Guest Blog: Tina Boonstra

Having received acclaim from the likes of Tom Robinson on BBC 6Music and BBC Introducing, London based artist Tina Boonstra has been charming our ears for the last few years with her shimmering folk-strewn melodies and raw, immersive emotion. Now, following the release of her latest album Circle back, start again., she is about to head off on a small European tour. However, it’s not just your average tour; she wanted to make her live shows as accessible and affordable as possible during this cost of living crisis. So, with her fans, she came up with a plan for enabling those with low/no income to be able to attend the events…

Here, Tina talks about her inspirations behind the new album and the idea of gathering funds for sponsored tickets for her gigs. Have a read, and make sure you listen to the stirring sounds of Circle back, start again. now!

When Sarah and Luke told us they were expecting a baby, we couldn’t be happier for them, they were one of our first close friends to have kids, and the excitement was written all over their faces. I saw Sarah just before Christmas, the baby would arrive in just a few months, and they still had so much to do. Three weeks later, we got a text from Luke. Sarah was in hospital, the baby had died. It was like watching a tornado rip through your next door neighbour’s house, while you stood next door unharmed. We were in shock, but they were in the wreckage.  

Nobody plans for heartbreak, and yet, there’s so much in our life that we just can’t plan for. In the end, that’s what my debut album Circle Back, start again is about. It’s stories of ordinary people navigating difficult circumstances; a retired nurse re-telling family trauma, an unexpected illness, a missing friend, a miscarriage, a broken relationship… 

We all go through hard times and that can make us feel so lonely. So, when it came to planning a tour for this album, I wanted to find a way to include more people in the performances. What if fans could sponsor tickets for people who’ve been through a tough time, or couldn’t afford a ticket? I put the idea to my fans and they responded with a resounding YES. 

My goal was to be able to sponsor 10% of the tickets. We achieved it in the first week; such an incredible result, and testament to the generosity of my fans. It’s not like coming to a concert will somehow magically fix anything, but I hope a gift like this could be one night where things are just a tiny bit easier – a tiny bit more bearable in a hard time. Anyone can apply for a sponsored ticket for themselves or for a friend by messaging me on my website.

I’m really excited about hitting the road with my band and playing these songs live in a room full of people! For me, this album is all about figuring out how to do life together. Learning how to share our sorrows and joys; our hopes and our heartbreak, our faith and also our doubts. And knowing that we’ve been able to include people who didn’t think they’d be able to come to a show like this will make it even more special. 

https://youtube.com/watch?v=8qp1n05_hsQ%3Fsi%3DmUtb-ehL7Zb5RdG8

Massive thanks to Tina for telling us about her album and sponsored gig tickets! If you fancy catching her immersive live set, nab a ticket here or apply for a sponsored ticket by messaging her on her website! Dates below:

Saturday 7th October – Folklore Rooms, Brighton
Saturday 14th October – The Grace, London
Tuesday 17th October – Retro, Manchester

mariangelicalaneLeave a comment

Five Favourites: Supersaurus

Self described “non-binary fronted indie-pop girl band”, London-based Supersaurus’ influences range from MUNA to The 1975, and with acclaim from the likes of BBC Radio 1 and BBC Introducing, they’re really starting to hone their place as esteemed creators of sad-pop bangers. Reflecting on queer love and being part of the LGBTQ+ community, latest single ‘Let U Down‘ offers a swirling electro-pop energy as it soars with instantly catchy singalong refrains and a shimmering emotion-strewn splendour.

We think one of the best ways to get to know a band is by asking what music inspires them. So, to celebrate ‘Let U Down’, we caught up with each member of Supersaurus to ask about the music that has inspired them the most. So, read about their favourite albums – there’s four of them, so actually only four choices this time, but we’ll let them off! Have a read and make sure you take a listen to ‘Let U Down’ now!

Tayla’s Pick:

Pale Waves – Unwanted
There’s actually so many albums that I could choose from for so many different reasons either because they have a personal nostalgic meaning to me and/or they’re just purely no skip albums for me. But if I was to pick one at this very moment in time I’d have to go with Pale Waves – Unwanted. I’ve been a fan of their music for a while, ever since I first heard ‘Change’ a while back and then recently just suddenly had the urge to binge listen to all their stuff again after seeing them at Truck Festival. When I get obsessed with a song or an album trust me, that’s going to be on repeat for a good few weeks at least and the songs on this album really made me feel a lot, which is mainly what I look for. Don’t get me wrong, I love lyrics and all that but for me to really be obsessed with a song it’s got to make me feel a certain kind of way – and this album does just that. If I’d have to pick a favourite off the album I’d probably go with either ‘Lies’, purely for the insane amount of energy and the cool guitar riff, or ‘Reasons To Live’, which – ironically after saying that the lyrics aren’t the main reason that draws me into a song – the lyrics for this one did just that. An all round banger album for me – plus they’re sick live, which makes listening to their stuff even better.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=FsLwaNLwbVo%3Fsi%3DoawMP5czUtXGPzqG

