PLAYLIST: September 2023

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another eclectic mix of indie & alternative tunes, grunge and shoegaze anthems, post punk and Riot Grrrl bangers, alt-pop and R&B gems and experimental electronic 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.

 

Whitelands – ‘The Prophet & I’
The latest single from London band Whitelands, ‘The Prophet and I’ is based around the philosophical book, The Prophet, by Lebanese-American author Kahlil Gibran. A beautifully woozy soundscape, it flows with fuzzy hooks and shimmering harmonies; oozing all the dreamy, shoegaze-inspired vibes. (Mari Lane – Managing Editor)

NewDad – ‘Angel’
Taken from their upcoming debut album, Madra, which is set for release on 26th January 2024 via Fair Youth/Atlantic Records, this track from Galway alt-rock four piece NewDad is inspired by the destructive relationship between characters Rue and Jules in hit TV show Euphoria. It’s a magnetic, heady guitar tune that’s been swirling around my skull since I first heard it. (Kate Crudgington – Features Editor)

Coolgirl – ‘High Altar’
Taken from her upcoming EP, Failed Reboot, which is set for release on 8th November via VETA Records, this Coolgirl track is a hypnotic blend of synths, intriguing samples and atmospheric beats. GIHE fans will recognise Coolgirl aka Lizzie Fitzpatrick as the front person of grunge trio Bitch Falcon, but under her new solo moniker she uses electronics to create vivid, sometimes ambient, sometimes upbeat soundscapes. (KC)

Maria Uzor – ‘Sometimes They Look At You’
Maria Uzor consistently delivers with her amazing electronic soundscapes, and ‘Sometimes They Look At You’ is no exception. It’s taken from her upcoming debut album, SOFT CUTS, which is set for release on 13th October via Castles In space. Come to her album launch at The Windmill in Brixton on the 18th October, we’ll all be there!
(Tash Walker – Digital Editor)

Tirzah – ‘F22’
‘F22’ is taken from Tirzah’s recently released new album, trip9love…???, produced by Micah Levi. It’s a stripped back sonic sound-bath of distortion, off-key haunting piano and drum machines. Get listening. (TW)

1000 Beasts & Tomike – ‘Cherry Delight’
The latest release from Cork-based producer 1000 Beasts and London-based Irish artist Tomike! Some low-key neo soul, filled with rich jazz harmony – just lovely. (TW)

DEBBY FRIDAY – ‘let u in’
Polaris Music Prize-winning artist DEBBY FRIDAY has dropped this drum & bass-tinged pop banger. It follows on from her acclaimed debut album, GOOD LUCK, which she released via Sub Pop earlier this year. DEBBY FRIDAY will be touring the UK in November, playing a show at Thirdman Records in London on Friday 10th November, and she’ll be performing at The Roundhouse for Pitchfork Music Festival on Saturday 11th November. (KC)

Amaroun – ‘Pussy Whine’
London-based alt-R&B artist Amaroun releases her new EP, Dopamine, today (29th Sept), and this track is a definite highlight. Speaking about ‘Pussy Whine’, Amaroun explains: “I want to fly the flag for sexual freedom, especially for black and queer people that have heavily felt the impact of oppression forcing you to repress your instinctual self. I find the word an empowering way of claiming my right to pleasure and sexual expression. Lyrically, it’s about that moment when you meet someone that you then can’t stop thinking about, and the thrill of the chase! ” (KC)

Rainy Miller and Space Afrika ft. Mica Levi – ‘Maybe Time To Lay Down The Arms’
This track is absolutely mesmerising. ‘Maybe Time To Lay Down The Arms’ is the first single I’ve heard coming out of this amazing collaboration, with more set to be released on 16th November. I can’t wait. (TW)

Gabriel Gifford ft. Aphty Khéa – ‘Voice From The Wind’
I love this collaboration between Berlin-based producer Gabriel Gifford and Greek-born artist Aphty Khéa. Featured on Gifford’s upcoming concept mini-album, Hailstone King, which explores themes of grief, masculinity, mental health, identity and legacy through the story of a mythical king, this track is described as an experimental anthem that tackles queerphobic attitudes. Sung in their native Greek language, Aphty Khéa’s potent voice compliments Gifford’s deconstructed club beats so well. (KC)

