FIVE FAVOURITES: Cinder Well

Fuelled by a desire to experiment sonically and to capture the “kind of harsh mundanity that life can carry”, LA–based composer and multi-instrumentalist Amelia Baker aka Cinder Well carefully crafted her latest album, A Blooming Body. Released in July via Hen House Studios, it’s a disarming collection of tender keys, clear vocals, emotive lyrics and considered instrumentation; through which she evokes a similarly eerie atmosphere associated with louder, heavier music.

We think one of the best ways to get to know an artist is by asking what music inspired them to write in the first place. We caught up with Amelia to ask about her “Five Favourites” and she picked five albums by an eclectic range of artists who have inspired her songwriting techniques. Check out her choices below and scroll down to watch the official video for Cinder Well’s latest single ‘Of Nettles and Roses’ too…

 

1. Mount Eerie – Lost Wisdom
This record was my introduction to the world of Phil Elverum, who continues to be an influence for me. I loved this record and I still do, it is so sparse yet atmospheric, beautiful songwriting, raw harmonies with Julie Doiron. It feels very focused on the loss of a relationship and you just inhabit that for a while when you listen to it. This must have come out during my first year at college and I remember taking the bus to see Mount Eerie play in a small restaurant venue. He played solo and it was great, a strong memory.

2. Cat Power – You Are Free
I listened to so much Cat Power in high school but this record had a good concentration of my favourite songs on it. I think I took more from Cat Power in my early songwriting than I realized at the time or was willing to admit. The first song I ever recorded (my friend recorded me in his bedroom in high school) was ‘Maybe Not’ from this record, and it absolutely blew my mind to realize that we could just do what these seemingly otherworldly people did – write and record music. The songs on this album have such simple chords and that was really encouraging when I started writing. I still feel the same way listening to this record now as I did when I was 16.

3. Elliott Smith – XO
The day Elliott Smith died my mom was driving me home from Junior High and we had the local radio station on. This song that I’d never heard came on, ‘Waltz #2’, and I was stunned throughout its entirety. As it was back then, I was hoping the radio presenter would announce what we just listened to. And then they did, saying “that was Elliott Smith, who died today”. So I went through an intense Elliott Smith phase at the age of 13, hiding my iPod headphones under my hoodie during class absorbing his entire discography. This maybe explains why I tend to write sad songs…

4. Ulver – Bergatt
This record (and Kveldssanger, also by Ulver) was my gateway drug from folk into metal and it was introduced to me by my bandmates in Blackbird Raum, who were older and cooler than me. I loved the atmospheric black-metal which felt entirely new to my brain but the acoustic interludes and clean vocals with strong melodies were also sitting in a familiar world. The harmonic movements of the chords started to seep in to my songwriting pretty immediately when I started writing for Cinder Well.

5. Ali Farke Touré, Ry Cooder – Talking Timbuktu
I found this CD in my dad’s collection as a teenager and have been a big fan of Ali Farke Toure ever since. The melodies on this album are infectious and it has such a sense of atmosphere – the dueting guitars make the production feel full and lush. I love Ali Farke Toure’s guitar playing, it’s so meditative and circular. I have learned a lot from his playing and try to channel this by playing in open tunings with circular finger picking patterns.

Thanks to Amelia for sharing her favourites with us!

Watch the video for Cinder Well’s latest single ‘Of Nettles and Roses’ below.

Follow Cinder Well: website, bandcamp, TIDAL, Instagram & Facebook

Photo Credit: Chelsea “Cheech” Moosekian

PREVIEW: All Points East / Outbreak 2026

It’s just a few weeks until East London’s annual multi-date festival All Points East is set to return to Victoria Park over the weekends of 21st to 23rd August, and 28th to 30th August, and we can’t wait! With an eclectic range of live music spanning multiple genres, there promises to be something for everyone on offer – showcasing longstanding world-famous megastars as well as platforming newer, rising artists and bands. 

Having been lucky enough over the last few years to enjoy plenty of good vibes and fantastic music at All Points East – including stand-out performances from Gossip, Sleater Kinney, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Say She She, Amyl And The Sniffers, Hotwax and Be Your Own Pet – we’re very excited about the variety of performances they have in store for us this year! 

