Video Premiere: pink suits – ‘Refuse The Rules’

If you’re at all familiar with pink suits, you’ll recognise their unique energy in every element of their new music video for ‘Refuse The Rules‘, the first taste we’ve had of their upcoming second album, Dystopian Hellscape. The whole video drips with their signature style and unapologetic passion.

The video takes place entirely within a two cubicle toilet, wallpapered with newspaper pages. The logos of The S*n and Metro (owned by The Daily Mail Group) leap out at you. An article about gender self-ID “fears” is placed right in the centre of the shot. Before the music even begins, you’re presented with instant commentary about the quality of contemporary journalism – rampant media bias and the painfully uncritical approach to publishing political agendas in the modern press.

‘Refuse The Rules’ is not a long or complicated song. It hones in on its point perfectly. Boiling down the tiresomely endless hours of identity debate into a concise song that barely breaks 100 seconds in length, it is short and sharp, instantly cementing pink suits as expert creators of today’s punk anthems.

With just the opening line – “Our existence doesn’t threaten your existence” – the song immediately highlights the most draining elements of the whole debate. It calls out the hypocrisy of anyone actively threatening another person over their identity, which wouldn’t have any impact at all on other people’s lives if they didn’t choose to stick their oar in. At a time when human lives are under threat every day from war / climate change / poverty / homelessness, even in the wealthiest countries on the planet, this track points out just how ridiculous it is to waste your energy being bigoted. 

The delivery of every line is sharp and urgent, a scream that evokes all the pain, frustration and fear underlying the song’s message, roared over a foundation of aggressive drums and shrieking guitar riffs. The track is packed with earworms that capture the rage effortlessly.

Despite the darkness that necessitates this kind of commentary, ‘Refuse The Rules’ is ultimately uplifting in its defiance – “We refuse the rules. We refuse to bow.” It’s a rejection of conformity and of the hypocrisy of those who manage to conveniently ignore all the real problems in this dystopian hellscape of the modern world to take issue with another human being’s self expression. It’s a riotous call to action for anyone who needs a little extra motivation to embrace their true selves. 

Completely created by pink suits themselves, this new video captures the raging energy of ‘Refuse The Rules’ perfectly. Watch, for the first time, here:

Produced by Halo Halo studio in Margate, ‘Refuse The Rules’ is out now, ahead of pink suits’ second album – Dystopian Hellscape – which is set for release in Spring 2024. But keep you ears and eyes peeled for more teasers in the meantime!

Kirstie Summers
@ActuallyKurt

Photo Credit: Stephen Daly Photography / @stephendalyphotography

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LISTEN: GIHE on Soho Radio with afromerm (13.11.23)

Tash and Kate were back on Soho Radio’s airwaves playing loads of new music from some of their favourite female, non-binary and LGBTQIA+ artists! Mari offered some of her “musical musings” too. Artists featured on the eclectic playlist included Planningtorock, body/negative, Fraulein, HotWax, paun, LipGloss, Sheherazaad, Dermabrasion, deep tan, Seraphina Simone, Sandunes, Vyva Melinkolya and more.

South London-based sound artist and GIHE fave afromerm also came into the studio to chat about winning an Oram Award – an award which celebrates Women, Trans, Non-Binary and Gender Expansive artists who are pushing the envelope of creativity in sound, music and related technology. She also spoke about her work as part of the NYX Drone Choir and the innovative motion-sensitive instrument she created for her undergraduate project called ‘Juniper’.

You can catch afromerm performing live at the Oram Awards Ceremony at Kings Place in London on 19th November. Tickets are free, but you need to register.