Lauren’s Pick:

Kings Of Leon – Come Around Sundown
Come Around Sundown is an album I’ve come back to again and again since I was about 17. I never get tired of listening to it from start to finish, and it remains one of the select few albums I keep in my car. Originally, it had this new feeling of reflection that Kings Of Leon managed to write into their songs, a sense that you’ve been here before even though you’ve never heard it. Now it’s got the added nostalgia of driving around town with college mates (as well as many other KoL albums). I was introduced to the album by an old band mate, and I remember us being amazed at the ending of ‘The End’ – the beautiful, almost mystical keys that seem never ending but a perfect fit. Musically, the album has influenced my drumming to be more creative, following rhythms of different band members more than just the bass. It’s also a great lesson in playing what is necessary for the song. Some of the tracks on the album have huge choruses, but Nathan never goes over the top. 

https://youtube.com/watch?v=4B-t-WDRuXQ%3Fsi%3D8SO3EbZpnua7sGWh

Bec’s Pick:

Caroline Polachek – Desire, I Want To Turn Into You
I have a strong attachment to this album, mainly because of the way I felt when I first heard it. I was hooked, instantly. It was kind of fated to be a pretty significant album for me. The day it was released (Valentine’s Day), I was driving back from a weekend in Wales with my girlfriend to watch Caroline perform; the weather was pretty shocking but kind of added to the atmospherics of the album, and I was about eight songs deep when I realised that I could listen to this album, on repeat, forever. ‘Blood and Butter’ started and, if I am being honest, I was shook to my very core – bagpipes! She had only gone and done it. From that point on, it became my favourite album. Accidentally, Caroline has ended being my most seen live act, she was my last gig before lock down and the first one out of it. And, with each iteration, she has added more to her live show; this last time watching her with a full live band really brought this album to life. The opening track from the album, ‘Welcome To My Island’, exploded to life with loud guitars and thumping drums, and I just beamed… This is what music is all about. The past few years I’ve really been getting into more electronic indie pop music, and this album still uses a lot of live instruments, including guitars. Which for me is key – live is king. This album is full of incredible left of centre pop moments which lean into catchy hooks without being cheap. ‘Bunny Is A Rider’ is a perfect example of not taking yourself too seriously, but landing the finish. Dido, Grimes, and Bagpipes. Sold.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=hxgcz_6GKX0%3Fsi%3DdirJl01J79Y_6u12

Benji’s Pick: 

Jimmy Eat World – Clarity
I kinda can’t not pick Clarity by Jimmy Eat World. It’s the only album that can make me sad and happy at the same time. It’s a weird one, because it’s my favourite album but I really don’t listen to it very often; it makes me feel too much, and I could do without that! But it’s a masterpiece, more albums should open with a ballad. It was either this or Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge by My Chemical Romance, but I think Clarity has the edge.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=gWb6bb5hnBU%3Fsi%3DwS9VuCmOJIYwHLsx

Massive thanks to Supersaurus for talking about their favourite albums with us!

‘Let U Down’ is out now, and we can’t wait to hear more from this lot!

mariangelicalaneLeave a comment

Introducing Interview: flora

At just 19, flora has been creating music and writing songs for many years and – with acclaim from the likes of BBC Introducing already under her belt – she’s now excited to be releasing her debut EP later this year. Latest single ‘Easy’ offers a taster into her glitchy alt-pop soundscapes and rich, soulful vocals; showcasing the impassioned drive and glistening allure behind each heartfelt offering.

We caught up with flora to find out about her inspirations, nerves around live shows, being a new artist in the industry today, and more. Have a read, and listen to ‘Easy‘ now!

Hi Flora! Welcome to Get In Her Ears! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hey! Thank you so much for having me! So yeah, I’m flora – I’m 19 and I’m a singer-songwriter with a love for all creative things!

Are you able to tell us a bit about how you initially started creating music?
Music is something I’ve been around constantly, but it wasn’t until I was 12 that I realised I could be writing my own songs. For me, the thing that sparked that love was the idea that I could take all these feelings I was struggling to process and write a song about them. It started off as an outlet for me, and from that I realised that maybe they could help others that feel the way I do.

