INTERVIEW: Beckie Margaret

Since the release of her debut single ‘Cars & Catacombs’ via Cool Thing Records in 2017, Essex songwriter Beckie Margaret has been working hard crafting cinematic, reflective soundscapes about her experiences as a young woman. With her latest single ‘Divine Feminine’ she’s reaching new heights in terms of artistic confidence, and strengthening our belief that she’s one of the most naturally gifted songwriters we’ve had the pleasure of listening to. We had a quick catch up with Beckie to talk about her latest single, her upcoming debut album, her memories of the Sofar Sounds & GIHE gig she played just before the first lockdown in March, and whether there might be a seasonal single on the horizon…

Hello Beckie, how have you been coping and staying creative during the on-going Covid-19 pandemic?
It’s definitely been difficult to stay creative during Covid. I’ve really had to remind myself to unlock that child-like mind set so I can then sit down and write or create. I definitely have to work in short, quick bursts now though, otherwise the stresses of the world seep into my work.

You’ve just released your new single ‘Divine Feminine’. Talk us through what inspired you to write it.
The main thing that inspired ‘Divine Feminine’ was the observation of people that drain your energy and keep you from reaching your highest self. I think in your 20’s you realise that not everyone has your best interests at heart, so it’s a semi diss track I suppose. I like to think it reflects the aggression of this year in many ways.

You’ve been busy recording your debut album this year. Talk us through some of the highlights of the process, and what your anticipations are for the record once it’s complete.
I’m very much a studio girl so making an album was very special, especially at SS2 with Rees Broomfield who is absolutely incredible and completely understood my creative vision. Having Rees as well as my band to help with hybrid tracking on some of the more organic tunes really made the whole experience perfect. I already can’t wait to record another, everyday was a highlight to be honest.

You played live for GIHE & Sofar Sounds in March about a week before the first lockdown was put into place. What are your main memories from this night?
That was my first Sofar Sounds, so for it to be a GIHE event too was lovely. A really tender night full of honest acts and a respectful audience. As well as the hosting being amazing by Kate and Tash/ I’m glad it was the last gig I played before lockdown, it for sure kept me going thinking about how wholesome the evening was.

Any artists or bands you can recommend we listen to at the moment?
Arlo Parks’ writing is amazing, I’ve been listening to her a lot. I have had slowthai on repeat as well.

Finally, Christmas is coming up…have you ever been tempted to work your magic on a festive classic?
I literally say this every year, I WILL write a Christmas song! I’m so up for it. I would so channel a Coldplay Christmas song vibe, on my list of things to do…

Thanks to Beckie for chatting to us!
Follow her on Spotify, Instagram, Facebook & Twitter for more updates.

Photo Credit: Antonio Milevcic

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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PLAYLIST: October 2020

Whether you’re feeling apprehensive about the darker evenings after the pesky BST clock change, or you’re fed up of the ongoing Covid-restrictions that are full of contradictions, our October playlist is here to distract you. There’s an eclectic mix of dancing beats, atmospheric electronics, indie and alternative guitar tunes and some seasonal Halloween pop treats! Take some time to scroll through our track choices below and make sure you hit play on the Spotify playlist at the end of the page.

Nina Simone – ‘I Put A Spell On You’
The inimitable Nina Simone and her rendition of ‘I Put A Spell On You’ was an obvious choice for a Halloween-esque track, and it gives me goosebumps whenever I hear it. (Kate Crudgington)

Phoebe Bridgers – ‘Halloween’
Fun fact – I’m in love with Phoebe Bridgers. I more or less constantly have one of her songs running through my head, and spend a lot of time musing about how cool she is. So, for our October playlist it seemed only right to include her ode to the spooky season. Taken from her recent (perfect) album Punisher, ‘Halloween’ oozes Bridgers’ majestically haunting vocals and spellbinding splendour. And with the opening lyrics “I hate living by the hospital / The sirens go all night”, as someone who lives round the corner from Croydon hospital, I feel a deep hard relate on each listen. (Mari Lane)

