INTERVIEW: ALT BLK ERA

Battling their demons and bringing the noise, ALT BLK ERA’s debut album Rave Immortal is a tenacious blend of jagged electronics and racing beats designed to dissolve the pain of their past. Released last week via Earache Records, the record cements the genre-defying sister duo’s status as ones to watch in the alternative music world.

The last time we caught up with Nyrobi (20) and Chaya (17), it was 2023 and they were on the cusp of releasing their debut EP, Freak Show. The five tracks that formed it displayed their vivid personalities and antagonistic spirit – with Nyrobi’s vocals possessing a fiery ‘SOLAR’ energy and Chaya’s voice veering into more mystical ‘LUNAR’ realms. With Rave Immortal, ALT BLK ERA retain their heavy and undefinable sound, but they veer directly into rave territory to exorcise feelings of fear and inadequacy – providing a potent statement of self autonomy in the process.

“I think the concept of it…going from really human emotions – our struggles and our pain and our worries – and being able to transcend that and have it become larger than life, I just think that’s something quite important,” offers Nyrobi, when asked what she’s most proud of about ALT BLK ERA’s debut LP. “It’s important to feel like you can escape reality and that’s what the album does.”

Rave Immortal is largely inspired by Nyrobi coming to terms with living in chronic pain due to a disabling illness that she was diagnosed with during her teens in 2020. It was cathartic for the pair to write the record and to recognise how much they relied on each other as sisters during this time. Nyrobi has only recently been vocal about her experiences of disability online, so what was it that made her feel like she was able to speak out about it this on the record?

“Originally, I chose not to speak about it because I was afraid that people would say ‘don’t book her for this show, she’s disabled, she’s in pain and tired all the time’, or that people would think that we only got the MOBO nomination because it was a sympathy thing,” the vocalist reveals. “So now that we’ve played Download, we’ve played Glastonbury and we’ve headlined a stage at Reading & Leeds, it feels like we’ve done enough to prove that I can do anything that I want to do.”

This defiant spirit is something that has resonated with ALT BLK ERA’s fans. It was important to Nyrobi to use her voice and her platform with the band to highlight the resilience of the disabled community. “My disability doesn’t restrain me in other ways that people might think,” she shares. “My disability, it just came out of nowhere. The doctors are saying that it’s likely to just disappear one day too. Before I announced it, I’d be out and about in town and I’d have my stick or something and people would come up to me and ask if something had happened to my leg, and I’m like ‘oh my goodness, I don’t want to lie’ so now I feel really refreshed that it’s out in the open and I can be myself.

So, I just thought I can be honest on our debut album. I wanted to write about it and I wanted to be a voice in that community. We have so many disabled fans. Before I told anyone about it online, we had someone in a wheelchair come to our show in Manchester. I don’t know what compelled me to tell them [about my disability] but I told them and I thanked them for coming out, because I know how hard it is as a disabled person to leave the house. I just wanted to say that I really appreciated them coming to the show and I shared that with them. They didn’t know how special that was for me, they were probably like ‘why is she talking to me?’”

Nyrobi laughs with the last sentence. The support from both Chaya and the band’s fanbase has motivated her to push past her chronic pain and pursue her dreams of being an artist. We’ve seen this dream materialise in front of us too. We were blown away by ALT BLK ERA’s tenacious spirit when they played live for us at our Get In Her Ears gig night at The Shacklewell Arms in July 2023, supporting Straight Girl. Their riotous energy and powerful stage presence has since led to bookings at some of the UK’s biggest festivals, as well as playing for Radio 1 DJ Alyx Holcombe’s own live music night, MANTRA. Both girls express gratitude for these opportunities and are humbled by the community aspect of both Get In Her Ears and MANTRA.

“Alyx has been one of the few industry people that have supported us,” Nyrobi enthuses. “We’ve experienced so many gatekeepers and people telling us that we’re too young and we’re not ready, but she played ‘Mosh Girl Summer’ on Radio 1 in 2022, when we were 16 and 18 years old. She was supporting us from the first year of our music career. So to play her MANTRA night, we really wanted to make sure it was as big as possible. It was also just really good fun. The crowd was so good and the energy was perfect. You know when good people just bring other good people around them? It was just proper warm and fun without any strings attached.”

