PREVIEW: Sounds Queer: Rehearsing Utopia – An All Night Music Queertopia

Ahead of its second event this Saturday 17th September at Rich Mix, Ellie of Sounds Queer has told us about all they stand for and what to expect from the event. Have a read, and join in the fun tomorrow!

Sounds Queer is an innovative live music showcase spanning genre, expression and identity. The event will champion diverse voices and sounds from the LGBTQIA+ community, whilst providing a safe space for audiences within it.

Despite London being a cultural hub for both music and the queer community, there are few live music nights whose priority it is to provide a platform for LGBTQIA+ artists. In addition to this, there is a lack of truly inclusive events, gigs or venues for emerging music that caters to the specific needs of the community. Run by music lovers and queer creators, we aim to provide a platform for those artists as well as a safe space for the community to discover and support them.

For our next event, we are excited to announce we have partnered with the wonderful team at Rich Mix for a show called Rehearsing Utopia – An All Night Music Queertopia, this Saturday, 17th September 2022! 

A night dedicated to the celebration of queer live music, Queertopia is about giving a much-needed space for the creation of a queer live music utopia where audiences and performers alike, from the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, can enjoy, celebrate and connect around queer music and creativity. We will be launching our new season with an all night music extravaganza with the one and only Nimmo announced to be headlining.

The evening will be hosted by London’s undeniably talented and multi-faceted drag queen Barbs, who will also be giving us an extra special solo performance ahead of Nimmo’s set. Also supporting will be Amaroun (a GIHE fave!); a triple threat multi-instrumentalist, producer and songwriter with warm silk-like vocals that make kaleidoscopic alt-r&b. Our very own co-founder Toby Corton will also be supporting; a “charismatic queer cockney creative” who describes his sound as “a modern British take on neo-soul built on a foundation of frank queer storytelling”. We will also have the unreal DJs Bestley and D’vey taking us into the early hours with their wonderfully woozy soundscapes.

We are so incredibly proud of how far we’ve come since our first event in March and we are so excited about what’s to come. Watch this queer space!

It sounds right up our street! Nab your tickets here and check out an awesome playlist featuring the artists who’ll be gracing the stage tomorrow here.

PLAYLIST: August 2022

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another eclectic mix of electronic sounds, guitar anthems and indie tunes for your listening pleasure. Take some time to scroll through our track choices below, and make sure you press play on the Spotify playlist at the end of this post.

Follow GIHE on Spotify to hear all of our previous playlists too.

Halina Rice – ‘Helix’
What do I love more than dreamy songs full of feelings? Obscure electronica! This track is a big slice of it. It comes from London-based artist Halina Rice, who has announced a new album, Elision, which is set for release on 30th September. This track ‘Helix’ fuses natural and analog sounds together in order to evoke a place that don’t exist – a parallel world. LOVE IT. (Tash Walker)

Nameless Twin – ‘My Eyes Went Black’
I’m obsessed with this debut single from industrial/electronic duo Nameless Twin, aka Alicia Rei Kim and Ryan Osterman. It’s shadowy, heavy, but delicate in places too. Osterman is also in a band called Holy Fawn, who I’m going to see live at the end of September. ‘My Eyes Went Black’ is available to download for free on bandcamp now. (Kate Crudgington)

Obli – ‘Hei’
This is my absolute favourite song at the moment, no words will do it justice! Just please kick back and bathe in its beauty. (TW)

Connie Constance – ‘Till The World’s Awake’
An indie-dance track of her dreams, I feel ya Connie! This is taken from her new album, Miss Power, which is due on 4th November. ‘English Rose’ has still got to be one of my fave songs of 2019. (TW)

adults – ‘things we achieve’
Having charmed us playing live at our sold gig at Sebright Arms last month celebrating/comiserating Charmpit’s last ever London show, South London band adults are fast becoming firm favourites. With this latest single, they reflect on the pressures of living in a capitalist society with their trademark irresistibly blissful, catchy musicality and fuzzy, frenetic drive, with shades of the joyous, danceable allure of Los Campesinos. for everything, always, the upcoming debut album from adults is out in October via Fika Recordings. (Mari Lane)

