LIVE (Photos): Deer Shed Festival 2025 (Day 3, 27.07.2025)

Having fallen in love with Deer Shed when I attended for the first time back in 2022, and then going on to ensure I didn’t miss it every year since, I was very glad I got to have another dreamy time there last weekend. Highlighting a real family focus, whilst hosting a range of exciting new artists, it oozes the warmest of vibes and – being smaller in size than most other festivals – creates a space that feels comfortingly intimate; an inclusive safe haven for artists and fans of all genres and ages. Whilst providing a child-friendly environment, this does not take away from the quality and array of performances on offer for everyone to enjoy. Although I’d say I’m in the minority of attendees who does not have children (or isn’t a child themselves!), I in no way feel this to be hindrance – there’s still plenty of adult fun to be had, just in perhaps a slightly less intense, and more safe, environment than most other festivals. Which is no bad thing.

Amongst those performing, a fantastic amount of female, non binary, queer and just all-round fearlessly powerful performers are represented, and I was lucky enough to catch lots of these over the weekend – a good balance of artists I already knew and loved, and those who I had not had the chance to see before. See below for a few words and photos about the fantastic time on Sunday, our final day at the festival!

Sunday sees us starting the day perhaps earlier than you would at your average festival, but then Deer Shed is no average festival. Coffee in hand, we head to The Lodge to ease in the day with the glistening sounds of Leeds-based artist Neve Cariad. Telling us that is her first festival appearance, Cariad and her band treat us to their beautifully lilting folk-strewn melodies, reflecting on pastoral themes with a shimmering, heartfelt grace. In fact, I become so immersed in the lush layers of sound and rousing vocals, I almost don’t notice being attacked by one of the many wasps who’ve taken up camp with us for the weekend.

After a delicious and nutritious vegan brownie for breakfast, we return to The Lodge to catch long-time personal favourite, Brooklyn-based artist Sheherazaad. Offering spellbinding reflections steeped in lyrical storytelling from India, Iran and Pakistan, she dedicates the set to people who have experienced placelessness, and shares her joy at being somewhere like Deer Shed – “it’s in places like this, of music, that people can find place…” Delivering a range of new songs with her accomplished instrument-swapping band, she showcases her ability to blend a stirring folk-inspired musicality with experimental techniques, exuding her playful spirit as each rippling soundscape flows from the stage with a majestic splendour. Whilst she has the audience captivated by her rich, swirling cacophonies, Sheherazaad sums up the weekend perfectly a the set draws to a close – “Sometimes you’re in a place that’s so beautiful, you’re left speechless and there’s nothing left to say.”

Managing to catch some of the quirky, danceable energy of genre-defying collective Mandrake Handshake on the Main Stage, we head to the In The Dock stage for the stark and powerful politically-charged anthems of immense duo Benefits. And, with the set featuring a very special guest appearance from Kingsley Hall’s daughter (“don’t worry this is my daughter, not just some random child!“), as she takes centre stage – showing off her sparkling fairy wings for us all to admire – it’s pretty lovely to see a softer side to the band. A kind of epitome of what Deer Shed is all about; families and people of all ages coming together to enjoy music that loses none of its visceral, raging energy in the safe, inclusive space that has been created.

As the sun starts to reappear, Welsh faves The Bug Club take to the Main Stage. Treating us to a set filled with songs new and old – and even perfecting tracks from their latest album, Very Human Features (which they caveat by admitting they’re tricky to play live) – their fiercely frenzied energy cascades from the stage, with each fuzzy blast of garage-rock bringing with it an infectious sense of joy. Having last seen them at the In The Dock stage a few years back, it’s great to see them win over an even bigger crowd with their eccentric allure, self-deferential wit and gloriously uplifting offerings.

With Bodega kicking off their set on the main stage with a tribute to recently deceased rocker Ozzy Osbourne, the New York band continue to wow us with their sparkling post-punk offerings, each delivered with an immersive, vivacious charisma. Then, we head back to the In The Dock stage to catch Liverpool-based King Hannah. As a sweeping, bewitching majesty flows with a dark energy throughout the set, I remain as enchanted as the first time I came across the band back in 2019; Hannah Merrick’s resonant vocals continuing to cast me under their spell with their stirring, ethereal grace and raw emotion.

