PLAYLIST: August 2024

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another mix of eclectic electronic tracks, alt-pop tunes, indie anthems and alternative & shoegaze sounds for your listening pleasure. Take some time to scroll through our track choices below, and make sure you press play on the playlist at the end of this post.

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

ARXX – ‘Trouble’
The latest single from biggest faves, Brighton duo ARXX, ‘Trouble’ showcases a bit of a grittier electronic side to the duo than we may be used to. Reflecting on the mixed feelings that follow a break-up, the track oozes a Peaches-esque bass-heavy seductive allure as it builds to a soaring, anthemic pop anthem. It’s wonderful to see Hanni and Clara experimenting with their sound and flexing their creative muscles so beautifully; whatever they create, whatever its genre or influences, ends up being an instantly addictive hit without fail, and leaves me filled with excitement about what they might do next. Following an incredible summer, wowing festival crowds across the country – including their first time at Glasto – ARXX will be releasing their second album on 4th October and playing a headline tour across the UK and Europe to celebrate. We can’t wait!
(Mari Lane – Managing Editor)

Circe – ‘Heaven’s The Other Way’
Following on from her bittersweet single ‘Blue Love’, this is the latest creation from dark-pop artist Circe. She captures a moment of intense loneliness on ‘Heaven’s The Other Way’ via her poetic lyrics, seraphic vocals and glistening electronics. Circe performed this track during her set supporting The Midnight at Camden’s Electric Ballroom back in July and it sounded just as rapturous in the flesh. Read the full review of her show here.
(Kate Crudgington – Features Editor)

Tiiva – ‘Golden’
Electronic artist, producer & GIHE fave Tiiva is back with this shimmering new single. Full of their lush vocals, lilting synths and evocative beats, ‘Golden’ explores the mixed emotions that come when you’re persevering through an uncertain time. Of the track, Tiiva explains: “‘Golden’ is about holding on when things feel like a lot, a conversation between two voices kindness and feeling overwhelmed and rebuilding.” (KC)

Ideal Host – ‘Dust Collector’
Created during a four day residency in a converted water mill in Llangollen in Wales, this is the latest single from indie band Ideal Host. ‘Dust Collector’ is their poppiest offering to date and I love the way Heather’s soft vocals blend seamlessly with buoyant riffs, lilting electronics and catchy beats. (KC)

Lazy Day – ‘Concrete’
Set to release their debut album in November, London based artist Tilly Scantlebury – aka Lazy Day – has now shared shimmering new single ‘Concrete’. Rippling with a stirring twinkling emotion, the track’s somewhat disjointed structure and fluctuating musical layers reflect the poignant sentiment of its lyrics: “Concrete was a helpful metaphor… It’s strong and sturdy, as well as being extremely heavy. It was a useful framework for thinking about relationships which felt stable, but at the same time weighed me down.” Open The Door, the debut album from Lazy Day, is set for release on 8th November via Brace Yourself Records. (ML)

Cuushe – ‘Faded Corners’
A euphoric slice of ambient dream-pop, ‘Faded Corners’ is the latest single from Japanese artist Cuushe. Glistening with a spellbinding delicate splendour, a beautiful lullaby is created; set to soothe even the most anxious of minds as the summer comes to an end. (ML)

Grand Pax – ‘MB BB’
The latest single from London based queer artist Grand Pax, ‘MB BB’ flows with glitchy beats and dreamy synths as the sparkling splendour of her vocals soar. A blissful soundscape reflecting on the emotions following a break-up, she says of the track that it’s “about wanting to hold onto something but knowing it’s not possible. It’s the process of it leaving your body, but acknowledging it as you let it go.” Crush, the new EP from Grand Pax, is out now. (ML)

Yellow Belly – ‘Crux’
This atmospheric track by Australian-born, Cardiff based experimental musician Yellow Belly is taken from her recent album, Ghostwriter. The record is a hypnotic reflection on a difficult time for the artist, explored through her shape-shifting electronica, melancholic lyrics and hushed vocals. (KC)

Chelsea Wolfe – ‘Tunnel Lights’ (††† Remix)
The original version of this Chelsea Wolfe track – taken from her excellent seventh album, She Reaches Out To She Reaches Out To She – was already a shape-shifting, shadowy offering, but this treatment by ††† (Crosses), featuring Chino Moreno’s distinctive vocals and Shaun Lopez’s industrial beats, is equally as intense. It’s lifted from her remix EP, UNDONE, which is out now via Loma Vista. (KC)