For Chaya, one of her favourite things about playing live is getting to perform Rave Immortal track ‘Catch Me If You Can’. “We’ve had that song unreleased for quite a while and I’m so happy we’re releasing it because it’s such a banger,” she enthuses. In terms of favourite tracks, Nyrobi notes that ‘I’m Normally Like This’ is still a big crowd-pleaser, but ‘My Drummer’s Girlfriend’ is a standout track for her because of the “opportunities” it’s given the band, which included a collaboration with American indie rock legends Wheatus.

Frontman Brendan B. Brown saw the girls play live at Download Festival back in 2024 and they connected via social media after they missed an opportunity to talk face-to-face backstage in the press tent. Back then, ALT BLK ERA hadn’t released ‘My Drummer’s Girlfriend’ as a single, but the girls sent it over to Brendan to see what he thought. Before they knew it, Wheatus were flying over from New York to work with the girls on a remix at Spotify Studios.

“Working with Wheatus has just been huge, we learned so much from them,” Nyrobi shares. “We were really honoured to have them travel so far to work with us on our song. They were so respectful. They were so caring and they gave us so much advice. They took it 10/10 seriously and they treated us with so much respect, it was almost surprising. We didn’t expect that. I feel like it’s quite rare to find people that are so genuine and full of love in the music industry, but they actually really cared. They weren’t gate-keeping or anything.”

This ethos of collaboration, equality and respect is something that translates both on and off stage for ALT BLK ERA. The lyrics to their songs center around celebrating your individuality both online and in real life, as they encourage their fans to express themselves in a safe space and speak up if they need support or help, particularly at gigs. ALT BLK ERA are currently on their own UK tour and they’ve set up a Discord channel to keep in contact with their fans. “People make friends in there,” Chaya shares. “We do ‘fit checks and everything, people show us what they’re going to be wearing to shows. We’ve got some ALT BLK ERA jacket patches happening as well!”

For Nyrobi, it’s incredibly important that ALT BLK ERA shows are safe spaces. “We just want to make it really clear that us and our whole team are on your side,” she shares. “We’re not standing for any foolishness. Even if I’m performing and someone looks uncomfortable and they’re trying to signal me, we’re gonna have to stop and find out what’s going on. Because one [bad] experience can really stop someone from going outside, going to gigs and being seen, you know?”

Fuelled by this determination, it looks like ALT BLK ERA are set to dominate more stages and gain even more momentum in 2025, and Nyrobi is keen to keep the ball rolling. “You’ll have to interview us before our second album and see where we are then!” she says – a statement we’ll happily hold both her and Chaya too.

Grab a physical copy of ALT BLK ERA’s debut album Rave Immortal here

ALT BLK ERA UK Tour Dates 2025
Jan 28: Oxford, Truck (In-Store)
Jan 29: Brighton, Resident (In-Store)
Jan 30: Kingston, PRYZM

15 Apr: Manchester, The Deaf Institute
16 Apr: Leeds, The Key Club
18 Apr: Sheffield, Corporation
20 Apr: Birmingham, The Flapper
21 Apr: Southampton, Heartbreakers
23 Apr: London, The Underworld

Follow ALT BLK ERA on bandcamp, Spotify, Tik Tok, X, Instagram & Facebook

Kate Crudgington
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Photo Credit: Dean Chalkley

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INTERVIEW: Jasmine.4.t

Having just released her exquisite debut album, You Are The Morning, Manchester-based trans artist jasmine.4.t not only featured as one of our own ‘Ones To Watch’ for 2025, but has been receiving tonnes of acclaim over the last few months from publications such as Pitchfork and The Line Of Best Fit, with her latest single ‘Guy Fawkes Tesco Dissociation’ being featured on BBC 6Music’s A List. With the album released via Phoebe Bridgers’ record label, Saddest Factory, it reflects on both the camaraderie and isolation that can be a part of transfeminine life with a stirring glistening emotion. A heartfelt ode to queer friendship, it sparkles with a truly captivating majesty throughout. Whilst it may still only be January, it’s already a definite contender for album of the year.

After catching Jasmine and her band’s stunningly moving performance at The Old Blue Last a couple of weeks back, we were able to have a chat with her about the album, her inspirations and the challenges facing trans artists in the industry, and society in general. Have a read, make sure you check out the album now, and also please consider donating to the Solidarity Fund she mentions at the end of the interview.

