Swahili Blonde is the L.A-based solo project of “talent magnet” Nicole Turley, who has indeed lived up to that moniker, having worked with the likes of John Frusciante, Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, Teri Gender Bender, and members of Devo, Duran Duran and many more. The first single off Swahili Blonde's highly anticipated forthcoming album (due out early 2016) contains influences from all of the above in an exquisite whirlwind of experimental electronic music and classic, golden-era synthpop, leaving us wanting and excited for what’s to come from the full-length. “The Diamond Room” starts out with an ethereal electronic drum line perfectly complemented by Turley’s fluttery, rousing soprano vocals. Unconventionally structured, the song is comprised of two alternating choruses, one which feels sweet and playful like a childhood lullaby and the other darker in melody, and more sinister in conceit, with Turley describing being in a dream in which the protagonists are “not what they seem” - both spooky and compelling, right in time for the Halloween season. Check out the premiere of the track below, and keep your ears open for what we can only surmise will be an amazing album, come 2016.
Swahili Blonde "the Diamond Room"

Marianne White
Marianne White is the founder and executive director of Audiofemme, a pioneering media platform and creative collective dedicated to amplifying the voices of women, femme, and non-binary artists in music and culture. A graduate of George Washington University with a degree in International Relations, Marianne initially built her career in New York City's magazine editorial world before transitioning into music journalism, where she contributed to a range of independent blogs and media outlets. Through firsthand experience navigating the pervasive gender inequities and systemic gatekeeping embedded within the music industry, Marianne recognized the urgent need for a more inclusive, equitable platform—one that would champion underrepresented voices while fostering genuine community and creative opportunity. In response, she founded Audiofemme in 2013 as both a publication and movement, rooted in the belief that diverse perspectives are essential to shaping the future of music and media. Under Marianne's leadership, Audiofemme has grown from an independent editorial project into a multifaceted non-profit organization and respected cultural force, encompassing journalism, artist development, live events, and advocacy initiatives. Today, Audiofemme serves as a thriving collective of female/femme/non-binary writers, musicians, and creatives committed to challenging industry norms, dismantling exclusionary practices, and creating meaningful space for emerging and established artists alike. Marianne's work continues to position Audiofemme at the intersection of music, culture, and social impact, redefining what an inclusive creative ecosystem can look like.