The live music kicks off with a very special showcase headlined by Brit award winning songwriter Jorja Smith and two time Grammy winner, Nigerian artist Tems on Friday 21st August. Joined by a line-up including Bradford-born innovative songwriter and producer Nia Archives, hip-hop star Maverick Sabre, electro-pop artist Katy B and loads more, it looks set to be a fantastic day, all carefully curated by Smith and her label FAMM. There are still tickets available here!

Next up, on Saturday 22nd August, New Zealand pop sensation Lorde will be gracing the stage at Victoria Park along with a jam-packed line-up featuring the likes of garage-influenced artist PinkPantheress, Swedish star Zara Larsson and Australian one to watch Esha Tewari. With such a great lineup, it’s not surprising this day is currently sold-out, but if you’ve got tickets, you’re in for a treat!

Then, on Sunday 23rd August, the park will have a bit of a genre reset for ‘Outbreak’. Headlined by multi-platinum Grammy award winning Sacramento alt-metal legends Deftones, the day also pays host to an immense line-up of long-term favourites including Aussie feminist punks Amyl and The Sniffers, nineties goth-rock pioneers AFI and New York indie scene greats Interpol. In addition to these more established names, a number of upcoming bands and artists will also be delivering immense sets on the day – some that I’m particularly excited about include Philadelphia punks Mannequin Pussy, Dublin’s BROOKI, LA shoegazers Clarion, hardcore supergroup-duo Reclus.É and South African punk-pop star Ecca Vandal. Astonishingly, there are still tickets available here!

The following weekend sees two consecutive headline sets from Tyler The Creator on 28th and 29th August, featuring appearances from a range of artists including Turnstile, Mariah The Scientist, Ghostface Killah (!), Faye Webster and Ledbyher. Then, closing out the festival on Sunday 30th August will be Twenty One Pilots, joined by a fierce line-up including PVRIS, The Meffs, Hot Milk and GIHE faves Nova Twins. Still tickets for all three days here.

Whilst we’re obviously mega excited about all the incredible bands and artists set to play Victoria Park at the end of the month (especially personal faves like Deftones and AFI!), in true GIHE style we want to highlight some of the non-male artists that we’re particularly looking forward to – so, we’ve put together a little playlist of a few of our faves who’ll be playing over the two weekends. Have a listen here, and nab a ticket to one of the days now.


Header photo of Mannequin Pussy: Chloe Sarmiento

PLAYLIST: July 2026

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another eclectic mix of new music tunes for your listening pleasure! Our July Playlist features plenty of shoegaze, grunge & dream-pop riffs, punk anthems, indie musings, emotive ballads and some experimental and electronic soundscapes too. Make sure you scroll through and read all about our recommendations below. Happy listening!

As you already know, in order to best support the female, LGBTQIA+ and non-binary artists that we love here at GIHE, we’ve moved away from using Spotify. We now have an account on TIDAL, so please follow us on there. We’ve also included YouTube or bandcamp links for all of the tracks below, so there’s plenty of ways for you to get your new music fix.

You can still access our GIHE profile on Spotify (which we do not have a paid subscription for) but we urge you to use TIDAL, bandcamp or YouTube instead. 

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN (TIDAL)

 

Twat Union – ‘TV BIKINY’
Having been a big fan of ‘feminist-feral-theatre-punks’ Twat Union for a while now, finally getting to see their wonderfully chaotic energy live at The Great Escape this year was perhaps my highlight of the festival (along with hosting our very own stage that fellow Alcopop! signees Problem Patterns headlined!). Maintaining their trademark ability to combine resonant critique on patriarchal society with a playful tongue-in-cheek attitude, the band’s new single ‘TV Bikiny’ offers a perfectly empowering alternative summer anthem. A joyous ode to doing absolutely nothing, it’s propelled by all the swirling frenzied hooks and wry, relatable lyricism that we’ve come to know and love from the band – “I don’t want to go outside, I want to stay right here and sweat from my thighs”. Catch Twat Union live (an experience like no other!) for a special joint headline show with Problem Patterns at The Lexington on 10th October.
(Mari Lane – Managing Editor)

