FIVE FAVOURITES: anrimeal

“I never gave gender much thought before this album,” Porto-born, London-based artist anrimeal explains about her new release, Could Divine. Described as a “computer folk” record exploring the use of texture, limitation and repetition, anrimeal’s new record is inspired by the work of Eva Hesse and other women artists who pioneered the post-minimalism movement.

“I’d always felt alienated by concepts of womanhood, especially the notion that women exist under nature’s control,” anrimeal continues. “[But] seeing women use nature at the forefront of their work, not afraid to create art that could be seen as messy or dirty helped me reconcile those feelings, and motivated me to explore the less conventionally beautiful side of things.” Written, performed, mixed and mastered by anrimeal from home, Could Divine is a beautiful insight into the mind of a flourishing new artist.

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 anrimeal to ask about her “Five Favourites” – five albums that have inspired her song-writing techniques. Speaking about her choices, anrimeal explains: “These are far from deep cuts, but really albums that not only do I know front to back, but also signposted some or other pivotal moments in my life.”

Check out her favourite albums below and scroll down to listen to anrimeal’s latest single ‘Encaustic Witches’ at the end of this post. You can also catch anrimeal and her musical collaborator Freda D’Souza performing a live improv session from home on Youtube at 6pm tonight. (Link here)

 

1. James Blake – James Blake
I remember buying this album on CD when i was 17 and spending entire days during Easter break lying down in my bedroom, looking at the ceiling and just listening. I think it was my first proper introduction to ambience in music, to a sound landscape that was as rich as the actual songwriting. And one of those things I just couldn’t unlisten. From then on, texture became the most important thing to me in music, a language of its own. There was something so personal about the sonic world James built in this album. I don’t think I’d been exposed to a truly DIY record before this one, and it really changed my perception of music as a medium, and ended up informing the way I like to create music today.

2. Grouper – The Man Who Died In His Boat
Liz Harris, I mean – her music changed my life. Listening to The Man Who Died In His Boat for the first time was like being shown the inside of my brain. The album was sent to me along with Animal Collective’s Sung Tongs with a message of this sort “if you like delay, then you might like these”. This was an even deeper dive into ambient music, and maybe the first time I felt like I could fully relate to what an artist was trying to put out. There’s a dark gentleness in her records, that I’ve only ever felt with music made by women. A kind of understated submerged darkness that is constant and calm. Not depressing nor effusive, just constant.

3. Animal Collective – Sung Tongs
Animal Collective!!!! Field recordings, adaptations of the aesthetics and energy of traditional music, beautifully poetic but slightly absurd lyrics, moments of chaos and of quiet introspection. Seriously, what does this album not have? I can’t say Sung Tongs reflects me exactly, but I think it showed me a side of life that I wasn’t very familiar with before. Having been educated in a strict classical music setting, I needed Animal Collective to show me that there was a fun side to music after all. The clouds opened to the sun like eyelids, and I owe it to this album. I’ve since become a devoted fan of Avey Tare’s catalogue, and I carry this upbeat and earthy world very dearly with me, as a kind of companion.

4. Kanye West – Yeezus
I was so arrested by this album, the first time I listened to it I was petrified and started sweating. It was completely different from anything I’d ever listened to before, it was so bold and genre-bending. I think I use this record a lot to remind me that I can do anything I want with my music. I very much appreciate Kanye’s commitment to art and unhindered self-expression.

5. Sufjan Stevens – Age Of Adz
Even though I was a fan of Sufjan for a long time, Age Of Adz was definitely an acquired taste, an album that sunk in really slowly with time. Again, it’s such a bold piece of work, so well crafted that its existence almost seems impossible to me. There are almost no words to describe this album, maybe just to say that it is a testament to true passion for the art of songwriting. If anything, Sufjan’s music makes me want to experience life with more care, so that I can find his detail in my own reality.

Thanks to anrimeal for sharing her favourites with us.
Listen to her new single ‘Encaustic Witches’ below.

Follow anrimeal on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Facebook & Instagram for more updates.

