Femm-Isation
Femm-Isation | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | October 1, 2014 | |||
Recorded | 2013–2014 | |||
Genre | EDM | |||
Length | 43:20 | |||
Language | English | |||
Label |
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Producer | ||||
FEMM chronology | ||||
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Singles from Femm-Isation | ||||
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Femm-Isation is the debut studio album by Japanese musical duo Far East Mention Mannequins, who later adapted their name into FEMM. It was released as an independent digital album on October 1, 2014 by Maximum10 and Avex Music Creative Inc.. After releasing a digital EP Astroboy in April 2014, Avex announced new material from the group. The album's production was handled by several music producers and songwriters, such as Dan Book, Alexei Misoul, Leah Haywood, Daniel James, Kevin Ross, Andreas Carlsson, and Dreamlab. It also features a guest appearance from FEMM's alter-egos; the managers Honey-B and W-Trouble. Performed in English language, Femm-Isation is primarily an electronic dance album with numerous elements of pop ballad, disco, and eurodance.
Upon its release, Femm-Isation was met with generally positive reviews from music critics, many of whom complimented the commercial appeal of the songs and group, and praised the lyrical and musical delivery. However, some critics singled out some tracks that weren't good. Commercially, Femm-Isation was unsuccessful. The album failed to chart on the Japanese Oricon Albums Chart due to their policy of restricting digital sales and releases, and failed to chart on any Japanese Billboard albums charts. The album managed to chart for a sole week on the US Billboard World Albums Chart at 10.
Femm-Isation spawned thirteen promotional singles, and eight digital singles. Despite no chart positions, the singles: "Kill the DJ" and "Fxxk Boyz Get Money" achieved viral status because of the song's musical and lyrical delivery, along with its music video aesthetics. Because of this, several online figures and websites begun spreading the songs and the group virally. FEMM promoted the album on several live performances and concert gigs. In February 2016, Femm-Isation will be re-released physically as a double album with the group's subsequent release P.o.W.!/LCS (2016).
Background and development
Far East Mention Mannequins, who consists of Japanese–American model and actress Emily Kaiho, and Japanese singer Hiro Todo,[1][2] premiered their musical debut in October 2013 with a YouTube video about two Japanese "mannequins" roaming the streets of Shibuya and Tokyo city; they were subsequently hired by Maximum10, a sub-division label from Avex Music Creative Inc..[3] As part of their character development, where Kaiho and Todo portray the mannequins RiRi and LuLa respectively, FEMM's label approach and background is unknown. As a result, two new alter-egos "agents" were made to represent the group; Kaiho as Honey-B and Todo as W-Trouble; Honey-B and W-Trouble are present on the album respectively with RiRi and LuLa.[4]
They released their first extended play with Avex exclusively, Astroboy through digital stores on April 2, 2014.[5] Due to positive reaction, Avex hired several producers and songwriters to create songs for the group's debut studio album, such as Dan Book, Alexei Misoul, Leah Haywood, Daniel James, Kevin Ross, Andreas Carlsson, and Dreamlab.[4] FEMM begun recording the album at Avex Studios and Prime Sound Studios in Japan around at the start of 2014 with Hideaki Jinbu, and the album's material was finalized and mixed by Tom Coyne at Sterling Studios in New York City, New York.[6]
Composition
Femm-Isation is primarily an electronic dance album with numerous elements of rap, synthpop, and J-pop.[7][8] EDM is the most prominent element in the songs, which include "We Flood the Night", "Kill the DJ", "Party All Night", "White Noise", "Wannabe", and "Whiplash".[7][9] Other tracks have elements of different musical genres; R&B in "The Real Thing", dancehall in "Dead Wrong", and pop ballad melodies through "Unbreakable".[7] Corynn Smith from MTV Iggy labelled some tracks; "A romantic trance trip a la (We Flood the Night), craving a techno remix of '70s J-pop hit (UFO), or in a twerk-tastic, rubber-maid-outfit-clad (Fxxk Boyz Get Money) kinda mood."[10] Femm-Isation is recognized as the first J-pop album, released through Avex, to have been entirely recorded in English language.[7] According to FEMM, both members did not yet have any professional experience in singing. The duo stated that the first time recording and appearing in a music video for "Astroboy" as their agents was challenging.[11]
Release
