INTERVIEW: JOON

Having survived a life-changing car accident, Maltese musician and producer, Yasmin Kuymizakis – aka JOON – decided that making music was a necessary part of recovery. Now, over ten years later, she has just released her debut album, Dream Again. Oozing a captivating energy, the collection offers an eclectic array of ethereal electro-focused soundscapes. With a shimmering majestic splendour and uplifting lilting melodies, each track glistens with its own immersive, euphoric grandeur.

We caught with JOON to find out more about the album, her inspirations and her founding of the Malta Sound Women Network…

Hi JOON, welcome to Get In Her Ears! Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
Hi! My actual name is Yasmin Kuymizakis, born in 1989 and I’m from the sunny island of Malta! I’ve been composing and producing music for the past ten years and am also a sonic artist and sound designer for film, video games, theatre and so on. I am a co-founder of the voluntary organisation Malta Sound Women Network.

What initially inspired you to start creating music?
I had been dreaming of creating since I was a teenager, but never had the courage to do so until I was involved in a bad car accident in my early 20s. That was a total wake up call for me! I changed my life around completely after that.

We love your captivating, celestial soundscapes, but who would you say are your main musical influences?
There’s plenty! But I think the most obvious ones are: Grimes, Molly Nilsson and Karin Dreijer (Fever Ray, The Knife).

You have recently released your poignant new album, Dream Again, would you be able to tell us about the writing of this? Are there any themes running throughout it?
I wrote all these songs in different phases of my life in the past ten years, so there are a few different themes. However, I often write about love and letting go. Being the private person I am, I also write a lot of advice and words of encouragement that I feel I need to hear.

You grew up and are still based in Malta, how do you find the scene is for new artists there? Would you say it’s difficult to get noticed?
We have a good healthy scene here, but yes it is hard to get noticed internationally.

Back in 2017, you founded the Maltese Sound Women’s Network with composer and academic Jess Rymer – would you be able to tell us a bit about this and what inspired the idea to start this network?
The Malta Sound Women Network is affiliated with the Yorkshire Sound Women Network. It aims to bring like-minded women together; to share knowledge and skills in music and sound technology, sonic arts, production, audio-electronics and anything to do with using kit to create sound. Jess and I decided to start this network because there was (and still is) a huge lack of women electronic artists in Malta, so we started connecting, supporting, mentoring, promoting and educating women and girls in electronic music and sound.

And how do you feel the music scene is for women and non-binary artists generally? Do you think things have improved much in terms of gender balance over the years?
I feel there is a lot more support and enthusiasm for women and non-binary artists these days. The situation has definitely improved, but it is still very much a male dominated scene.

Obviously it’s been quite a difficult couple of years for all musicians, but how have you been connecting with your audience and other musicians during the pandemic?
Funnily enough the pandemic was a bit of a blessing for me as I got the idea to contact Italians Do It Better (record label) and start JOON during lockdown. Like everyone else, I’ve been more online than ever before but that also helped me to connect with my audience in different parts of the world. It’s difficult for touring though. I would love to perform more now that my debut album is out, but it hasn’t been easy so far.

And has there been anything/anyone specific that has been inspiring you, or helping to motivate you, throughout these strange times?
My friend and collaborator Ian Schranz, aka Bark Bark Disco. He’s the best for motivation! Super positive all the time. Also, Megan Louise and Johnny Jewel from Italians Do It Better. They are so encouraging, passionate and hardworking. These three people inspire me a lot. I believe there’d be no JOON without them. 

As we’re a new music focused site, are there any other upcoming artists that you’d recommend we check out?
A few would be: Discovery Zone, Orion and Number One Popstar.

Finally, what does the rest of 2021 have in store for JOON?
My plan is to perform as much as I can and write my next album. I am also starting to DJ – that’s super fun!

Dream Again, the debut album from JOON, is out now via Italians Do It Better.

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Introducing Interview: Louise DaCosta

Raised in Derry, Northern Irish DJ and producer Louise DaCosta has written and released music with multiple labels and toured internationally, and achieved commercial chart successes over the last few years. In 2019 she decided to start up her own label and has been continuing to fly high ever since.