I really love your soulful emotion-strewn pop sounds, but who would you consider to be your main musical influences?
My musical influences have changed drastically over my time creating music! When I first got started, Lily Allen and Amy Winehouse were at the top of my list, but since then I’ve found myself drawn to artists like Dodie, Billie Marten and TV Girl.

Having been performing and playing instruments such as the ukulele from such a young age, what would you say you’ve learnt about songwriting and the industry over the years?
 It’s hard to say because from my time making music, I’ve only really recently been around the industry. But, from my experience so far, I’d say I’ve learnt to stay true to yourself with your writing; it’s easy to change your message for the sake of catering to what’s popular at the time, but if you want to build up a fan base that really connects to you, you have to mean what you say. And, in an industry with as many competitors as there are, you have to establish yourself and build up, not be constantly fluctuating to find a gap.

You’re set to release your upcoming new EP later this year,  which is very exciting – congratulations! Are you able to tell us a bit about it? Are there any particular themes running throughout it?
I’m super excited about the upcoming EP (although I will say I’m not set on the name yet!). It’s so cool to finally be releasing a body of music for people to hear, and hopefully relate to. I can’t say much for now, but what I can say is it’s raw and honest about how I’ve been feeling over the recent past, and I’m really looking forward to its release!

You’ve played a lot of live shows at esteemed London venues such as Union Chapel and The Victoria recently, but is there a particular gig you’ve played that stands out as a highlight?
Honestly my most memorable gig is one from around four years ago. It was my first time at London Pride and I had the privilege to perform on the main stage at Trafalgar Square with a dear friend from the time. I’m appreciative of all the gigs I’ve been able to play, but there’s something to be said about singing a song for people, and knowing that a lot of them feel it’s meaning as deeply as you do – it’s a feeling I won’t soon forget. 

What can fans expect from your live shows? And do you have any tips for anyone who may experience pre-gig nerves?
If you come and see one of my shows, expect to see someone who can’t cover up every blip! There’s a reason I write songs, and I’m not a public speaker… But I can promise a performance where you’ll see the real me, and that me is someone who wants to share their work, and talk about their journey through music and creation. If I could say one thing to people who’ve just started gigging and have nerves about it: use those nerves. Don’t shut them out, embrace them and turn them into something. Because those nerves don’t really go away, you just get better at identifying them and getting through.

How do you feel the industry is for new artists at the moment? And do you feel much has changed over the last few years in its treatment of female/gender non-conforming and queer artists?
Being in the industry is hard, there’s no other way to say it. When you don’t have a consistent fan base built up already, you have to constantly push to be heard, and it can often be disheartening. But, like most things, if it’s something you want to achieve, you have to keep positive and keep pushing. I think recently it’s been easier for female and gender non-conforming artists to push through than in the past, and I think that’s amazing. But I do worry that a certain amount is because it’s being spoken about at this minute. I hope that, even as the conversation drifts to the next topic, the door will continue to stay open to those who want to make music and be heard! 

As we’re a new music focused site, are there any other upcoming artists you’re loving right now that you’d recommend we check out?
Through my journey so far I’ve met a lot of talented upcoming artists, and I highly recommend you give them a listen, honestly there’s too many to name! But a few that come to mind right now are: Frances Mistry (@francesmistrymusic), Jack David (@jackdavidmusic), LENNY (@lennyoxz), Cutflowers (@cutflowersband) and Pippa (@pippa.burnett)

 Finally, what does the rest of 2023 have in store for you?
The rest of 2023 will see the completion of my EP recording, and a couple of cool collaborations, as well as gigs, gigs and more gigs! The plan is to keep going with my music, put in the work and see where I end up.

Massive thanks to flora for answering our questions, listen to ‘Easy‘ now and keep your eyes peeled for news on her upcoming debut EP!

mariangelicalaneLeave a comment

Introducing Interview: Becca Mancari

Having received acclaim from the likes of the New York Times and queer publication them, and collaborated with big names such as Hayley Williams (Paramore) and Julien Baker (boygenius), Nashville artist Becca Mancari has just released their latest album, Left Hand. Rippling throughout with a beautifully heartfelt emotion and twinkling musicality, it offers a dreamy and gently empowering reflection on queer identities and our relation to the natural world; a shimmering and relatable ode to being your true self.

We caught up with Becca to discuss their new album, processing past trauma, being a queer artist today, and more. Have read below, and make sure you check out the exquisite new album!

Hi Becca, and welcome to Get In Her Ears! Are you able to tell us a bit about how you initially started creating music?
I actually started at a very young age! I felt safe when I was making music, and I always loved how the act of writing music helped me really feel connected to myself. I had so much fear as a young kid, and this helped me not feel alone! 