Two Tribes – ‘Cruel Sensuality’
Full of commanding beats, jagged synths and soaring vocals, Two Tribes‘ latest single is a cathartic oscillation between emotional resilience and the unexpected apathy that comes with the ending of a relationship. Taken from their upcoming EP, which is set for release in 2021, the London-based trio blend vivid electronic textures with jolting rhythms to create an anthemic new sound. (KC)

CIRCE – ‘Ruined Your Sons’
A dark-pop gem that challenges toxic masculinity, ‘Ruined Your Sons’ is the latest single from London-based artist CIRCE. It’s taken from her upcoming debut EP She’s Made of Saints, which is set for release via Jazz Life on 25th November, and it’s a cinematic reflection on the apathy and disillusionment young men face while living under the thumb of patriarchal society. (KC)

Beckie Margaret – ‘Divine Feminine’
“’Divine Feminine’ is a song for people who stop you reaching your highest self,” explains Essex songwriter Beckie Margaret. “I wanted to write a sonically aggressive song that reflected this idea.” Through her commanding sounds and effortless vocal delivery, Margaret balances this aggression with elegance as she warns those trying to silence her to “stay out of my way.” I can’t wait to hear her debut album, which she’ll be releasing through Cool Thing Records at some point in the future. (KC)

Arlo Parks – ‘Green Eyes’
‘Green Eyes’ is the latest single from GIHE fave Arlo Parks. The track is taken from her debut album Collapsed In Sunbeams, which is set for release on 29th Jan via Transgressive Records. She’s yet to release something that don’t collectively adore here at GIHE, and I can’t wait to hear the full record next year. (KC)

Sans Soucis – ‘Air’ 
I have Kate to thank for sending this song my way, the latest single from the London based artist Sans Soucis and I cannot get enough of it. ‘Air’ evolves sonically under pitch perfect vocals, to put forth a message of protest against an era of human disconnection and destructive self-doubt. (Tash Walker)

Rihanna – ‘Disturbia’
Disturbia by absolute babe of babes Rihanna, taken from her 2008 album Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded. I think this is one of her best songs to date and I’m resurrecting it as a little Halloween treat for you all. (KC)

Eckoes – ‘The Light’
Alongside strobing synths and shimmering guitars, in ‘The Light’ the truly spellbinding power of Eckoes’ vocals soars, lulling the listener into a cathartic sense of hypnosis with its alluring grace. And we’re super excited that, having blown us away playing for us live at The Finsbury a few years back, Eckoes will be joining us for a special Instagram takeover next Wednesday 4th November – keep your eyes peeled on our socials for details! (ML)

Penelope Trappes – ‘Eel Drip’
A goose bump inducing, emotionally charged electronic soundscape, ‘Eel Drip’ is the title track from London-based, Australian-born musician Penelope Trappes’ recent EP. It’s a dark, delicate rumination on accepting the inevitability that our lives will all be touched by death at some point, and I’m a little bit obsessed with it. (KC)

Witch Prophet – ‘Tesfay’
‘Tesfay’ translated as “my hope” from queer artist Witch Prophet, inspired by the memory of Witch Prophet’s late grandfather who raised five daughters as a single father in Ethiopia after the passing of her grandmother. Instead of focusing on the traditional roles for women in his day, he pushed his daughters towards education and empowerment – a radical move for the time. The video is fantastic as well, go check it out. (TW)

LIINES – ‘On and On’
One of the latest singles from GIHE faves LIINES, ‘On and On’ reflects on not being able to express your true feelings. Oozing the band’s trademark dark, brooding power, it builds to a high-octane climax of raging riffs and throbbing bass lines, propelled by the utterly commanding vocals of Zoe McVeigh and a punk-fuelled bewitching allure. ‘On and On’ is the B-side to new single ‘Sorry’’, out on 6th November, with a limited number of black 7” vinyl editions available for direct mail order and through independent record shops, via Reckless Yes. Pre-order via LIINES’ Bandcamp now. (ML)