After enjoying a whole load of nostalgic joy as Idlewild deliver a completely perfect set of favourite songs from over the years, with all the youthful energy and distinctive rich clarity of Roddy Woomble’s vocals that I remember from seeing them nearly two decades ago, it’s time for headliners – and final band of the festival – The Big Moon. Trickling onto the stage with an abundance of joyous energy, the band explain what a special performance this is for them – not only is it their first festival headline slot, but Jules is pregnant (“we’ve chosen a bad time to start doing late night shows!”), it’s drummer Fern’s birthday AND The Lionesses have just won the euros. This being the second time the band have played Deer Shed, they discuss their love of the festival and how they’re feeling “refreshed and scented” after indulging in some wild swimming, despite being tired after having to arrive for soundcheck at 8am. Exuding all the heartfelt sparkling emotion and sunny energy we’ve come to expect, The Big Moon’s ability to offer a comforting warmth and enlivening sense of optimism through their beautifully lilting musicality and endearing camraderie remains unmatched. Uniting the all-ages crowd with the blissful allure of each offering, they provide a perfectly uplifting close to the festival, and – as they play their penultimate song, a surprising, fun-filled rendition of Fatboy Slim’s ‘Praise You’ – younger members of the crowd even start a chant of “two more songs!” (“the next generation are so demanding!“), before the band play us out with the anthemic, evocative energy of ‘Your Light’.

Huge thanks, as always, to all involved with organising such a wonderful weekend – we can’t wait to be back for all the life-affirming vibes of Deer Shed Festival next year!

Words: Mari Lane / @mari_getinherears
Photos: Paul Dawes / @paullikesrobots

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LIVE (Photos): Deer Shed Festival 2025 (Day 2, 26.07.2025)

Having fallen in love with Deer Shed when I attended for the first time back in 2022, and then going on to ensure I didn’t miss it every year since, I was very glad I got to have another dreamy time there last weekend. Highlighting a real family focus, whilst hosting a range of exciting new artists, it oozes the warmest of vibes and – being smaller in size than most other festivals – creates a space that feels comfortingly intimate; an inclusive safe haven for artists and fans of all genres and ages. Whilst providing a child-friendly environment, this does not take away from the quality and array of performances on offer for everyone to enjoy. Although I’d say I’m in the minority of attendees who does not have children (or isn’t a child themselves!), I in no way feel this to be hindrance – there’s still plenty of adult fun to be had, just in perhaps a slightly less intense, and more safe, environment than most other festivals. Which is no bad thing.

Amongst those performing, a fantastic amount of female, non binary and queer performers are represented, and. I was lucky enough to catch lots of these over the weekend – a good balance of artists I already knew and loved, and those who I had not had the chance to see before. See below for a few words and photos about the fantastic time we had on Saturday at the festival!

Still feeling all the feels from a glorious Friday night at the festival, I was excited to kick off our second day with Glasgow punk duo Cowboy Hunters. Having been pretty much obsessed with recent single ‘Mating Calls‘, their raw energy and immersive riotous power came as no surprise, but the fiercely engaging charisma and stark dry wit they exuded throughout their immense, instrument-swapping set exceeded all expectations. Strictly not adhering to the festival’s suggested reduced swearing policy, they go from raging about transphobes and needing money for drugs to ending the set by getting the whole crowd to join in doing The Macarena with them. The most surreal and perfect way to kick off a Saturday morning!

And then for a complete change of mood, we head to The Lodge Stage to be soothed by the sweet folk-bathed sounds of Sarah Smout. Despite having been unwell yesterday, through the power of Lucozade and support from an encouraging partner, she thankfully made it to Deer Shed this morning to deliver a glistening, heartfelt set; treating us to ruminations on Iceland, motherhood and nature, a captivating blissful grace flows from the stage throughout.

Thankfully, we make it to the Main Stage to catch the end of fellow South Londoners Honeyglaze. With shades of the reflective lyrical observations of English Teacher or Dry Cleaning, their swirling scuzzy hooks and the rich sugar-sweet vocals of front person Anouska are greeted by glimmers of sunshine beaming through the clouds.