Big Joanie – ‘In My Arms’
Is it even a GIHE playlist if we don’t include a Big Joanie track? This is the latest single from the trio, taken from their upcoming second album, Back Home, which is set for release on 4th November via Daydream Library Series/Kill Rock Stars. I can’t wait to hear the record in full. (KC)

BRUTUS – ‘Liar’
The latest single from Belgian heavy trio Brutus. Taken from their upcoming third album Unison Life, which is set for release on 21st October via Hassle Records/Sargent House, ‘Liar’ is a heavy lament that criticises the lies we tell ourselves in order to keep a false sense of calm. I’ve been stomping around to this all month. (KC)

Scrounge – ‘HIT’
GIHE favourites Scrounge are back with this belter of a new single, taken from their upcoming debut mini album Sugar, Daddy, which is set for release on 9th September. We’re big fans of everything that Lucy & Luke create and I reckon Mari would book them for every GIHE gig if she could, but you can catch them playing live in East London at Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes on 7th September. Pre-order their upcoming album here. (KC)

The Dead Zoo – ‘Do Clean / Do Dirrrty’
London garage-rockers The Dead Zoo have returned with this gritty new single. Speaking about the track, the band explain: “it’s about seeking that unknown place where you can find yourself…this paints a visceral sense of hitting the road, living outside of the law.” (KC)

Deux Furieuses – ‘Know The Score’
The poignant new single from GIHE faves Deux Furieuses, ‘Know The Score’ is an immense, raging anthem confronting society’s failure to properly protect women and marginalised genders from violence. Challenging the patriarchy from the off, the track hits you with its potent, riotous energy and fierce, colossal musicality as the all-too-resonant refrain “say her name” echoes with eerie timelessness. (ML)

Electric Pets – ‘That Way’
The latest single from Electric Pets, ‘That Way’ is a perfectly scuzzy anthem of self love; a two fingers up to society’s expectations of what we should be. Showcasing Emma Buckley’s raw, impassioned vocals, it builds with a fierce emotion to a catchy slice of garage-infused rock. (ML)

Miss Kill – ‘All You Gotta Do’
The latest single from alternative duo Miss Kill, taken from their debut EP Don’t Tell Me Twice, which is set for release on September 16th via AWAL. Described as a song about “feeling completely intoxicated, vulnerable and needing someone to to care, but they are refusing to,” ‘All You Gotta Do’ is full of bittersweet vocals and heavy reverb, reflecting the clouded head space that inspired it. (KC)

A.A. Williams – ‘Golden’
Another superb single from multi-instrumentalist A.A. Williams here. Taken from her upcoming second album, As The Moon Rests, which is set for release on 7th October via Bella Union, ‘Golden’ is full of her haunting vocals and shadowy sounds. (KC)

Beckie Margaret – ‘Untitled’
I am in love with Essex songwriter Beckie Margaret’s recent EP, CIAGA, Vol. 1. Released via Cool Thing Records, it’s an intuitive, tender collection of songs that genuinely had me in tears when I was writing the review. Beckie’s voice and affecting lyrics dismantle me every time. Please, please do check her out. This track ‘Untitled’ is my favourite. (KC)

Victoria Canal – ‘Swan Song’
The latest release from Victoria Canal, a Munich born, Spanish American who is proud of her identity as a queer, disabled, mixed-heritage woman. ‘Swan Song’ is a haunting and personal piano ballad, taken from her upcoming EP Elegy, which is set for release on 16th September via Parlophone Records. Enjoy. (TW)

Gemma Laurence – ‘Lavender’
The latest single from Brooklyn-based “Sapphic folk” artist Gemma Laurence, ‘Lavender’ is an empowering anthem for the queer community. Flowing with lilting melodies and heartfelt lyrics, it showcases the raw emotion Laurence’s vocals with a stirring, shimmering grace. Lavender, the new album from Gemma Laurence, is out on 4th November via Better Company Records. (ML)

