The funny thing is that I'm pretty sure the advanced copy was sent to me by mistake, but I'm so glad it found me because it was a shot of inspiration when I was really in need of it. Anyway, as luck would have it Viv Albertine is actually represented by Fox Mason AND is being published by Faber and Faber. I mean, what are the chances that I'd be getting to work on her for both internships?! To be honest, being around the office and helping out with its release is probably the thing I've been most excited about in the weeks leading up to summer.
So...when I went on her website to try and buy her new album 'The Vermillion Border', (the Double Vinyl no less) and I found that she had listed a contact email, I thought 'I'm going to write her a fan letter, because why the hell not?!'
I couldn't believe that I got such a personal and punctual reply (within the hour!) cementing my belief that Viv Albertine is hands down the coolest woman alive. Check it out.
So I said....
Dear Miss Albertine,
I have just finished reading your book. Technically, I’ve been re-reading your book, because after the first time I regretted not highlighting all the stories and aphorisms which resonated most with me and so on reaching the back page I immediately flipped it over and started again! Now anyone who wants to borrow my copy will have to work through my mess of gel-pen underlines and margin stars.
Apologies if this reads as a little gushing, but I just want to say I found ‘Clothes clothes clothes, Music music music, Boys boys boys,’ completely inspiring. I think its brilliantly written, incredibly positive and really important for 'young people' who are looking for some direction, creative confidence and lets face it, a role model in a way.
I can honestly say that picking up your book as a 19 year old girl is like finding a tenner on the floor, or the perfect leather jacket in Oxfam.
Sincerely,
Sonny
And this was her reply.....
Hi Sonny
Your letter means so much to me. I wanted more than anything for my book to resonate with young girls. And I am so glad you found it positive, because in many ways it is a catalogue of mistakes. But that's what I think young women need to do, make mistakes, fail, make fools of themselves, redefine what is 'feminine'. Until we do these things over and over again, we will forever be functioning at half our potential and even worse, possibly living a lie our whole lives.
I look forward to meeting you.
Viv x
Please take a second to consider how Viv has, in one brief email relayed exactly what every teenage girl needs to hear.
Also, how incredible is it? that after so many years being a public figure, Viv still makes the effort to connect with her young fans. I might actually love her.
Who am I kidding? I totally love her.
I expect this is the first of many blogs about Viv Albertine. Get used to it.