Femm-Isation was released digitally on October 1, 2014 by Maximum10 and Avex Music Creative Inc..[12] The digital album consists of thirteen tracks; "Astroboy" from their self-titled EP was included on the album. However, "UFO" from the EP did not.[12] The cover sleeve immolates the music video to their single "Wannabe"; it features FEMM with gas masks on, holding up a flag that bears the title "Far East Mention Mannequins".[12] That same year on December 24, Avex Music Creative Inc. released the instrumental version of the album. The digital album consists of thirteen instrumental tracks.[13] The cover sleeve is an inverted version of the original album.[13] On December 11, 2015, FEMM announced the release of a new extended play entitled PoW!/LCS as their major debut through Avex Trax and JPU Records.[6] FEMM confirmed that two formats would be released; a separate EP format, and a double album that includes a physical copy of Femm-Isation.[14] The third format, the EP and a blank CD-R disc, will be released so audiences who purchased the digital release of Femm-Isation can burn it on the disc.[15] The double album will be released worldwide as a digital release on February 3, 2016, whilst the physical release will be released on February 24 that same year.[15][16]
Critical and commercial responses
Review scores | |
---|---|
Source | Rating |
Complete Music Update | (favorable)[17] |
J-Generation | (positive)[18] |
Femm-Isation received positive reviews from most music critics. Andy Malt from Complete Music Update was positive towards the tracks; he stated "Thankfully, the musical side makes more sense. Over the last seven months they’ve released fourteen globally-minded pop tracks onto YouTube, all of which make up their debut album, Femm-Isation, which will be released internationally on iTunes tomorrow. Tracks like 'Fuck Boyz Get Money' (a satire of The Notorious B.I.G. line, “fuck bitches, get money”) and my personal favourite, 'Wannabe' (not a Spice Girls cover)."[17] Greg Hignight from J-Generation.com was very positive towards the songs on the album, and stated "My pick for the J-Pop album of 2014 is Femm-Isation, a celebration of the artificial aspiring for something more genuine, and in the process, delivering some the most exciting and original music to come out of the Japanese pop scene in years."[7] Despite not reviewing the album, Molly Osbery from Vice.com was praised the producers and songwriters from their material for being hidden pioneers in order to popularize the group, as she felt producers now were more "the front men".[4] Despite not reviewing the album, Corynn Smith from MTV Iggy was impressed by their English language skills of the singles, and commended majority of the album's composition and singles.[8] That same year, MTV Iggy listed FEMM as their "Artist to Watch".[19]
Because it was released digitally, Femm-Isation failed to chart on the Japanese Oricon Albums Chart due to their policy of restricting digital sales and releases, and failed to chart on any competent Billboard Japan album chart. However, Femm-Isation managed to chart for a sole week on the US Billboard World Albums Chart at 10; this is FEMM's first charting effort from their discography as of January 2016, and were the second Japanese artist after Shintaro Sakamoto on the chart week of October 18, 2014.[20]
Promotion
Album and remix singles
"Wannabe" was released as the album's lead single on April 16, 2014.[24] Despite its release, the song failed to enter any music charts. Two accompanying music videos were shot for the single; one featured FEMM being sprayed painted to immolate body art in the middle of a street, while the second video featured FEMM dancing to the song in a white studio.[25][26] "Kiss the Rain" was released as the album's second single on April 30, 2014.[27] Despite its release, the song failed to enter any music charts. An accompanying music video was shot for the single; its features FEMM inside a steam punk environment dancing the song. Intercut scenes feature FEMM kissing each other and dancing in front of computer generated imagery.[28] "White Noise" was released as the album's third single on May 7, 2014.[29] Despite its release, the song failed to enter any music charts. An accompanying music video was shot for the single; its features FEMM dancing to the video, and performing in latex body suits. The video is primarily made with lyric video scenes, computer generated imagery, and scenes of FEMM dancing.[30] "We Flood the Night" was released as the album's fourth single on May 14, 2014.[31] Despite its release, the song failed to enter any music charts. An accompanying music video was shot for the single; its features FEMM as mannequin dolls, traveling through a city and underwater world.[32]
