Recent events have caused me to become quite amazed at what is developing with Amanda Palmer, her protégé Evelyn Evelyn and a group of distraught people who are, I'm guessing, predominantly folks recently exposed to Palmer through her fiancé, writer Neil Gaiman.
If you're new to what's going on, I'll break it down:
The discovery of punk cabaret singer Amanda Palmer and punk accordion troubadour Jason Webley, Evelyn Evelyn is the stage name of Lyn and Eva Neville, cojoined twin sisters who traveled with a circus for years, until while deciding to launch a musical career, Webley and Palmer decided to help them out.
This is the official story, and I currently have no reason to doubt it, so we'll simply roll with it, mentioning only the fact that one of the sisters has a surprisingly deep masculine voice, and that it doesn't surprise me that Palmer and Webley would gravitate toward this pair, seeing as how the sisters' quirky music and choice of musical instruments seems to closely complement the interests of all involved.
At any rate, I first became aware of the twins back in 2007, when I picked up a colorful little 7" at the behest of Amanda Palmer. It was of the twins singing a few songs, including a version of Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart."
I was hooked, and this record remained a gem in my collection, and I hoped we'd hear more from the twins, other than the occasional rumored live appearance.
Now, in March, the Evelyn Evelyn album is finally being released, and the first photos of the twins are coming to light. I am stoked to hear the latest fruits of Palmer's labors, as I consider her to be one of the most creative and talented women in music today.
Apparently, not everyone feels this way.
There is a group that feels that the Evelyn Evelyn project is in poor taste, exploitative or even flat-out mean. Many of these detractors, I am guessing, are folks that have been recently turned on to Palmer, I am guessing based on her recent engagement to Neil Gaiman. This is all conjecture on my part, but the dates do match closely. Wherever the recent folks have arrived from, I do think that they are not in tune with Palmer's, talent, sense of humor, flair for the dramatic or brilliantly off-the-wall artistic performances.
Palmer addresses it on her blog, but I don't know that she needed to. Based on my experience with Amanda Palmer and what I've heard of Evelyn Evelyn, I feel that this is far from the case. The Evelyn Evelyn project is fun, exciting, and I am looking forward to hearing their debut next month. Those who feel otherwise are probably not examining with the most open of minds, and might need to be taken with a grain of salt.
I'm not the only one offering the Neville sisters support, either. The debut will feature an anthem entitled "My Space" with gust vocals from many including Gerard Way (My Chemical Romance), Andrew WK, Tegan and Sara and Frances Bean Cobain.
I'll not try to bias you though, reader. Instead I will simply offer this, a free MP3 from their upcoming self-titled release. Download it and hear the sisters in all their glory for yourself.
Evelyn Evelyn "Have You Seen My Sister Evelyn?" (MP3)
Amanda Palmer photo © Nicole Lucas
Evelyn Evelyn photo courtesy of Girlie Action
Comments
Here’s the problem with the “Evelyn/Evelyn” project. It is absolutely false. Palmer has come out on her blog and admitted that the twins do not exist, and the story was thought up by her and Webley.
The project came to my attention because Feminist communities, particularly communities of Feminists that critique albeist privilege, and pretty miffed at the deception.
In her lackluster, half-baked examination of the fanfare, Palmer defended her tasteless deception by insisting that, in meetings over coffee and wine with supporters, they found the project “empowering.” I have to wonder if those individuals were presented with the truth–that these were characters being created to further Palmer’s own creative helm–instead of the concocted falsity of two individuals who had survived just about every horror imaginable to become singing sensations. One can only wonder why Palmer didn’t throw in a Holocaust reference to top her exploitative, child-porn peddling, sideshow-performing story line.
There would still be a number of us who would be upset with Palmer, even if she had told the truth from the start, because there are enough women who have been abused by child porn and incest without having to manufacture women with those experiences. But the bigger issue is her complete deception of her audiences, and upon being caught, casual dismissal of their feelings and reactions.