Bitch Falcon – ‘How Did I Know?’
Is it even a GIHE Playlist if I don’t include a Bitch Falcon track? (Long answer: no.) The Dublin alternative trio have shared this new single ahead of the release of the debut album, Staring At Clocks, on 6th November via Small Pond Records. Vocalist & guitarist Lizzie says this single is “an expression of frustration around someone I love and their problems. When someone you love is at the edge of your grasp, it can be so terrifying that your reaction is to let go.” (KC)

Total Rubbish – ‘What’s Your Damage?’
The latest single from Philadelphia-based trio Total Rubbish, whose sound reminds me a little bit of Garbage or L7 – which is never a bad thing. ‘What’s Your Damage’ is featured on their upcoming EP Triple Negative, which is set for release on 20th Nov via Born Losers Records. (KC)

Middle Kids – ‘R U 4 Me?’
With an uplifting jangly groove, Aussie band Middle Kids offer a swirling emotion and warm melodies with latest single ‘R U 4 Me?’. A perfect burst of sunny energy for this time of year, it’s a scuzzy indie pop anthem, leaving me excited to hear what this trio have in store for us next. (ML)

Landshapes – ‘Drama’
The new single from GIHE faves and one of our first guests on the radio show back in 2015, Landshapes, ‘Drama’ reflects on the imbalance of emotional labour that’s often seen between men and women. Soaring with a whirring synth-filled musicality and sweeping electro-driven hooks as the lustrous distinctive power of Luisa Gerstein’s vocals flows, it’s set to captivate on first listen with its majestic, funk-fuelled groove. ‘Drama‘ is out now, along with accompanying single ‘Let Me Be‘. Both are taken from Landshapes’ upcoming new album, Contact, set for release on 20th November via Bella Union. (ML)

Miri – ‘Just Breathe’
The latest single from London artist MIRI, ‘Just Breathe’ was released to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Day earlier this month. Reflecting on the negative impact some social media can have, whilst delivering a message of love and hope, it’s propelled by a soothing, soulful splendour and emotion-strewn majesty. As the soaring heartfelt power of Miri’s distinctive vocals flows, it’s filled with an uplifting musicality, oozing an endearing sense of hope. Of the track, MIRI explains: “Just Breathe is my message to anyone struggling mentally to please reach out for help. We are living in an incredibly stressful and intense time especially with the pandemic.” (ML)

Lande Hekt – ’80 Days Of Rain’
‘80 Days of Rain’ “is about moving away and missing someone, and how that person taught me to get angry about climate change,” songwriter Lande Hekt explains. It’s a humble, emotive guitar tune about the state of the planet, lifted from Hekt’s upcoming album Going to Hell, which is set for release on 22nd January 2021 via Get Better Records. (KC)

Swallow Cave – ‘Cold Moon’ 
‘Cold Moon’ comes from Bristolians Swallow Cave. Reflecting on mental health, I love the intonation in the vocals that resonate in those long guitar chords, reverberating right into my soul. It’s out now via Sad Club Records. (TW)

Bel Cobain & Lex Amor – ‘At The Bay’
‘At The Bay’ is a beautiful track that was made as part of a Hackney based community movement called The Silhouettes Project. They’re shining a light on artists in the shadows and protecting local spaces from gentrification. The Silhouettes Project provides an open space – a recording studio and live venue (located within the Total Refreshment Centre in Hackney, London) – where MCs, singers, musicians and producers can connect and create. (TW)

Thigh High – ‘Go Slow’ 
The latest single from queer glam-rock band Thigh High and I’m loving it. It’s a song about wanking, masturbating, about that annoying moment when your dildo’s batteries die and you have to raid the remote control. Incredible. Turn up those dials. (TW)

Spill Tab – ‘Santé’
‘Santé’ by LA-based, French Korean artist Spill Tab is intimate bedroom-pop at its best, mixing hypnotic dark-pop vocals with an urgent throbbing bass. Nice. (TW)