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PREMIERE: Yumi And The Weather – ‘What Will Become Of The Wishing Well’ (Inwards Remix)

With acclaim from the likes of John Kennedy and BBC 6Music’s Nemone, Brighton based vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Yumi And The Weather (aka Ruby Taylor) has now shared a fresh remix of her latest single ‘What Will Become Of The Wishing Well‘. Re-imagined by label-mate and rising Worcestershire producer INWARDS (aka Kristian Shelley), it’s the first single to be taken from Yumi And The Weather’s upcoming new EP, set for release at the beginning of next month. 

Maintaining the soaring rich vocals and twinkling uptempo vibes of the original, INWARDS’ remix enhances the already present glitchy beats of the track and creates a whirring, electro-fused soundscape, replicating the original instrumental parts with electronics. Propelled by a gritty, driving energy and sweeping, reverb-strewn splendour, this latest rendition of ‘What Will Become Of The Wishing Well’ is a truly captivating and instantly uplifting offering, reminiscent of the dreamy majesty of the likes of The Postal Service.

Listen to INWARDS’ remix of Yumi And The Weather’s ‘What Will Become Of The Wishing Well’ now, and read our interview with Ruby Taylor about the track and her inspirations behind it below.

 

Hi Ruby, welcome to Get In Her Ears! Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
Hello! I am a musician/songwriter/producer based in Brighton and I make music under the name Yumi And The Weather.

How did you initially decide to start creating music?
I suppose it was a natural process as I started playing guitar and writing songs so it just came about from that, so wouldn’t say it was a decision… I suppose it was more of an experiment! Some guitarists just stick to guitar, but I started writing songs and taught myself how to sing through doing that, and I am so glad I tried it out!

Your single ‘What Will Become Of The Wishing Well’ is out now – can you tell us what it’s all about?
It was written about the misinformation and lies from the government around COVID and how we as humans are trying to keep our heads above water at this very uncertain time. The title comes from the idea that we are heading in to a cashless society, so it made me think about coins and how we have always used them for making wishes in the wishing well.

And it’s now been remixed by INWARDS – how did this collaboration come about?
I’ve known Kris for a couple of years before signing to Small Pond. We met at Nozstock festival a few years back as Yumi were playing and our radio plugger introduced us, and I listened to his music on the way home and it was so sick. I’ve always been a massive fan of his music so I was so happy when he said he wanted to remix this song.

We love the dreamy melodies and soaring vocals of your songs, but who would you say are your main musical influences?
Oh wow such a hard question… My main influences have changed over the years from starting the project, but I suppose to name a few for this EP would be: Mamman Sani, Secret Service, Alvvays, Dire Straits and The Cure.

Of course, no one’s going to see live music right now, but – in more ‘normal’ times – how is your local music scene? Do you go to see lots of live music?
My local music scene is incredible and I miss it so much. I was trying to go to a gig a week minimum before lockdown, and I can’t wait to get out again. Live music is something you just can’t beat and all this virtual gig stuff I know people are trying but it doesn’t cut it for me. Nothing beats being in a room with people losing themselves and being immersed in sound waves that are being created right in front of you.

And what can fans expect from your live shows?
Me and my live band being there in person, and trying to imitate the recordings – ha ha! Yeah, nothing fancy, just maybe that we are wearing clean clothes.

How do you feel the music industry is for new artists at the moment – would you say it’s difficult to get noticed?
As it’s very much a DIY ethos these days, you can’t just be a musician anymore – you kind of have to learn a bit about marketing and promotion etc. So, it’s a shame really because you would just want to spend most of your time writing and being expressive. So, it’s not difficult to get noticed, it’s more difficult to know how to get noticed, if you want to get noticed. But, ultimately, it’s being in the right place at the right time, because you meet people along the way and you don’t realise how people can have an effect until further down the line.

Finally, as we’re a new music focused site, are there any other new/upcoming bands or artists you’d recommend we check out?
At the moment I can’t stop telling people about a band called Actors. They released an album in 2019 and it’s fantastic. New/upcoming bands-wise I think keep an ear out for Club Kuru (UK), Oslo Parks (UK), Clementine Dream (FR), and SONS (BE).