Hinako Omori – ‘ember’
This is the latest single from London-based artist and composer Hinako Omori. Taken from her upcoming album, stillness, softness…, which is set for release via Houndstooth on 27th October, ’ember’ is an uplifting sonic delight that encourages listeners to let go of the past and relinquish feelings of doubt. I’m looking forward to hearing it live when Hinako plays at London’s ICA on 2nd December. (KC)

AVR – ‘A Closer Touch, A Plan Of Art’
Berlin-based artist AVR (formerly known as ANNA VR) played live for us at Notting Hill Arts Club a few years ago and she was wonderful. ‘A Closer Touch, A Plan Of Art’ is her latest single, and she’s preparing to release more new music later this year, so keep an eye out for announcements from her in the near future. (KC)

Clementine Valentine – ‘Selenelion’
Formally known as Purple Pilgrims, but now going by their birth names, New Zealand duo Clementine Valentine have just released a beautiful new album. Taken from the album, ‘Selenelion’ glistens with an enchanting folk-strewn majesty as its swirling, other-worldly grace immerses you completely. The Coin That Broke The Fountain Floor, the new album from Clementine Valentine, is out now via Flying Nun. (ML)

Bas Jan – ‘No More Swamp’
The latest single from London collective Bas Jan, ‘No More Swamp’ reflects on how the band’s lives have changed over the years, with shifting priorities and responsibilities. Showcasing the band’s trademark quirky energy and perceptive songwriting ability, it interweaves shimmering instrumentation to create a wonderfully danceable cacophony. (ML)

tall child – ‘Damaged’
tall child, formerly known as ZHA Gandhi and previously associated with projects like Buggs and Luce Rushton (fka TV Room), has now released their debut single ‘Damaged’. An “introspective exploration of a turbulent parent-child relationship”, it’s propelled by a stirring emotion, showcasing their soulful vocals with a captivating allure. With a shimmering ethereal musicality, it’s a beautifully cathartic ballad. (ML)

Touch Excellent – ‘Couch Song’
This is a very cute tune from Dublin pop punks Touch Excellent. Full of dreamy vocals, relatable lyrics and melodic riffs, ‘Couch Song’ is a buoyant musing on introversion and attraction at house parties, and how these dueling states play out in a crowded room. (KC)

Becca Mancari ft. Julien Baker – ‘Over and Over’
Having received acclaim from the likes of the New York Times and queer publication them, and collaborated with big names such as Hayley Williams (Paramore) and Julien Baker (boygenius), Nashville artist Becca Mancari has just released their latest album, Left Hand. Rippling throughout with a beautifully heartfelt emotion and twinkling musicality, it offers a dreamy and gently empowering reflection on queer identities and our relation to the natural world; a shimmering and relatable ode to being your true self. Read our recent interview with Becca Mancari here. (ML)

Small Crush – ‘Rumblin Tummy’
The latest single from Californian band Small Crush, ‘Rumblin Tummy’ offers a fresh perspective on 2019’s similarly named ‘Tummy Rumblin’. Oozing luscious scuzzy vibes and a twinkling uplifting energy, it’s a shimmering slice of dreamy surf-pop, reflecting on “staying in love and getting butterflies in your stomach no matter how long it’s been.”
I’m a big fan of Small Crush’s cute sounds and have been really enjoying their new album, Penelope, which is out now via Asian Man Records. (ML)

dethcaps – ‘Nightstand’
This is the debut single from non-binary indie grunge band dethcaps (great name). It’s inspired by the feeling of pure infatuation when you first start falling in love with someone, underscored by a buoyant melody and heartfelt lyrics. (KC)

Brenda – ‘Pigs’
It was so fun to chat to Litty from Brenda on our recent Soho Radio show. I love this track which is full of rage, taken from their self-titled debut album which is epic! You can listen back to my conversation with Litty on our GIHE takeover of the Morning Glory Show on Soho Radio here. (TW)