Go ahead and make your money, Amanda Palmer. I am one of those who could have been your fan, because you have real talent, but have found myself totally disenchanted with your overly-saturated, misunderstood artist victim of we uppity Feminists who dare to question the value in your so-called “art.”
Thanks for your feedback, TabloidScully.
I don’t think there ever were that many people who believed in the reality of the twins, especially after the video circulated the internet showing a performance of “Evelyn Evelyn,” which was Palmer and Webley in a giant dress, each playing one side of an accordion.
Even before the video, from the outset it was apparent that the vocals on the tracks by the sisters were plainly those of Palmer and Webley. If it was ever meant to really be a secret, it was one of the worst kept ones.
Prior to Evelyn Evelyn, Amanda Palmer’s last release was “Who Killed Amanda Palmer.” It was accompanied by a book that showed various death scenes of Palmer. When that came out, we never believed she was dead.
What Palmer and Webley are doing with the Evelyn Evelyn project is vaudevillian and cheeky. It was never serious, and never even truly secretive about the twins not existing. It’s pure PT Barnum-styled showmanship, intent on fooling only those who really want to believe it, and simply entertaining everyone else.
You’ve missed the mark entirely, I’m afraid.
Most of the fans who are upset are long-time Amanda Palmer followers, not Neil Gaiman cross-over fans.
And the controversy is not over the fact that we were ‘lied’ to.
Palmer posted her ‘full story’ of Evelyn Evelyn two days ago. According to Palmer, she and Jason, ‘discovered’ the twins some years ago. They decided that the twins were very talented, but because they were excruciatingly shy and obviously disabled (they are conjoined twins), E/E didn’t want to seek out any mainstream exposure. Palmer and Jason cajoled and convinced them to go into the studio, record and album and release it, then tour with Palmer and Jason.
Oh, and by the way, they were sold into sexual slavery as infants, to a child porn ring in Manitoba, Canada, and then they were re-sold to a circus for basically the same exploitive purposes.
So: the twins are disabled victims of infant and child abuse, human traffiking and more.
And there’s an abused elephant in the mix, I can’t remember how.
The reaction from the fans was: ick. Too much, too far, too flip, too blythe, too mocking, too tee hee. The narrative is terribly, terribly abelsit – ‘these poor handicapped people were RESCUED by the able-bodied Palmer and Jason.’ And the added layer of child abuse and exploitation was presented in a way to make it sound like a cheap gimmick.
I’d recommend that you read both the original blog and Palmer’s response, and all the very thoughtful posts that followed. There’s some very smart discussion about art, abelism, the exploitation of abuse victims, etc.
That way you could comment about the facts, rather than prefacing all of your statements with “I assume.”
Hey Actually? Please don’t speak for us.
Ok, here is the deal. From what I’ve seen, a lot of long time Amanda Palmer fans are NOT that upset. There is just a portion of them being much louder than the not upset ones. From what I’ve read on her forum, where I am a member, it seems that people who are slightly turned off, are only so because the piece in the way it was presented on the blog seemed to have some unnesicarily icky elements. But, I think (and I don’t know, because I can’t speak for everyone) most fans probably want to see what the actual album has to offer before making a full opinion.
So, “Actually,” please, don’t. I personally am not interested in you speaking for me.
“The Evelyn Evelyn project is fun, exciting, and I am looking forward to hearing their debut next month. Those who feel otherwise are probably not examining with the most open of minds, and might need to be taken with a grain of salt.”
Wow. Way to be dismissive. There’s some real thought provoking arguments to be made about this artistic endeavor being promoted and performed without seriously deconstructing stereotypes. Just because Amanda Palmer is a talented artist doesn’t mean that she can’t make mistakes. And just because something is art doesn’t mean that it can’t be morally irresponsible.
“I’ll try not to bias you though, reader.”
Ryan, you ARE biased. Very obviously so.
You’re a journalist, right? Be clear, and be fair about what you’re trying to say. Own it.
It may seem frivolous to you, but this stuff has been genuinely hurtful and alienating to a whole lot of people. The snarky “don’t take my word for it” pretense isn’t going to help matters. Empathy, please?