Huge thanks to Ruby for answering our questions! 

‘What Will Become Of The Wishing Well’ is out now, taken from Yumi And The Weather’s upcoming EP, Some Days, set for release on 3rd December via Small Pond Records.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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PLAYLIST: Transgender Awareness Week 2020

At Get In Her Ears, we stand every day with our transgender and gender non-conforming siblings. We support trans artists because they create some of our favourite music and because trans rights are human rights and until trans lives matter, no lives matter.

Transgender Awareness Week kicks off today (13th Nov) until the 19th November, ending with Transgender Day of Remembrance on the 20th November, so we’re highlighting some of the incredible transgender artists who regularly land on our turntables and blast out of our speakers. Listen to our playlist at the end of this post and keep an eye on our Twitter, Facebook & Instagram accounts this week, as we’ll be posting about some of our favourite transgender artists over the next 7 days.

If you need support during Transgender Awareness Week, or at anytime in the future, you can always reach out to Switchboard LGBT+ via their website or by calling 0330 330 0630.

 

Mykki Blanco (feat. Princess Nokia) – ‘Wish You Would’
This is a song from an artist who I feel needs no introduction, a queer transgender pioneer who is doing amazing things for LGBTQ+ rights, as well as being open about their positive HIV status. Mykki Blanco is an incredible artist and I love their music. (Tash Walker)

Arca – ‘KLK’
Arca is a trailblazing trans artist who has been pushing boundaries in the electronica scene for years now. I love her music, especially right now where I cannot quite scratch that live gig rave itch. Turn this up loud, close your eyes and dance dance dance, you’ll feel free. (TW)

Mavi Phoenix – ‘Boys Toys’
Mavi Phoenix is someone that we interviewed a couple of years back now, but who spoke so eloquently about equality and the importance of queer music in the world. Phoenix has found a home in their new sound and also in the pronoun “he”. This track is taken from their debut album of the same name, which was released earlier this year. This is all about Phoenix being reborn, which is what happens in the accompanying music video to this track. ‘Boys Toys’ is as important as an exploration for Phoenix’s gender identity as it is for his artistic work. And on top of all that, it’s an absolute tune. Enjoy. (TW)

Grawl!x – ‘Epicene’
Having headlined the last gig we held at The Finsbury before the world changed forever, Grawl!x creates euphoric cinematic soundscapes filled with twinkling electronic hooks and spellbinding harmonies. Characterised by Maria’s distinctive impassioned vocals and a poignant stirring emotion, each offering from the Derby-based artist is utterly captivating. (Mari Lane)

Tokky Horror – ‘Simulate Me’
Dance-punk trio Tokky Horror are the perfect soundtrack for a lockdown 2.0 bedroom rave. ‘Stimulate Me’ is just one of the many TUNES this band have and I’m excited to hear more from them in 2021. (Kate Crudgington)

LOTIC – ‘Burn A Print’
Berlin-based artist & producer LOTIC’s mission is to “live life to the fullest by not giving a fuck about what anybody thinks”, something she clearly and defiantly communicates on this track. With a name that means to “to inhabit rapidly moving water”, Lotic’s chaotic yet fluid soundscapes truly embody her passionate, fighting spirit. (KC)

PET Wife – ‘B.L.O.O.D.O.R.A.N.G.E.’
I Love what I’ve heard from PET wife so far! I came across them only a couple of weeks ago. PET wife, are a trans/nonbinary couple and art-pop duo from Bushwick, Brooklyn. This single is accompanied by a music video that they describe as an homage to the vampire lesbian exploitation films of the 1970s, with an all-trans/gender non-conforming crew and queer cast. (TW)

Gordian Stimm – ‘Miscellaneous Body Parts’
There’s an enjoyable violence underscoring Gordian Stimm’s vision; a gleeful, sometimes painful dissecting of the self and the social cues that either help to construct or dismantle it. Their debut album Your Body In On Itself (released by Amateur Pop Incorporated) is a bold, surreal listen from a bold, surreal artist and one I highly recommend. (KC)