Perennial – ‘Modernism’
I remember being told by some friends who got to see New England’s Perennial live when they were last in the UK that it was one of the best shows they’d ever seen. The band’s chaotic frenzied energy was unmatched and the way they interacted with the crowd whilst delivering their immense mod-rock anthems was unlike anything they’d seen before. So, I am extremely excited that we’re going to have them playing for us in October! Come and experience this one-of-a-kind live show for yourself at A L P H A B E T in Brighton on 9th October, along with jangly indie-pop faves Sassyhiya and more TBA. Tickets are on DICE now and they’re cheaper in advance. In the meantime, listen to latest single ‘Modernism’ (and all their back catalogue from the last few years) and get your dancing shoes ready. (ML)

Cusk – ‘Dooms banjo’
Esmé Creed-Miles and Evie Hilyer-Ziegler formed their band Cusk right here in London shortly after meeting at an improv night at cult music venue The Shacklewell Arms. I’ve only just discovered them, but the pair have been busy gigging around the city for the past few years, supporting the likes of DIIV, Geordie Greep and Tiberius B. Now, they’re gearing up to release their new self-titled EP, which is due on the 14th of August via The Bird Records. ‘Dooms banjo’ features on the EP, and credit where credit is due, not only is it an excellent track name, it’s also an urgent rush of heavy riffs and intense, brooding vocals. Cusk will be playing a live show at The Shacklewell Arms on 27th August, where you can hear ‘Dooms banjo’ and more of their stirring sounds in the flesh.
(Kate Crudgington – Features Editor)

Slothrust – ‘Ring The Bell’
Having been a huge fan of Slothrust for years (I think seeing them live in New York back in 2022 may have been the best gig I’ve ever been to), I’ve been super excited to hear they’ve got a new album coming out in September. Ahead of the album, and following recent single ‘Burn The Deck’, ‘Ring The Bell’ showcases all the swirling, immersive allure and fierce scuzzy energy that I’ve come to love so much from the LA band, whilst oozing an underlying dark sense of urgency. Lyrically, it reflects the main theme of the album as a whole: what it means to be human and live in a system designed to exploit our perceived weaknesses by means of capitalism. A perfect slice of ‘Dystopian Theatre Rock’. What They Grow In The Garden, the new album from Slothrust, is set for release on 18th September via Equal Vision Records. (ML)

That Old Quiet Lighthouse – ‘Hands Up’
Featuring Phoenix Rousiamani (Lucy Dacus, Jasmine.4.T), ‘Hands Up’ is the latest single from Manchester-based ‘indie-emo-folk’ band That Old Quiet Lighthouse. An instantly catchy anthem, it combines philosophical musings with a more tongue-in-cheek chorus; fusing together the raw honesty of early noughties American emo with a very British sense of humour and playful energy. Of the meaning behind some of the lyrics, Rousiamani explains: “… I underline the anxiety that comes with striving for conforming beauty, that is rooted in eugenics, homogeneity and smoothness. Instead I try to find a rawer and deeper beauty that is more accepting of our humanity.” (ML)

Roomer – ‘Good On My Own’
A slow-burning offering from Berlin-based dream-rock outfit Roomer here. ‘Good On My Own’ is taken from the band’s upcoming second album, Staircase Made of Rope, set for release on 18th September via Squama Recordings. The track gently explores an emotional inner conflict, through soft vocals, earnest lyricism and evocative use of reverb. “[It’s] a reflection of outgrowing the words that once felt like certainty, and the ones that prolonged goodbye,” Roomer explain. “It’s about learning to be at peace with yourself, even while feeling the quiet pull of something that might be missing.” (KC)

Celeste Madden – ‘Millennium’
A recent discovery of mine who I’m not quite sure how I hadn’t come across before, South London’s Celeste Madden creates heartfelt indie-pop soaked in a gloriously scuzzy haze – my favourite. A breakup song for people too stubborn to let go, ‘Millenium’ showcases Madden’s beautifully glistening raw emotion perfectly. I can’t wait for them to play for us at The Cavendish Arms on 10th September, supporting Gabi Garbutt with The JuOh. Tickets are on DICE now and they’re cheaper in advance! (ML)

atmos bloom – ‘It’s Enough’
I remember being impressed by the lush sounds of atmos bloom when I saw them play live at Brixton’s Hootananny, sharing a bill with faves Whitelands back in 2025. I’m a sucker for dream-pop riffs and floaty vocals, which the duo are well versed in. This track ‘It’s Enough’ is lifted from their new album, Everythingness, which they recently released via Spirit Goth records. It explores “themes of soft power and being enough for other’s demands and expectations”. (KC)