Listen back to the show below:

We’ll be back on Soho Radio on Monday 11th December from 12-2pm!
 Make sure you tune in via www.sohoradiolondon.com

Tracklist
Planningtorock – Transome
Personnel – Her City I Was After
ALYSS – Hydra
Sandunes – Feel Me From The Inside
Holysseus Fly – Bloom
body / negative ft. Midwife – everett
LipGloss – Anna (Walks Along The Street)
Chelsea Wolfe – Whispers In The Echo Chamber
Fraulein – The Last Drop
HotWax – High Tea
deep tan – xenomorph queen
NESS NOST – The Regular
Saff Juno – 5 O’clock Sun
Maple Glider – Don’t Kiss Me
paun – Double Standard
Mary Lovett – Tambor
afromerm – held
**Interview with afromerm**
Laura Misch – Sax Rise
Hilary Woods – Burial Rites
Seraphina Simone – Liverpool
Sheherazaad – Mashoor
Dermabrasion – Halberdier
Gross Misconduct – All My Fine Fabrics
A Lot, Not Too Much – Runnin’
Vyva Melinkolya, Midwife – Doomer GF Song
Gazelle Twin – Fear Keeps Us Alive
Queen Latifah – U.N.I.T.Y.

Kate Crudgington1 Comment

Boudica Music Conference to take place at FOLD in London on 25th November

Founded in 2019 by Samantha Togni, Boudica is a multidisciplinary platform designed to spotlight and support female, trans+ and non-binary people in music. The Boudica Music Conference began in 2020, with previous editions being held at Freemasons’ Hall in London, and at the Museum of Modern Art Bologna (MAMbo).

This year, the conference will take place on 25th November at FOLD, an epicentre of the queer music scene in London. The line up includes Planningtorock, industry experts from Black Artist Database, Southbank Centre, FOLD, DJ Mag, Notting Hill Carnival, BMG, Pxssy Palace and many more.

The conference will take place across a full day and night. Panels will run throughout the day, including industry professionals such NIKS (B.A.D), Planningtorock, Nadine Noor (Pxssy Palace), Adem Holness (Southbank Centre), and Lasha Jorjoliani (FOLD Co-Founder), speaking on topics to support a brighter future in electronic music. Alongside the panels, there will also be a one-to-one Mentorship Hub and a DJ Workshop in collaboration with Pioneer DJ.

These day events will be followed by an after sunset party at FOLD with DJ sets from Blasha & Allatt, LYDO, Lovecat, Samantha Togni and Swan Meat.

Day tickets are available here. Night tickets are available here.

Read below for more information on the full programme of the day-time panel events.

PANEL 1 – BUILDING A SUPPORTIVE WORLD WITHIN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY FOR TRANS+, NON-BINARY AND FEMALE-IDENTIFYING INDIVIDUALS

Host: Vanessa Maria
Panelists: Jaye Ward (DJ), June Lam, Max Blue Churchill (The TCC), Nadine Noor (Pxssy Palace)

In The Jaguar Foundation’s groundbreaking report on gender representation in UK dance music, it was unsurprisingly discovered that gender disparity within the music industry is a persistent issue. Minoritised genders are repeatedly othered, excluded and discriminated against. While there is progress being made, the music industry still has a long way to go in achieving a more equitable representation and treatment of female, trans+ and non-binary individuals. In this panel, the speakers will explore the varied means by which we can build a supportive world within the music industry despite its current ecosystem.

PANEL 2 – BREAKING BARRIERS AND AMPLIFYING EACH OTHER’S VOICES: THE POWER OF COMMUNITY

Host: Steven Braines (He.She.They)
Panelists: Mandidextrous (Speed Bass/ Amen4Teko/ TNT Sound System), Lasha Jorjoliani (FOLD Co-Founder), Linett Kamala (Notting Hill Carnival / Lin Kam Art), NIKS (Black Artist Database)

In recent years, the electronic music landscape has undergone significant changes, driven in part by the widespread adoption of electronic music by Gen Z through platforms like TikTok. This transformation has piqued corporate interest and investment in the industry, leading to a reshaping of its dynamics.

Nonetheless, it is crucial to emphasise the enduring vitality of grassroots and DIY nightlife communities. These spaces have long played a vital role in amplifying the voices of marginalised individuals, demonstrating remarkable resilience and adaptability.

In this panel, the panelists unite to celebrate the strength of community-driven initiatives and explore innovative strategies to address the challenges brought about by corporate involvement. The speakers will offer insights on dismantling barriers, mutually amplifying voices, and preserving the spirit of our communities.

