Introducing Interview: Eddie Packard

Following their debut single ‘Microplastics‘ back in 2018, South London based artist Eddie Packard released their latest offering ‘CGI‘ this spring. A electro-inspired pop-punk soundscape reflecting on how the fantasy world of video games is so much more appealing than mundane reality, it’s an uplifting slice of escapism flowing with a lilting emotion.

We caught up with Eddie to find out more about the track, their inspirations and the industry at the moment… Have a read!

Hi Eddie, welcome to Get In Her Ears! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hi! I’m Eddie Packard and I’m an independent artist from South East London. I love writing songs, it’s my passion. Writing down lyrics onto paper (or more often a notepad application on my computer) really resonates with me in ways I can’t explain. 

What initially inspired you to start creating music?
It was May/June 2012 and I was listening to ‘Love Story’ by Taylor Swift while watching the music video. Something clicked in my preadolescent brain. All the instrumentation and songwriting really just ignited something within me. I then swiftly (haha, get it?) told my parents I would like a guitar. They were very impressed by my enthusiasm and so my mum and I went out to my local guitar shop and I was bought a lovely guitar. I then learnt a whole bunch of chords and I loved the way they sounded when put together. It wasn’t until a few years later though that I actually realised this is what I want to do as a career and started constructing songs.

You’ve recently released your vibrant single ‘CGI’ – can you tell us a bit about this? Is it focused on any particular themes?
‘CGI’ is a whimsical pop-rock song that is inspired by the concept of escapism which can be defined as “the tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, especially by seeking entertainment or engaging in fantasy...”  It really reminds me of the song I talked about earlier (‘Love Story’) thinking about it now, as they are both quite whimsical sounding and both have elements of escapism (‘Love Story’ was inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, my song ‘CGI’ is inspired by daydreaming and video games). I really wanted the listener to feel like they’re immersed in a different world when they are listening to the song, so I had this idea of implementing a lot of ambient atmospheric sounds, like rain for example, and I think it works really well.

We love your colourful alt-pop sounds, but who would you say are your main musical influences?
As you might have guessed – Miss Taylor Alison Swift is the main one! But also Katy Perry and Marina Diamandis. Katy Perry in particular is a huge inspiration to me – her hugely commercially successful album Teenage Dream really blew my mind when it came out. Songs like ‘Firework’ I remember singing at the top of my lungs while skiing down snowy Italian mountains on a school ski trip and really connecting with the message of the song. But also that ‘California Gurls’ music video! I honestly did not understand the appeal of a California girl… Daisy Dukes? Cool I guess? But the music video is one of my most favourite things in this world. The way she holds her hand out while singing “you could travel the world, but nothing comes close” really strikes a chord with me. Katy Perry had a very religious upbringing and I did as well going to Catholic schools nearly all my life. I always felt this horrible feeling of social exclusion and being left out. I remember leaving my catholic confirmation group and crying to one of my friends’ mother because I just felt so unwanted by my fellow peers. I feel connected to her in this way.

How do you feel the music industry is for new artists at the moment – would you say it’s difficult to get noticed?
I would say that it is quite good at the moment due to the power of social media. I think the power dynamic between record label corporations and artists was a little one sided fifteen years ago and artists probably needed a record label. But now you have completely independent successful musicians who don’t care about signing a record contract. However, for me, I would love to sign a record deal – I’ve been dreaming of it for years now.

Has there been anything/anyone specific that has been inspiring you, or helping to motivate you, throughout these strange times? 
I’ve been looking inwards since graduating from school and have been realising that I have a lot of shame based around my own character. I’m not a very masculine guy and I’ve always felt so much pressure to not be feminine. I’ve realised that shame is blocking me from achieving my own happiness. There’s an American show called Queer Eye that has really been a source of happiness and comfort for me; seeing five LGBT guys who are all so confident and portrayed in a good light, and not negatively as a joke, has really helped with my confidence. 

Finally, what does the rest of 2021 have in store for Eddie Packard?
I want to keep releasing music and make a name for myself. I have big dreams and I’m not going to stop until I make them come true!

Massive thanks to Eddie for answering our questions! Watch the video for their single ‘CGI’ here:

mariangelicalaneLeave a comment

Introducing Interview: 45ACIDBABIES

Having blasted into our ears with the quirky, fizzing sounds of ‘Mommy’s Favorite 1‘ and recent single ‘Only Class6 From Now On’, Dutch garage pop-punks 45ACIDBABIES have previously wowed crowds sharing stages with the likes of Sleigh Bells and Blood Red Shoes. And today they share brand new release ‘Don’t 4get To Smile‘ – a wonderfully obscure cacophony propelled by a swirling energy and vibrant, honey-sweet allure.