Birthday Problem ft. HAVVK – ‘Same Face’
I have been consistently impressed by everything that Irish collaborative electronica project Birthday Problem have released this year. Formed of Matt Harris and Rocky O’Reilly, ‘Same Face’ is their fifth single, featuring vocals from GIHE fave Julie Hawk (HAVVK). Haunting synths, layered vocals and sparse beats all combine to create another disarming and unusual listen from this eclectic pair. (KC)

Nina Eba – ’13’
I love this track by Ukrainian-born, Austrian-based producer & songwriter Nina Eba, which is taken from her self-released debut album, MORPHO. Inspired by the metamorphosis of the morpho butterfly, the record reflects on Nina’s experiences to self-acceptance and unrequited love. Nina’s sound is reminiscent of FKA Twigs, Bjork and Sevdaliza. (KC)

Lollise – ‘Iron Woman’
Brooklyn via Botswana Afro-Futuristic artist Lollise tackles an important issue on her zealous single ‘Iron Woman’, which is taken from her upcoming album, I hit the water, set for release on 6th September. Through her intense electronics, driving beats and direct lyricism, she explores the plight of black women who suffer from severe fibroids who are often overlooked by the US health care system. Lollise explains the context of ‘Iron Woman’ further: “Most of my black friends with uteruses have had hysterectomies or undergone multiple myomectomies. In this song I talk about my experiences dealing with fibroids and menorrhagia going in and out of various emergency and hospital rooms. “Phallic science” talks about male dominance in science and how much money is allocated to studying men’s virility and very little is dedicated to women’s health and black women’s health specifically.” Watch the track’s accompanying video here. (KC)

Midwife – ‘Vanessa’
On this slow-burning, atmospheric track, Colorado based musician and producer Midwife personifies and pays tribute to her old tour van ‘Vanessa’. Lifted from her upcoming album, No Depression in Heaven, which is set for release on 6th September via The Flenser, it’s another disarming piece of her blissful ambient shoegaze. I can’t wait to hear the record in full. (KC)

Tanukichan ft. Wisp – ‘It Gets Easier’
I’m new to California based artist Tanukichan, but when I saw that she had collaborated with shoegaze star Wisp, I instantly became a fan. ‘It Gets Easier’ is a dreamy blend of their lush vocals, swirling riffs and their driving beats. The track is featured on Tanukichan’s upcoming EP, Circles, which is set for release on 20th September. (KC)

the IV – ‘Same Old Story’
This brooding new anthem from elusive band the IV dropped into my inbox earlier this month. Created by vocalist and drummer Ingvild Nærum, ‘Same Old Story’ reflects on our role as consumers of culture through the lens of Freud’s dream-work theory. The rumbling bass lines, atmospheric riffs and staccato drumming make for captivating listening. (KC)

Hello Mary – ‘Down My Life’
New York trio Hello Mary continue to impress me with each single they share from their upcoming second album, Emita Ox. Set for release on 13th September, the record showcases their ability to blend their quiet-to-loud vocals, grungy riffs, considered instrumentation, and bruising beats perfectly. The band will be making their London live debut at The Shacklewell Arms in Dalston on 4th September and they’ll be playing at The Windmill in Brixton on 5th September too. I’ll be there on the 5th to hear ‘Down My Life’ in the flesh. (KC)

Girl Gordon – ‘The Need’
I love the gritty, reverb-heavy intro to this sardonic anthem by Cincinnati-based DIY indie punks Girl Gordon. ‘The Need’ is taken from their recent EP, Corruptor, and it “speaks to the pressures of societal beauty standards” that are often perpetuated by social media. (KC)

Scrunchies – ‘Generator’
The latest single from Minneapolis based Scrunchies, ‘Generator’ blasts into the ears with its raw punk energy. New favourites for sure, I can’t get enough of this new riot grrrl-inspired band’s scuzzy hooks and fierce empowering allure. ‘Generator’ is taken from Scunchies’ new album Colossal, one of the last albums that the legendary Steve Albini recorded and mixed. It’s also accompanied by a fantastically fun music video, created in collaboration with Los Angeles-based “dance aerobics celebration” Pony Sweat – watch it here. (ML)