Tokky Horror – ‘Sleeper’
Dance-punk trio Tokky Horror have shared two new bangers just in time for Halloween. The explosive ‘Sleeper’ is one of them, with Demonoid Phenomenon – a Rob Zombie cover – being the other. You can download both from their bandcamp page now. (KC)

Lady Gaga – ‘Monster’
Taken from her 2009 album The Fame Monster, this track by Mother Monster herself is guaranteed to get me dancing at a Halloween party (even if that party consists of only me in my bedroom due to the current covid-19 restrictions.) (KC)

Pet Wife – ‘.B.L.O.O.D.O.R.A.N.G.E.’ 
PET wife, are a trans/nonbinary couple and art-pop duo from Bushwick, Brooklyn. This single, ‘.B.L.O.O.D.O.R.A.N.G.E.’ is accompanied with an incredible music video which you can watch here, 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. Loving this track! (TW)

Soho Rezanejad – ‘Half The Shore’
The new single from Danish artist Soho Rezanejad, ‘Half The Shore’ is a beautifully ethereal soundscape. With Rezanejad’s work often rooted in mythological storytelling, this latest offering oozes a spellbinding majesty that’ll captivate on first listen. A much needed sea of calm. ‘Half The Shore’ is taken from Rezanejad’s upcoming album Perform And Surrender, set for release on 4th December via Silicone Records. Listen to the track here. (ML)

Sonic Youth – ‘Halloween’
The unmistakable sound of Kim Gordon’s voice over these eerie, strung out guitar sounds should be enough to create a wonderful sense of dread for you all this Halloween weekend. (KC)

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Video Premiere: Chloe Castro – ‘Used To Be’

Having spent her childhood years between Brazil, France and Wales, now County Durham based artist Chloe Castro has captured her journey so far within her latest single ‘Used To Be’.

In her brand new video, Chloe Castro gives a nostalgic nod to more carefree days, as we are invited to reflect on who she ‘Used To Be’ through the lens of a VHS recording. Castro’s determined vocals blend with the warm, cosy tones of the home recording as we are shown what it takes to be raw, honest and tender. A fiery blend of pop and trap, Chloe Castro demonstrates, over atmospheric beats, that strength can be found in vulnerability. ‘Used To Be’ keeps us in a state of excited anticipation for Castro’s debut EP Amid, due for release later this month.

Watch the brand new video for ‘Used To Be’ now, and read our interview with Chloe below:

Hi Chloe, welcome to Get in Her Ears! Can You tell us a bit about yourself?
Hey, thanks so much for having me! My name is Chloe Castro, I’m an R&B/Soul artist living up in the North East of England. I spent the first half of my life moving around a fair bit before ending up in a small town in County Durham where me and my co-writer and producer (who’s actually from London) make all of the music in his bedroom studio. 

When did you initially decide to start creating music?
I learned from quite a young age that I wanted to sing and make music my life. I didn’t know anything about what making music actually entailed, but I knew it was what I wanted to do ever since I can remember. It wasn’t until I was about sixteen or seventeen that I picked up a guitar and actually started writing songs. I’ve been writing lyrics and melodies since I was about twelve, but never knew what to do with them! 

Your new single ‘Used To Be’ is out now – can you tell us what it’s all about?
‘Used To Be’ is one of my faves from my upcoming EP. It’s a little bop I wrote a while back inspired by that point after a break-up where you kind of get your act together and realise your worth. 

You’ve previously mentioned that Amy Winehouse inspires your sound, who else would you say are your main musical influences?
Amy is certainly a huge influence of mine, I think more in terms of my vocal sound than my music as a whole though. Another major influence has got to be Frank Ocean, his music is just a whole other level – it takes you on a proper journey and always seems to have the right amount of everything. I’m also super inspired by what Jessie Reyez and Col3trane have been doing, they’re my two favourite artists right now.

How is your local music scene (in ‘normal’ times!)? Do you go to see lots of live music?
It’s really sad, the music scene is Durham has been destroyed in the last decade but there is a vibrant scene in Newcastle. That’s where I came across Kay Greyson, she’s really good. I just don’t get up there as much as I’d like to.