Now, teaming up with collaborative dance project Camden Place, Louise has released a shimmering remix of ‘A Life In Photos‘.

We spoke to Louise to find out more!

Hi Louise, welcome to Get In Her Ears! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I started DJ-ing and running events over ten years ago when I was still in my teens, and learned my craft in my amazing hometown venue – RedRooms Derry, supporting the likes of Calvin Harris, Claude Von Stroke & Benny Benassi whilst still finishing my A levels! I then went on to Queens University and took up residency in Kelly’s/Lush Portrush, Envy Derry (the North West’s only LGBTQ nightclub) and other venues across the country for a few years. I then began touring nationally – playing all the major clubs, student nights and venues all across Ireland including headlining the Wright Venue! I then began to write and release music working with a variety of labels and began touring internationally across Europe, Asia UK & UAE. To date I’ve had three consecutive Number ones on Beatport, tens of top tens and top 20 commercial chart success also. After working with many labels and studios I decided I wanted to be in control of my own music. I launched my own label DaCosta Records in 2019 for dance electronic releases and then sister label DaCosta Rocks to release indie/alternative/rock with a major push on homegrown talent! We’ve now over 250 releases across both labels with huge radio play and critical acclaim for our artists. I launched the label with my debut album ‘Vim Vitae’ with accompanying art and featured it at various virtual exhibitions last year.

How did first start making music?
Initially I was a DJ, and I took my inspiration from the dance floor, then I got my first copy of Ableton and started crafting mash-ups for my sets, then remixes, then my own tracks!

Your new remix of Camden Place’s ‘A Life In Photos’ is out now – can you tell us about the production process?
As with any remix I’ll listen to the track and see what direction it’s possible to take it in! How the song made me feel, what were the core elements and themes etc. Then I’d listen to the vocals in isolation and try to build a narrative or a picture from there that’s still consistent with the original theme. I choose which parts of the track I think will work in the remix and use those. Then, like a sort of colour palette, I try to create elements or colours that complement that vibe. As someone with synthesia I see music in colour, so the track will be one or two major colours, then I’ll build around that some complimentary shades/sounds to create what I think is a full audio representation of how I visualise the track.

You’ve been compared to the likes of  Kaskade and Kudu Blue, but who would you say are your main musical influences?
Wow, what lovely comparisons, thank you very much! I think you’re influenced by anything you hear really, but these are some of my faves: David Bowie, Kate Bush, Talking Heads, Blondie, Lady Gaga, Prodigy, Hot Chocolate, Daft Punk, TJR, Nirvana, Lykke Li, Franz Ferdinand, Xinobi, MSTRKRFT, Justice. I could go on and on… Too many to mention!

In ‘normal times’, how is your local music scene?
Unfortunately things are very quiet at the moment due to restrictions, but usually yes! Just before lockdown started we threw DaCosta Records 2nd Birthday in our home town Derry, which was amazing! So hopefully we can get back to this again soon.

And what can fans expect from your live shows?
Massive energy, best night of your life! Great craic! You should come and find out… Until then check my Insta videos for a wee idea!

As we’re a new music focused site, are there any new/upcoming artists or DJs you’d recommend we check out?
We’ve signed lots of new amazing talent over at DaCosta Records (Dance/Electronic) and DaCosta Rocks (Indie/Alt/Rock). It would be hard to single out just a few, so please do check them out on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube etc. We are also currently accepting demos and always happy to feature new music on our radio show too, so if any of your readers would like to hit us up, please do at dacostademos@gmail.com . 

And how do you feel the music industry is for new artists and DJs at the moment – would you say it’s difficult to get noticed?
The lack of live shows is making it very difficult for everyone at the moment. However technology/social media is helping bridge some gaps, but you do need to connect with your audience. So, at the moment, music is the answer as you can keep releasing and relating to your fans with your music, but hopefully we can all do it live again soon! 

Finally, what does the rest of 2021 have in store for Louise DaCosta?
A lot! Some of the exciting things include: A new album, DreamBoats & DiscoBots to be released later this year; a weekly radio show every Friday on Global Radio Cork; an exclusive mix for BBC Introducing next month; I’m currently working on a film soundtrack project; DaCosta records are running some DJing classes; writing and & releasing lots more fun happy music… And, if things return to normal, I will resume touring and hopefully be playing my new music everywhere!