Rottweiler – ‘Sarah’
This slow-burning single from Brighton rockers Rottweiler showcases their ability to balance atmospheric riffs with powerful vocals and crashing percussion. Inspired by the likes of Jeff Beck, Smashing Pumpkins and Paramore, ‘Sarah’ is a swirling cacophony of angst-ridden noise. (KC)

Queen Cult – ‘To Be A Boy’
Having released their new EP Be Better earlier this month, our favourite Macclesfield trio, Queen Cult have been wowing us for a couple of years now with their fierce raging energy and captivating charisma. Taken from the EP, ‘To Be A Boy’ showcases all their is to love about Maisie and co; propelled by the immense gritty power of her vocals, it explores themes of gender dysphoria and expectations of AFAB people growing up in a small town with a stirring honesty and raw emotion. A band on the rise, and for good reason, we can’t wait to see what Queen Cult have in store for us next. (ML) 

Berries – ‘Watching Wax’
The latest single from long time faves Berries, ‘Watching Wax’ offers our first taste of the London-Brighton band’s new material ahead of the release of a new album, set for release in October. With the distinctive twang of the band’s trademark scuzzy riffs and front person Holly’s lush syrupy vocals, I just can’t get enough of its racing fierce energy and gritty allure. (ML)

Um, Jennifer? – ‘Went On T’
‘Went On T’ is the latest single from New York trans-punk duo Um, Jennifer? It’s another refreshing blend of the band’s quirky humour and personal reflections on gender politics. Speaking about the track, the band explain: “‘Went On T’ is the indie rock anthem calling you back home to yourself. It’s about taking your own body back from those that claim to love you. It’s a reminder not to take on anybody else’s shit.” (KC)

Fightmilk -‘No Souvenirs’
To say I’m excited about the new album from total faves and all round great humans Fightmilk may be an understatement. Set for release on 15th November via Fika Recordings / INH Records, it’s been three years in the making and promises to showcase how the band are consistently evolving their unique sound. To celebrate the album announcement, the band have now shared its title track, ‘No Souvenirs’. A beautifully poignant reflection on loss, it oozes an anthemic raw emotion and exquisite shimmering splendour. Losing a friend to suicide just over a decade ago, it’s taken songwriter Lily until now to be able to put her feelings into words: “It’s finally exactly what I wanted to say, and I think he’d have thought my band sucked, but that’s alright.” Pre-order No Souvenirs here, and book tickets to the launch show at Paper Dress Vintage here. (ML)

Jemma Freeman – ‘Hoping For A Miracle’
An unexpected new single from immense songwriter and performer Jemma Freeman, ‘Hoping For A Miracle’ was written, recorded and mixed in their bedroom, causing them to be apprehensive about sharing it with the world. But we’re so glad they did! “The queer, sad, banger you need to blast through any unexpected summer break up.”, it’s propelled by fuzzy hooks as the raw, gritty power of Jem’s distinctive vocals soar. A fizzing psych-rock anthem showcasing their ability to weave together a rich musicality with their trademark frenzied energy. ‘Hoping For A Miracle’ is the b-side to fellow surprise, and beautifully vulnerable, single ‘Alien’. (ML)

Pretty Bitter – ‘Never Better’
Washington D.C based indie-pop group Pretty Bitter teamed up with fellow indie rockers Flowerbomb to release a split EP, titled Take Me Out, at the beginning of August. ‘Never Better’ is the opening track on the record and it’s buoyant mix of indie guitar twangs, catchy melodies and bittersweet vocals. (KC)

Soccer Mommy – ‘M’
Nashville indie artist Sophie Allison aka Soccer Mommy is back with this lush single and news about her upcoming album, Evergreen. Set for release on 25th October via Loma Vista, Allison has used her innately raw songwriting techniques to move through the lingering effects of deep personal loss that affected her before she began writing this new record. (KC)

Emily Wurramara – ‘STFAFM’
Having just released her new album Nara – a celebration of rebirth -, multi-award-winning lutruwita/Tasmania-based artist, activist, author and proud Warnindhilyagwa woman Emily Wurramara has now shared new single ‘STFAFM’ (stay the fuck away from me!). Propelled by her lush, soulful vocals, it offers a fiercely empowering energy; an uplifting ode to finding inner peace and motivation. (ML)