And what can fans expect from your (now online!) live shows?
I’ll let you know when I have some! 

As we’re a new music focused site, are there any new/upcoming bands or artists that you recommend that we check out?
My local fave is Kay Greyson, so I’ve got to rep her again! Otherwise, if you still haven’t heard of him yet, Col3trane is THE ONE. 

Massive thanks to Chloe for answering our questions! 

‘Used To Be’ is out now, ahead of Amid – the upcoming debut EP from Chloe Castro – set for release on 23rd October.

 

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GIHE Turns Three: The Music Getting Us Through 2020

Though we’d already been hosting our own radio show and gig nights at The Finsbury for some time before, last week marked three years since we started this little website; a sanctuary dedicated to promoting and supporting women and non binary people in new music. A place for us to spread the word about the bands and artists so deserving of your ears; a place to indulge ourselves in writing about just how truly necessary their art is to our wellbeing. And how prevalent this has been over the last few months. For the government to pass off musicians as a surplus profession that doesn’t deserve any funding in these hard times seems utterly ludicrous; their work is a total lifeline for us, something we need in order to survive, now more than ever. 

So, to celebrate our birthday, we pay tribute to the bands and artists who we’ve sought refuge in throughout these trying times. Some old favourites who may have cropped up on the website/at our gigs/on our radio show more than once over the last three years; and some new discoveries who we have happened upon and fallen in love with whilst in the depths of lockdown… 

Read about our choices below, and make sure you have a listen to our special Birthday playlist! 

Mari Lane:

Whilst the last seven months haven’t been easy – in addition to the general anxieties I’m sure everyone has been feeling, continuing my day job of supporting students with mental health difficulties has certainly taken its toll on my own wellbeing – the situation has also given me a chance to reflect on the things I treasure most. Not only am I extremely lucky to live with a loving partner (our very own GIHE art director, Paul) and still have a job I feel passionately about, but being part of Get In Her Ears and the feeling of unity and togetherness (despite being physically apart) I feel with co-founders Tash and Kate is something I’m grateful for every day. That, and the abundance of incredible new music I’m being constantly sent, plus the many memories I have of incredible gigs at The Finsbury, is definitely something that has got me through recently. So, a huge thank you to all the bands and artists who have been a part of the Get In Her Ears journey, and have been continuing to create wonderful offerings of catharsis this year.

Little Simz – Grey Area
Whenever I need an uplift, a shot of motivation – which has been quite frequently lately – I listen to Little Simz’ Grey Area. The perfect soundtrack to the current anxieties and injustices rife in society, it gives me a little bit of hope. It makes me feel like there’s power in being a woman; it leaves me feeling momentarily inspired and indestructible – as she asserts in album track ‘Offence’, “I’m a boss in a fucking dress”.

Eilis Frawley – ‘Stats’
Having been left utterly spellbound by classically trained drummer and percussionist Eilis Frawley’s set for us at Notting Hill Arts Club last year, her recent singles have been perfectly affecting and resonant right now. ‘Stats’, for example, highlights the everyday injustices facing women today. Tackling issues such as period poverty, FGM, domestic violence and other vital issues, it’s a beautifully striking and necessary listen. 

Screaming Toenail – Growth 
Screaming Toenail headlined one of the last gigs we hosted in December last year – the night after the fateful election result; a night when a sense of impending doom lingered, but who could have foreseen just how horrific things would get. With us all feeling emotionally drained, the band managed to bring a comforting sense of unity and cathartic joy to the venue, as like-minded people came together to dance and sing in solidarity. And their recent album Growth is truly a soundtrack to our times; a necessary listen right now. Starkly reminding us that on returning to ‘normality’, we need to create a new normal. One in which voices like Screaming Toenail’s can be amplified to the max; one in which we prioritise creating safe, queer, intersectional communities and spaces for people to share their art together. One in which we are all continually fighting for change and feel able to grow bigger and louder in the face of challenges.