Having been pretty much listening to Scottish queer artist Jacob Alon‘s exquisite album In Limerance on repeat in recent months, they were one of the performances I was most looking forward to seeing this weekend (especially as I’d missed their sets both when they supported Kae Tempest at KOKO recently, and at The Wilderwild stage here at Deer Shed last year). And they did not disappoint. Far from it. Delivering each of their strikingly stirring offerings with a shimmering heartfelt splendour and sensitivity, and playing against a much-welcomed backdrop of the Trans Pride and Palestine flags, Cob’s poignant creations are interspersed with moments of endearing charm and humour. Whilst dedicating ‘Confession’ to “all the queers… You are all so loved“, they go on to explain ‘Liquid Gold 25’ as being written after a “couple of dodgy hookups on Grindr… Perfect for these family vibes!“, before taking us to “a seductive world of dreams” with ‘Of Amber’. As I sway and sing along to each beautifully moving song in this sunny field surrounded by families of all ages, I can feel the raw emotion of each and every word. I’m left feeling spellbound and inspired; filled with hope that the young people in the crowd are able to absorb the sense of queer joy and subtle resistance that is radiating from the stage.

After catching the engaging energy and quirky charisma of another lovely Scot, and definite new fave, Hamish Hawk, I prepare to dance and sing along to London-Nigerian collective Ibibio Sound Machine. Delivering their colourful Afro-punk with an infectious joyous energy, they enliven and invigorate the crowd. Glistening with a regal, playful charm and emanating an effervescent sense of pride, vocalist Eno Williams swirls around the stage, immersing us all in the band’s traditional tribal-inspired cacophonies with a unique, punk-infused spirit. A performance filled with pure jubilation.

Another performance I’d been extremely excited about catching over the weekend, especially after speaking her for our recent interview feature, was innovative South African artist Moonchild Sanelly. And, despite her warning me about her ability to “KILL… We’re going to run out of body bags…” when we spoke, I still don’t think I was prepared for quite how intensely life-changing her set was going to be. Whatever I write here won’t do it justice, but the sheer euphoric energy and relentlessly cheeky charm blasting out from the stage throughout is unmatched. Particular highlights range from the validating and inspiring introduction to ‘Sweet & Savage’ – Moon proudly declaring her bisexuality and consistent inability to choose as she shoots the adoring all-ages crowds with bubbles – and the swirling chaotic energy of ‘Scrambled Eggs’ (“the reason I have all this energy is because I eat eggs“), to the screams of excitement as she vogues across the stage with Ashwin to ‘Big Booty‘ and the looks of pure ecstasy on her “boobeams“‘ faces as she joins them in the crowd for an epic dance-off. It’s hard to pick particular stand-out moments, as the set as a whole is an experience like no other; Moonchild Sanelly is a performer like no other. Put lightly, it’s forty five minutes of gloriously uplifting chaos and empowering delight.

Having seen Kae Tempest many times over the years, and most recently embracing so much Trans joy at their KOKO show in November last year, it was wonderful to now see him welcomed so whole heartedly by the all ages crowd for their headline slot here at Deer Shed. There’s not many words I haven’t already said about just how vital and moving it is to see him live, but tonight’s set offered a glimpse into a lot of new material with a fresh immersive poignancy and fierce sense of urgency. Accompanied by just one other musician on keys, despite the expansive setting, there’s a comforting intimacy to the set as each of Kae’s deeply stirring poetic ballads are delivered with a sweeping raw emotion and majestic sense of pride. As the propulsive beats and overwhelmingly resonant words flow from the stage throughout, Tempest’s offerings seem more powerful than ever before; necessary for us to unite in queer energy and maintain a subtle sense of hope that – through coming together in communities as life-affirming as those at Deer Shed – we can find the happiness and strength to overcome those intent on holding us back. And, as a kind of epitome of the joy and empowering energy that has shone throughout, Kae leaves us with a fiercely heartfelt rendition of George Michael’s ‘Freedom’. A perfect way to celebrate today’s Trans pride.

Huge thanks again to all involved with organising such a wonderful weekend – stay tuned for photos of, and words about, of Day 3 at Deer Shed this year!

Words: Mari Lane / @mari_getinherears
Photos: Paul Dawes / @paullikesrobots

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PLAYLIST: July 2025

We’re publishing our July Playlist slightly later than planned…but our eclectic mix of Riot Grrrl anthems, indie and alt-folk tunes, punk bangers, evocative electronics & instrumentals, alt-pop gems and grungy riffs should still see you through the summer! Make sure you take some time to scroll through our recommendations below.