Massive thanks to Louise for answering our questions!

‘A Life In Photos’ (Louise DaCosta Remix) is out now via DaCosta Records.

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STILL SPINNING: Gazelle Twin – ‘The Entire City’

Our Still Spinning feature focuses on records that we consider to be iconic – whether that’s for popular, or personal reasons – and celebrates our enduring love for them. Get In Her Ears Co-Founder & Features Editor Kate Crudgington talks us through why electronic artist Gazelle Twin’s debut album, The Entire City, released in July 2011, is still one of her most influential listens to date.

Named after a painting by German surrealist artist Max Ernst, Gazelle Twin’s debut album The Entire City was released via her own imprint Anti-Ghost Moon Ray on 11th July 2011. Independently composed, recorded and produced, her ambiguous lyrics and altruistic sounds invited her listeners into a world that offered both shimmering intrigue and heavy shadow in equal measure.

It was my older brother Joe who originally introduced me to Gazelle Twin aka Elizabeth Bernholz in 2014, citing her second album Unflesh as one of the best things he’d ever heard. I used to lay in the dark, headphones on, listening to it and feeling an odd sense of calm, as waves of nervous energy rippled through me. That record changed my idea of what electronic music could sound like and I was captivated by the persona printed on the album’s cover. Blue hoodie, long brown hair, a partially covered face and an open mouth revealing a snarling pair of teeth. Menacing yet enticing, terrifying yet familiar. Gazelle Twin was an enigma – communicating with listeners through harrowing imagery and nerve-shredding synths.

Back then, I had no idea she had released her debut album three years earlier, or that it would sound so different. Having encountered Unflesh first, listening to The Entire City felt like an ambient fairy-tale in comparison. But, as with all of her obscure creations, what Gazelle Twin excels at is contrasting the darkness with the light, so even if that darkness sometimes feels all consuming – like it often does on Unflesh and on her stunning third record Pastoral – the sublime still manages to shine through too. The Entire City is a sonic landscape littered with dense concrete, intimidating obelisks and unknown relics, but it’s also teeming with life.

Filled with twitchy drum samples, cinematic synths and her uniquely operatic vocals, The Entire City received flattering comparisons to Fever Ray when it was originally released, but I think Bernholz’s sound is often grittier and more detached. There’s an underlying feeling of voyeurism as you wander through her musical landscapes, something I feel she captures perfectly on the eponymous opening track, with her extended high pitch vocals guiding the way, like a thrilling race through deserted streets. It bleeds into the breathy stillness of ‘Concrete Mother’ and the hypnotic ‘Men Like Gods’, two of my favourite tracks on the record.

It feels odd to pick apart and review The Entire City on a track-by-track basis, because it has such a cohesive sound. Each time I listen I feel like I’m being shrouded in Bernholz’s graceful, unsettling sonic paraphernalia; her cryptic lyrics and eerie electronics lulling me into a false sense of security. The subtle power of her voice on ‘I Am Shell I Am Bone’ and ‘Changelings’ is intoxicating, whilst on ‘Obelisk’ – another favourite of mine – her blend of dense beats and crystalline synths evolves into an exquisite electronic hymn. Punctuated by briefer tracks like ‘Far From Home’, ‘Bell Tower’ and ‘Fight-or-Flight’ – on which she flexes her operatic voice sensationally – she ensnares the senses and gently pushes listeners into unchartered territories across the album. In retrospect, ‘View Of A Mountain’ feels like a hint at what was to come, it’s the kind of instrumental that would sit comfortably on Unflesh.

Steeped in shadow and mystery, The Entire City is a fascinating introduction to a truly progressive artist who has evolved into a new species of performer since 2011. Not known for revisiting her previous albums or personas, Gazelle Twin’s sights remain fixed on her future projects and I can’t wait to immerse myself in more of her visceral sounds.