Problem Patterns – ‘Lesbo 3000 / Poverty Tourist’
What a TREAT we have for you here – a double dose of pure punk bangers from GIHE faves, Belfast Riot Grrrls Problem Patterns. On ‘Lesbo 3000’, drummer Beth takes the lead on vocals, shouting back at homophobes and screaming her lungs out. On ‘Poverty Tourist’, bassist/vocalist Ciara and vocalist/guitarist Alanah take turns to call out the appropriation of working class culture in the music industry and further afield. Both tracks are taken from Problem Patterns’ upcoming debut album, Blouse Club, which is set for release on 27th October via Alcopop Records. The band will be headlining for us at Sebright Arms on 17th November – tickets are on DICE now. (KC)

SPRINTS – ‘Up And Comer’
This riotous single from Dublin rockers SPRINTS is taken from their debut album, Letter To Self, set for release on 5th Jan 2024 via City Slang. The band have been going from strength to strength since Mari & I saw them them live at the Women’s Work Showcase in Belfast last year. If you like what you hear, you can catch them playing at The Dome in Tuffnell Park here in London on 4th October. (KC)

Projector – ‘And Now The End’
Brighton trio Projector continue to evolve their sound with this latest single ‘And Now The End’. Written as a response to a breakup scenario, but also inspired by the general state of chaos that we currently live in, the track ricochets between spite, apathy and a need for resolution. ‘And Now The End’ is accompanied by a beautifully shot video that you can watch here. (KC)

HotWax – ‘Phone Machine’
Hastings trio HotWax are fast becoming firm favourites here at GIHE. Full of their trademark riotous vocals and tenacious riffs, this single is taken from their upcoming EP, Invite, Me Kindly, which is set for release on 18th October. (KC)

Venus Grrrls – ‘Liar Liar’
The latest single from Leeds rockers Venus Grrrls, ‘Liar Liar’ incites the listener to reclaim their autonomy and rediscover their worth. Propelled by a seething energy and fierce, impassioned drive, it’s a perfectly riotous anthem proving this band to be a true force to be reckoned with. (ML)

Comic Sans – ‘Winter in Sokcho’
Written and inspired through tarot readings, queer experience and healing, and quest to be your true queer self, ‘Winter In Sokcho’ is the latest single from London band Comic Sans. Building with an eerie splendour and gritty allure to a dark rock anthem, it offers fierce hooks and tension-building beats, as the sweeping power of the majestic vocals takes hold. (ML)

The Vanity Project – ‘Eureka’
London-based self described “queer-freak-pop” Flora Jackson and Rob Paterson aka The Vanity Project, pride themselves on creating swirling chaotic soundscapes, interweaving multiple genres and techniques. Latest single ‘Eureka!‘ reflects on the daily grind of the 9 to 5, and the dangers of capitalism in a wonderfully wacky blast of empowering riotous energy and sparkling musicality. The Vanity Project’s debut album, We Should Never Have Come Here, is released today (29th Sept), and you can catch them live tonight at The Cavendish Arms in Stockwell to celebrate! (ML)

NESS NÖST – ‘MAID 4 U’
I love this lead single taken from NESS NÖST’s debut EP, Working Hours, which is out now. It delves into the challenges women in the service industry face, battling misogyny, self-sabotage and pursuit of dreams all wrapped up in an acoustic-pop sound. (TW)

Charlotte Carpenter – ‘You’re My Reason Why’
Described as a “dystopian gay love story’, this latest single from Midlands artist Charlotte Carpenter reflects on her fond memories of spending time with her wife in a tiny cottage during lockdown: “I can honestly say, they were some of my favourite times together. It put so much into perspective for me. I had stripped away all of those routines and expectations, and I found what I truly valued in life, which is love and time.” I just love the track’s lilting musicality, with its heartfelt twinkling emotion, it oozes a stirring grace and comforting warmth. Charlotte Carpenter’s debut album, A Modern Rage, is out on 6th October. (ML)