Anohni – ‘Why Did You Separate Me From The Earth?’
Anohni is a necessary and powerful voice that we need now more than ever. On identifying as transgender, Anohni once said in an interview with The Guardian: “I was never going to become a beautiful, passable woman, and I was never going to be a man… It’s a quandary. But the trans condition is a beautiful mystery; it’s one of nature’s best ideas. What an incredible impulse that compels a five-year-old child to tell its parents it isn’t what they think it is. Given just a tiny bit of oxygen, those children can flourish and be such a gift. They give other people licence to explore themselves more deeply, allowing the colours in their own psyche to flourish.” (ML)

Kermes – ‘Yr Beast’
Self proclaimed “anxious rock for the gay agenda”, Leicester band Kermes address issues such as gender dysphoria, sexism and dysfunctional relationships, with their infectious emotion-strewn punk-pop oozing a raw, angst-driven energy and scuzzy shimmering power. Kermes feature on fantastic new compilation compiled by their label Amateur Pop Incorporated, including other favourites Gordian Stimm and Boarder. All We Want Is Everything is available now on bandcamp. (ML)

Bitch Hunt – ‘Spaceman’
London based all queer/non-binary band Bitch Hunt formed at First Timers Fest, and create catchy, scuzzy punk-pop. With a subtle tongue-in-cheek wit and the gritty deadpan vocals of front person Sian, ‘Spaceman’ is a spot-on reflection on the sickening arrogance of all those cis male ‘splainers and ‘spreaders we so often have to endure in our day to day lives. Check out the gorgeous split EP from Bitch Hunt and other faves adults, available on bandcamp now. (ML)

The Crystal Furs – ‘Too Kind To Be Cruel’
Oregon-based The Crystal Furs create sunny, queer indie-pop that’s set to uplift on each listen. As shimmering guitar and organ melodies flow alongside honey-sweet vocal harmonies, it’s just perfectly catchy, twinkling jangle-pop at its finest. Beautiful and True, the latest album from The Crystal Furs, is out now, with many tracks addressing queer rights and transgender identity. (ML)

T-Bitch – ‘Tranarchy’
Southend-based glam punks T-Bitch give just the right amount of fucks on ‘Tranarchy’, but most importantly – they’re here to be heard and have fun. (KC)

Claire Foxx & The Antisocial Justice Worriers – ‘(I Don’t Want Your) Germs’
Scottish punk singer & songwriter Claire Foxx released this track in September and it’s a riotous, tongue-in-cheek take-down of all things Covid-19 (with some fab sax solos in there too.) (KC)

 

Husk – ‘Below The Neck’
“I would never change being trans. I would never change being a trans musician. The industry should support us. Book us. Play us. Listen to us. We have so much to offer.” A poignant sentiment from Trans, non-binary artist Husk, who combines ’80s synth-pop nostalgia with fresh leftfield pop to create their signature sound. (ML)

SOPHIE – ‘Immaterial’
This track is taken from SOPHIE’s debut album and I love it. A pioneer of experimental music, often the producer behind so many other amazing tracks, remixes and artists. Described as disorientating latex pop which I think sums up my first experience of seeing SOPHIE live – intense at its best. (TW)

Jackie Shane – ‘Comin’ Down’
I can’t resist adding soul singer Jackie Shane to our playlists. Her wonderfully smooth vocals, sophisticated style and bravery and defiance in the face of transphobia in the early 60s make her a true GIHE icon. (KC)

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FIVE FAVOURITES: Camila Fuchs

An exploration of the world around us, how we interact with it and the cyclical nature of life, Lisbon-based Mexican/German duo Camila Fuchs are preparing to release their new album, Kids Talk Sun, via Felte Records on 13th November. Formed by Camila De Laborde and Daniel Hermann-Collini in London in 2012, the band create experimental electronic pop with spectral vocals and avant-garde sensibilities. 