Diet Cig – Do You Wonder About Me?
Having been pretty obsessed with their 2017 album Swear I’m Good At This since it came out, the return of Alex Luciano and Noah Bowman – aka Diet Cig – to my ears could not have been more welcome. Their latest album Do You Wonder About Me? is filled with Luciano’s luscious honey-sweet vocals, infectious jangly melodies and all the twinkling energy I need now more than ever. A shimmering collection; perfectly uplifting isolation listening. 

Fightmilk – ‘If You Had A Sister’
They’ve headlined for us at The Finsbury not once, but twice, over the last four years and Fightmilk remain one of my complete favourites. Latest release ‘If You Had A Sister’ may be more sombre in tone than previous releases, but loses none of the band’s trademark catchy, emo-tinged indie-pop goodness. A band that are continuously refining their sound and, in the process, consistently continuing to win my heart – a much needed combination right now. 

Emma Kupa – It Will Come Easier
Having been a big fan of Mammoth Penguins for some time now, especially since they delivered a total dream of a set for us at The Finsbury last year, front person Emma Kupa releasing her debut solo album It Will Come Easier has been a definite high point of the last few months.  It’s impossible not to become utterly immersed in each song’s subtle passion and heartfelt lyrical storytelling; listening to Kupa’s stirring indie-pop calms my mind on each listen. 

Amaroun – ‘Rise’
Having released a stream of singles each month for the first half of this year, Jay Brown aka Amaroun’s stirring creations have succeeded in blissing me out whilst giving pause for reflection through some trying times. Flowing with shimmering hooks and glitchy beats alongside Brown’s rich, emotion-strewn vocals, each track has focused on the theme of being a queer woman: each a poignant, effervescent reflection on love, life and rising up against oppression. Jay has also hosted two of of Instagram Live Takeovers recently – talking about the meaning behind her songs and promoting her new book of poetry, Black, Queer and No Idea. 

LibraLibra – ‘Listerine’
From the riotous colossal cacophony of the all-too-poignant ‘Panic Buy’, to the spellbinding melancholic grandeur of most recent single ‘Listerine’, total faves LibraLibra have provided a powerful and eclectic lockdown soundtrack. With each track, whatever the mood, they offer a perfect, impassioned catharsis. And LibraLibra completely blew us away at one of my most favourite gigs that we’ve hosted over the last four years, when they played for us live last December… I miss organising gigs so much – such a huge void in my life – and I cannot wait for when it is safe to witness the raging charisma of LibraLibra live once more. 

Blonde Maze – ‘Not All Flowers Bloom’
Having been a huge fan of New York artist and previous guest on our radio show Blonde Maze for a long while now, I’ve been super grateful for her latest releases ‘Not All Flowers Bloom’ and ‘To The Moon’ over the last few months. Complete with chiming beats and twinkling hooks, they’re further testimony to the truly euphoric electro-pop soundscapes she’s capable of creating. I could listen to her exquisite offerings on a loop forever – I just find her music so completely calming and blissfully cathartic. Essential listening for these anxiety-inducing times. 

HNNY – Sunday
I came across HNNY through one of my Spotify ‘Daily Mix’ playlists – something I have frequently been relying on in my indecisive, distracted state throughout lockdown. I’d never heard HNNY before, but one listen of Sunday and I was completely hooked. I still don’t really know anything about the artist, but have found myself listening to their back catalogue on repeat – their utterly luscious, other-worldy dreamscapes the perfect working from home accompaniment.

Additional shout outs to: Bikini Kill – we all know how much they mean to me, so treated myself to their special 20th Anniversary edition EP last Bandcamp day; Bandcamp – for supporting artists so consistently and waiving their fees once a month since the start of lockdown; and Bugeye – they’ve hosted an epic weekly podcast ‘Rock, Pop, Rambles‘, providing uplifting chat and tunes, and even had yours truly on as a guest back in May. 