Grandmas House – ‘Blue Oblivion’
Not only is this single from GIHE faves Grandmas House one of their strongest tracks to date, it’s also accompanied by an beautifully shot, atmospheric video. ‘Blue Oblivion’ is lifted from the Bristol band’s debut album, Baby You’re A Winner, which is due on 21st August via Brace Yourself Records. It’s a disarming offering, showcasing the strength and development of the band’s songwriting, perfectly executing the quiet-to-loud dynamic which reflect the themes of “light and dark” that inspired both the conception of ‘Blue Oblivion’ and the entire upcoming album. Alongside the release, Grandmas House have also shared details of a tour of UK record stores this year, kicking off in London at Kingston’s Banquet Records on the 21st of August, and culminating in a hometown in-store at Rough Trade in Bristol on the 27th. The band have also announced a free entry listening party on July 31st at Bristol Beer Factory, which will feature limited edition Grandmas House beer cans, Grandmas House x Pizzarova specials, ‘Spin the Wheel’ prizes and the chance to meet the band’s mascot, The Headless Man from the ‘Blue Oblivion’ video, in person. RSVP here. (KC)

The Big Moon – ‘Gravity’
I was chuffed to see The Big Moon are back with brand new music, having been a fan since I caught them playing live at The Great Escape Festival all the way back in 2016! The four-piece are now gearing up for the release of their new album, Forever, which is due on 30th October via Fiction Records, and for their UK tour later this year, including their biggest headline show to date at the iconic O2 Academy Brixton on Friday 27th November. This single ‘Gravity’ is a buoyant, thoughtful offering from The Big Moon, who are masters at harnessing the joy of life’s meaningful moments (whether they’re big or small) and turning them into indie-pop earworms. Songwriter Juliette Jackson shares more about the track’s inception: “At the time I wrote this song, every time I collected my son from nursery he would run and slam into me and give me the biggest hug. I knew it wouldn’t last forever, and I savoured every one, and this song ended up commemorating that feeling. It’s about a love that you’re never really separated from, just elasticated, ready to snap back together.” (KC)

Catherine Moan – ‘Fabric’
Congratulations to LA-based artist Catherine Moan on the release of her lush new album, CM Ultra. Released via Born Losers Records earlier this month, it’s a heady collection of emotive synth-pop gems, including this latest single ‘Fabric’, a song about “clothing & heartbreak” as well as a desire for change and acceptance on a deeper level. Catherine explains these concepts in more detail: “Love and happiness can recede slowly like a sweater shrinking in the dryer or a hole in a shirt turning into a tear. And as we grow and change like a shirt too small, some things just won’t fit anymore. And fighting change, and trying to force yourself into clothing that doesn’t fit will only damage the model or attire. Existing outside of the gender binary makes it extremely difficult to know where you fit romantically and physically in society, and clothing and outward expression becomes highly significant. To most people the fabric they wear daily is trivial, but to me clothing is political, it signifies your role and place in society.” (KC)

Lido Pimienta – ‘Marea’
I vividly remember interviewing the marvellous Lido Pimienta back in 2020 about her superb album, Miss Colombia. The award-winning Colombian-born artist was such an inspiring and bright presence, so I’m excited to see that she’s now shared her fourth album, Caribenya, with the world. The record’s title is a combination of the words “Caribe” – a nod to Pimienta’s love of the Caribbean and her anti-colonial concerns – and “Enya” – a nod to the Irish singer who Pimienta listens to in order to concentrate while writing. It’s an album that addresses both the political and the personal, but it is also a joyful form of resistance, in which she provides listeners with dancing beats and pop-inspired melodies to counteract the harsh reality and injustices she sees in everyday life. On this track ‘Marea’, Pimienta explores themes of desire, love, and money from the perspective of a young woman who must hustle and sell herself to provide for her family. (KC)