Joanna Sternberg – ‘A Country Dance’
One of my most listened-to artists of the last couple of years, Brooklyn artist Joanna Sternberg has now shared a stirring new stand-alone single. Featured in upcoming film, Between The Temples, ‘A Country Dance’ was inspired by Joanna’s close friend Sami Bronowski, who was the first person to encourage Joanna to sing in public. Showcasing the exquisite vulnerability and raw emotion of their vocals, it flows with beautifully lilting melodies, shimmering with an uplifting, heartfelt grace. (ML)

Rubie – ‘Death By Catgirl’
Following her beautifully heartfelt last single, ‘To Change’, GIHE fave Rubie has now shared ‘Death By Catgirl’ – written from the perspective of a “hot, on the rise trans woman microcelebrity, throwing off her furs and meaning business”, it’s propelled by a colourful funk-fused groove as swirling, jazz-tinged melodies ripple alongside the majestic captivating allure of Rubie’s distinctive vocals. ‘Death By Catgirl’ is taken from Rubie’s upcoming second album, Seek Sisters, which is due out on 22nd September via Pressing Up Club. (ML)

Husk – ‘Open Waters’
Very different in sound from what we might remember of Husk’s previous releases, this new single sees the Manchester based artist experiment with traditional Irish folk music, adding their own distinctive queer electronic edge. Reflecting on their first experience of swimming in the Irish sea with a sparkling energy, and switching between English and Gaelic throughout the track, they explain: “There’s some things that I needed to say, but English couldn’t do it justice, so I switch between the two; it’s a creative choice… I’m saying that the whole world is with us in that moment, a whole world was connected to us through the water. And, with, sea swimming, it’s so cold that you can only think about your fundamental instincts, and it felt elemental.” (ML)

Gossip – ‘Move In The Right Direction’
Finally getting to see Gossip at All Points East last week 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” – and hearing this song live just hit particularly hard. (ML)

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INTERVIEW: Los Bitchos

Following the success of their 2022 debut Let The Festivities Begin, London based Los Bitchos are now ready to release their brand new album, Talkie Talkie, this Friday 30th August via City Slang. Known for their ability to fuse together layers of colourful instrumentation to create joyous cacophonies, the new 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. 

Whilst Let The Festivities Begin very much did what it said on the tin, the new album picks up and develops its celebratory mood: “The first album was about getting the party started…”, synth and keytar player Agustina Ruiz reflects, “… and now (with Talkie Talkie) it’s more like, let’s continue the party!”. 

I catch up with Ruiz and lead guitarist Serra Petale a week before the new album is due for release, and they’re clearly very excited to finally share it with the world after touring and promoting their debut for the last few years. Centred around the concept of a club that the band are inviting you to – “… there’s something in there for everyone. Different rooms with different themes, and everything’s fabulous!” – Talkie Talkie showcases how Los Bitchos have honed and developed their sound. Discussing how the album differs from its predecessor, Petale explains: “I feel like we, as musicians, are probably a bit more experienced by this point; we went in knowing more about how we wanted to record the songs…” Reflecting on how the song ideas were clearer and more developed this time around, she continues, “Recording the first album, we were just kind of really starting out, and now we’ve got that under our belt, and we’ve had a lot more studio experience as well, which has been pretty helpful. Now (with Talkie Talkie), we just wanted to keep going and keep evolving. You don’t really want to make the same album twice.”

Whilst Petale does the majority of the songwriting, the process of recording and performing is always very much a collaborative process for the band: “I often start by writing all of the parts, because that’s how I can best form the song… ”, she reflects, “… then, of course, things might develop and change… But this is good because you want people to put their own touches onto their parts. And then sometimes that difference is what makes the song all the more rich.” Initially meeting roughly eight years ago, Petale and Ruiz, later joined by band mates Josefine Jonsson (bass) and Nic Crawshaw (drums), clearly work well as a team, and their closeness as friends is evident when listening to their joyous creations; this element of collaboration being something which they all really value. “It’s so important to make sure that everyone feels creatively expressive. We are very much a band, and everyone is so integral…”, Petale shares when asked about the recording process, “I mean I love songwriting, I think it’s my favourite part of being in a band, so I personally need that creative output. But it’s really interesting to see the development of the songs; like perhaps I’ve just put down an idea on my computer, and then when we go to play it, it’ll inevitably change again. And that’s the fun of it.”

