Track Of The Day: Landshapes – ‘Drama’

GIHE faves, and one of the first guests that we had on our radio show back in 2015, Landshapes have recently announced their long-awaited upcoming new album, set for release next month.

Taken from the album, new single ‘Drama’ reflects on the imbalance of emotional labour that’s often seen between men and women. Propelled by a steady, jazz-infused bass-line, it soars with a whirring synth-filled musicality and sweeping electro-driven hooks as the lustrous distinctive power of Luisa Gerstein’s vocals flows. With an uplifting, shimmering energy, it’s an utterly spellbinding soundscape that’ll captivate on first listen with its majestic funk-fuelled groove. Of the track, Gerstein expands:

“(it’s about) the imbalance of emotional labour that can happen between men and women, and in those instances all the work women often have to do to manage and protect fragile egos. The choruses offer something a bit more sympathetic…”

‘Drama‘ is out now, along with accompanying single ‘Let Me Be‘. Both are taken from Landshapes’ upcoming new album, Contact, set for release on 20th November via Bella Union.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Coen Rees

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Track Of The Day: Middle Kids – ‘R U 4 ME?’

Like a wash of fulfillment that brushes your cheeks as you run through a field of wildflowers, Middle Kids’ ‘R U 4 Me?’ is an instant holiday. With a nostalgic groove that breathes with a contemporary sigh, Middle Kids have chiseled out a mastery of a sound for themselves that covers so much ground.

Vocalist Hannah Joy enthrals swirling emotions with her warm melodies and pondering lyrics that discuss the ways in which we talk to one another. Tone is everything, and ‘R U 4 Me?’ embodies the ease that we should grant each other through the comfort of their harmonious mix.

Perky acoustic guitar and samples of candid laughter sprinkle the indie-pop anthem with personal moments and shed a light on the chemistry between the band members. It is evident that this trio know how to play off of each other in the best way, without even thinking about it for a moment. Earnestness is the backbone of Middle Kids’ character and it shows. ‘R U 4 Me?’ is a communal experience and something that should be held so close at this time. Middle Kids are undeniably the escape the world deserves right now.

‘R U 4 Me?’ is out now via Lucky Number Records. Listen on Spotify.

Jillian Goyeau
@jillybxxn

Photo Credit: Daphne Nguyen

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Track Of The Day: MIRI – ‘Just Breathe’

With acclaim from the likes of BBC 6Music, and performances for Sofar Sounds and supporting Laura Viers at Bush Hall, GIHE fave and previous radio guest host MIRI has recently shared a poignant new single.

Released to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Day earlier this month, ‘Just Breathe’ reflects on the negative impact some social media can have, whilst delivering a message of love and positivity. Propelled by a soothing, soulful splendour and emotion-strewn majesty, the soaring heartfelt power of Miri’s distinctive vocals flows alongside an uplifting musicality, oozing an endearing sense of hope. With resonant lyrics such as “You can call on me, I’ll be the safe space that you need”, it’s a stirring ode to self care and taking care of those you love, at a time when we need it the most. 

Of the track, MIRI explains: “Just Breathe is my message to anyone struggling mentally to please reach out for help. We are living in an incredibly stressful and intense time especially with the pandemic. It can all have a major impact on our mental health and wellbeing which is why it was important for me to release this track for WMHD.”

‘Just Breathe’ is accompanied by a beautifully calming video, directed by Kate Lane. Watch here:

‘Just Breathe’ is out now. Listen on Spotify.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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Video Premiere: Chloe Castro – ‘Used To Be’

Having spent her childhood years between Brazil, France and Wales, now County Durham based artist Chloe Castro has captured her journey so far within her latest single ‘Used To Be’.

In her brand new video, Chloe Castro gives a nostalgic nod to more carefree days, as we are invited to reflect on who she ‘Used To Be’ through the lens of a VHS recording. Castro’s determined vocals blend with the warm, cosy tones of the home recording as we are shown what it takes to be raw, honest and tender. A fiery blend of pop and trap, Chloe Castro demonstrates, over atmospheric beats, that strength can be found in vulnerability. ‘Used To Be’ keeps us in a state of excited anticipation for Castro’s debut EP Amid, due for release later this month.

Watch the brand new video for ‘Used To Be’ now, and read our interview with Chloe below:

Hi Chloe, welcome to Get in Her Ears! Can You tell us a bit about yourself?
Hey, thanks so much for having me! My name is Chloe Castro, I’m an R&B/Soul artist living up in the North East of England. I spent the first half of my life moving around a fair bit before ending up in a small town in County Durham where me and my co-writer and producer (who’s actually from London) make all of the music in his bedroom studio. 

When did you initially decide to start creating music?
I learned from quite a young age that I wanted to sing and make music my life. I didn’t know anything about what making music actually entailed, but I knew it was what I wanted to do ever since I can remember. It wasn’t until I was about sixteen or seventeen that I picked up a guitar and actually started writing songs. I’ve been writing lyrics and melodies since I was about twelve, but never knew what to do with them! 

Your new single ‘Used To Be’ is out now – can you tell us what it’s all about?
‘Used To Be’ is one of my faves from my upcoming EP. It’s a little bop I wrote a while back inspired by that point after a break-up where you kind of get your act together and realise your worth. 

You’ve previously mentioned that Amy Winehouse inspires your sound, who else would you say are your main musical influences?
Amy is certainly a huge influence of mine, I think more in terms of my vocal sound than my music as a whole though. Another major influence has got to be Frank Ocean, his music is just a whole other level – it takes you on a proper journey and always seems to have the right amount of everything. I’m also super inspired by what Jessie Reyez and Col3trane have been doing, they’re my two favourite artists right now.

How is your local music scene (in ‘normal’ times!)? Do you go to see lots of live music?
It’s really sad, the music scene is Durham has been destroyed in the last decade but there is a vibrant scene in Newcastle. That’s where I came across Kay Greyson, she’s really good. I just don’t get up there as much as I’d like to.

And what can fans expect from your (now online!) live shows?
I’ll let you know when I have some! 

As we’re a new music focused site, are there any new/upcoming bands or artists that you recommend that we check out?
My local fave is Kay Greyson, so I’ve got to rep her again! Otherwise, if you still haven’t heard of him yet, Col3trane is THE ONE. 

Massive thanks to Chloe for answering our questions! 

‘Used To Be’ is out now, ahead of Amid – the upcoming debut EP from Chloe Castro – set for release on 23rd October.

 

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