PANEL 3 – AMPLIFYING TRANS+ VOICES IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

Host: Āliyah Husna / THEMPRESS (Good Night Out/Riposte)
Panellists: I. JORDAN, Planningtorock, Teecra (FOLD)

In light of current circumstances and the increasingly heightened challenges faced by Trans+ individuals within the music industry, we’re announcing an emergency Trans+ panel. This initiative is a direct response to the urgent issues and adversity Trans+ people are enduring in the current climate. It’s crucial that we shine a spotlight on these concerns and engage in meaningful discussions within the music industry.

Trans+ individuals are encountering a troubling surge in hate crimes, physical assaults, and political and media scapegoating. This alarming trend demands our immediate attention and action. Music, as a potent cultural force, cannot remain indifferent to the struggles faced by its own community members.

Our panel is steadfast in providing a platform where these critical issues can be openly and constructively discussed by Trans+ people. We are committed to fostering a nurturing environment that acknowledges the unique challenges faced by Trans+ individuals and are actively seeking solutions that can be acted on.

Now more than ever it’s essential for people to become adept at addressing transphobia head-on. Equipping individuals with the language and tools to engage in these conversations is pivotal for driving change, promoting inclusivity, and firmly standing against discrimination.

By addressing these concerns within the context of music, we aim to amplify the voices of Trans+ individuals and inspire positive transformation in the industry. We invite everyone to participate in this vital conversation and collective effort to establish a safer and more inclusive music community for all.

PANEL 4 – LGBTQIA+ REPRESENTATION IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY: CHALLENGES AND TRIUMPHS

Host: TBC
Panelists: Manuka Honey (SUZIO / Woo), Rhona Ezuma (THIIIRD Magazine), Saskhia Menendez (UME/ Artist Manager/ MMF Member/ Keychange), Steven Braines (he.she.they)

Across history, the LGBTQIA+ community has always altered the music’s trajectory for the better, pioneering new sounds, genres and essential cultural movements that pave the way for positive change. Yet simultaneously, trailblazing LGBTQIA+ music industry professionals have been sidelined, as mainstream society capitalises on certain elements of the LGBTQIA+ aesthetic while disregarding aspects they consider too unconventional or politically charged. This panel will examine the multitude of experiences faced by LGBTQIA+ people working within the music industry, exploring the difficulties, successes and means by which we can make music a safer, representational and inclusive space for all identities.

PANEL 5 – WORKING TOWARDS A BRIGHTER FUTURE IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
CO-HOSTED BY MUSICIANS’ UNION

Host: John Shortell (Musicians’ Union)
Panelists: Adem Holness (Head Of Contermporary Music Southbank), Emma Wiggin (Westwick Management), Farah Syed Farah Syed (Director, Communications, amp Sound Branding / Co-Chair AFEM), Marcus Barnes (Happy Tuesdays/ The Guardian)

In recent years, the music industry has frequently highlighted the importance of ‘safe spaces,’ ‘inclusivity,’ and ‘diversity.’ However, there is often a disconnect between these ideals and their actual implementation by organisations, brands, and promoters. All too often, these concepts are used as empty buzzwords, lacking real substance and accountability, especially for marginalised communities.

In this panel, the speakers will engage in a thoughtful discussion on how we can foster welcoming workplaces, nightlife settings, and opportunities, even in the presence of systemic challenges and oppression. The aim is to explore practical ways to create genuinely supportive and accessible environments for everyone.

 

Boudica Music Conference is supported by Arts Council England, Downtown Music, Musicians’ Union, Pioneer DJ and Resident Advisor

Follow Boudica on Instagram, Facebook and bandcamp

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Five Favourites: Erica Nockalls

Having collaborated with renowned bands such as Echo and the Bunnymen and The Proclaimers, and performed at legendary venues such as The Royal Albert Hall, musician and songwriter Erica Nockalls released her innovative album Dark Music From A Warm Place back in 2021, a partnership with Parisian studio producer/artist Jean-Charles Versari. Oozing a dark ethereal splendour throughout, and showcasing Nockalls’ soaring crystalline vocals, it’s a beautifully cinematic collection, brooding with a shimmering grace and immersive musicality. And, more recently, to celebrate her September tour dates with Echo and the Bunnymen, Nockalls shared her own unique rendition of Roxy Music’s ‘In Every Dream Home A Heartache’.