With such a unique and eclectic range of sounds apparent throughout their songs, Los Bitchos find it hard to pick out any specific influences, but rather attribute what inspires them more to the mood that they aim to create through their music: “You just get so inspired by bands or songs that you love and that make you feel a certain way. And I think a lot of what inspires me comes from wanting to emulate those same feelings.” If their aim is to emulate feelings of pure ecstasy and blissful abandon, then Los Bitchos have certainly succeeded in what they set out to do; and this distinct sense of fun and carefree swirling energy particularly shines through in their videos: “We just really love making videos!”, Ruiz admits in response to me gushing over how much I love their recent visual for ‘Kiki, You Complete Me’, “We have all these ideas that just kind of come out of nowhere. Then we have Tom (Mitchell), and we’re just like ‘Tom, we want to do this’, and then he goes and makes it look really cool. But we all really enjoy the process. We’re super involved in everything.” Petale adds: “We just get to dress up and be the most ridiculous characters. I sometimes can’t believe this is my job – it’s so fun!”

The fun that the band are having is something you’ll know all about if you’ve ever seen them perform live; seeing them at Deer Shed Festival this summer was pretty wonderful, and they’ve played many festivals over the last few years, but one experience will always stick in their minds: “Glastonbury!”, Petale and Ruiz exclaim in unison when asked to pick a highlight. Reflecting on their experience playing the legendary festival last year, Petale reminisces, “It was iconic. I remember that moment when we out onto the Park Stage, and we saw so many people there. I remember just being like, ‘Oh my God, is this what it’s like?!’… It was an incredible feeling. Incredible! And it was so nice to experience that together as a band.”

Los Bitchos’ enjoyment of live shows isn’t limited to festivals, however. Set to head out to the States soon to play a run of headline shows, ahead of embarking on a UK and European tour later this Autumn, they have fond memories of the last time the played North America: “It’s so much fun playing in the US. We have friends in almost every city, so it’s always a good time.”, Ruiz begins, before recalling a particularly lively night in Dallas. “Yeah…”, Petale agrees, “… whenever we’ve gone to the US, people are so friendly! Like, super willing to talk to you. It’s just really, really nice.” Despite their love of a good time, maintaining some downtime and self-care remains important to the band whilst out on tour. Agustina, for instance, always takes a book with her to read on the road – “It’s so important to me. Whatever kind of book I’m in the mood for – like, for this US tour, I’m going to take one about the Tudors.” For Serra, however, it’s all about skincare – “… You know when you come out of a gig and you’re so disgusting (which happens to me a lot, because I sweat so much), and then you come into your room, and you can just wash, and it’s like, it’s just a little bit of comfort. And I enjoy it.”

Having the opportunity to go out on tour and have fun on the road isn’t something that Los Bitchos take for granted, and they appreciate how different things may have been for them had they been a band a few decades ago: “Comparing now to, say, the ‘70s, when being a woman in the music industry must have been hell, I think things are definitely better now…” Ruiz muses, “There’s still more changing that needs to be done, but it has changed. It is more accepting…” Reflecting on how increased acceptance and visibility for women and queer artists, particularly over the last ten years, has improved the industry, Petale adds: “A lot of artistry is queer in itself… And I think something really positive now is that there is more of a push to accept yourself and for people to accept you as you are. And I think that it’s really wonderful to see so many queer artists. And I love that term because it brings a lot of people together… Giving visibility and housing a place of acceptance for queer artists is just absolutely essential. And I love that about music, and I love that about artistry.” She goes on to emphasise that at Los Bitchos gigs, they aim to create a safe and inclusive space for all: “We would always say that everyone is always welcome at our shows, and you should just feel that you can just be yourself. That’s paramount.” A band after our own hearts for sure!

Huge thanks to Serra and Agustina for making time to chat to me. I can’t wait for the new album, and very much hope to be able to be a part of the immensely joyous experience of seeing Los Bitchos live again soon! And, if you haven’t had the chance yet, you really must get down to one of the upcoming dates (or if you have before, you probably already have tickets as you’ll be aware of how much fun it is!). After their US tour next month, they’ll be travelling around the UK for a load of headline dates in October. Find all information and tickets here. And, if you can’t wait for then, they’ll be celebrating the release of Talkie, Talkie, with a special DJ set at Someday in Finsbury Park this Friday 30th August (nab a free ticket here), and then playing a one-off in-store show at Rough Trade East on 3rd September. 