Anna Pancaldi – ‘Stay This Way’
Exploring the complexities of loss when it’s entangled with childhood, this latest single from London artist Anna Pancaldi offers a beautifully poignant ode to nostalgia. Shimmering with Pancaldi’s soaring rich vocals and an emotion-strewn splendour. Catch Anna Pancaldi live at The Waiting Room on 20th October. (ML)

Maria BC – ‘Still’
Newly signed to Sacred Bones, this track from Maria BC is a gentle, evocative blend of their poetic lyrics and clear vocals, accompanied by a piano motif that they composed at the tender age of sixteen. ‘Still’ is lifted from Maria BC’s upcoming album, Spike Field, which is set for release on 20th October. (KC)

Chelsea Wolfe – ‘Dusk’
Freshly signed to Loma Vista Records, this is the latest offering from the marvelously macabre Chelsea Wolfe. ‘Dusk’ is a smouldering, gritty “mythical love song” that effortlessly showcases her potent vocals. I can’t wait to hear more of her new music in the near future. (KC)

Gazelle Twin – ‘Black Dog’
New to the INVADA Records roster, this is the latest single from GIHE favourite Elizabeth Bernholz aka Gazelle Twin. Alicia from NYX Drone choir described ‘Black Dog’ as “the soundtrack to my insomnia” when we interviewed them on our recent Soho Radio show, and I couldn’t agree more. Full of Bernholz’s trademark eerie electronics and shadowy sounds, it’s a cell-tingling exploration of what haunts us in life’s darker moments. I can’t wait to hear Gazelle Twin’s new album, also titled Black Dog, when it’s released on 27th October. It’s going to sound superb when it’s ricocheting off the walls of majestic London venue Bush Hall when she performs it live on 10th November. (KC)

Hilary Woods – ‘Where The Bough Has Broken’
A hypnotic instrumental inspired by a deep love for Dublin City, I’m fascinated by this new release from Irish artist Hilary Woods. Lifted from her upcoming album, Acts Of Light, which is due on 3rd November via one of my favourite record labels Sacred Bones, ‘Where The Bough Has Broken’ is an atmospheric ode to communal growth and memory, with an accompanying video that pays homage to the seemingly minor moments that play a role in creating these things. (KC)

Yay Maria – ‘L’Appel Du Vide’
The latest single from trangender artist Yay Maria, ‘L’Appel Du Vide’ marks the upcoming release of her new EP, Suburbia, which is out on 20th October via I’m Not From London. Self-described as “queer pop music for feelz and boogying”, the new EP offers a celebration of trans joy, with the mission of combating the all-too-frequent negative narrative the media presents us with. I just love the twinkling energy and swirling, ethereal grace of the soundscapes Yay Maria creates. This single ‘L’Appel Du Vide’ is accompanied by a “fully animated extravaganza” of a new video – check it out here. (ML)

 

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Introducing Interview: flora

At just 19, flora has been creating music and writing songs for many years and – with acclaim from the likes of BBC Introducing already under her belt – she’s now excited to be releasing her debut EP later this year. Latest single ‘Easy’ offers a taster into her glitchy alt-pop soundscapes and rich, soulful vocals; showcasing the impassioned drive and glistening allure behind each heartfelt offering.

We caught up with flora to find out about her inspirations, nerves around live shows, being a new artist in the industry today, and more. Have a read, and listen to ‘Easy‘ now!

Hi Flora! Welcome to Get In Her Ears! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hey! Thank you so much for having me! So yeah, I’m flora – I’m 19 and I’m a singer-songwriter with a love for all creative things!

Are you able to tell us a bit about how you initially started creating music?
Music is something I’ve been around constantly, but it wasn’t until I was 12 that I realised I could be writing my own songs. For me, the thing that sparked that love was the idea that I could take all these feelings I was struggling to process and write a song about them. It started off as an outlet for me, and from that I realised that maybe they could help others that feel the way I do.