Hi Jasmine! Welcome to Get In Her Ears! How are you doing today?
Hi! Thank you! I am very sleepy after getting up at 3:45am to fly to the Netherlands for some shows, but super excited about all that’s going on with my album coming out and the reception it’s receiving. I’m currently on my way to Groningen with my bandmates Eden and Emily, and we are all buzzing.  

Are you able to tell us a bit about what initially inspired you to start creating music?
My uncle left me his guitar when he sadly died by suicide when I was in year two. My dad got me some chord books and I loved learning Jimi Hendrix as a kid. I heard Elliott Smith’s From A Basement On A Hill when I was a teenager, and I deep-dived into his catalogue – my dad borrowed all his CDs from the library and copied them for me. I did the same thing with Iron & Wine. I always wrote alongside learning other people’s songs, and I played in various grunge and punk bands.

I love the glistening energy and raw emotion of your songs, but who would you consider to be your main musical influences?
Elliott Smith and Iron & Wine as I’ve mentioned are big influences, but I think my main influence is Adrianne Lenker. I love her writing, her voice and, in particular, her guitar playing. I am listening to her Instrumentals album right now, it’s my favourite!

You’ve just released your debut album You Are The Morning, which is super exciting! The album reflects on feelings of queer belonging, love and connection, particularly within the trans community – are you able to tell us a bit more about the themes that run through it and the experiences that inspired it?
You Are The Morning is a message of queer hope and solidarity. The songs were written shortly after I came out to those around me, which didn’t go so well. My marriage ended, I tried to move back in with my parents, and when that failed I was homeless for a period. I left Bristol to stay with friends in Manchester where I found community. I fell in love with trans people and met my chosen family, who gave me the strength I needed to start my transition. You Are The Morning is about queer people’s capacity for solidarity but also for change, how we change ourselves and the world around us to bring a brighter future. 

The album’s being released on Phoebe Bridgers’ record label Saddest Factory Records, which is awesome! How did this come about, and what does it mean to you to have been able to work with someone like Bridgers?
I opened for Lucy Dacus in Bristol on her first Europe tour, and we got on really well. She invited me to be tour support for her second album (Historian) tour in Europe – around when my debut EP came out – and we became close and stayed in touch, sharing demos through lockdown. When I got the demos together for the record, I was considering self-releasing, but Joe Sherrin (MOULD/SLONK/Fenne Lily) suggested I submit them to Phoebe Bridgers for Saddest Factory consideration. I didn’t hear back immediately, so I asked Lucy to play the songs to Phoebe if the moment presented itself. I heard back a few months later from Lucy that she had played the songs to Phoebe in the car, and Phoebe was on the phone to her manager discussing signing me! I couldn’t believe it. I opened for boygenius when they came to the UK, and the next day I signed with Saddest Factory. All three members of the band – Lucy, Phoebe and Julien – produced the record. It was a dream come true for me, I’m such a huge fan of theirs, as a band and as solo artists. I feel so lucky. 

And, to record the album, you travelled over to the US to record at the legendary Sound City Studios! How was this experience for you?
Yeah, it was unreal! We had such a good time. I made this band of entirely trans women in Manchester and the label flew me and two of my bandmates – Eden O’Brien and Phoenix Rousiamanis – out to LA. We recorded over two very intensive weeks in that iconic studio. It was such a healing experience, it felt like the hope I wrote into the album the year before was not in vain, because this was on its way. 

I was lucky enough to catch you and your wonderful band live last week at The Old Blue Last – such a beautifully immersive and moving set, thank you. How do you generally prepare for live shows, and what do you enjoy most about them?
Thank you! It was such a nice crowd and my first time playing at that venue. I had such a good time. Travelling as a band of trans women can be stressful at best and dangerous at worst – so before shows we try to relax and hang out together to get in the mindset to perform. The girls are all unbelievably funny, and we don’t take it too seriously. But we know, should anything happen, we have each others backs. Usually, my chosen daughter Yulia Trot comes on the road with us, and her main job is to keep us all safe. Horrifyingly, she has been wrongly imprisoned for her alleged part in dismantling an Israeli weapons factory, on remand until her trial in a year. It is scary going into this year of intense touring without her, but me and the girls are a family and we take care of each other. Hanging with the girls is definitely the best part of playing live. 