Talkie, Talkie, the brand new album from Los Bitchos, is out this Friday 30th August via City Slang. Pre-order here.

Photo Credit: Tom Mitchell

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Five Favourites: Maple Glider

Following acclaim for her 2021 debut from the likes of Pitchfork, NME and Rolling Stone, Australian artist Tori Zietsch – aka Maple Glider – released her stunning second album I Get Into Trouble last year, and it was one of my most listened to, and favourite, releases of 2023. Offering a poignant reflection on her Christian upbringing, reflecting on themes of shame, consent and sexuality, it’s a truly stirring collection of starkly honest, yet delicately beautiful, compositions.

We think one of the best ways to get to know an artist is by asking what music inspires them. So, ahead of her upcoming UK tour that starts next week, we spoke to Tori about some of the British artists who inspire her the most. Read about her five favourites below, and then make sure you nab a ticket to see her majestic splendour live!

Nilufer Yanya
I absolutely adore Nilufer Yanya. When Miss Universe came out in 2019 I was obsessed. At the same time I was also unknowingly writing my first album. ‘Heavyweight Champion of the Year’ is unreal – the vocals are incredible. And I think ‘Safety Net‘ was on a playlist I was listening to when I was working on my second album. I’m also really loving all of the new songs being released as well as all the visuals . Especially ‘Like I Say (I Runaway)‘. Runaway bride forever. I can’t wait for the new album!

Bat For Lashes 
I think I may have illegally downloaded (Limewire) Two Suns (or at least part of it) when it came out in 2009. Sorry! I was in grade ten. From that time, I remember it was a lot of this and M83. ‘Daniel’ is the obvious pick, but I also loved ‘Siren Song’ and ‘Sleep Alone’! So spooky. The Haunted Man is another one of my favourite albums, and the video clip for ‘Laura’ is one of my faves. And then I also listened to ‘I Do’ and ‘Widow’s Peak’ from The Bride a lot when writing my second album.

Nick Drake
I got pretty into surrealism when I was in high school, and so I loved the album cover for Pink Moon. Somewhere around the same time I also fell in love with fingerpicking – it’s the only way I’d play guitar. I love the intimacy of the recordings on Pink Moon, and the piano is so cute. And then ‘Sunday’ off Bryter Layter is so dreamy.

Cleo Sol
My manager sent me Mother when it came out in 2021; we’d spent most of the last year in lockdown, and it brought me to tears. It’s one of the most beautiful albums I’ve ever heard. I’d just released my first album and felt more open to writing again. I think subconsciously it inspired me to write my song ‘You’re Gonna Be A Daddy’. ‘Don’t Let Me Fall‘, ‘Know That You Are Loved‘, ‘We Need You’ – all stand out songs; just the whole damn album melts my heart and entire being. I’m a puddle.

Laura Marling 
The first time I heard about Laura Marling, I saw her on a magazine cover; it was black and white, and I think the article said she was 17…? I’ve been following her music for however many years it has been since then and I have deeply loved the journey. Her Song Exploder for ‘Song For Our Daughter’ is unbelievably beautiful – she speaks so gracefully and with so much patience and care. I admire that. When ‘Patterns’ came out I’d just lost an old friend. I can physically feel my heart ache when I listen to it.

Huge thanks to Maple Glider for sharing her five favourites with us. We can’t wait to be immersed in her shimmering allure at The Courtyard Theatre on 5th September!

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FIVE FAVOURITES: bedbug

Developing from a lo-fi bedroom-pop solo project into a fully fledged indie rock band, LA based group bedbug shared their fourth album, pack your bags, the sun is growing, via Boston label Disposable America earlier this year.

Along with bandmates Owen Harrelson, Minerva Rodriguez, Meilyn Huq and Drew Cunningham, non-binary front-person Dylan Gamez Citron fleshed out bedbug’s new sound in the studio, and the result is an infectious blend of indie guitar riffs, confessional lyricism and surrealist storytelling, which marks their most “ambitious” work to date.