MARiMARi – ‘POP SHUVIT!’
Last month I featured Maripool and now I’m featuring MARiMARi – very different artists, both with a name that really grabbed my attention… No idea why! My narcissistic fondness for her name aside, Liverpool-based hyper-pop artist MARiMARi creates danceably uplifting anthems propelled by a zestful colourful energy and glitchy beats. ‘POP SHUVIT!’ is taken from the (also brilliantly named) debut mini album, MARi Go Round. If you’re at Y Not Festival this weekend, be sure to catch MARiMARi live, I get the feeling it will be a lot of fun! (ML)

Gay Animal – ‘I’m a Gay Animal’
A defiant and incredibly catchy dance anthem that gleefully celebrates queer identity, I couldn’t resist adding this track from Austrian-born, non-binary artist Gay Animal to our July Playlist. Through their music and performance, they “engage with the theme of Queer Ecology”, using their creative processes to “open up conversations about gender and queerness from a more-than-human perspective.” Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, you can easily indulge yourself in the big beats and vibes of Gay Animal! (KC)

Black Bananas – ‘Turkey Burgers’
‘Turkey Burgers’ is the latest single from cult art-rockers Black Bananas and their first release in over 10 years! It’s taken from the band’s new album, Bad Bunch, which is set for release on 4th September via Fire Records. It’s a trippy, groove-infused blend of synths, riffs and vocals that drifts beautifully between the ears for five whole minutes. (KC)

Void Queen – ‘Power Sip’
Newly signed to Duchess Box Records (Grandmas House, Agatha is Dead!), Berlin punks Void Queen have shared this cathartic new single ‘Power Sip’. With their heavy riffs and direct lyricism, the band try to capture “the urge to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary, even at the cost of losing yourself in the process”, exploring the grey area between illusion and reality in the process. (KC)

Superfriends – ‘Moths’
Set to release their debut album, King Of The Moths, on 28th August, Brighton indie-punks Superfriends have now shared new single ‘Moths’. Showcasing the band’s tendency to wear their feelings on their sleeve, it offers a perfect example of their scuzzy, emo-tinged anthems about the chaos of everyday life, and both the anxiety and joy that can result from this. We can’t wait for Superfriends to support Fightmilk at The Pipeline in Brighton on 14th August. Tickets are on DICE now and they’re cheaper in advance! (ML)

 

Amelia & The Housewives – ‘Narcissist’
A perfect slice of jangly indie-pop, ‘Narcissist’ is the new single from Brighton ones to watch Amelia & The Housewives. Juxtaposing honey-sweet sparkling melodies with a dry, relatable lyricism, it flows with hints of uptempo ‘60s pop whilst maintaining a gloriously fresh energy. The eponymous debut album from Amelia & The Housewives is out on 2nd October via INH Records (who fast seem to be signing all our favourite bands!) (ML)

Run Remedy – ‘Dissent’
Manchester-based, New Jersey-born Run Remedy’s a brand new favourite of mine who I recently came across through a mutual acquaintance and then we both came to the conclusion that we should have already been pals. Always a nice realisation to have, and even nicer when you realise they have a gorgeous new song coming out. Flowing with delicate strummed hooks and rich melancholic vocals, ‘Dissent’ offers a reflection on those moments where being right outweighs the need to be kind, building with intricate sonic layers and a rippling emotional intensity to a subtly scathing dedication to someone you disagree with. Not At The Table, the new EP from Run Remedy, is out on 11th September. (ML)

Weather Happy – ‘It Leaks Out’
The brand new project from Holly from Berries, Weather Happy is the new rock duo you’ve been waiting for. Formed of Holly on guitar and vocals and childhood friend Harry on drums, they played their debut live show a couple of weeks back to a huge, adoring crowd at The Grace and instantly cemented themselves firmly as here to stay. Platforming Holly’s distinctive songwriting style and seemingly effortless mega riff-creating with Harry’s fierce spiky beats, ‘It Leaks Out’ combines a subtle vulnerability in openly discussing mental health struggles whilst offering a striking, empowering energy. (ML)

Skint Knees – ‘Honey Badger’
Self-described as “your favourite Sheffield girl gang best friends tearing down the patriarchy with riffs, riots and fun facts”, Riot Grrrl trio Skint Knees are a sonic force to be reckoned with. They channel their “anger, joy and defiance” into their politically charged punk anthems, with this track ‘Honey Badger’ tackling themes of stalking and misogyny from “nice guys”. The song is accompanied by a music video which perfectly showcases the band’s raw live energy and playful sense of humour too. (KC)