Has there been a particular gig you’ve played over the years that stands out as a highlight?
I think my favourite ever show was when we played in the basement of a community favourite pub in Manchester, The Peer Hat. It was for a night that me and some friends organised for the Just Do The Thing transfem meet-up. It was so awesome to play a night of all transfem artists for a majority transfem audience in a packed sweaty basement. 

And, when you’re out on tour, or playing shows, are there any particular essentials that you like to take with you to keep you going?
I always wear my bracelets from my long-distance partners to remind me of their love and support. I always wear at least one Adrianne Lenker hoodie (I’m wearing two right now). I usually take some time before shows to relax and listen to some Adrianne Lenker also.

As we’re an organisation with a focus on supporting new and marginalised artists, I just wondered how you feel the industry is for them at the moment? And do you feel much has changed over the years in its treatment of female and queer artists?
It’s a pretty shit time to be a trans woman in this country. It’s very unsafe; we are constant targets of violence and harassment, besides the common experiences of homelessness and mental health issues caused by continued interaction with systemic transphobia. We have seen the rise of TERFism, a transphobic brand of fascism perpetuated by figures – including JK Rowling – which has led to a huge backslide in trans access to healthcare. This has been compounded by scare tactics in papers – including The Guardian – when reporting about trans healthcare. Recently, Wes Streeting banned the use of life-saving puberty blockers for trans children, when suicide rates for this demographic are extremely high and rising, while our community mourns the highest recorded rate of violent deaths of trans people. This is the backdrop against which we are trying to make our way as artists. I have been lucky enough to have an incredible manager, Jen Long, who has helped keep me safe and I’m surrounded by people I trust. I have a mostly female and largely queer team. But this industry is very male-dominated at all levels, and from my experience pre-signing, trying to navigate it alone, we trans women encounter friction at every turn. Compounded by the everyday shit that trans women have to deal with, it’s no wonder we are so underrepresented in this industry and in society at large. This has intersections with disability rights and racial injustice – those of us who do break through are almost always white and abled. I am disabled (by society’s failure to meet my ME and POTS related needs), though I pass as abled and I think without Phoebe’s seal of approval and without my white and abled-passing privilege, I would still be struggling to get shows. I think a lot of these issues go beyond the struggle for trans women’s equality in the music industry, but it is just societal ills at work and it affects all of us. I think things are definitely improving at a grassroots level, and I definitely feel cared for by the venues I play, but there’s only so much that small venues, indie labels and promoters can do.

And are there any other new artists that you’d recommend we check out at the moment?
My favourite band from Manchester is Ether Mech. They’re fronted by my friend Vivian, a trans woman I look up to and one of the first people I met when I moved to Manchester. I also love Mould, their new stuff is incredible and they’re so good live. I really enjoyed The Pill and Fuzz Lightyear’s sets at the Old Blue Last show also!

Is there anything else you’d like to add about upcoming plans or particular thoughts you’d like to mention?
I’m really looking forward to touring this year but I am feeling worried about doing it without my daughter Yulia. If anyone is able to, please donate to her Solidarity Fund to help us support her in prison, visit her, and help her get back on her feet when she is out. You can donate here.

Huge thanks to Jasmine for answering our questions, and please do consider donating to help Yulia.


You Are The Morning, the debut album from Jasmine.4.t is out now via Saddest Factory Records. Listen / buy now.

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GIHE: Ones To Watch 2025

It’s fair to say that 2024 has been another tough one, but if there’s one positive to take away, it’s the immense amount of incredible new music that’s been released and the hope of even more wonderful offerings from new bands and artists in 2025.

Following our Tracks Of 2024, Albums & EPS of 2024 and Highlights of 2024 features, we’re now sharing our Ones To Watch for 2025 – naming a handful of bands and artists who we’ve loved through 2024 and that we predict will be reaching ears far and wide next year. Have a read of our choices and make sure you give them all a follow to keep track of their achievements over the next twelve months.