We caught up with the band to find out more…

Hi 45ACIDBABIES, welcome to Get In Her Ears! Can you tell us a bit about yourselves?
Thanks! So happy to be a part of this! We’re a four-piece. We make pop songs with a raw edge. We love to look for that thin line between sweetness and creepy, and try to follow that line with everything we make. The colour pink is our star of Bethlehem and one day we would love to paint this world pink. We want to create an environment to make you forget about the normal standards for a second so you can look at the world with the eyes of a newborn and be who you want to be!

How did you initially all get together and start creating music?
We went to a pop music school together. Herman Brood Academy it’s called. One of the subjects gave us space and time to create a set and perform it on stage at the end of a term. The teachers thought of the four of us as an interesting combination and they weren’t wrong. We stood out and that resulted in us joining the school tour where we played various venues with some of our schoolmates’ bands. At the last show of that tour we said yes to this rollercoaster of creative excesses and we were born.

You’re about to release your quirky new single ‘Don’t 4get To Smile’ – can you tell us a bit about this? Is it focused on any particular themes? 
With ‘Don’t 4get To Smile’ we enter a Black Mirror kind of world, where happiness and validation can only be found on the internet. Everyone shows their best side on social media, while in real life, no one is special and we’re all glued to our phone screens 24/7. We know something is grim about this way of living. We could do something about it, but we choose to be ignorant and go with the flow, because we’re way too small to turn things around. We can’t all be Neo, the one from the Matrix, right? EVERYTHING IS FINE.

We love your vibrant, fizzing obscure pop sounds, but who would you say are your main musical influences?
It’s different for every band member. That makes us the interesting match we are today! I think I can safely say that the movie Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is a good overall influence. For the visuals, as well as the music.

You’ve previously shared stages with the likes of Sleigh Bells and Blood Red Shoes, but has there been a particular gig you’ve played that stands out as a highlight for you? 
We loved playing with Sleigh Bells and the Blood Red Shoes. We also have very good memories of our tour with the Staat, one of the most important presences in the Dutch music landscape, our first real tour abroad. But I think our favourite gig ever was this very unexpected gig in the middle of nowhere. In a tiny DIY coliseum made out of pallets. It was filled with wasted people who were dancing like crazy and flinging with branches and making the coliseum quake by stomping on the beat. It was awesome. Big shout out to Piet Naus Memorial Festival. Always.

Being based in Holland, how do you find the scene is for new bands and artists there? Would you say it’s difficult to get noticed? 
We have this really cool event called Popronde. It’s a tour where 45 towns anticipate to give young bands a stage. Stages vary from real venues to the pub around the corner. We did Popronde at the beginning of our career. Performed a lot. Drove a lot. Slept very little. Shook a lot of glasses out of the pub’s cutlery cabinets by playing very loud. It’s not very difficult to get noticed, but it is difficult to hold on to the buzz. People’s concentration span is quite short and there are loads of cool bands running around in the Netherlands. Perseverance is key.

How have you been connecting with your audience and other musicians during the pandemic?
In the beginning I started riding my bike to deliver merchandise contactless to fans. Bands started playlists to support one another. Venues and organisations came up with live stream plans and creative ways to give artists a stage and the people at home gigs. We all became very creative with it. But I must say it has been exhausting. I really hope there will come an end to this soon because people are starting to lose hope and fun in what they do; you have no idea what a live audience and some interaction can do – it’s so so so important to do this together.

And has there been anything/anyone specific that has been inspiring you, or helping to motivate you, throughout these strange times? 
The time we had on our hands by not performing gave us space to develop as a concept and as individuals. Our concept is a lot stronger now than it was before.

As we’re a new music focused site, are there any other upcoming bands that you’d recommend we check out?
There’s this new Dutch band from Nijmegen called 4B2M – short for 4 brothers 2 mothers (you guessed it, the foursome consist of brothers from two different families). They all played or are playing in other Dutch bands and last summer they stormed the scene with this new collective and a couple of great singles like ‘This Is Happening’ and ‘Get It Done’. GO check ‘em out!  

Finally, what does the rest of 2021 have in store for 45ACIDBABIES?
We have two more singles coming up and the latest single release will be all the singles of 2021 bundled in an EP with some more goodies included, which we’ll keep a secret for now. Keep in touch and you’ll find out soon enough!

Massive thanks to 45ACIDBABIES for answering our questions!


‘Don’t 4get To Smile’ is out now. Listen on Spotify.

mariangelicalaneLeave a comment

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.

mariangelicalane1 Comment

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.

mariangelicalaneLeave a comment