We think one of the best ways to get to know a band is by asking what music inspired them to write in the first place. We caught up with Camila to ask about her “Five Favourites” – five songs that have inspired Camila Fuchs’ song-writing techniques. Check out her choices below and scroll down to listen to Camila Fuchs’ latest single ‘Come About’ at the end of this post.

1. Le Tigre – ‘Deceptacon’
I remembered discovering Kathleen Hanna, starting with Bikini Kill, how I felt a massive outburst of energy, how my brain started rewiring and possibilities widen up – abruptly. It was a shock, a great shock. It got me straight into trying new ways of expressing, straight into using words I wouldn’t usually use. It freed me up. It was for me a completely new and necessary female energy to come across. Secure, open, unlimited, gutsy. I was 19 and had just decided to give music a big role in my life so it stirred it right away. It gave me confidence and great times, enjoying her songs, watching live concerts, head banging and foot stomping. It gave me something no one could take away and worked as a key to never go back! I chose this song because it reminds me of those times and makes me feel the same all over again.

2. Maria Minerva – ‘Spirit of the Underground’
Maria Minerva really influenced my first electronic productions, especially my first solo EP Opuntia. I absolutely love her free flow and way of singing. It resonated and inspired me so much. I wished so many elements could form part of what I did, in a really sweet way, I looked up to her. She does electronics and vocals, which was what I always dreamt of doing, and by the time I discovered her I was trying it. There’s still traces of her influence in what I do nowadays. You can hear it on ‘Moon’s Mountain’, a track on our new album Kids Talk Sun. Who sings “did your mamma drop you off to this party?” I love this track and so many more. My favourite full album is Cabaret Cixous though.

3. Laurie Anderson – ‘Big Science’
I didn’t grow up with much music around me. 3, 4 CDs in the car and that was it. When I moved to London, after high school, I heard a record for the first time, placed a record on a record player for the first time, and it blew my mind obviously. When I went back home to Mexico I asked my mom if she had any records by any chance. She did! In the house! And I never knew! The good thing was she gave me the chance to take some back with me. I picked 3 by the artwork covers. ‘Big Science’ by Laurie Anderson being one of them. I had no chance but to wait to be back in the UK and go to a friends and borrow their turntable. You can imagine the surprise! Can’t believe that record was so close to me my whole life and only then it crossed my path!

I LOVE LAURIE ANDERSON. It’s to date one of the records I play the most at home. I’ve never heard anything like it. She has such a unique relationship to sound. One of the most unique, at least for me. She’s my idol.

4. Lhasa de Sela – ‘El Desierto’
When I mentioned 3 to 4 CDs in the car (because that’s the only place my family played music), La Llorona by Lhasa de Sela was one and ‘El Desierto’ was one of my favourite tracks. My dad used to play it all the time. I registered it but it totally slipped my mind for years, completely. I rediscovered it again when I was in my teens and it brought me so many flashbacks of my childhood. The first time sound took me back like that…unconsciously and then consciously, Lhasa influenced my singing a lot! A singing from the guts. I always thought that was the way it had to be, that you had to feel each word you were singing. You can hear her voice coming deep from within. She also sang in different languages and did it well, something I always admired. I’m not a fan of the instrumentations in general, but the lyrics and voice I hold dear. A sweet song in English I recommend is ‘Small Song’. RIP Lhasa xx

5. Connie Francis – ‘Love Is A Many Splendored Thing’
A recent discovery. What a beautiful voice. I used to have allergic reactions to cheesy songs. I guess it’s slowly crumbling apart. I heard this song, amongst others, lying down in bed and literally felt in love. I feel her influence kicking in. Maybe I’ll end up doing an album with love songs, maybe even more than just one. It is extremely corny, but there’s something about that level of clarity in words that I appreciate. It is what it is, it says what it’s saying, doesn’t go around in circles, straight to the true words. I like that. Enjoy!

Thanks to Camila for sharing her favourite tracks with us. Listen to ‘Come About’ below.

Follow Camila Fuchs on bandcamp, Spotify, Instagram, Twitter & Facebook for more updates.

Photo Credit: Thyra Dragseth

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