I really love your soulful emotion-strewn pop sounds, but who would you consider to be your main musical influences?
My musical influences have changed drastically over my time creating music! When I first got started, Lily Allen and Amy Winehouse were at the top of my list, but since then I’ve found myself drawn to artists like Dodie, Billie Marten and TV Girl.

Having been performing and playing instruments such as the ukulele from such a young age, what would you say you’ve learnt about songwriting and the industry over the years?
 It’s hard to say because from my time making music, I’ve only really recently been around the industry. But, from my experience so far, I’d say I’ve learnt to stay true to yourself with your writing; it’s easy to change your message for the sake of catering to what’s popular at the time, but if you want to build up a fan base that really connects to you, you have to mean what you say. And, in an industry with as many competitors as there are, you have to establish yourself and build up, not be constantly fluctuating to find a gap.

You’re set to release your upcoming new EP later this year,  which is very exciting – congratulations! Are you able to tell us a bit about it? Are there any particular themes running throughout it?
I’m super excited about the upcoming EP (although I will say I’m not set on the name yet!). It’s so cool to finally be releasing a body of music for people to hear, and hopefully relate to. I can’t say much for now, but what I can say is it’s raw and honest about how I’ve been feeling over the recent past, and I’m really looking forward to its release!

You’ve played a lot of live shows at esteemed London venues such as Union Chapel and The Victoria recently, but is there a particular gig you’ve played that stands out as a highlight?
Honestly my most memorable gig is one from around four years ago. It was my first time at London Pride and I had the privilege to perform on the main stage at Trafalgar Square with a dear friend from the time. I’m appreciative of all the gigs I’ve been able to play, but there’s something to be said about singing a song for people, and knowing that a lot of them feel it’s meaning as deeply as you do – it’s a feeling I won’t soon forget. 

What can fans expect from your live shows? And do you have any tips for anyone who may experience pre-gig nerves?
If you come and see one of my shows, expect to see someone who can’t cover up every blip! There’s a reason I write songs, and I’m not a public speaker… But I can promise a performance where you’ll see the real me, and that me is someone who wants to share their work, and talk about their journey through music and creation. If I could say one thing to people who’ve just started gigging and have nerves about it: use those nerves. Don’t shut them out, embrace them and turn them into something. Because those nerves don’t really go away, you just get better at identifying them and getting through.

How do you feel the industry is for new artists at the moment? And do you feel much has changed over the last few years in its treatment of female/gender non-conforming and queer artists?
Being in the industry is hard, there’s no other way to say it. When you don’t have a consistent fan base built up already, you have to constantly push to be heard, and it can often be disheartening. But, like most things, if it’s something you want to achieve, you have to keep positive and keep pushing. I think recently it’s been easier for female and gender non-conforming artists to push through than in the past, and I think that’s amazing. But I do worry that a certain amount is because it’s being spoken about at this minute. I hope that, even as the conversation drifts to the next topic, the door will continue to stay open to those who want to make music and be heard! 

As we’re a new music focused site, are there any other upcoming artists you’re loving right now that you’d recommend we check out?
Through my journey so far I’ve met a lot of talented upcoming artists, and I highly recommend you give them a listen, honestly there’s too many to name! But a few that come to mind right now are: Frances Mistry (@francesmistrymusic), Jack David (@jackdavidmusic), LENNY (@lennyoxz), Cutflowers (@cutflowersband) and Pippa (@pippa.burnett)

 Finally, what does the rest of 2023 have in store for you?
The rest of 2023 will see the completion of my EP recording, and a couple of cool collaborations, as well as gigs, gigs and more gigs! The plan is to keep going with my music, put in the work and see where I end up.

Massive thanks to flora for answering our questions, listen to ‘Easy‘ now and keep your eyes peeled for news on her upcoming debut EP!

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LISTEN: GIHE x Morning Glory takeover on Soho Radio ft. NYX Drone Choir and Brenda (21.09.23)

Tash and Kate were back on Soho Radio’s airwaves for a second time this month, taking over their Morning Glory show – LIVE from the studio! They played an eclectic mix of new music from some of their favourite female, non-binary and LGBTQIA+ artists and Mari offered some of her “musical musings” too. The pair also had a “spotlight” section dedicated to tunes from bands and artists who have been a part of the GIHE journey from the early years, featuring ARXX, Big Joanie, Nova Twins, Problem Patterns, Fraulein and Maria Uzor.