In order to best support the female, LGBTQIA+ and non-binary artists that we love here at GIHE, we will be moving away from using Spotify as a streaming platform in the near future, so we’ve included YouTube or bandcamp links for all of the tracks in this feature. You can still access the playlist via our GIHE profile on Spotify – but we are in the process of choosing a different platform to share new music with you.

As always, we encourage you to follow the artists below on social media, sign up to their mailing lists, go to their gigs and buy their records from bandcamp.

WENCH! – ‘Yeti Legs’
I love it when an email lands my inbox with something as exciting as this from Hull’s queer riot grrrls WENCH! Taken from their new (and wonderfully titled) EP, Relaxing Rain Sounds For Baby Sleep, ‘Yeti Legs’ offers an immense retaliation against everything that marginalized genders are constantly told to tolerate. Building the tension with a hauntingly dark, Kyuss-reminiscent bassline, the track blasts into the ears with a fierce, raging energy, racing riffs and a relentless, impassioned power. The band explain – “WENCH are done with pretending all is OK & determined to not be complicit in their own discomfort.” New faves for sure. (Mari Lane – Managing Editor)

UPCHUCK – ‘Forgotten Token’
This track from Atlanta-based punks UPCHUCK is particularly poignant for vocalist KT, as it addresses the sudden loss of her sister during the time that the band were recording their new album, I’m Nice Now (due on 3rd October via Domino.) ‘Forgotten Token’ is a reminder to not undervalue those closest to you. “You can lose things easily and not care, thinking you’ll just get another one. But people aren’t objects,” KT shares – a valid point and one we should all take note of. (Kate Crudgington – Features Editor)

Hot Wife – ‘No You No Problem’
The latest single from South London grunge-rockers Hot Wife, ‘No You No Problem’ offers a raging revenge anthem, propelled by racing fuzzy hooks and a raw angst-driven power. Of the track, the band explain – “The track tears into a toxic relationship marked by ghosting, gaslighting, and emotional no-shows… CIA missions, alien abductions, or maybe they’re just an asshole? It’s a reclamation of power; you can disappear but it’s no problem at all. We’re better off without you.” (ML)

Sprints – ‘Rage’
‘Rage’ is part of a double single release from GIHE faves SPRINTS, alongside track ‘Beg’. The Dublin four-piece’s potent new offering is taken from their second album, All That Is Over, which is set for release on 26th September via City Slang and Sub Pop. Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘Rage’, vocalist & guitarist Karla Chubb shares: “I think in the world today, it’s a lot easier to be angry than it is to help facilitate change. People are fatigued, disillusioned – it’s understandable, but we shouldn’t be pointing the finger at those already marginalised and making them shoulder the blame. The world is full of false prophets and false promises; it’s time we call them out. Don’t let the rage bait fuel the fire and burn us all in the process.” (KC)

PROJECTOR – ‘It Surely Has Been Hell’
Described as one of their most “hateful” songs to date, this urgent new track from Brighton trio PROJECTOR is catharsis incarnate. It’s taken from the band’s upcoming second album, Contempt, which is set for release on 3rd October 2025 via Alcopop! Records. Speaking about PROJECTOR’s new record, bassist Lucy Sheehan explains: “In some ways, Contempt is us consolidating and accepting what we are: aggressive and stupid and weird, as well as carefully devoted to melody and harmony. We’ve always been aware of the dissonance in us and our music. Probably like most cynical musicians we love beautiful things but can’t really enjoy them without tearing them apart.” (KC)

LOBSTERBOMB – ‘Nightbird’
‘Nightbird’ is the latest single from Berlin−based post−punk outfit Lobsterbomb – who our Digital Editor Tash first introduced me to. The band describe the track as their “nocturnal anthem – a call to the sleepless, the restless, and the creatively haunted.” It’s a deliciously gloomy offering from these exciting newcomers. (KC)

TTSSFU – ‘Call U Back’
I’m such a big fan of Manchester-based indie artist Tasmin Stephens aka TTSSFU! Taken from her New EP, Blown, set for release on 29th August via Partisan Records, this track ‘Call U Back’ is about having an intense crush on someone, chasing them too intensely and ultimately making a fool of yourself. Tasmin says “When you listen to it, imagine you’re drunk on a night out at the point that things slowly start to just feel awful.” – we’ve all been there. (KC)