Comic Sans
Having completely blown us away with their immense energy playing live at New River Studios in October, London queer emo-punks Comic Sans have had quite the year. Supporting Amyl and the Sniffers on tour in France in June, and releasing their soaring punk anthem ‘Mr President’, they really have marked themselves out as ones to watch. Bringing a fierce sense of urgency and swirling playful charisma to everything they do, seeing them live is a truly memorable experience; their unique empowering energy shining through, immersing the crowd in a joyous, raging catharsis. I’m pretty sure some exciting things must be lined up for this hard-working, riotous, witty and hugely loveable band over the next twelve months…
(Mari Lane – Managing Editor)

THE NONE
Birmingham-based four piece THE NONE are an experimental punk supergroup. Formed of vocalist Kaila Whyte (Blue Ruth, Youth Man), bassist Gordon Moakes (Bloc Party, Young Legionnaire), guitarist Jim Beck (Cassels) and drummer Chris Francombe (Frauds), the band formed at the start of 2023 and create cathartic, abrasive anthems that are inspired by ego-less experimentation and open collaboration. This passion comes screaming through in their live performances and their knockout set at Supersonic Festival in September was a riot of abrasive punk cacophonies that completely pulverized my eardrums. THE NONE shared their debut EP, MATTER, on bandcamp earlier this year – but you need to hear their music in the flesh to fully appreciate its raw, tenacious spirit. 
(Kate Crudgington – Features Editor)

Jasmine 4.t 
Based in Manchester, this year trans artist Jasmine.4.t was the first UK signee to Phoebe Bridgers’ new label Saddest Factory Records and I fell instantly in love with her exquisite single ‘Skin On Skin’. Reflecting on both the camaraderie and isolation that can be a part of transfeminine life, its stirring glistening emotion and twinkling hooks are as beautifully perfect as you’d expect. Jasmine’s debut album – You Are The Morning – is set for release on 17th January; produced by Bridgers alongside fellow Boygenius members Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus, it offers an ode to queer friendship, and I cannot wait to immerse myself in all its heartfelt majesty. 
(ML)

Tiiva
I’ve been following the work of Bristol-based, non-binary producer and electronic artist Tiiva for some time now, and their collaborative efforts are equally as impressive as their solo output. Having remixed tracks for Clementine Blue, Tiece and El Hardwick in the past, Tiiva put themselves into the spotlight again this year in September when they released their second EP, DESERT PLAINS. Formed of seven tracks, the record traces a personal journey of change and empowerment for Tiiva, underscored by their lilting electronica and soft vocals, which I think are perfectly encapsulated on ‘TORNADOS’. I’ve yet to see Tiiva perform live, but I’m hoping that will change in 2025. (KC)

Gay Skeleton Club
London based queer DIY band Gay Skeleton Club formed at First Timers Fest last year and have been total faves of mine since they played live for us at Matchstick Piehouse in December. I just love their fizzing pop-punk sounds and quirky, tongue-in-cheek energy, all showcased perfectly in the 7-track demos EP that they released back in October, alongside the band’s raging, fun-filled spirit. Already a pivotal part of the London DIY queer scene, both on and off stage, and huge supporters of all their peers, Gay Skeleton Club deserve every success to come their way and I can’t wait to see what they do next. And they’re kicking off 2025 in style, playing live for us at New River Studios, supporting Thwack! On 7th February – nab your tickets now. (ML)

Jæd
I already named London-based, Irish-Puerto Rican musician Jæd in our Albums of 2024 feature, but I couldn’t resist naming her again here. Her dynamic vocal range and virtuoso guitar playing have all translated beautifully into the tracks that form her debut album, I Loved The Gauntlet And There Was No Other Way, released via cult Irish label The Delphi Label. Jæd has been grafting away for years creating the tracks that form her debut record, which is inspired by personal hardship and the endurance of the creative spirit. It’s cliché to say it, but Jæd’s talent really is best appreciated live. (KC)

Skutterfly
After being recommended by numerous people to check out Skutterfly earlier this year, I was super chuffed to be able to book the First Timers alumni to play for us at The Cavendish Arms, supporting The Baby Seals, back in October. With their sparkling energy and jangly hooks fizzing throughout each ‘90s-reminiscent grunge-tinged offering, they completely won us over with a set full of scuzzy goodness, including a unique rendition of No Doubt’s ‘Just A Girl’. They released their debut single ‘Changing Room’ in October, and I can’t wait to hear more from this exciting new band in 2025! (ML)