We think one of the best ways to get to know an artist is by asking what music inspires them. So, to celebrate the release of ‘In Every Dream Home A Heartache’, we caught up with Erica to ask about the music that has inspired her the most. Read about her five favourite songs and watch the video for her cover of ‘In Every Dream Home A Heartache’ below!

Imogen Heap – ‘Hide and Seek’
I discovered and listened to the shit out of this track in lockdown, somewhere in between sneaking to the studio to mix my own album Dark Music From A Warm Place under the cover of nightfall, and gleefully drinking cocktails for breakfast. Imogen has penned a masterpiece here, and I would very much love to work with her one day because of this song. Her still, honest vocals, layered, creating a vast and chillingly brutal landscape of desperation, sorrow and loss. Lyrics lines effected, ebb in and out, (“Spin me round” has a Leslie effect on it, for example, which I consider to be a production stroke of genius). I enjoy hearing the stacked close harmonies and complex cluster chords, probably (definitely) because I do the same. Such a brave stance to take these days – solely using vocals as your musical ingredients, climaxing into her accompanying herself rhythmically and harmonically without any additional instrumentation. I even believe you can hear a chink of glass bottles been taken out for recycling at one point, which made me think that this evolved from a home recording (or maybe even remnants of a demo) that was lovingly coaxed and manipulated into a thing of utter beauty, but maybe I’m reading too much into it. Best line of the song? “Crop circles in the carpet”… alluding to, in my mind, imagery of recently moved large furniture, because someone just left with their possessions. Heartbreaking, and exceptional. 

Versari – ‘Brûle’
I had the honour of hearing the whole Sous la peau album by Versari, new and fresh from mastering, one warm (and admittedly decadent) evening, on the balcony of a Parisian hotel. I was instantly impressed. I was charmed by how one three piece can deliver such a thorough obliteration both sonically and viscerally; their sound took my breath away. Sung in French – at the time I didn’t understand the lyrics, but I almost didn’t need to – Jean-Charles’s vocal style is low, distinctive, seductive, and effortlessly and tastefully distressed. Now, even though I understand the lyrical content, I still feel the same when I hear this song, which led me to release a remix of it.

Devin Townsend Project – ‘Failure’
I paint a lot to the Transcendence album. I use it as a temporal yard stick – once the record has finished, it’s time to stop painting. Complex, agressive, powerful. A truth behind the personal complexities of performing. Most of us feel like a failure at times. Devin’s honest admissions here gave me the strength to consider continuing what I was doing, even if it scares the absolute shit out of you. I particularly like the drum work here delivered in this track by the epic force that is Ryan Van Poederooyen. His style is watertight yet dynamic, with a playful musicianship not often found in the metal world. Bravo.

Immaculate Fools – ‘Two to Tango’
Raymond is a special human to me. Half godfather-type-figure, half cool uncle, half mentor… (I’ve always been excellent at maths). I was in a testy place just before I moved to Spain to write my third album, ‘Dark Music From A Warm Place’ and, prior to getting my own place, I lived a short while with Ray. He would play guitar in his music room late into the night, and I would fall asleep in the next room listening to him, which was a much needed comfort to me. This track was one of the songs he was working on at the time, which in my humble (and correct) opinion is one of the greatest songs ever to have been written. It’s genius. I often think Ray’s music is a little like Bowie’s, in that they both have the ability to make music sound simple, and palatable, when it’s anything but.

Roxy Music – ‘In Every Dream Home A Heartache’ 
I remember my Mum driving me to youth orchestra rehearsals on many a friday night in her lovely old Saab. We’d sing along to the tape of For Your Pleasure, both laughing at our occasionally misheard lyrics. ‘Dream Home’ stood out to my juvenile brain. The emotional temperature of the lonesome lyrics spoke to me. Despite sounding so serious, Mum told me it was about a blow-up doll, and… on paper, that does sound like a joke, right? I was happily perplexed. And I liked the album artwork. I loved this song so much. Electing to cover and release it recently was one of my better ideas!

Massive thanks to Erica for sharing her Five Favourites with us! Watch the stirring video for her rendition of Roxy Music’s ‘In Every Dream Home A Heartache’ below:

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