GRAVE GOODS – ‘REMAINS’
I remember having a great chat with post-punks GRAVE GOODS for our GIHE radio show back in 2020 (listen here), so I was pleased to see their name pop up in my inbox again sharing new music. Following on from their 2022 debut album, Tuesday. Nothing Exists., they’ve now returned as a duo – Lois Macdonald (Guitar/vocals) and Sarah Grimes (drums/vocals) – with this distinctive new single ‘REMAINS’. The multi-instrumentalists embraced their experimental tendencies during the writing and recording of this track, which explores the constant unease of contemporary existence. The single is also accompanied by a sci-fi inspired video, directed and designed by Lois, complimenting the track’s themes of surrealism. (KC)

POMELO – ‘Nasty Sauce’
This is an evocative soundscape from Amsterdam-based art-pop duo POMELO, lifted from their debut album, LORELESS. Described as a record that urges listeners to pay attention to “where you are and not where you will be”, it’s a captivating listen that showcases the band’s poignant and relatable reflections on the complexities of human existence, and this track ‘Nasty Sauce’ provides a soothing moment for you to do just that. (KC)

LADYBUG 1 ft. Dis Fig – ‘Vanishing’
Long-time musical allies The Bug (Kevin Richard Martin) and Dis Fig (Felicia Chen) have teamed up once again to share this cell-tingling, bass-heavy new offering. Under the moniker of LADYBUG, The Bug has launched a new collaborative series via his own imprint PRESSURE, through which he will work alongside different female vocalists to explore new sonic territory. He kicks off this body of work with LADYBUG 1 and ‘Vanishing’, an immersive, heady track that smoulders with emotional urgency. The track also has four accompanying “alternate” versions that you can sink your teeth into on bandcamp now. (KC)

Million Moths – ‘INNER PIECE’
I love this distinctive, kinetic soundscape from Portland-based dark electronic artist Erica von Trapp aka Million Moths. ‘INNER PIECE’ is lifted from her debut album, spun, and it’s a bewitching blend of acoustic and electronic instrumentation and her clear, intense vocals. The accompanying visuals are just as captivating as the track itself too. Check them out below. (KC)

R Loomes – ‘Passerine’
The magnetic pull of Sheffield-based musician R Loomes’ dark-folk sounds is undeniable. This track ‘Passerine’ showcases her ability to transform her inner musings on the transience of love, time and memory into a beguiling blend of rich vocals and atmospheric riffs. It’s taken from her upcoming debut album, Another Sip, which is set for release on 30th September via Divine Specific. (KC)

Freyja Elsy – ‘Control’
A cinematic, enigmatic offering from Cardiff-based electro-pop artist Freyja Elsy here. ‘Control’ is her rumination on intrusive thoughts, anxiety and emotional overwhelm, which she explores through her questioning lyricism, emotive vocals and tentative, echoing beats. (KC)

Ayanna Witter-Johnson – ‘Pioneers’
“Itʼs an album about finding centre — personally, culturally, and cosmically — and about learning that new roots can be grown even in unfamiliar or fractured ground,” shares acclaimed composer and MOBO-nominee Ayanna Witter-Johnson about her upcoming album, New Roots. Set for release on own imprint Hill and Gully Records on 18th September, the LP is inspired by a plethora of personal and historical influences, including Ayanna’s reflections on her British-Caribbean identity and the inheritance of Windrush-era wisdom, grief and remembrance. This track ‘Pioneers’ is lifted from the album, and it showcases her remarkable talent for pairing infectious melodies alongside her poignant lyrics and considered instrumentation. (KC)

Chelsea Wolfe – ‘Cold’
The inimitable Chelsea Wolfe returns with this deeply emotive new dark ballad ‘Cold’. It’s lifted from her upcoming ninth album, aptly titled The Dark, which is due on August 21st via Loma Vista Recordings. Alongside new co-writer Jennifer Decilveo, Wolfe has created an album that centers around the notion of entering the deepest woods and evolving into the the thing that you fear most to ultimately obtain the bravery and resilience needed to move forwards. ‘Cold’ embodies this process, led by Wolfe’s uniquely powerful voice and stripped-back, compelling blend of keys and guitar. She continues to be a real favourite of mine and her commitment to shape-shifting – both emotionally and sonically – is always deeply impressive. (KC)