Fetch
In November, I had the honour of hosting the debut gig for queer punk-pop supergroup FETCH. Consisting of legends Chuck SJ, Beth White and Frankie Tuffragette, they delivered a fiercely fun-filled set oozing a perfect balance of gritty riotous energy and unifying queer joy (plus, they had the cutest merch table ever). Formed out of a desire to create nostalgic punk-pop through a queer lens, they offer a much-needed antidote to the frequently cis male dominated scene, and to say I’m excited to see/hear more from them in 2025 is an understatement! (ML)


Despite our apprehensions about 2025, at least we’re heading into the new year with some fantastic music to accompany it! Massive thanks to all who’ve supported GIHE throughout 2024, it really means the world. And huge thanks to all the amazing bands and artists who’ve soundtracked it, and who will continue to soundtrack the next twelve months! If possible, please support your favourite artists by downloading their music from bandcamp, following them on social media and nabbing tickets to see them live!

A great way to discover your new favourite band is to come along to our gigs – next up, we’re at The Cavendish Arms on 23rd January with Leeds noise-pop band Wormboys, dreamy indie faves Schande and brand new twee queercore supergroup Tomboy Grandpa. Nab tickets now!

 

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GIHE: Personal Highlights of 2024

We’ve already shared our Albums & EPs Of 2024, Tracks Of 2024 and our final Soho Radio show of the year, but now the GIHE team have put together a round up of some of their music related highlights from the past twelve months.

From the festivals we attended, to our monthly GIHE gigs (especially at The Cavendish Arms), to the guests that made our monthly Soho Radio shows continue to feel like a total joy and privilege to host: the GIHE team were grateful to feel connected to our friends and followers which is something that our Personal Highlights of 2024 reflect.

Huge love to everyone who has listened in to our radio shows, read our reviews & features or attended one of our gigs this year. Take care of yourselves and we’ll see you all in 2025. Read below for a recap of some of our best bits of the year…

GIHE night of Queer Country at Sebright Arms with The Dumb Blondes, pink suits and Trouble Wanted

Whilst every gig that I’m lucky enough to host is special in its own way, this year I had the opportunity to branch out a little from our usual line-ups, and organise a night of ‘Queer Country’ at Bethnal Green’s Sebright Arms. Headlined by the world’s best Dolly Parton tribute band/supergroup, The Dumb Blondes – consisting of members from Fightmilk, Panic Pocket and Charley Stone – who brought their own sparkling energy to all the singalong anthems, the evening as a whole just felt really joyous; filled with all the best people and best vibes. Opening the night, Margate duo pink suits delivered their own wonderfully queer renditions of country classics, plus a few countrified punk anthems, complete with banjo, harmonica and spoons! And then Trouble Wanted brought all their fierce riotous energy and fantastically playful allure. It was all so wonderful that I’m definitely thinking of making a queer country night an annual GIHE event, so do keep your eyes peeled through 2025!
(Mari Lane – Managing Editor)

GIHE being able to host gigs at The Cavendish Arms

Again, although I don’t like to play favourites with our gigs – finding a venue that seems to perfectly fit our ethos makes a real difference to not only my enjoyment of the whole experience, but really helps to put my mind at rest that both the bands and audience are being looked after in the safest, most inclusive space. So, this year, having the opportunity to regularly host gigs at The Cavendish Arms in Stockwell has been such a privilege. Not only is it nice to be south of the river, but the venue really is the most lovely, cosy, accessible space with the most helpful staff, great sound, tasty pizza and best of vibes. Plus, there’s a cat called Karen. What more could you want?

In September we hosted a dreamy night with the Baby Seals, Charley Stone and Skutterfly there and then we were back again in November for a really special time celebrating brand new queer punk-pop supergroup FETCH’s debut gig with Jemma Freeman and the Cosmic Something and First Timer’s Alumni Lip Stain. Huge thanks to Shirley, Dom and the team for having and for being such a joy to work with. We can’t’wait to be back at the gorgeous venue for plenty more events in 2025, starting with Wormboys, Schande and Tomboy Grandpa on 23rd January – tickets here! (ML)

Whitelands on Soho Radio

London shoegazers Whitelands already made our Albums & EPS of 2024 list with their superb debut record, Nightbound Eyes Are Blind To The Day, but they deserve a second mention here. The band came into the Soho Radio studio to chat to us in February on the same day that they received a copy of their album on vinyl. Etienne, Jagun, Michael and Vanessa looked so content holding the physical iteration of all their hard work in their own hands, and they spoke about Whitelands’ journey from First Timers Fest to signing with iconic label Sonic Cathedral with equal parts gratitude and enthusiasm. I’ve seen Whitelands play live four times this year and they are becoming firm favourites of mine. You can listen back to our show with them here.
(Kate Crudgington – Features Editor)