Ailbhe Reddy – ‘Shoulder Blades’
Previous guest on our Soho Radio show Ailbhe Reddy has shared this poignant new single. Her skill for capturing a moment – in this case the unique way the light defines her partner’s body – makes listening to her music such a bittersweet pleasure. (KC)

Seraphina Simone – ‘Milk Teeth’
GIHE fave Seraphina Simone – who for the beady eyed among you, may have seen her singing backing vocals and being part of Self Esteem’s dance troupe over the last year or so. This track is taken from Seraphina’s recently released EP of the same name, and of course we are huge fans. Seraphina will be joining us in the Soho Radio studio for our October show! (TW)

Hypsoline – ‘Space Babe’
I’ve only recently been introduced to Brighton band Hypsoline, but I just can’t get enough of this track’s gritty hooks and swirling, electro-tinged energy – all delivered with an immersive, scuzzy allure. And I cannot wait for Hypsoline to play live for us, supporting Currls at their London EP launch at The Shacklewell Arms on 1st December – get your tickets on DICE now! (ML)

Jadu Heart – ‘Cocoon’
The latest release from electronic duo Jadu Heart otherwise, known as Alex Headford and Diva Jeffrey. It’s been almost two years since they recorded their last record Hyper Romance. This latest single is dreamy stuff. (TW)

Jemima Coulter – ‘Dancing With Lara’
Having recently released their debut solo album, Grace After A Party, Bristol-based artist Jemima Coulter creates beautifully heartfelt folk-strewn offerings. I just love this track’s shimmering musicality and raw, heartfelt vocals; a stirring, emotion-rich dreamscape which reminds me of dancing with my wonderful flower person Lara at my wedding. (ML)

Wallis Bird – ‘I Lose Myself Completely’
Following the acclaim of 2019’s poignant Woman, Irish born/Berlin based artist Wallis Bird has now released her seventh studio album, Hands. Showcasing Bird’s unique, vibrant brand of alt-pop – combining fizzing ’80s-inspired blissful soundscapes with an empowering energy and stirring sentiment – it reflects heartfelt and resonant themes with a raw emotion, delivered through an uplifting, cinematic musicality. (ML)

Mega – ‘If Not My Heart’
Having received acclaim from the likes of BBC Radio 1, NME and The Independent, London-based artist Mega has recently released her new EP Colour Your World. Combining her influence of legends such as Amy Winehouse, Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone with inspiration from her Ugandan heritage, she creates instantly uplifting anthems oozing an exquisite heartfelt splendour. (ML)

Lande Hekt – ‘Backstreet Snow’
Though you may also know her from her band Muncie Girls, Lande Hekt’s debut solo album, Going To Hell, was one of my favourites of last year. Back with sparkling new single ‘Backstreet Snow’, she showcases her luscious vocals alongside perfectly jangly melodies and a heartfelt lyricism, creating stirring, emotion-strewn indie-folk. Lande Hekt’s second album, House Without A View, is set for release on 23rd September. (ML)

Sophie Jamieson – ‘Sink’
Sophie Jamieson, the new Bella Union signing who is set to release her album Choosing on 2nd December. ‘Sink’ is the lead single from the record, and Sophie is currently on tour across the UK check out her socials for those dates. (TW)

LISTEN: GIHE on Soho Radio – Teenage Dreams 24.08.22

Tash, Kate and Mari were all physically in the Soho Radio studio together for the first time EVER for this month’s Get In Her Ears New Music show! They played an eclectic mix of tracks from some of their favourite female, non-binary and LGBTQIA+ artists.

The team also took some time to reminisce about the tunes that helped them through their formative years in their special #TeenageDreams section at the end of the show. Kate opted for pure angst with a classic Avril Lavigne anthem, Mari was raging away to The Distillers in her local rock club, and Tash was very busy pretending to understand the full context of Alanis Morissette’s ‘You Oughta Know’ at the tender age of twelve.

