step out and do my own thing.

Sparing no expense in not just owning, but fully embracing being unapologetically herself and encouraging others to do so too Cinderella arrives alongside a sparkling, lively film clip that sees Royal Drue playing multiple characters representing multiple aspects of herself.

From glam to grunge and everything in between, the characters are symbolic versions of a Cinderella that defy the conventions of your typical Disney princess, celebrating the parts of us that make us special, unique, and different.

Its a metaphor. Cinderella shows that you can choose who you want to be. You have the ability to try on different versions of yourself; you can be whoever you want to be, however you want to be, whenever you want to be.

A definitive artist to watch, Royal Drue is one-of-a-kind; a performer at the top of her game, shes accomplished something truly remarkable with her debut release and we cannot wait to see where she goes from here.

Ive always felt ready as a performer and creatively but as a person, I think Im the readiest now than Ive ever been. Its always scary taking the first leap, but the excitement I get out of what I do definitely outweighs the nervous energy!

Ive got tracks lined up and ready for rapid-fire, so again, stay tuned the next one is closer than you think!

Stream Cinderella by Royal Drue here and keep up with the latest via Royal Drues socials.

This article was made in partnership with Royal Drue

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Royal Drue redefines what it means to be a princess in empowering pop anthem, 'Cinderella' - Beat Magazine