 

Follow Gazelle Twin on bandcamp, Spotify, Instagram, Twitter & Facebook

Album Artwork: Suzanne Moxhay

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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PLAYLIST: July 2021

The GIHE team have unearthed some more new music gems for you to listen to on our July Playlist! There’s an eclectic mix of alternative tunes, synth-pop bangers and raucous guitar anthems for you to enjoy. Take some time to scroll through our track choices below and make sure you hit play on the Spotify playlist at the end of this post.

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

Amy Winehouse – ‘Me & Mr Jones’
“What kind of fuckery is this?” – one of my all time favourite lyrics, courtesy of Amy Winehouse. This month marked ten years since her untimely death and gave us all a chance to reflect on her iconic musical legacy. Charming, intelligent and rib-achingly funny, but simultaneously plagued by addiction, alcoholism and bulimia, Amy Winehouse’s altruistic talent is one that simply can’t be rivalled. RIP Amy. (Kate Crudgington)

Babeheaven – ‘Lovefool’ (The Cardigans Cover)
Babeheaven are a band who do wonders with their covers and this one is no exception. Singer Nancy Andersen’s voice just beautifully falls over the music every time, the perfect accompaniment to this sweltering summer where we just have to slow down. (Tash Walker)

Abra – ‘Roses’
This song has been spinning its way around all of my playlists over the last month. Released back in 2015, I always have space for a return listen for Abra. The way a song sounds six years later is part of the beauty of it, especially the lyrics on this one – “You taste best when you are in full bloom” – turn up your dials for a big slice of distilled electro pop. (TW)

Evil House Party – ‘Head Held High’
I love this captivating synth-pop tune from Copenhagen-based duo Evil House Party. Taken from their debut EP Grand Theft Audio, which is set for release on 24th September via Third Coming Records, the track is a heady, bittersweet reflection on personal uncertainty and laments the struggle of trying to survive in the real world whilst also trying to fulfil your dreams. (KC)

Maria Uzor – ‘Innocence’
The latest solo release of Maria Uzor (also one half of GIHE faves Sink Ya Teeth), ‘Innocence’ offers an other-worldly soundscape propelled by glitchy electronic hooks and drum ‘n’ bass reminiscent beats. Interweaving a whirring ethereal splendour with shades of the likes of Grimes with a unique soul-fused drive, I just can’t get enough of its blissful, euphoric energy and bewitching allure. Innocence And Worldliness, the upcoming EP from Maria Uzor, is set for release on 27th August. (Mari Lane)

John Glacier – ‘Icing’
This song! Coming in at 1.44 a song has never left me desperate for more, obsessed is an understatement. East London’s John Glacier released this as a teaser from the forthcoming 12-track project SHILOH: Lost For Words, due on 30th July. (TW)

Moor Mother ft. lojii – ‘Shekere’
Having released her debut album Fetish Bones back in 2016, musician-poet-artist-workshop facilitator Camae Ayewa – aka Moor Mother – has now announced her upcoming new album, Black Encyclopedia Of The Air. Taken from the album, latest single ‘Shekere’ features Philadelphia rapper lojii and is propelled by a stripped-back, jazz-infused musicality as it oozes a swirling, stirring allure and immersive, soulful drive. As poetically poignant lyricism is set against the captivating flow of the instrumentation, an exquisitely enthralling, and undeniably necessary, battle-cry is created. Black Encyclopedia Of The Air, the upcoming album from Moor Mother, is set for release on 17th September via ANTI-. (ML)

Witch Prophet – ‘Makda’
I have Tash to thank for introducing me to the majestic sounds of Ethio queer hip-hop fusion artist Witch Prophet. ‘Makda’ is a celebration of the Ethiopian Queen of Sheba and the accompanying video for the track is all about showcasing “the power of Black women and mothers.” (KC)

Piroshka – ‘V.O’
Taken from Piroshka’s brand new album, Love Drips and Gathers, ‘V.O’ offers a poignant tribute to 4AD’s late in-house art director and graphic designer Vaughan Oliver. A swirling, ethereal soundscape, sparkling with a captivating, shoegaze-tinged splendour, the track reflects not only on Miki Berenyi’s memories of Vaughan, but also her experience of attending his funeral last year – with many of the lyrics inspired by speeches that she heard on the day. Find out more about Piroshka and their new album in our recent interview with Miki here. (ML)