There were two guests on the three hour takeover show. In the first half, Tash played her chat with Glasgow newcomer Litty, who fronts Brenda. Litty spoke about the inspiration for the band’s recent single ‘Pigs Pigs Pigs’ and shared many funny anecdotes about how they originally came together to form Brenda.

In the second half of the show, Alicia and Philippa from the NYX electronic drone choir came into the studio to chat live on air. They spoke to Kate and Tash about their collaborative album Deep England, their contribution to the Diablo IV video game soundtrack, and the instinctive ways in which they use technology to enhance the power of the human voice. They also set aside plenty of time to fangirl over Gazelle Twin too.

Listen back to the show below:

 

We’ll be back on Soho Radio on Monday 16th October from 12-2pm!

Tracklist
Jackie Shane – Sticks and Stones
Rainy Miller ft. Mica Levi – Maybe Time To Lay Down The Arms
1000 Beasts & Tomike – Cherry Delight
Midwife ft. Nyxy Nyx – it’s okay 2 lie 2 me
NewDad – Angel
Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra – Empty Envelope
Baby Rose – Stop the Bleeding
Mitski – my love mine all mine
Brenda – Pigs
**Interview with Litty from Brenda**
Erasure – I Want To Be With You
Bee Asha – Shy Guy
Baby Cool – The Sea (Qubuz Track Of The Day)
Afromerm – held
Nova Twins – Choose Your Fighter
Problem Patterns – Lesbo 3000
Problem Patterns – Poverty Tourist
ARXX – Ride Or Die
Fraulein – Big Cool
Big Joanie – Fall Asleep
Maria Uzor – Sometimes They Look At You
CIRCE – Riot Of Sunlight
AVR – A Closer Touch, A Plan Of Art
Trouble Wanted – Lonely Cowgirl
CMAT – Stay For Something
SPRINTS – Up And Comer
Hot Wax – Phone Machine
Lauren Auder – The Ripple
Gazelle Twin & NYX Drone Choir – Deep England
**Interview with Alicia and Philippa from NYX Drone Choir**
Gazelle Twin – Black Dog
TSHA ft. Ell Murphy – Bloom
Yay Maria – L’Appel Du Vide
Small Crush – Rumblin’ Tummy
Panic Pocket – Get Me
The Vanity Project – Eureka!
Julia-Sophie – dial your number
And Is Phi – Double Pink
Scrounge – Starve
O Hell – I Watch The Women
Noga Erez – NAILS

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Introducing Interview: Becca Mancari

Having received acclaim from the likes of the New York Times and queer publication them, and collaborated with big names such as Hayley Williams (Paramore) and Julien Baker (boygenius), Nashville artist Becca Mancari has just released their latest album, Left Hand. Rippling throughout with a beautifully heartfelt emotion and twinkling musicality, it offers a dreamy and gently empowering reflection on queer identities and our relation to the natural world; a shimmering and relatable ode to being your true self.

We caught up with Becca to discuss their new album, processing past trauma, being a queer artist today, and more. Have read below, and make sure you check out the exquisite new album!

Hi Becca, and welcome to Get In Her Ears! Are you able to tell us a bit about how you initially started creating music?
I actually started at a very young age! I felt safe when I was making music, and I always loved how the act of writing music helped me really feel connected to myself. I had so much fear as a young kid, and this helped me not feel alone! 

I really love your dreamy, twinkling musicality and emotion-rich vocals, but who would you consider to be your main musical influences?
I think the emotional music came from listening to Sharon van Etten, and then I also used to listen to mewithoutyou, and they helped me explore my religious trauma. 