Having previously supported the likes of Japanese Breakfast, Grouper, Lomelda, Snail Mail, Strange Ranger, yourarmsaremycocoon and Frog, with their new fully fledged sound, bedbug are sure to capture the ears of a new set of fans.

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 Dylan to ask about their “Five Favourites” – five tracks that have inspired their songwriting techniques. Check out their choices below and scroll down to listen to bedbug’s latest single ‘halo on the interstate‘ at the end of this post…

1. Julia Brown – ‘Bloom’
This list is as much a list of my favorite songs as it is equivalently a list of my biggest inspirations when songwriting. So, it only makes sense to start here. This track is the closing track off of an album I can only describe as a modern opus, An Abundance of Strawberries. When I discovered this album (and consequently this song), I was slowly assembling an arsenal of songwriting and production elements that I felt would fit together and that I personally loved. Acoustic guitars, drum machines, synths, cassette warmth, vocals that aren’t overwhelming. Then I found this album. Honestly, at the time I couldn’t believe it existed, like it was just a perfect culmination of my favorite musical stuff. I still feel that way! And this final song sticks the landing like none other. Perfect track!

2. Modest Mouse – ‘Edit the Sad Parts’
I love discovering music, but in many ways I’m a victim of my own sentimentality. Most of the tracks on this list are high school discoveries. This track was my go-to reply to the all-to-common question “what is your favorite song” in high school. And yet, if you were to ask me why, I’m not sure I could explain it! Modest Mouse is still my favorite band (I have the tattoo to prove it), but I love dozens of their songs. It doesn’t have the best riffs (that would go to ‘Broke’ or ‘Talking Shit About A Pretty Sunset’) or lyrics (that’s ‘Bankrupt on Selling’). But I do think it’s the perfect snapshot of what I’d consider a perfect band. To me, this is the most “Modest Mouse” sounding song at all. Slightly emo, scrappy, full of youthful energy, it’s the perfect song to blast out of the car window on a visit to your hometown.

3. Cap’n Jazz – ‘Ooh Do I Love You’ (Acoustic)
When I was in high school, I discovered 90’s indie rock greats like Pavement, Built to Spill and Guided By Voices. My mind was blown (obviously). And then a few years passed. Nothing was scratching the same itch! Modern emo felt too whiny (though I still loved it at the time), indie rock was too produced and bombastic. Hardcore/punk was too angsty and angry for me. I wasn’t really pissed off, mostly anxious and lonely! Indie music in general was grandiose and trying really really hard. Stark contrast to the 90’s era. Fans of Cap’n Jazz can tell where I’m headed with this. A band of high school students, a single poorly recorded anthology record. Bursting with heart, full of beautiful imperfections and esoteric lyricism. And that’s all laid bare on the acoustic version of ‘Ooh Do I Love You’. Why couldn’t all emo be like this?

4. The Radio Dept – ‘Lost and Found’
Something I’m currently realizing, as I type is that every single one of these songs is an album closer. I’m not sure that’s a coincidence. Closer tracks fill the role of the final chapter of a good book, tying up loose ends and making the artist’s intent clearer. I love full albums, and the first Radio Dept album is one of my favorites of all time. I think this is the most beautiful track on it. I can’t think of another track that layers instrumentation to create such a gorgeous soundscape. The lyrics are sad but hopeful, lonely and sentimental. It’s really one of the most therapeutic songs for me.

5. Brave Little Abacus – ‘Orange Blue With Stripes’
This song is really lightning in a bottle to me. The songwriting process for that whole record feels elusive and mysterious, like the songs emerged fully formed out of the ether. How in the world is there lyrical interplay between the vocals and pre-recorded samples from Malcolm in the Middle? Do the repeating lyrical motifs mean anything? Typically, I’m not one to overanalyze a metaphor, I certainly have my fair share of abstraction in lyricism. However, something about the writing on this record begs to be interpreted. And I hope it never is! The mystery is so much more fun. And all of those unresolved melodies and lyrics culminate in ‘Orange, Blue With Stripes’. It was a really special song to me as a teenager, and only became more special at my final show in Boston before I moved. Thanks, Adam.

Thanks to Dylan for sharing their favourites with us!

Listen to bedbug’s latest single ‘halo on the interstate’ below

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Photo Credit: Dustin J Watson

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