Kate Crudgington:

When I received a text from the government on the 9th of April telling me to shield and not to leave the house for 12 weeks, I thought I’d have a pretty easy lockdown. Little did I know that staying inside for 24 hours a day, only interacting with people via Zoom would be quite detrimental to my mood, I’d become slightly agoraphobic, and I’d have to do a course of CBT over the phone because I was obsessing about things that had happened to me a year ago. Still, I think my lockdown experience was easier than most, and it was certainly made easier by the constant flow of good music that kept my GIHE inbox full.

Lido Pimienta – Miss Colombia
When I Skyped Lido Pimienta back in April and asked her what she was up to during lockdown, she replied: “Staying indoors, but being fabulous,” as she gestured to her colourful make-up and red hair accessories that matched her dress. Her joyful perspective, and her passion for her upcoming album Miss Colombia transcended the screen. “My biggest pride is having put Afro-Colombian music – that we recorded in Colombia with traditional roots – right in the mix of electronic and orchestral music.” she explained, and what an achievement that is. (you can read the full interview here.)

Lady Gaga – Chromatica
I was one of millions of Gaga fans who spent Chromatica release day prancing around their bedrooms, dramatically miming the lyrics to ‘Stupid Love’ into the mirror. The album is full of sweeping instrumentals and wall-to-wall dance BANGERS. ‘Rain On Me’ may have been written pre-pandemic, but a song about uncontrollably bawling your eyes out slotted perfectly into my psyche during my lockdown blues, so I was able to ride out my coronacoaster of emotions in true Gaga style. Listening to this album and talking about it with friends really cheered me up, and soothed the sting of missing out on seeing her live again (for the third time…)

Jessica Winter – Sad Music
Sad Music, the debut EP from Brixton-based Queen of sad bangers Jessica Winter was such a tonic for my ears during April and May. It’s full of edgy, electro-pop bangers designed to provide relief during life’s more hectic moments. She was also one of the first guests we interviewed via Zoom for our GIHE radio show when it returned after 16 weeks off air, which was an even bigger mood booster for me! (you can listen back to that here.)

Noga Erez – ‘NO News ON TV’
“I don’t wanna look at my phone anymore,” muses Noga Erez at the beginning of this track, and I felt that with every fibre of my being during summertime. I get so fatigued staring at screens all day, and while it’s important not to disconnect from social media and world events entirely, it is important to put this song on and give yourself a 3 minute dance break from it all at least four times a day. Noga Erez is yet to release something we don’t all collectively love here at GIHE, and I’m just so glad she’s keeping up the momentum and releasing incredible singles, and beautifully shot videos like this one.

Beckie Margaret – ‘God’
If you’d like to read 200+ words about how emotional Beckie Margaret’s music makes me, click here. I think she has a flawless voice and her lyrics bruise me in the best kind of way. She releases through Cool Thing Records, whose roster I cannot recommend enough. They’re a proper DIY collective run by people who absolutely love the music they’re making and promoting, and it’s always a good day when an email about one of their artists appears at the top of my GIHE inbox.

Slightly off topic for GIHE – but I also listened to Rage Against The Machine’s The Battle Of Los Angeles, and Run The Jewels new album regularly throughout lockdown. I also got a bit obsessed with series 3 of an amazing podcast called ‘Slow Burn’ which is in depth discussion about the lives and deaths of Tupac & Biggie Smalls.

Tash Walker:

2020 has been a year unlike any other. Everyone’s lives have been impacted in one way or another, in varying degrees and complications, and I am at the privileged end of that spectrum. But it wasn’t until several months into the lockdown that things started to hit for me, maybe because all my energy went into keeping the LGBT+ helpline I run going, maybe because I filled every hour I had with zooms, or maybe because I, like so many others was in shock. One thing I missed the most was doing our weekly radio shows, going to our monthly Get In Her Ears gig nights and just live music in general. Which is why I delved into my memories and looked to all the fantastic artists that we have had the opportunity to interview, play on our radio show or see at one of our gigs – thank you to all of you! Get In Her Ears is for you. 