I really love your dreamy, twinkling musicality and emotion-rich vocals, but who would you consider to be your main musical influences?
I think the emotional music came from listening to Sharon van Etten, and then I also used to listen to mewithoutyou, and they helped me explore my religious trauma. 

And how much would you say your religious upbringing feeds into what you now create? 
I think that it really helps me see how it matters to find your own way, and to not be in a group think. The good parts that I received from my upbringing though were that I learned how to really be around so many different kinds of people. I learned how to love myself, with or without the love of religious people, and I am thankful for the chance to grow even deeper in love with the world around me! I fought for that hard! 

You’ve recently released your new album Left Hand,  which is very exciting -congratulations! It seems to reflect a lot on your childhood and family, are you able to explain a bit more about this?
I only started to fully process all of what happened to me as a kid recently, but it’s so important for me to keep healing and being in therapy! I started therapy in late 2020 and it was the first time that I had ever been in it, and it really did save my life. But for me, I process my feelings through music – I finally do feel like this is my last record about the past, and I am really looking forward to what’s next. 

And you also seem to draw inspiration from the natural world in your writing – how does this normally come about, and how do you feel it links to the emotions you’re expressing throughout the album? 
I grew up in a tiny town with only about 800 hundred people, so nature was such a big part of my childhood. I feel like I get physically sick and definitely emotionally unwell if I am not in nature.  So, I really wanted to honour what nature does for us all on this record, and also talk about how important it is for us to protect her!

It seems like you went through quite a difficult time after the release of your last record (The Greatest Part, 2020), was the process of creating this latest record a cathartic process for you? It certainly seems to emanate some really comforting uplifting energy and queer joy! 
Yes, this record really did bring me to the next level of self love and self acceptance! It’s been a really long journey for me in this way, and I am so glad that you feel the queer joy on this album! I make music for everyone, but especially the queer community! 

After initially starting the studio session to record the album with a producer, you then made the decision to produce the album yourself. What lead to this decision? And how was the process for you?
The process with that other producer was so terrible that I left it feeling like I needed to make a change to really start learning how to produce on my own! And thankfully my longest collaborator and dear friend Juan Solorzano was ready and able to co-produce the record with me, and it ended up being a record that really changed my life. I was on a path that was not really the right one, and by making this record myself I really feel like it changed the whole course of my life. 

You’ve collaborated with various other artists on the album (including personal favourite Julien Baker!). How did you decide on who to work with for the album? And how did the collaborative process go? 
So, living in Nashville for so long it was just a natural thing to make friends with other artists, and I feel so lucky to be able to collaborate with them on their music as well! We just end up working together because it’s fun and easy. With Julien, I knew that she was getting into engineering, and so I was like hey “Jb, do you want to engineer your own vocals?”, and she was just super down for it!   

You’ve played a lot of exciting live shows over the last few years, including one with Hayley Williams (Paramore) in Madison Square Garden, and sharing a stage with the likes of Sheryl Crow and Brittany Howard at Nashville’s LGBTQ+ benefit Love Rising. How were these experiences for you? And is there a particular show you’ve played throughout your career that stands out as a highlight?
I really appreciated Hayley asking me to do the Love Rising show because that show really meant so much to me and the community that I am in. It’s always really nerve-racking to be asked to play someone’s music with them because you want to make sure that you do it well, but H is just one of the best people I know, and has always made me feel seen and supported! 

As a queer person making music today, how do you feel the industry is for new artists at the moment? And do you feel much has changed over the last few years in its treatment of gender non-conforming and LGBTQ+ artists? 
I do think that there are way more opportunities for us than there were, but it’s STILL such a struggle and the industry is still geared to cis straight white people. So, my true hope is that the industry changes completely from the ground up! As queer people we are still fighting for our lives, and so I really hope we are not only respected for our music, but also that our lives are protected.

As we’re a new music focused site, are there any other upcoming artists you’re loving right now that you’d recommend we check out?
Bloomsday! They are a great non-binary queer band out of Brooklyn, and they are opening a bunch of dates for me! 

Finally, what does the rest of 2023 have in store for you? 
Tonnes of touring all over the United States, and then making a plan to come to the UK and EU early next year!

Huge thanks to Becca for answering our questions! We can’t wait for them to come over to the UK sometime soon!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=8jAbt_urbgU%3Fsi%3DVioDROIqepCvFiAg

Left Hand, the new album from Becca Mancari, is out now via Captured Tracks. Listen / order here.

Photo Credit: Sophia Matinazad

mariangelicalaneLeave a comment