And how much would you say your religious upbringing feeds into what you now create? 
I think that it really helps me see how it matters to find your own way, and to not be in a group think. The good parts that I received from my upbringing though were that I learned how to really be around so many different kinds of people. I learned how to love myself, with or without the love of religious people, and I am thankful for the chance to grow even deeper in love with the world around me! I fought for that hard! 

You’ve recently released your new album Left Hand,  which is very exciting -congratulations! It seems to reflect a lot on your childhood and family, are you able to explain a bit more about this?
I only started to fully process all of what happened to me as a kid recently, but it’s so important for me to keep healing and being in therapy! I started therapy in late 2020 and it was the first time that I had ever been in it, and it really did save my life. But for me, I process my feelings through music – I finally do feel like this is my last record about the past, and I am really looking forward to what’s next. 

And you also seem to draw inspiration from the natural world in your writing – how does this normally come about, and how do you feel it links to the emotions you’re expressing throughout the album? 
I grew up in a tiny town with only about 800 hundred people, so nature was such a big part of my childhood. I feel like I get physically sick and definitely emotionally unwell if I am not in nature.  So, I really wanted to honour what nature does for us all on this record, and also talk about how important it is for us to protect her!

It seems like you went through quite a difficult time after the release of your last record (The Greatest Part, 2020), was the process of creating this latest record a cathartic process for you? It certainly seems to emanate some really comforting uplifting energy and queer joy! 
Yes, this record really did bring me to the next level of self love and self acceptance! It’s been a really long journey for me in this way, and I am so glad that you feel the queer joy on this album! I make music for everyone, but especially the queer community! 

After initially starting the studio session to record the album with a producer, you then made the decision to produce the album yourself. What lead to this decision? And how was the process for you?
The process with that other producer was so terrible that I left it feeling like I needed to make a change to really start learning how to produce on my own! And thankfully my longest collaborator and dear friend Juan Solorzano was ready and able to co-produce the record with me, and it ended up being a record that really changed my life. I was on a path that was not really the right one, and by making this record myself I really feel like it changed the whole course of my life. 

You’ve collaborated with various other artists on the album (including personal favourite Julien Baker!). How did you decide on who to work with for the album? And how did the collaborative process go? 
So, living in Nashville for so long it was just a natural thing to make friends with other artists, and I feel so lucky to be able to collaborate with them on their music as well! We just end up working together because it’s fun and easy. With Julien, I knew that she was getting into engineering, and so I was like hey “Jb, do you want to engineer your own vocals?”, and she was just super down for it!   

You’ve played a lot of exciting live shows over the last few years, including one with Hayley Williams (Paramore) in Madison Square Garden, and sharing a stage with the likes of Sheryl Crow and Brittany Howard at Nashville’s LGBTQ+ benefit Love Rising. How were these experiences for you? And is there a particular show you’ve played throughout your career that stands out as a highlight?
I really appreciated Hayley asking me to do the Love Rising show because that show really meant so much to me and the community that I am in. It’s always really nerve-racking to be asked to play someone’s music with them because you want to make sure that you do it well, but H is just one of the best people I know, and has always made me feel seen and supported! 

As a queer person making music today, how do you feel the industry is for new artists at the moment? And do you feel much has changed over the last few years in its treatment of gender non-conforming and LGBTQ+ artists? 
I do think that there are way more opportunities for us than there were, but it’s STILL such a struggle and the industry is still geared to cis straight white people. So, my true hope is that the industry changes completely from the ground up! As queer people we are still fighting for our lives, and so I really hope we are not only respected for our music, but also that our lives are protected.

As we’re a new music focused site, are there any other upcoming artists you’re loving right now that you’d recommend we check out?
Bloomsday! They are a great non-binary queer band out of Brooklyn, and they are opening a bunch of dates for me! 

Finally, what does the rest of 2023 have in store for you? 
Tonnes of touring all over the United States, and then making a plan to come to the UK and EU early next year!

Huge thanks to Becca for answering our questions! We can’t wait for them to come over to the UK sometime soon!

Left Hand, the new album from Becca Mancari, is out now via Captured Tracks. Listen / order here.

Photo Credit: Sophia Matinazad

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