Cowboy Hunters – ‘Perfect (Exceeder)’
Having finally got to witness their immense, instrument-swapping live show at Deer Shed festival last weekend (read more in our review of the weekend), I can’t get enough of the raw gritty power of Scottish punk duo Cowboy Hunters. Their latest offering, a riotous rendition of Princess Superstar’s ‘Perfect (Exceeder)’ showcases all there is to love about the band: their fiercely seething energy and playful charisma will immerse the ears instantly and leave you wanting more. (ML)

Pinkshift – ‘Vacant’
Ahead of the release of a new album later this month, Maryland punk-rockers ‘Pinkshift’ have recently shared fierce new single ‘Vacant’. Propelled by an immense sense of urgency and fuzzy grunge-tinged hooks, the track showcases the raw gritty emotion of front-person Ashrita Kumar’s vocals and the band’s ability to create modern day rock anthems. Earthkeeper, Pinkshift’s second album, is set for release on 29th August via Hopeless. (ML)

Fortitude Valley – ‘Oceans Apart’
With their new album, Part Of The Problem, released last Friday, Fortitude Valley continue to warm my heart with their gloriously scuzzy, beautifully heartfelt indie-pop anthems. Reflecting on the feelings that accompany “growing up, moving away across oceans and trying to be happy and successful off your own back”, ‘Oceans Apart’ pays homage to an album of the same name by Aussie legends The Go-Betweens as front-person Laura Kovic’s honey-sweet vocals flow alongside the band’s perfectly catchy jangly melodies. Catch Fortitude Valley live this Autumn, tickets here. (ML)

Jessica Winter – ‘Big Star’
It was such a joy to catch up with alt-pop sensation Jessica Winter on our Soho Radio show in July! This track is taken from her debut LP, My First Album, released via Lucky Number. We’ve been following her musical journey since 2020, so to see her take such pride and feel such confidence in the eclectic collection of pop sounds she’s crafted so meticulously was a real privilege. Listen to her new album here. (KC)

sugarglaze – ‘wishing’
I was intrigued by this hyper-pop tune from London based musician and kawaii/alt-artist sugarglaze when it dropped into my inbox earlier this month. I particularly liked the context she provided for her artist name, explaining that as a “serial people pleaser” who constantly feels like she’s failing to do just that, sugarglaze personifies the feeling of needing to sugarcoat yourself and your feelings – but the sickly sweet nature of it can also rot your teeth! This duality is explored on her upcoming album, wishing megamix, which she will be releasing in the near future. (KC)

CMAT – ‘EURO-COUNTRY’
When I interviewed CMAT for GIHE back in 2020, I knew she was a pop legend in the making. She was so funny and her single at the time ‘I Wanna Be a Cowboy, Baby!’ was rightfully gaining her a loyal and adoring fan base. Fast forward five years, and the Irish songwriter is now gearing up to release her third highly-anticipated album, EURO-COUNTRY, on 29th August vial AWAL Recordings. This is the title track and as expected, it’s full of CMAT’s trademark wit and charm. Speaking about the concept of her new record, she explains: “I have certain phrases that reverberate around my head over and over again – and EURO-COUNTRY was one of them…and it means three things to me: It’s the kind of country music I make; the fact that Ireland is a European country run by the euro; and that capitalism is one of the worst things to ever happen to us.” (KC)

BERTY – ‘Jelly Fish’
A bewitching blend of folk and alt-pop, this new single from independent songwriter BERTY is a reflection on life, growth and the intuitive power of the natural world. Based in The Forest Of Dean, BERTY filmed the accompanying music video at Woorgreens Nature Reserve with the help of collaborators Rosie Redwood and Lewis Sayce. The visuals feature the artist clothed in an impressive hand-made jelly fish costume, which was lovingly stitched together by her own Mum! (KC)

Sijya – ‘Do I Know’
South Asian composer, producer and graphic artist Sijya is new to me, but I’m very glad to have discovered her in my GIHE inbox earlier this month. I love the idiosyncratic blend of atmospheric and gritty synth textures alongside her drifting vocals on this track. ‘Do I Know’ is lifted from Sijya’s upcoming EP, Leather & Brass, which is set for release via One Little Independent Records on 12th September 12th. I can’t wait to hear it in full. (KC)