Schande on Soho Radio

I have Mari to thank for introducing me to alt-rockers Schande. They played our first post-covid gig at The Victoria in Dalston supporting Currls and I remember being so impressed by their swirling, reverb-heavy riffs. Each time Mari has booked them to play for us since, I’ve been equally as impressed, so it made sense to finally invite lead vocalist and guitarist Jen on to our Soho Radio show to talk about all things Schande. Jen is such a huge supporter of GIHE and her enthusiasm for new music matches our own. It was a joy to finally have her in the studio with us chatting about Schande’s debut album, Once Around, the inspirations behind the record and just generally gush about how much we all love music. My off-air highlight was when we tried to pay Jen a compliment by telling her she was incredibly cool, and her response was “I’m not a cool girl, I say sorry to chairs when I walk into them.” It still makes me laugh now. Listen back to the show here. (KC)

 

Supersonic Festival

Having been a longtime admirer of Supersonic – which has been running for 21 years – I was delighted to finally be able to attend the Birmingham-based festival in person for the first time this year. Described as “championing experimental and adventurous music,” my encounter with Supersonic was immersive and fascinating. Punk four piece THE NONE melted my eardrums. Gazelle Twin’s theatrical performance of her paranormal-inspired fourth album, BLACK DOG, sent shivers down my spine – but it wasn’t just the eclectic line up that impressed me. I found the community aspect of Supersonic Festival and the natural friendliness and curiosity of festival goers really striking. I felt this especially at the Decolonise Fest zine making workshop, and at the creative networking brunch where I met some truly lovely people. It was endearing to witness an unwavering level of commitment manifest itself in so many different ways across the weekend at Supersonic Festival. Read my full review of the event here. (KC)

Deer Shed Festival

Having fallen in love with Deer Shed when I attended for the first time back in 2022, and then going on to have another dreamy weekend at the North Yorkshire festival last year, I was very glad I got to go again this year. Highlighting a real family focus, whilst hosting a range of exciting new artists, it oozes the warmest of vibes and – being smaller in size than most other festivals – creates a space that feels comfortingly intimate; an inclusive safe haven for artists and fans of all genres and ages.

This year, in addition to being able to enjoy incredible performances from the likes of CMAT, Los Bitchos, Picture Parlour and The Go! Team, I also had the pleasure of DJing at the In The Dock Stage, playing tunes to a tent that ended up being full of people for the Silent Disco on the Friday night. Lurking in the shadows without being noticed is generally more my vibe, so needless to say I was quite nervous about it. But, despite the cursor key on my laptop deciding to stop working at just the wrong time, causing a few clunky ‘mixes’(and with most of my set clashing with Liverpool legends The Coral on the main stage), it was really lovely to see so many people dancing and singing along to the music I was playing. Noticing the number of young people who seemed to be enjoying it – making up dances with their friends and getting excited by certain songs – was particularly heartwarming and I’m really grateful to have had the opportunity to do it. So, massive thanks and love to Deer Shed for letting me unleash my danceable queer tunes onto the crowd (and hopefully my laptop cursor won’t break next time!) Read more about how wonderful the festival was here. (ML)

Interviewing Los Bitchos

Following the success of their 2022 debut, Let The Festivities Begin, London based Los Bitchos released their fantastic new album, Talkie Talkie, in August. Known for their ability to fuse together layers of colourful instrumentation to create joyous cacophonies, the album combines elements ranging from Turkish psych and Cumbian Guacharaca rhythms, to funk-fuelled hooks and the racing excitement of comic book-inspired storylines, to create a thrilling, fun-filled collection; oozing a rousing sonic euphoria throughout.