Georgia Gets By – ‘Dream For You’
This is a gorgeous, hazy offering from New Zealand-born artist Georgia Nott aka Georgia Gets By. I loved her track ‘Split Lip’ which featured on her 2024 EP of the same name, but this latest offering is lifted from her recently self-released album, Heavy Meadow. Her beautiful voice floats over delicate guitar, slowly developing into a fuller band sound as the track approaches its dreamy conclusion. What a talent. (KC)

Black Bordello – ‘Fugue’
Having previously shared stages with the likes of The Libertines and Goat Girl, London-based international art-rockers Black Bordello are set to release their new EP in September. Ahead of the EP’s release, new single ‘Fugue’ oozes a dark anthemic energy and mystical psychedelic allure. In the band’s words, it’s “a joyful stab into the cardboard cutouts on the set of society’s stage. It’s our gift to music nerds, inspired by Bach.” Midheaven Tempest, the upcoming new EP from Black Bordello, is set for release on 18th September. (ML)

The Schla La Las – ‘Hawaiian’
Having been queens of the indie-tease scene in the mid-2000s, The Schla La Las remain a vital force of high-octane energy, inspiring a new generation of girls to pick up a guitar, bass, or pair of drumsticks, grab a microphone and let out a rebel yell all in perfect(ish) three-part harmony. Consisting of original line-up Piney Gir, George Terry, Katrin Geilhausen, Vee Churchill and Delia Dansette, they’ve just released a wonderfully uplifting new EP filled with ‘pop and roll’ anthems which you really need to soundtrack the rest of your summer. The Schla La Las Go Wild is out now – go listen! (ML)

 

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE OUR JULY PLAYLIST

Introducing Interview: Kylie MacNaughton

Having recently come across Kylie MacNaugton through her distinctive guitar playing with Glasgow ‘weirdo art pop’ outfit Peter Cat, we were intrigued to find out more about what inspires her, her other musical projects (including rising dark electro band Mercy Girl), and how she feels the industry is for queer artists at the moment.

Following last year’s experimental and introspective album, Starchamber, Peter Cat have just shared a gloriously catchy new single ahead of a full UK tour this autumn. Find out more here and have a listen while you read all about Kylie below!

Hi Kylie, welcome to Get In Her Ears! Would you like to tell us a bit about yourself and what you’re currently up to
Okie dokie! I’m Kylie MacNaughton, a musician originally from Livingston in Scotland, now based in Glasgow. I play guitar and synth and “sing”. I love making big loud music with my friends and watching movies. Currently I’m trying to cool myself down in this heatwave (I’m not coping well)!.

How did you first get into creating music?
I have been playing guitar since I was nine or ten, mostly because I wanted to get Guitar Hero but got given a real guitar instead. I guess I got into actually writing music when, deep into my emo teenage years, I heard My Chemical Romance’s first record, I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love. There’s a certain scrappiness to it. Like, it really sounds like five people in a room playing music together, rather than this super polished production. It just hit me that I could be one of five people in a room playing music and make songs like this too – then I started playing in bands and now we’re here!

We initially crossed paths through your work in the gloriously other-worldly Glasgow collective Peter Cat. What’s it like being part of such a unique project?
Being part of Peter Cat is great fun! All of the songs have a unique vibe and their own challenges to performing them, so it’s always nice to have to be thinking on my feet whilst I’m playing. In terms of this coming about, Graham (Mr Peter Cat himself), had been performing under the name with various bands and as a solo project for while. It was shortly after he wrote his EP The Magus that Graham approached me about performing with him. The music was so much darker and stranger than he had written previously, so I was very excited to join.

Peter Cat released the glistening album Starchamber towards the end of last year – can you tell us a bit about the album and the process of recording it?
So what is Starchamber? Uh, I guess at its core it’s a record about apologising in some ways – about feeling guilty for existing and taking up space. But it’s also about atonement and trying to absolve this guilt. I suppose the maddening sound was trying to capture those feelings. There’s lyrical moments pulling from film as well, and specifically from characters that are in this state of apologia and guilt and depression. Anyway, philosophical ramble over – the actual process of recording was quite old school and intensive. We spent several months fleshing out and getting the songs tight, then two weeks in the studio. Just the four of us in the room at once, trying to capture that live chaos of the music.