"Kill the DJ" was released as the album's fifth single on May 28, 2014.[33] The song received favorable reviews from most music critics, many whom praised the song's production and composition.[7][8] Despite its release, the song failed to enter any music charts. An accompanying music video was shot for the single; its features RiRi and LuLa in a cadet and nurse uniform, dancing and fighting to the song. The video received a large amount of favourable feedback, praising the concept, its convenient use of cosplay and otaku culture, and choreography.[21][34] "Fxxk Boyz Get Money" was released as the album's sixth single on July 30, 2014.[35] The song was critically acclaimed from many music critics, many whom praised the song's commercial nature and lyrical message.[7][8][22][23] Despite its release, the song failed to enter any music charts. An accompanying music video was shot for the single; its features FEMM singing and twerking in an overlapped lyric video. The video received a large amount of favourable feedback, and attracted large attention from several online figures including American blogger and journalist Perez Hilton, American YouTube star Miles Jai, among others.[23][36][37] "Party All Night" and its remix by sfpr was released as the album's seventh single on August 27, 2014, and debut remix single.[38] Despite its release, the song failed to enter any music charts. An accompanying music video for the original composition was shot; its features FEMM in a futuristic world and in a small room.[39]
The "Invaderous" remix to "Kill the DJ" was released as the album's eighth single on August 27, 2014, and second remix single.[40] No music video was produced for this remix.[41] "Dead Wrong" was released as the album's ninth single on August 27, 2014.[42] Despite its release, the song failed to enter any music charts. An accompanying music video was shot for the single; its features FEMM in traditional Japanese kimonos dancing the song in front of computer generated imagery.[43] "Whiplash", alongside two remixes by Invaderous and sfpr, was released as the album's tenth single on September 17, 2014, and third and fourth remix single respectively.[44][45] Despite its release, the song failed to enter any music charts. An accompanying music video for the original composition was shot; its features FEMM in a black latex uniform, dancing with back-up dancers on a stage.[46] "Unbreakable" was released as the album's eleventh and final single on September 17, 2014.[47] Despite its release, the song failed to enter any music charts. An accompanying music video was shot for the single; its features FEMM singing the song in a white room, whilst sitting near a grand piano.[48]
Live performances and gigs
Femm promoted Femm-Isation on several concert gigs and concerts. FEMM made their debut concert performance at Tokyo's Baamm at Shinkiba.[49] In mid-July 2014, FEMM performed at Tokyo in Tulsa,[50][51] an anime convention in Oklahoma, which was their first performance in North America.[52] FEMM's second major performance was at Tokyo's newly hosted Twerk 'Em All; this was the host party for FEMM's then-new single "Fxxk Boyz Get Money", along previous material.[53] FEMM were part of a one-night only show for the Japanese leg tour of Dutch recording artist and songwriter Eva Simons, and FEMM performed all the album tracks on their Femm-Isation Vol.3 concert the following day; this gig was hosted at Hatsudai Tamai Hospital.[54][55] FEMM performed alongside electronic musicians Afrojack, Alesso, Fedde Le Grand, Kaskade, and Martin Garrix amongst others at the annual Ultra Music Festival in Tokyo; this was FEMM's first musical performance at a live festival tour.[56] FEMM performed at the Versace after party in Tokyo, and performed on several other concert gigs until December 2014.[57][58][59]
In August 2015, the duo returned to the United States to perform at Rage, a gay bar and dance club in West Hollywood, California.[60] In the same weekend, they were guests at J-Pop Summit in San Francisco along with other Japanese acts such as Eir Aoi, JAM Project, Gacharic Spin and more.[61] The group's final performance promoting material from Femm-Isation was for the 2015 YouTube FanFest Japan, where YouTube personalities and artists gathered together for a live streaming event.[62][63]
Track listing
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "We Flood the Night" |
|
| 3:43 |
2. | "Astroboy" |
| Lee | 4:02 |
3. | "Kill the DJ" |
| Preston | 3:25 |
4. | "Party All Night" |
|
| 3:38 |
5. | "The Real Thing" |
| 3:05 | |
6. | "Dead Wrong" |
| Dreamlab | 2:32 |
7. | "Unbreakable" |
|
| 3:55 |
8. | "Girls Night Out" |
|
| 3:06 |
9. | "Kiss the Rain" |
| Bøgelund | 3:35 |
10. | "Fxxk Boyz Get Money" |
|
| 3:06 |
11. | "White Noise" |
| GL Music | 3:09 |
12. | "Whiplash" |
|
| 3:25 |
13. | "Wannabe" |
| Dreamlab | 2:39 |
Total length: | 43:20 |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "PoW!" | 3:48 | ||
2. | "L.C.S." | |||
3. | "Astroboy (Japanese version)" (featuring Honey-B and W-Trouble) |
| Lee | 4:02 |
4. | "Fxxk Boyz Get Money (Invaderous Remix)" | |||
5. | "Party All Night (sfpr Remix)" |
|
| 4:50 |
6. | "Kill The DJ (Invaderous Remix)" |
| Preston | 5:01 |
7. | "Kiss The Rain (sfpr Remix)" |
| Bøgelund | 4:23 |
8. | "Astroboy (Invaderous Remix)" (featuring Honey-B and W-Trouble) |
| Lee | 5:23 |
9. | "Whiplash (sfpr Remix)" |
|
| 5:06 |