Blue Loop – ‘Cycles’
‘Cycles’ is the follow-up to London-based electronic artist Emma Hall aka Blue Loop’s recent shadowy single ‘The Knife’, and the title track from her upcoming debut album. Set for release on 7th November, Emma describes the record as “a miniature-epic song cycle about resilience, grief and defiant joy,” inspired by her experience of breast cancer and her journey through recovery and into remission. This track ‘Cycles’ ripples with vulnerability and a soft sensuality, showcasing Emma’s ability to create captivating and intuitive electronic soundscapes. (KC)

WOOM – ‘Slow You’
This is such a beautiful offering from South London vocal ensemble WOOM. Born from “hours of looping and experimentation,” ‘Slow You’ is a tender lament to facing your fears, letting go of the things that haunt you and finding your own pace in an ever-changing, demanding world. The track is taken from their new EP, To Slow You, which is set for release on August 28th via House Anxiety. WOOM will also be playing a headline show London’s ICA on 26th September. (KC)

Lōwli – ‘Woven’
This lilting piano instrumental from Irish composer Lōwli is beautiful. I’ve mentioned before that she’s one of my favourite new music discoveries this year, and this single only impresses that upon me further. ‘Woven’ will feature on her debut album which will be released later this year. Speaking about her new single, Lōwli explains: “For me, this piece is all about connection and is inspired by the natural world and seasonal change. I wanted to evoke that hopeful feeling we experience when the longer, lighter days of spring and summer return once again; representing those moments in our lives when we feel things are changing for the better.” (KC)

Hockeysmith – ‘Butterflies’
This is the final release from Falmouth-based electronic artist Hockeysmith before she moves on to a new musical project. ‘Butterflies’ is a quirky blend of her off-kilter beats, experimental synths and playful vocals, all of which are a fitting ode to her time as Hockeysmith. Catch her live one last time this summer at Rock Oyster festival in the South West of England. (KC)

Wyldest – ‘All It Would Take Is A Phonecall’
‘All It Would Take Is A Phonecall’ is a vulnerable and emotive reflection on familial estrangement from London-based songwriter Wyldest. Her raw but earnest offering soothes the sting of losing touch with a family member, eased by her gentle vocals and soft guitar sounds. Speaking about the track, Wyldest explains: “This song is about the loss of communication in relationships – particularly with reference to family ties…I think it’s important to put this idea of ‘blood ties’ aside within our society and open ourselves up to love and care for people whether we were assigned to at birth or not.” (KC)

Folk Bitch Trio – ‘Hotel TV’
Having just released their debut album, Melbourne band Folk Bitch Trio have been charming us with their lilting folk-strewn musicality, dreamy harmonies and playful charm over the last year. Their latest single ‘Hotel TV’ showcases their ability to tell vivid stories with a raw, honest emotion through their beautifully crafted songwriting. Now Would Be A Good Time, the debut album from Folk Bitch Trio, is out now via Jagjaguwar. (ML)

Bonniesongs – ‘Strangest Feeling’
Having just released her second album, Australian songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Bonniesongs combines fuzzy ‘90s-inspired Americana hooks with a lush, lilting musicality and emotion-rich crystalline vocals. The album offers an eclectic collection, showcasing her ability to interweave dreamy soundscapes with a shimmering, playful energy. Strangest Feeling, the album from Bonniesongs, is out now via Impressed Recordings. (ML)

Ren Harvieu – ‘The Becoming Of You’
The latest single from Manchester alt-folk artist Ren Harvieu, ‘The Becoming Of You’ offers a twinkling ballad, soaked in an emotion-rich musicality and sweeping cinematic splendour. A captivating offering from this innovative artist, it oozes shades of Kate Bush and a quirky mystical charm. I’m looking forward to catching Ren Harvieu live at Folk In The Park on Saturday 16th August in Sutton, alongside the likes of The Tom Robinson Band, Ashley Campbell (Glen Campbell’s daughter!), Eddi Reader and Richard Thompson. Tickets still available here. (ML)