Scrounge – ‘Etch’ 
I included this particular song on an earlier playlist this year in the midst of lockdown after having a rather dramatic moment running in torrential rain with it, thrashing my frustration out in air drums. On a more serious note, this band and their music got me through one of my lowest moments during this lockdown. The infectious drums, catchy chorus and memories of seeing them live dragged me out of my cloud and reminded me of the importance of music in dealing with life’s challenges. Thank you Scrounge – I owe you.

Julia-Sophie – ‘Breathe’
I discovered Julia-Sophie’s music at the beginning of 2020 and with the release of her EP Y? in the midst of the pandemic, I cannot be more thankful. The record draws you in from the outset, with this lead track ‘Breathe’ enveloping you with its sound as the pulsating title lyric repeats, leaving it reverberating around your head after only the second listen. It’s been a staple on speakers throughout this year and still is. Being given the opportunity to go back to Hoxton Radio studios and restart our Get In Her Ears radio show couldn’t have come at a better time, not only because it is a highlight of my week picking and choosing the music to spin for you all but also because we get to stay connected with amazing artists such as Julia-Sophie. You can check out our Julia-Sophie radio interview here and also Julia-Sophie’s Five Favourites giving you an insight into what is getting into her ears. 

Balraj Singh Samrai, Pandit G Gavsborg, Farah Amad Khan, Shanique Marie, Tunde Adekoya, Vikaash – ‘I Should Have Hugged You Tighter When We Last Met (Oh What A Joy)’
This piece was made in June of this year with help from Opera North’s artist development programme, Resonance: The Lockdown Edition. Combining  music and spoken word to document life  during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on  communities of colour, Samrai initially produced an instrumental which tabla player Vikaahsh Sankadecha added South Asian percussion rhythms to. Equiknoxx member Gavsborg then penned a poem for the track, and Farah Ahmad Khan added her own spoken word contribution. The accompanying video is so powerful and was made by the Rainbow Collective, go check it out and raise the profile of this track. This is documentary art at its best. 

Seraphina Simone – ‘Hollywood $$$’
One of the things that I will always be thankful for are the artists and the music that continued to be released throughout 2020 against a backdrop of chaos, and Seraphina was one of those artists. ‘Hollywood’ was one of those songs shining the spotlight on the glitzy, gritty, ghastly Hollywood. Now with the slow reopeninig of the world we got to talk to Seraphina about life, music and LA on our radio show, which you can listen back to here. Big love to Seraphina and go check her out now if you haven’t already! 

Skunk Anansie – ‘Weak’
I couldn’t contribute to this feature without mentioning a definite highlight for me in 2020 and that was interviewing Skin! I had an amazing chat with Skin and Lucy O’Brien to talk about the fresh off the shelves memoir “It Takes Blood and Guts” which they have co-written together. If you want to hear a little snippet of some wise words that Skin said when it comes to dealing with all the racism, sexism, homophobia and general inequality that so often reverberates around the world (especially now) then listen back to our 01.10.20 Radio Show. The interview is available for you to cast your eyes over here in all its fangirl glory (I couldn’t help myself). 

GIRLHOOD – ‘The Love I Need’
London duo Girlhood returned with their banging single ‘The Love I Need’ earlier this. year. The first taster from their debut album which is set for release this October. I have played this track and all their subsequent releases consistently on repeat since, samples mixed with Tessa’s lyrics, nods to 90s neo-soul and songs that just fill you with so much joy – exactly what we all need right now. You can listen back to our radio interview on GET IN HER EARS W/ GIRLHOOD 08.10.20 here.

Playlist: Pride 2020
My last choice is a bit of a cheat but this is one thing that has definitely helped me get through this year, get through all the negativity that has been thrown at the LGBTQIA+ communities, specifically transgender and gender non-conforming folks. Music brings us together, it challenges and it changes, but most importantly it helps us to survive. 

To copy Kate and give a shout out to a podcast I would strongly recommend Ecstacy: The Battle of Rave series which is all about the history of Acid House in the UK, it’s really great and probably the closest thing to an actual rave right now.

Thanks to all who’ve supported us over the last three years. Listen to our special birthday playlist below!

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