10. | "UFO (Original Mix)" (featuring Fz from sfpr vs Invaderous) | 6:55 |
All formats
- Digital download – Consists of thirteen original tracks.[12]
- Digital download instrumental set – Consists of thirteen original tracks in instrumental form.[13]
- Double album – Re-released under the title PoW!/LCS + Femm-Isation; Consists ten tracks on one disc, and thirteen tracks from Femm-Isation on the second disc. Includes a bonus t-shirt and poster.[15][16]
Credits and personnel
Credits adapted from the liner notes of PoW!/LCS + Femm-Isation.[6]
|
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Charts
Chart (2014) | Peak position |
---|---|
US World Albums Chart (Billboard)[20] | 10 |
References
- ^ IMDb Staff (2014). "Emily Kaiho – Biography". IMDb. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
- ^ Discogs Staff (2014). "Hiro Todo – Biography". Discogs.com. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
- ^ Avex (October 27, 2013). "FEMM'S AGENCY SYNDICATE "Official Teaser"". FEMM's official YouTube channel; published through YouTube. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
- ^ a b c Osberg, Molly (December 12, 2014). "Meet FEMM, the Sentient Mannequin J-Pop Supergroup". Vice.com. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
- ^ "Astroboy – Album – By FEMM". iTunes Store JP. April 2, 2014. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
- ^ a b c PoW!/L.C.S. + Femm-Isation (Liner notes). FEMM. Japan: Avex Trax. 2016. AVCD-93368.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ a b c d e f g Hignight, Greg (October 1, 2014). "FEMM – Femm-Isation (Review)". J-Generation. Retrieved 2020-05-03.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b c d MTV 81 Staff (October 9, 2014). "MTV 81 and Synthpop Sensation FEMM Team Up for World Femm-Isation". Mtv81.com. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ AramaJapan Staff (2015). "FEMM teases "Whiplash", announces first album". Aramajapan.com. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
- ^ Smith, Corynn. "New Music Videos, Reality TV Shows, Celebrity News, Pop Culture". Mtviggy.com. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
- ^ AramaJapan Staff (2015). "Arama! Japan interviews Japanese Duo Far East Mention Mannequins". Aramajapan.com. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f "Femm-Isation – Album – By FEMM". iTunes Store JP. October 1, 2014. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
- ^ a b c "Femm-Isation (Instrulmetal) – Album – By FEMM". iTunes Store JP. December 24, 2014. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
- ^ Arama Japan Staff (December 11, 2015). "FEMM t make their major debut with PoW!/LCS + Femm-Isation". Aramajapan. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ a b c CD Japan Staff (February 24, 2016). "PoW!/L.C.S. + Femm-Isation – FEMM". CD Japan. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ a b CD Japan Staff (February 24, 2016). "PoW!/L.C.S. + Femm-Isation – FEMM". CD Japan. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ a b Malt, Andy (September 30, 2014). "Approved: FEMM". Complete Music Update. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
j-generation
was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Smith, Corynn (October 24, 2014). "Get Ready for the World FEMM". Mtviggy.com. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
- ^ a b "FEMM Chart History – US Billboard Top World Albums Chart". Billboard. October 18, 2014. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ a b Musicman Staff (May 28, 2014). "FEMM、デビュー1ヶ月半で早くも5本目となる「Kill The DJ」PV発表". Musicman-Net.com. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ a b Arcadey Staff (July 30, 2014). "Introducing Femm and your new life anthem, "Fxxk Boyz Get Money"". Arcadey.net. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ a b c McCarthey, Michael (July 30, 2014). "Far East Mention Mannequins; Fxxk Boyz Get Money". Otakudx.com. Archived from the original on February 7, 2016. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ "Wannabe – Single – By FEMM". iTunes Store JP. April 16, 2014. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ Avex (April 10, 2014). "FEMM – Wannabe (Music Video)". FEMM's official website. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ Avex (April 10, 2014). "FEMM – Wannabe (Dance Video)". FEMM's official YouTube channel; published through YouTube. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ "Kiss the Rain – Single – By FEMM". iTunes Store JP. April 30, 2014. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ Avex (April 30, 2014). "FEMM – Kiss the Rain (Music Video)". FEMM's official website. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ "White Noise – Single – By FEMM". iTunes Store JP. May 7, 2014. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ Avex (April 30, 2014). "FEMM – Kiss the Rain (Music Video)". FEMM's official website. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ "We Flood the Night – Single – By FEMM". iTunes Store JP. May 14, 2014. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ Avex (April 30, 2014). "FEMM – Kiss the Rain (Music Video)". FEMM's official website. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ "Kill the DJ – Single – By FEMM". iTunes Store JP. May 28, 2014. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ Avex (May 28, 2014). "FEMM – Kill the DJ (Music Video)". FEMM's official website. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ "Fxxk Boyz Get Money – Single – By FEMM". iTunes Store JP. July 20, 2014. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ Hilton, Perez (July 30, 2014). "FEMM - Fxxk Boyz Get Money". PerezHilton.com. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ Avex (July 30, 2014). "FEMM – Fxxk Boyz Get Money (Music Video)". FEMM's official website. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ "Party All Night (sfpr remix) – Single – By FEMM". iTunes Store JP. August 27, 2014. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ Avex (April 30, 2014). "FEMM – Party All Night (Music Video)". FEMM's official website. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ "Kill the DJ (Invaderous Remix) – Single – By FEMM". iTunes Store JP. August 27, 2014. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ Avex (April 30, 2014). "FEMM – Kill the DJ Remix Single". FEMM's official website. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ "Dead Wrong – Single – By FEMM". iTunes Store JP. August 27, 2014. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ Avex (August 27, 2014). "FEMM – Dead Wrong (Music Video)". FEMM's official website. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ "Whiplash (Invaderous Remix) – Single – By FEMM". iTunes Store JP. September 17, 2014. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ "Whiplash (sfpr Remix) – Single – By FEMM". iTunes Store JP. September 17, 2014. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ Aramajapan Staff (September 25, 2014). "FEMM unveil YouTube version of new PV "Whiplash"". Aramajapan.com. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ "Unbreakable – Single – By FEMM". iTunes Store JP. September 17, 2014. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ Avex (September 17, 2014). "FEMM – Unbreakable (Music Video)". FEMM's official website. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ "FEMM – Gigs – Tokyo's Baamm". FEMM's official website. May 24, 2014. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ "FEMM | Tokyo in Tulsa 2014". Web.archive.org. May 26, 2014. Archived from the original on May 26, 2014. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
- ^ "Avex Artist Introduction - FEMM (Far East Mention Mannequins) | avex music publishing inc". Avexmusicpublishing.com. December 16, 2014. Archived from the original on November 24, 2015. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
- ^ "ARAMA! JAPAN interviews mannequin duo FEMM | Japanese Entertainment News". Aramajapan.com. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
- ^ "FEMM – Gigs – Tokyo's Twerk 'Em All". FEMM's official website. July 24, 2014. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ "FEMM – Gigs – Sound Check Tour with Eva Simons". FEMM's official website. September 5, 2014. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ "FEMM – Gigs – Femm-Isation "廃病院パーティーVOL.3"". FEMM's official website. September 6, 2014. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ "FEMM – Gigs – Ultra Japan (Twerk 'Em All Performances)". FEMM's official website. September 6, 2014. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ "FEMM – Gigs – Disaronno wears Versace". FEMM's official website. October 29, 2014. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ "FEMM – Gigs – Futuroplois "Metropolis' Halloween Glitterball". FEMM's official website. October 30, 2014. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ "FEMM – Gigs – Le Baron de Paris 8th Anniversary Party". FEMM's official website. November 28, 2014. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
- ^ "GAMeBoi and Tune in Tokyo present J-Pop artists FEMM Live in West Hollywood". J-Generation. November 14, 2015. Retrieved 2020-05-03.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "FEMM, Ken Ishii, and YANAKIKU to perform concerts at J-Pop Summit". J-Generation. November 4, 2015. Retrieved 2020-05-03.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ 30 Oct 2015 (October 30, 2015). "FEMM on Twitter: "【YouTube FanFest Japan 2015】 11/18 on STREAM LIVE!! Don't miss FEMM's performance!! Gonna be a big show:) https://t.co/4KnVITDILv"". Twitter.com. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ YouTube FanFest (November 24, 2015). "FEMM @ YouTube FanFest Japan 2015". YouTube FanFest official account. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
External links
- Femm-Isation – FEMM's official website.
- Femm-Isation (Instrumental) – FEMM's official website.