Tamara & The Dreams – ‘Fleetwood Mac’
Having been a fan of Australian artist Tamara & The Dreams since becoming pretty obsessed with her perfectly named single ‘Successful Bisexual’, my fandom continues to grow with latest release ‘Fleetwood Mac’. Showcasing her playful energy and catchy uplifting charm, it offers a glistening, tongue-in-cheek reflection on “…the bubbling and broiling emotions and relationships and roller coasters of disappointment and obsession and triumph that go on in studios and bandrooms and bedrooms.” (ML)

cheerbleederz – ‘i deserved better’
Ahead of the release of a new EP in September, indie-pop supergroup and long-time faves cheerbleederz have shared a catchy new single. An uplifting ode to knowing your self-worth, ‘i deserved better’ offers all the sparkling, jangly melodies and scuzzy emotion you could ever need, plus a perfect singalong chorus – as Kathryn from the band says, “The chorus doesn’t even have any real words, but sometimes you don’t need em!”. prove me wrong, the upcoming new EP from cheerbleederz, is set for release on 5th September via Alcopop! Records. (ML)

Superchunk – ‘Stuck In A Dream’
Originally formed back in 1989, North Carolina legends Superchunk are now making a triumphant return to our ears. Now, with touring drummer Laura King joining Mac McCaughan, Jim Wilbur and Laura Ballance, the band are gearing up for the release of their new album later this month, and continue to maintain all the fuzzy hooks, catchy refrains and swirling, visceral energy we’ve come to know and love, with a revived raw punk spirit. Songs In the Key Of Yikes, the upcoming new album from Superchunk, is set for release on 22nd August via Merge Records. (ML)

Ruby Doomsday – ‘Blood and Thunder’
Formed of Joey Julliard (Picture Parlour) and Courtney McMahon (Rats-Tails), South London duo Ruby Doomsday describe themselves as “the house band at the Last Chance Saloon.” In their minds, their debut single ‘Blood and Thunder’ should be the score to “a rainy apocalyptic fairy tail, observed through the night bus window on a journey home through central London.” Their theatricality is infectious and I’m excited to hear more from them in the near future. (KC)

Ducks Ltd. ft. Lunar Vacation – ‘Lloyd, I’m Ready To Be Heartbroken’
Joining Toronto duo Ducks Ltd, Gep Repasky from faves Lunar Vacation offers their distinctive luscious vocals on this gorgeous rendition of the Camera Obscura classic, ‘Lloyd, I’m Ready To Be Heartbroken’. A jangle-pop fan’s dream. Catch Ducks Ltd live in the UK over the next month – more info here. (ML)

Beauty Sleep – ‘Big + Bad’
Ahead of the release of their upcoming second album, Derry duo alt-pop duo Beauty Sleep have recently shared a string of sparkling new singles. Encapsulating the defiant and proud ethos of the album, partners in music and in life Cheylene and Ryan assert that “We’re not the cherry on top – we’re the whole damn cake.”, and this seems to perfectly sum up the effervescent spirit and empowering energy that flows through their colourful offerings – each one an ode to self-worth; a blissful celebration of being too loud, too queer, too much. The Whole Damn Cake, the upcoming album from Beauty Sleep, is set for release in October via Alcopop! Records. (ML)

Charlies Flat – ‘Bayfront’
Having just released their debut EP via Cry No More Recordings, Kellie Bennett and collaborator Clayton Chipper aka Charlies Flat create old-school sound system inspired soundscapes, layering glistening atmospheric textures whilst reflecting on introspective themes. A simmering slice of euphoric trip-hop, EP track ‘Bayfront’ fuses together a rippling funk-inspired lilting musicality and dubwise beats with hazy sugar-sweet vocals, creating the perfect summer anthem. Here’s hoping the British weather picks up to match its glorious sun-drenched spirit. The Charlies Flat EP is available on bandcamp now. (ML)

Tanita Tikaram – ‘I See A Morning’
With 1988’s Ancient Heart being one of the first albums I remember being completely obsessed with – listening to it over and over, both singing along with my dad in the car and stealing the CD to immerse myself in the unique deep rich vocals and intense musicality – I was very excited to hear that Tanita Tikaram is releasing a new album, Liar (Love Isn’t A Right), in October. Not only that, but she will be donating proceeds from a limited edition rainbow disc to the LGBTQIA+ support line Switchboard (where I volunteer). It seems she’s lost none of her coolness over the years, evidenced too by latest poignant single ‘I See A Morning’ offering a moving sense of hope in the these turbulent times. Of the track, she explains: “We are living in a time when fundamental freedoms are under threat all over the world, characterised by a frightening normalisation of violence, extreme inequality and authoritarian government.” Liar (Love Isn’t A Right), the new album from Tanita Tikaram, is out on 10th October. Pre-order here. (ML)

