PREMIERE: Cerian – ‘Wasteland’ (ft. Robert Taira Wilson)

‘Wasteland’ is the debut single from London-based songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Cerian. It’s the first single to be released from her upcoming EP, Caught in the Dark – a series of songs written in the middle of the night.

A self-confessed “lifelong insomniac”, Cerian’s profoundly personal songs have grown out of her struggle with both the literal and internal darkness felt in the isolation of the early hours of the morning. Frustration and fear have come together in a calm, emotional union on ‘Wasteland’, on which her call & response vocals are matched beautifully with Robert Taira Wilson’s.

Of the track, Cerian explains: “In the dead of the night, terrifying existentialism takes over: seemingly frozen in time, you feel unable to traverse the space between where you are and where you want to be. The precipice of the unknown future is calling, but you don’t know if you’re going to fly or fall, if you can find the courage to jump.”

Fortunately, Cerian found the courage to write, produce, and create all the accompanying images and visuals to accompany ‘Wasteland’. She’s also been involved in numerous collaborations with the likes of U2, Radiohead, Sam Smith, Imogen Heap, Charlotte Church, Laura Mvula and Amber Run. If that wasn’t enough, she’s also proved her work ethic and talent further by performing at Glastonbury Festival, Bush Hall and two sold-out headline shows at The National Portrait Gallery.

With a series of shows planned in the UK, Europe and America this year, Cerian is set to for more big things. Listen to ‘Wasteland’ below, and follow Cerian on Facebook for more updates.

Photo Credit: Tom Leishman

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Track Of The Day: Dream Nails – ‘Merkury’

Fast becoming known for their sparkling combination of activism and catchy tunes, GIHE faves Dream Nails are back with another formidable offering.

Perhaps less political than previous hits like ‘Deep Heat’ (a hex on Donald Trump) or ‘Vagina Police’ (a reflection on how women’s reproductive rights are still being controlled and restricted), ‘Merkury’ is a tongue-in-cheek take on the adverse effects of the planets misaligning and causing havoc in our everyday lives when Mercury Retrograde strikes.

A fun-filled disco-punk banger, it flows with sweeping honey-sweet vocals and shimmering melodies alongside groovy basslines, creating a truly infectious intergalactic delight. Accompanied by a wonderfully spacey, psychedelic video, ‘Merkury’ once again showcases Dream Nails’ glorious empowering spirit and sunny energy; giving us hope and motivation at a time when we desperately need it.

Of the track, the band have explained:

..a Mercury retrograde lurches us all into crises like a toxic ex walking back into your life uninvited. This song is a lesson for those who don’t know what havoc it can cause. Consider yourself warned!” (Anya Pearson- bass)

… astrological phenomenons like this are sometimes the only way to make sense of our fucked up world. They’re comforting”. The spelling isn’t a typo, it’s a play on slang word “merk”, which means to beat or kill.” (Janey Starling – vocals)

So, watch the new video for ‘Merkury’, and unite with Dream Nails in their wonderfully inspiring Feminist Punk Witch cause.

 

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Laura Palmer

 

WATCH: Haiku Salut – ‘The More And Moreness’

Derbyshire instrumental trio Haiku Salut have been wowing us with their unique and evocative sounds for a while now. Following debut album Tricolore and its critically acclaimed follow up Etch And Etch Deep, they’ve now announced their politically charged third new release There Is No Elsewhere. Of the album the band explain:

“It is an album about occupying your space, being proud of what you believe in and who you are.. It’s about making small life changes, making better decisions, writing better songs, having better conversations, knowing that these can lay foundations for change. It’s about finding who you are and not being dictated to about what you should be. It’s about celebrating others. It’s about making changes for a better future.”

Taken from the album, new single ‘The More And Moreness’ is a simply beautiful offering. A delightful shimmering soundscape, it flows with whirring hooks and glitchy beats, interweaving intricate layers of twinkling musicality to create something stirring and gloriously cinematic.

Watch the deeply touching new video for ‘The More And Moreness’ here:

There Is No Elsewhere, the new album, is out on 7th September via PRAH Recordings. Catch Haiku Salut live at Indietracks Festival this Sunday, 29th July. And at the following dates:

4th August – Once Upon A Hill Festival
10th August – Centre For Life, Newcastle
27th August – Greenbelt Festival

 

Mari Lane
@marimindles

 

 

Video Premiere: Lara Smiles – ‘All For You’

Having supported the likes of Pete Doherty, collaborated with The Orb, and performed at big festivals such as Glastonbury and The Isle Of Wight, London artist Lara Smiles has now announced her debut album, set for release next month.

Taken from the album, new single ‘All For You’ is propelled by uptempo throbbing beats and catchy, funk-fuelled hooks as Lara’s soulful, gritty vocals flow with a raw power. Interweaving colourful musical layers, it’s an instantly infectious alt-pop anthem that’ll get you up and grooving in no time.

Watch the sunny video, filmed across different London locations, here:

‘All For You’, the new single from Lara Smiles, is out 27th July via Wall Of Sound.

Mari Lane
@marimindles