Praises – ‘A World On Fire’
This shadowy track by Toronto-based Praises is such a hypnotising listen. The new project of Jesse Crowe (formerly one-half of Beliefs), ‘A World On Fire’ “imagines a diaspora and a war, whilst tackling other ideas of mortality, identity and love.” The track is taken from Praises’ upcoming EP, EP4, which is set for release on 5th August via Hand Drawn Dracula. (KC)

Tirzah – ‘Tectonic’
Anyone who knows me/has asked me what I’m listening to over the last couple of years will have given you one answer: TIRZAH. She’s recently announced the release of her new album Colourgrade which I am counting down the days to. This song ‘Tectonic’ is totally hypnotic, starting with a conflicting drone before her vocals arrive, rougher than we’re used to, all adding to the music’s intensity – and don’t even get me started on the lyrics. Needless to say, this track gives me FEELS. (TW)

Täpp – ‘Aquaria’
The latest release from Jazztronica/hip hop/ classical collective Täpp, led by classically trained jazz violinist Rebekah Reid. This track is lifted from their debut album, named after the winner of Season 10 of RuPaul’s Drag Race – ‘Aquaria’ is an anthem created to empower women, transgender/gender non-conforming people and the LGBTQ+ community, encouraging them to step into their light and “shine like the gifts they are to the world.” Can’t argue with that. (TW)

Tiiva – ‘Bones’
Is it even a GIHE playlist if I don’t include a Tiiva track? I’m a big fan of all their releases so far and ‘Bones’ is no exception. The London-based producer has crafted another captivating soundscape full of atmospheric beats, hushed vocals and summery synth sounds. (KC)

Planningtorock – ‘Gay Dreams Come True’
This song gives nothing but pure gay joy, a pleasure to hear it pouring out of any speakers. Planningtorock has to be the most consistent creator of absolute dance tunes right now. I LOVE IT. What vibes, what fun. (TW)

cheeky – ‘SPADES’
cheeky is a classically trained pianist, queer non-binary producer based in Philadelphia. This track ‘SPADES’ is taken from their recent EP The Tower. Constructed of mostly percussive sounds sampled from their piano, cheeky says this song is “about struggling with self love.” Definitely check out their new EP, it’s a bittersweet exploration of their musical influences and includes a bewitching cover of ‘Nightingale’ from Disney’s Cinderella. (KC)

FLOSSING – ‘SWITCH’
FLOSSING is the new project from Heather Elle, formerly of Bodega and The Wants. I love her candid, moody sound on her debut single ‘SWITCH’, which explores her own sexuality and “the deviant nature of men.” I can’t wait to hear her new EP Queen Of The Mall, which is set for release on 10th September. (KC)

Ailsa Tully – ‘Sheets’
Ahead of the release of a new EP next month, Welsh artist Ailsa Tully recently shared poignant single ‘Sheets’. Flowing with a shimmering, stripped back musicality, ‘Sheets’ combines lilting melodies with Tully’s crystalline, honey-sweet vocals. Oozing an immersive, delicate emotion and sparkling grace, there is something uniquely captivating about the juxtaposition of the vocals and the rippling instrumentation; the gentle build up and crescendo evoking images of waves delicately crashing against swathes of sand. Holy Isle, the upcoming EP from Ailsa Tully, is set for release 20th August via Dalliance Recordings. (ML)

CMAT – ‘2 Wrecked 2 Care’
Irish pop sensation CMAT says this song is based around the idea of what “would have happened if Sheryl Crow ever had to work in a TK Maxx” – absolute lols. I love everything CMAT creates and I can’t wait to see her live for the first time at her sold out show at The Troubadour in November. (KC)

Bad Waitress – ‘Strawberry Milkshake’
The latest single from Toronto based Bad Waitress, ‘Strawberry Milkshake’ blasts into the ears with pulsating hooks and thrashing beats, as Kali-Ann Butala’s seething vocals soar with a riotous power. Propelled by a gritty energy and frenzied, empowering drive, it’s a wonderfully sinister – hell-raisingly raucous yet fuzzily catchy – punk-fuelled anthem. Of the track, the band comment: “Strawberry Milkshake’ is saccharine sweet, milky pink terror. On the surface it’s sexy and enticing – but there’s a poisonous sludge bubbling just beneath.” No Taste, the debut album from Bad Waitress, is set for release on 3rd September. (ML)