Here’s the thing– I adore both Amanda and Jason’s stuff. I’m speaking as a longtime fan of both of them (AND Gaiman!) when I say this–
The EE backstory posted recently was not, imo, particularly well thought out, or in good taste. To me, that particular bit of fabrication seemed insensitive and “othering” in an uncharacteristic way for both of them. What’s more, it seemed lazy in its presentation. A cheap gag. But that’s not what really got to me. Hey, it’s art. It might be crappy art in some people’s opinions, but it’s their prerogative. To paraphrase Voltaire “I may think that your sloppy, somewhat poorly presented side-project that might be construed as exploitative of disabled people and mocking childrape survivors is pretty darn tepid, but I will defend to the death your right to make it.” Y’know, as long as you can take the inevitable criticism.
What befuddles me very much in this situation is that Amanda, who prides herself on being very inclusive and loving, responded to the fallout in a rather unkind way. For all her fulminating about love and understanding, she came off as incredibly defensive.
I wish she’d taken the time to really meditate on this problem and responded as Jason did, with tact and gentleness. But then, that’s not really her MO, is it
Sure, there were some assholes yelling at her without really offering up a chance for constructive discourse. Hey, it’s the internet. It’s nothing new to her.
But the majority of people who were most deeply wounded by the unintentional ableism and the kiddie porn jokes seemed to be responding with some sincere, well-articulated criticism. People like Annaham were very calm and cordial, and if you take the time to read their words, and care enough to really put yourself in their shoes, you can’t NOT see their point.
Nonetheless, these people were met with EXTREME negations and further jokes and jibes and eye rolls, first by scores of Amanda’s fans (many of whom, lets be honest, sometimes rival Tori’s in terms of rabid loyalty), and then by Amanda herself, first on Twitter, and then in her official blog response.
Labeling the people with hurt feelings who confronted her as “haters” and passing off their concerns with an “I’m sorry your feelings are hurt” platitude is petty and disappointed, especially considering all the lip service she pays to being loving and empathetic.
It appears to come from a place of privilege and a lack of desire to want really understand WHY this EE thing has hurt so many of her fans. (No, not just Gaiman fans. HER fans. Longtime fans who’ve been supporting her for years.)
I haven’t felt compelled to say anything until now. Something about your assumptions and tone in this article really got to me, Ryan. This article is just seems like it takes the general lack of understanding or patience to another level. I find that deeply disappointing, and irritating.
But I don’t want to be irritated… I want to understand.
“Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.”
Jung
Anne, thanks for your thoughtful post. First, just a clarifier: the bit about not being biased was meant to be facetious. It was clearly an editorial piece, not an objective one when I wrote it, and I realized the bias was quite obvious.
Getting away from that, though, I think that you do make some very valid points that will hopefully be addressed in the next month as the album is released. I think a lot of folks have some serious concerns.
In this discussion, there have been two groups of criticism; one has been the “OMG you lied to us, I can’t believe the twins aren’t real” school. I addressed that. The other is the school that has serious issues with the backstory that has been created for the twins. You know what? I can’t really address that – at least not until the album (and accompanying book) is released.
Up until now, I have not addressed the backstory attached to the twins; it’s been related on Palmer’s blog site and was hastily removed again for the time being. I’m planning on waiting and seeing how it ties up with the album. Many who appreciated Palmer and Webley’s music felt alienated by a backstory that they also feel was hastily thrown together, alienating and insensitive.
Evelyn Evelyn is a concept; these are characters that have been constructed by artists over the course of at least three years. One of the artists involved is the artist behind Who Killed Amanda Palmer?, which was in and of itself a grand undertaking. Many people are (quite justifiably) upset about the seriously horrible life that these two girls have lead up until now, and are feeling like it’s not being taken seriously. Honestly, this is the way I felt when I first heard the story of the film Precious, now nominated for an Oscar. I feel I also owe this a full chance.
To reiterate my first post: for those of you who feel lied to about the twins being fake – grow up because it’s a story and a concept. But for those of you whose issue is with the story written for the sisters, I can’t address or dissuade your concerns. I am looking at this from the same outside you are, and can only watch it play out.