Listen back below:

 

Tracklist
Garbage – Cherry Lips (Go Go Baby)
Connie Constance – Till The World’s Awake
Victoria Canal – Swan Song
Beckie Margaret – August Nights
Mannequin Death Squad – Super Mental Psycho
BRUTUS – Liar
Halina Rice – Helix
Nameless Twin – My Eyes Went Black
Midnight Ambulance – Smoke and Sweets
A.A. Williams – Golden
Big Joanie – In My Arms
Electric Pets – That Way
Femegades – Daddy Says
Jadu Heart – Cocoon
070 Shake – Skin & Bones
Seraphina Simone – Milk Teeth
LOLAWOLF – Whole House
Midwife – Enemy
Obli – Hei
AGAAMA – Sarehole Mill
Gemma Laurence – Lavender
Sophie Jamieson – Sink
Fruity – BT9
Kindred Fawn – Neon World
**Teenage Dreams Section**
Avril Lavigne – Losing Grip
The Joy Formidable – The Greatest Light Is The Greatest Shade
Sheryl Crow – If It Makes You Happy
The Distillers – City Of Angels
All Saints – Never Ever
Alanis Morissette – You Oughta Know
Olivia Newton John – Hopelessly Devoted

ALBUM: THICK – ‘Happy Now’

Raging against the patriarchy by writing about their experiences of being women in what used to feel like a doomed music scene, Brooklyn-based pop punks THICK have forged their own path on their latest album, Happy Now. Filled with thrashy instrumentals and anthemic crowd-pleasers, the band – formed in 2014 and comprised of Nikki Sisti (guitar/vocals), Kate Black (bass/vocals) and Shari Page (drums/vocals) – embrace and further their potential throughout their most recent effort.

Upbeat guitars and energetic vocals characterise this concise yet assertive album, which tackles lighter topics compared to their previous record, 5 Years Behind (2020). The first single from the release, ‘Loser’, is a standout. The trio’s vocals are the defining feature of the song, particularly the fade between the solo yelling verses and the group harmonies in the chorus. Their trademark agro-punk overlaid with emotional honesty is blatant here. The single reclaims the term loser: “In music, it’s so easy to feel like a loser and a f*ck up”, comments drummer and vocalist Page. “We want people to know that it’s okay to mess up and that everyone’s a loser sometimes. It’s really the best way to live”. Page’s sentiment is embodied by the track’s lyrical wit: “I love when people tell me I should quit.”

Hints of the band’s early influences have always lent themselves to their releases. The vibrant introduction to ‘Her Chapstick’ wouldn’t feel out of place on a blink-182 record, while several other tracks feel riot grrrl-infused, especially the Le Tigre-esque ‘I Wish 2016 Never Happened’ and the Sleater-Kinney inspired ‘Your Garden’. The latter is a fast-paced song and the crux of the album, compounding the best of the swirling vocal rounds and roaring guitars that the remaining body of the tracks are dominated by.

‘Happiness’ is the perfect opener. The track is rapid in pace, complete with punk rant choruses and melodic collective verses. ‘Tell Myself’ expresses the group’s musical muscle in a slightly more stripped back way. End track, ‘Something Went Wrong’ is another highlight. Its well-paced bass riff is a moment of shine, which shows THICK are as strong instrumentally as they are lyrically. This finale is buoyant, leaving listeners on an upbeat note.

Ultimately, THICK’s sophomore effort is packed with moments of promise. It expresses viable growth from their debut, feeling less like a laundry list of things they’re exasperated at and more like a cohesive story, all without abandoning the perfect blend of guitar solos and layered vocals the group are celebrated for.

Follow THICK on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Facebook & Instagram

Photo Credit: Jessica Gurewitz

Sarah Bennett
@sarah_benn3tt (Twitter)
@zasbennett (Instagram)