Pretty Happy – ‘Sudocream’
Centered around the Cork-centric story of a girl who is suffering from alcohol poisoning in the Mercy Hospital whilst her partner sits across the road in the Franciscan Well pub, Pretty Happy’s ‘Sudocream’ kicks and screams with the kind of frustration, panic and anxiety that can’t be soothed by the childhood medicinal staple it’s named after. It’s a frantic, witty, cathartic burst of art punk noise from the Cork trio, lifted from their recent EP Sluggers Bridge, released via Art For Blind Records. (KC)

My Idea – ‘Stay Away Still’
The latest single from New York duo Nate Amos and Lily Konigsberg – aka My Idea – ‘Stay Away Still’ is a perfectly jangly slice of lo-fi, indie-pop. I’m a big fan of this track’s luscious, sunny melodies and the way it juxtaposes a deadpan wit with a dreamy, twinkling energy. ‘Stay Away Still’ has been released with accompanying single ‘That’s My Idea’ ahead of the duo’s debut EP, set for release on 30th July. (ML)

Softcult – ‘Spit It Out’
I’m a big fan of this lush, swirling guitar tune from Canadian duo Softcult. Formed of Ontario-based twins Phoenix and Mercedes Arn Horn, this new single gently encourages listeners to face up to, and reject their unconscious bias. Check out the accompanying video for it here. (KC)

Meggie Brown – ‘Dusty Smells’
The first song to be taken from London-based Meggie Brown’s upcoming new EP, ‘Dusty Smells’ is a nostalgia-inducing anthem for anyone struggling with their identity. With shades of the likes of Aussie fave Courtney Barnett, it juxtaposes Brown’s deadpan-yet-poetic reflections with a sparkling musicality as scuzzy hooks flow with a lilting energy, offering an uplifting glimmer of hope. Of the track, Brown – who has recently come out as transgender – explains: “Coming to terms with one’s gender identity has been both beautiful and challenging during this lockdown. When I wrote and recorded ‘Dusty Smells’ I wanted it to match through sound how non-binary those emotions and realisations were.” HOME, the upcoming EP from Meggie Brown, is set for release later this year. (ML)

th’sheridans – ‘Awesome Summers & Kate’
The latest single from indie-pop duo th’sheridans, ‘Awesome Summers & Kate’ is taken from their upcoming career-spanning compilation. Propelled by scuzzy hooks, jangly drum-machine induced beats and a swirling, danceable energy, it reflects on the tentative anticipation of possibilities as restrictions start to lift. With shades of the stripped-back hype-pop/dance-punk of Le Tigre, it offers a perfect smattering of effervescent euphoria – something that is much needed in these uncertain times. Pieces Of General, the upcoming compilation album from th’sheridans, is set for release on 10th September via Reckless Yes. (ML)

Death Valley Girls – ‘Sanitarium Blues’
A refreshingly honest reflection on mental health struggles, Death Valley Girls’ latest single ‘Sanitarium Blues’ was inspired by vocalist Bonnie Bloomgarden’s stay at a professional institution amidst a serious battle with her own mental health. Propelled by the soaring, gritty power of Bloomgarden’s vocals, it’ll soak you in its fierce, reverb-strewn riffs that rage with a frenzied, angsty drive. Oozing a sludgey, grunge-fuelled fuzz with a swirling psychedelic allure, it’s an instantly bewitching and eerily immersive creation. Street Venom, the re-issued album, is set for release on 30th July via Suicide Squeeze Records. (ML)

Ms White – ‘Fuck Men’
I’m ashamed to say that I hadn’t heard of Ms White until recently, when Belfast artist F.R.U.I.T.Y thankfully introduced me to her by including this track in their recent Five Favourites feature for us. A wonderfully empowering anthem from the Trans artist, the name really speaks for itself: I challenge you to listen to this and not feel motivated and ready to face the world. (ML)

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