Baileigh Jane – ‘We Change’
The latest single from Brooklyn-based queer artist and community builder Baileigh Jane, ‘We Change’ offers an uplifting reflection on the bittersweet feelings that can follow the end of a relationship. Rippling with sparkling hooks, soulful vocals and blissful danceable beats, it’s a colourful testament to Baileigh Jane’s ability to create colourful electro-pop anthems. (ML)

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LIVE (Photos): Deer Shed Festival, 2025 (Day 1, 25.07.2025)

Having fallen in love with Deer Shed when I attended for the first time back in 2022, and then going on to ensure I didn’t miss it every year since, I was very glad I got to have another dreamy time there last weekend. Highlighting a real family focus, whilst hosting a range of exciting new artists, it oozes the warmest of vibes and – being smaller in size than most other festivals – creates a space that feels comfortingly intimate; an inclusive safe haven for artists and fans of all genres and ages. Whilst providing a child-friendly environment, this does not take away from the quality and array of performances on offer for everyone to enjoy. Although I’d say I’m in the minority of attendees who does not have children (or isn’t a child themselves!), I in no way feel this to be hindrance – there’s still plenty of adult fun to be had, just in perhaps a slightly less intense, and more safe, environment than most other festivals. Which is no bad thing.

Amongst those performing, a fantastic amount of female, non binary and queer performers are represented, and. I was lucky enough to catch lots of these over the weekend – a good balance of artists I already knew and loved, and those who I had not had the chance to see before.

After an eight hour journey from London, we finally arrive at the haven of Deer Shed late in the afternoon. Although I was sad to be missing The Pill‘s set on the Main Stage, I could hear the playful charisma of the duo’s ‘Woman Driver’ flowing across the field to where we were unpacking the car and being welcomed by a super helpful and friendly person called Eden at the Tangerine Fields camp site. Once settled, with a pint of Brasscastle’s finest in hand, we headed to the main stage to catch Nottingham’s Divorce. As they mention, they last played the festival back in 2022, first thing on a Sunday morning at the In The Dock stage, so it’s a nice step up to be out on the main stage on a Friday night. Treating us to a range of songs, including old favourites as well as newer offerings from their recently released album, Drive To Goldenhammer, their scuzzy offerings seamlessly fuse together a dreamy romanticism and lush folk-inspired harmonies alongside a subtle, gritty energy. A perfectly uplifting way to get the festival started.

Next, in the shelter of the In The Dock stage, it’s time for The None. Having been desperate to catch this experimental supergroup for some time now, I’m excited to finally witness their abrasive punk cacophonies live for the first time. And they don’t disappoint – as front person Kaila White immerses the all-ages crowd with a captivatingly fierce, raw energy, the band deliver their immense, raging anthems with a swirling, tenacious spirit. In contrast to the metal-infused musical intensity, White’s between-song chat offers an endearing charm as she appeals to the younger members of the audience – “I hope you appreciate you have cool guardians that take you to festivals…” – and encourages an “under 5s mosh“. A suggestion which isn’t quite taken up by the crowd, but welcomed with cheers all the same. As always, at Deer Shed, it is pretty heartwarming to see kids who would not otherwise have the opportunity to engage with live music, especially of the heavier genres, be able to rage and sing along too.

After an extremely delicious vegan burger from one of the many ethical and locally sourced food stalls, I head back to the In The Dock stage; swapping my usual position of spectator to ‘artist’… If you can call DJing that. Although lurking in the shadows without being noticed is generally more my vibe, having had such a fantastic time DJing a little Silent Disco set at the festival last year, I was excited to do it again. Despite my nerves (and being on at the same time as the glorious Wunderhorse), playing tunes to a huge tent that ended up being full of people provided a much-needed hit of dopamine. And watching the people of all ages, families and friends alike, enjoying the music – making up dances, and getting excited by certain songs (particularly Chappell Roan and Le Tigre!) – was a pretty euphoric experience. I’m mega grateful to have had the opportunity to do it; huge thanks and love to Deer Shed for letting me unleash my danceable queer tunes onto the crowd once again!

Stay tuned for photos of, and words about, of Days 2 & 3 at Deer Shed this year!

Words: Mari Lane / @mari_getinherears
Photos: Paul Dawes / @paullikesrobots

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