Your guitar parts throughout the album really stand out, particularly on tracks like ‘Is That All There Is To A House On Fire?’ and ‘Down From The Mountain’ – what inspired this swirling glam-rock-tinged sound? And how do you generally go about writing parts that complement the rich lyrical storytelling so well?
Thank you! The three points I was pulling from the most whilst recording and writing this album was My Chemical Romance (lol), David Bowie’s Scary Monsters, and The Dillinger Escape Plan. So, I guess there was some weird intersection of glam and punk and noise and pop happening, which I think is how the album sounds in the end. In terms of writing, Graham would sometimes come in with ideas that were pretty fully formed, that I would just tweak to sound like me. Other times there would be sections with no guitar where I would be encouraged to improvise with only abstract prompting, like, “the solo needs to sound like the world is ending, and we’re taking off.” Ultimately, I think the parts ended up complementing the lyrical themes because I was going through a lot of similar emotions at the time. I was teetering on the precipice of coming out at this point, and I was overcome with guilt and shame and embarrassment for existing. I think being in that dark headspace at the time ended up in a roundabout way marrying up with a lot of what Graham was writing about.

Following the album, earlier this year Peter Cat released a special live EP, In And Out Of Glasgow and London: Peter Cat Live – what inspired the decision to release this collection?
We felt that Peter Cat live is a different experience from the recordings, especially with some of the tracks from The Magus which were recorded by Graham on his own during lockdown. So, we wanted people to have a little taste of that chaos at home.

And how is the experience of performing live with Peter Cat, and what can fans expect when coming along to see you?
Peter Cat live is like train that’s just about to come off the tracks but doesn’t quite. The people can expect the same songs they know, but with more energy and chaos and unsanded edges.

When you’re out on tour playing gigs, are there any particular essentials that you like to have with you to keep you going?
I think I travel quite light actually. I’m happy staring into space out the window of the van and listening to music and hanging out with my friends… But, I think maybe the only thing is that I don’t like my hair being “not right”, so I do always bring all the same shampoos and potions and goops I would use at home.

In addition to Peter Cat, you’re also a part of other musical projects GRAVELLE and Mercy Girl – are you able to tell us a bit about them and where we can find out more?
Mercy Girl is a dark electronic band, with songs that are meant to be cried to and danced to. It’s very danceable and moody and synth-driven. We’re playing all across the UK and Europe this year and next, so come along if can and crance (cry+dance)!. GRAVELLE is a project with myself and my partner that we always described as “Industrial Pop” – like equal parts Lady Gaga and Nine Inch Nails. It’s on a  bit of a hiatus at the moment, but we can’t be stopped, there will be more songs one day!

And how do you find balancing these different musical projects with work and life generally?
Hard, aha. I exist in a constant state of near burnout.

As we’re an organisation with a focus on supporting new and marginalised artists, I just wondered how you feel the industry is for them at the moment? And do you feel much has changed over the years in its treatment of female and queer artists?
I feel like things have definitely gotten better within the music scene in terms of its treatment of people. But I still feel like there’s such a long way to go, it’s very sadly still such a boys club. I’m so frequently the only queer person and only woman in the room. There’s often this palpable disrespect – or disgust even – that I feel from engineers or other bands at my presence. Though, things are improving and I get a lot less flack as a queer person than I have in the past; and that’s definitely thanks to folks like yourself who are platforming marginalised people and breaking apart that shell of machismo that is so pervasive in music.

And are there any other bands or artists that you’d recommend we check out at the moment?
Loads! Too many to count! There’s so many cool people making great music right now! I’m just going to list a bunch of new favourites – girls and gays only – so go listen okay! Model/Actriz, Mandy, Indiana, Mrs Frighthouse, Kopi Romantiko, Underscores, Hemlocke Springs, Guck, Aortarota, Gelli Haha, Ninajirachi.

Huge thanks to Kylie for answering our questions! Be sure to check out Peter Cat’s new single ‘Innocent Driver‘, as well as ‘crance’ to Mercy Girl and keeping your eyes peeled for more songs from GRAVELLE!