I do know that an entire literary companion to the Evelyn Evelyn project is due out from Dark Horse, filling in the gaps on the story, as well as addressing why such a story was created. As to whether Palmer is going to give her creations the respect they deserve, who knows? We can only wait and see. But for now, I do appreciate the dialogue that this has opened up throughout the Web regarding the nature of art, and responsibility, and in the way we empathize – or appear to – with our fellow human beings.
Let me tell you my story: I have always been fond of AFP’s stuff, so every now and then I check out her myspace. Last night, I happened to catch part of a post where she explained the “real story” of this Evelyn Evelyn thing… I like her musical taste, and this story sounded rather life-affirming, so I was interested…. Then in the post she goes on to say that tickets are going on sale now — and the whole thing is going to sell out — so get your tickets fast! Then I noticed they were doing their second show ever just down the street from me in Cambridge, MA. So, I hurriedly purchased tickets — and only after did I figure out that this was an elaborate hoax. I do feel duped — and while I really think I keep a very open mind about “art” — I do think it’s in poor taste.
Look, if she wants to make this her next project, that’s great…I’d still be interested in it. But I think she should have been more up front right in the beginning that this was a project of hers (and not the actual reality). I’d still pay money to see Amanda Palmer do this, but I think it’s only fair that she be more honest right from the outset about the situation — otherwise, it does seem like she’s using someone else’s painful condition to make money.
Personally, I find that the individuals who are bitching and whining about this from a “feminist” and “abelist” and “icky” point of view need a firm reality check: The point of art is to engage and provoke. Artists – if they are any good – don’t give a s**t if you like them all the time. In fact they only know they’re doing their jobs correctly if a small, loud faction of their fan base (and other peoples with their collective panties in a twist) freak the hell out at what they’ve done.
Art is not safe, wear a friggin’ safety helmet. It’s meant to cause controversy and be politically incorrect. And, if you are so easily offended by the EE “backstory” I challenge you to look at the book Lolita, the play Marat|Sade, the photographs of Robert Mapelthorpe, Madonna’s book Sex, the Piss Christ by Andres Serrano, Elvis, the Beatles, Marylin Manson, Ozzy Osbourne, Jerry Lee Lewis, etc… ALL of those artists and works were at one point called “in bad taste” and “profane” and even “obscene” and “exploitive.”
Now? Classics.
I am a writer and I edit a website where I have to manage OTHER writers and one of the things I tell those writers is that you can never – NEVER push the conceptual boundaries of art “too far.” Don’t be afraid to shock, offend and scare people with your words. I think the same applies to music. To all art.
There were before and will be after TONS of other artists and projects which entail topics and tell stories of abuse and objectification and exploitation of oppressed peoples. It actually brings awareness to the topics at hand and helps our culture grow and learn. People who rail against windmills objecting to those works of art, who only want “PC” and “safe” art are a.) missing the point, b.) should just stick to Disney. And, remember in trying to silence people you are censoring and oppressing yourself.
That being said: I’m a very very new and casual Amanda Palmer fan. And, even I knew the twins were a fictitious creation on the part of AFP and JW.
The fact is that the music is brilliant. I cannot wait to hear the full album. The Evelyn Evelyn project has engaged me enough to download a ton of Dresden Dolls and other AFP music. I’m very impressed by how AFP is handling this situation and cannot wait to see what she does next.
Mike — I am sorry that you’re in any way concerned/wavering about what lies in store for you and how it was “presented” (regarding the concert that you purchased tickets for).
I’ve seen one question pop up again and again amidst the fans, and I’d like to get your feedback…I hope I do not offend you: How was it not obvious who you’d be seeing/why cry foul when you didn’t do your “homework”? Please understand I am not trying to chastise you, but I am legitimately curious and trying to understand.
You are a fan of Amanda’s.
You trusted her judgment on a musical recommendation.
You (presumably) bought tickets without seeing/hearing anything that’s out there by Evelyn Evelyn.