Ahead of the album’s release and having been blown away by their live set at Deer Shed Festival, I was lucky enough to catch up with Serra and Agustina from the band. We talked about the club concept of the album (“… there’s something in there for everyone. Different rooms with different themes, and everything’s fabulous!”), their love of making fun videos, the iconic experience of playing Glastonbury last year, friendly Americans, and their desire to create safe and inclusive queer spaces at their gigs. One of my favourite bands of 2024, it was really lovely to have the opportunity to speak to Los Bitchos, and I’m very excited to experience more of their joyous live shows in 2025. Read the full interview here. (ML)

Kae Tempest at Koko

Whilst other people were out in the cold watching explosions in the sky, on the evening of Tuesday 5th November I was lucky enough to be inside the warmth of legendary Camden venue KOKO having my mind blown and my heart set alight by the incredible Kae Tempest. I think it was the fourth time I’ve seen them, and I instantly sensed a shift in their presence, a change from the other times I’ve seen them live over the years; a subtle, genuine joy and sense of ease emanated throughout the whole performance. It was so clear how much it meant to them to be able to be there, to be able to be truly themselves, and share that with us. Treating us to a set of strikingly poignant songs from over the last ten years, Tempest oozes an immersive euphoric energy throughout and I come away feeling a sheer sense of delight at the joy I have witnessed; heartened by the empowering and unifying queer energy of the night, I’m left with a subtle sense of hope that – despite how terrifying the world may be right now – through coming together as a community we can find happiness and strength. Thank you Kae Tempest for sharing your journey with us; for being you, and for giving us this hope that is so needed right now. Full review of the show here. (ML)

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour (aka Get In Her Eras)

Lots of people are surprised when I reveal that I’m a fan of Taylor Swift. I’ll admit that I’ve been reluctant to admit it in the the past too, but this year, having seen her perform live for the first time on her record-breaking Eras Tour, I cannot stop talking about how wonderfully life-affirming it was to be part of a crowd who were united by their passion for her music.

As a teenage girl, I felt a weird unease about openly enjoying pop. It wasn’t considered “cool” and it wasn’t accepted as a valid answer when people asked what your favourite type of music was. I rejected it for a long time and in the process I discovered an amazing array of new alternative genres and found some of my favourite bands. What I’ve realised now at the age of 34, is that it’s not actually a crime to love more than one genre of music. Not only that, but it’s also more than okay to unashamedly enjoy pop music.

I was privileged enough to be able to attend the Eras Tour in Lisbon on my 34th birthday in May and again in London at Wembley in June. I was surrounded by women and girls who felt comfortable enough to share compliments, stories and friendship bracelets with each other whilst singing in unison to songs that have provided them pure emotional release over the past 18 years. Whether you love or hate Taylor Swift, you cannot deny that she has offered millions of women and girls the opportunity to embrace their girlhood and truly feel their feelings through her infectious narrative-driven songwriting. That is something I think is absolutely priceless (unlike my tickets, which I used some of my savings to pay for.)

The Eras tour also brought Get In Her Ears some attention too! Our ethos was mentioned in an article about Taylor’s Edinburgh show in The Herald newspaper and I was interviewed for The Evening Standard’s front page feature about her London shows about my own experiences of attending the tour. Huge thanks to my friends Rachel, Vicky and Mel for securing tickets and sharing the Eras experience with me too. (KC)

Gossip at All Points East

Finally getting to see Gossip at All Points East on 25th August, having been a mega fan for nearly twenty years, really did exceed all expectations. The empowering energy and fiercely immersive charisma of Beth Ditto is unmatched and it was an experience filled with tonnes of queer joy and overwhelming emotion. “I’ll hold back tears / Move in the right direction / Face my fears / Move in the right direction” – hearing this song live just hit particularly hard. Other highlights from the festival that day included Sleater Kinney, Say She She and headliners, The Postal Service. (ML)

Amyl and the Sniffers at The Roundhouse

One of my many gig highlights of the year! You know what, I think this tells you a lot about my 2024 – I really lent into the dancing. It was the one thing that really brought me a lot of joy over the last couple of months. So, my knees will just have to deal with it. I saw Amyl and the Sniffers at the Roundhouse and they were incredible, such a great gig. So much energy and good vibes and a big shout out to Doto who came with me & got matching merch!
(Tash Walker – Digital Editor)

Launching the GIHE monthly newsletter

One final plug for the year…if you haven’t signed up to our newsletter already, click here! We promise not to spam you with updates – it’s just one email a month that rounds up all of our gig dates, radio endeavours and features on our website. (KC)

Keep your eyes peeled for our Ones To Watch in 2025 feature, which we’ll be publishing on our website before the end of the year…

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