But now that you’re going to potentially be seeing an artist that you admittedly like (versus one who was simply “recommended” by aforementioned artist), you feel that she should’ve been more up front.
Listen, I know not everyone knows exactly what Amanda sounds like and I know that not everyone has followed every single little piece of promo relating to EE…….but I also know that when someone (even a close personal friend) recommends that I pay for something, I do my research as to what I’m supporting and if in turn I will like it. Am I misunderstanding you, and you did in fact do that? So why in turn, did you rush to get the ticket?
“I don’t think there ever were that many people who believed in the reality of the twins, especially after the video circulated the internet showing a performance of “Evelyn Evelyn,” which was Palmer and Webley in a giant dress, each playing one side of an accordion.”
Actually, SOME of us DID. Including me. I’m attached to a website and message board the supports advocacy for survivors of sexual violence, and the twins most certainly came to our attention, as does any celebrity that comes out as a survivor of sexual violence. And how laughable it might have been to believe it is fairly dismissive of the fact there is a large number of fans who wouldn’t be so angry except that Palmer discussed the sexual exploitation of these so flippantly only to admit it was an invention of lying. Never mind the fact that they only admitted it was fake after pressure, angry letters and criticism bothering Gaiman.
“It was never serious, and never even truly secretive about the twins not existing. It’s pure PT Barnum-styled showmanship, intent on fooling only those who really want to believe it, and simply entertaining everyone else.”
Wow, what a truly dismissive argument. First of all, not being a Palmer fan, and only attached to this story because of her professing to be working with two women who had been sexually exploited, it’s unrealistic to expect me and the hundreds of others who are upset to know beyond a reasonable doubt that this project was a hoax. And if it were so damn obvious, why all the secrecy? Why all the hiding behind blog entries (including one, discussing the possibility of suing the twins’ victimizer)?
See, here’s the thing. Here’s what I and so many others are upset about. Spinning a story about a debilitating, disabling birth defect and sexual violence isn’t “cheeky.” It isn’t “edgy” or “rad” or any other adjective people want to use to suggest those of us rightfully upset just need to get with it, man. It’s offensive. It’s wrong.
I don’t “want” to believe people have gone through what the twins have. But as a counselor and an advocate for survivors of sexual violence, I don’t have the luxury to doubt any validity in such stories. And that’s what’s so damning, beyond anything else. There are people who have gone through what the twins were to have gone through, who might have thought, “This is a project done by people who understand.” But the reality is, the twins, being non-existent, don’t know. Palmer and Webley don’t know, and are instead capitalizing on those who DO.
Im a long time amanda fan, and this is how i see it.it was a way for amanda to out out a new record without roadrunner, they have been unfair to her and have ignored her requests to cut her off their lists. the evelyn project was a way for her to get a new album out without the big cats going for the profits.
i did belive the twins were real, but when they turned out to be amanda and jason i was suprised, then i saw it for what it was, a creative outlet of music and style.
amandas music has always been to shock, its her form of art, and as horrid it is to think about what “happened” to the twins, Im more relived becuase it means that no one went through such horrid things. I have been sexually abused, But know what, Im not offended, I dont think anyone should be, they arent promoting it, they arnt picking on people laughing, they are artists who do what they do as an outlet. we shouldnt be focusing on the twins that dont really exist, we should be focusing on the talent that gets ignored becuase of the controversy.
also, most freakshows have been closed due to the whole exploytaion of people whom are different ( Im not calling it a disability because those people arnt disabled at all and thus shouldnt be labeled so) so the story of the twins being sold to circus’s would be false anyway.
i will not lie, amanda shouldnt of given the full backstory of the twins,it did tug at strings, but she made a mistake, shes human, it happens, the queen makes mistakes, poor people, rich people, everyone
BUT! Im still going to belive in the twins, I dont care if they arnt real, santas not real, neithers the tooth fairy, its about what they stand for, you can go through hell and back and still be strong, and thats what i belive that Amanda Palmer and Jason Webley were trying to show, and i look forward to the albums release, just so i can have a copy to call my own