Introducing Interview: Ch’Lu

Having received acclaim from the likes of BBC 6Music’s Chris Hawkins, and with her music featured on the award-winning Unreported World TV Series, British-Romanian artist Ch’Lu is now set to release her new album this Summer. Ahead of the album’s release she’s recently shared her witty, yet poignant, insight into online dating with ‘I’m Not The Type To Sit And Swipe‘ – showcasing her ability to layer twinkling musicality alongside her celestial vocals, creating immersive ethereal soundscapes.

We caught up with Ch’Lu to find out more about what inspires her, her experience of the music industry and her upcoming plans… Have a read and watch the video for ‘I’m Not The Type To Sit and Swipe’ below!

Hi Ch’Lu! Welcome to Get In Her Ears! Can you tell us a bit about yourself? 
So, I’m Ch’Lu. A British/Romanian multi-lingual classical guitarist, singer, actress and ninja. My ethereal harmonies, conscious lyrics and guitar arpeggiation are the foundation to my signature Cosmic Chanson meets Fairy Folktronica sound. Taking you on a conscious and entertaining journey, blending the ancient with the voice of the Zeitgeist. So far my work (some under Camilla Mathias) has spanned thirteen languages, varying from performing live for BBC6 Music (with Chris Hawkins describing as “a beautiful, captivating and delicious chanteuse“), providing guitar for the award-winning Unreported World TV series, composing and performing my songs in the new London stage adaptation of Lorca’s Blood Wedding, and having my Romanian-Language track ‘Sunt Româncâ’ selected for charity album Mitra Music For Nepal, produced by Annie Hogan (Marc Almond).

Are you able to tell us a bit about how and why you initially started creating music?
A decade ago, song-writing and meditation both gave me not only beautiful ways to heal from the sudden loss of my musician father, but rapidly also showed me I could engage and help others though the sharing of such life-experiences. It has always been clear to me that the stories that form our greatest growth are the stories we have to share. Although I trained in classical guitar and singing, I only ever used my guitar as an actress, never to perform my own music. However, in 2010 I started writing and performing my own songs, (under my birth name Camilla Mathias), mostly as a means to process the passing of my dad. Very soon I started doing gigs in French as part of the cabaret circuit in London, and then moved to Switzerland and took on the stage name Diva de la Guitare. I then lived in Spain and eventually came back to the UK, in time for Covid, during which I rebranded as Ch’Lu. Pronounced ChooLOO,  the unique Sanskrit name was conceived by my Jyotisha (The Vedic study of timing) mentor, specifically for my work as a performer. It’s all about the vibration (hence my social media handle is @ChLuVibration). This Sanskrit name activates my spiritual and creative paths, and is very much altering the shape and direction my performance work takes me

We love your eclectic art-pop sounds, but who would you say are your main musical influences?
My most common comparison is Kate Bush. And I would say she is a strong inspiration, especially her iconic ‘Wuthering Heights’. Other influences vary between Joan Baez, Bach, Villa Lobos, Madonna, Edith Piaf, Brigitte Bardot, Rodrigo y Gabriella, Manu Chao, Amanda Palmer, Agnes Obel, Max Richter, Scylla and Woodkid.

You recently released your new single ‘I’m Not The Type To Sit and Swipe’. Are you able to tell us a bit about it?
It’s a painfully honest song entering the hideous and ridiculous universe of dating apps. Everyone knows someone who has – if they have not had a go themselves – sat swiping on a phone to find love. Or to not feel alone. It’s about desperation, loneliness, and seeking validation. What happened to romance? And treating people with respect? I actually started writing the song a few years ago when I first started using Bumble and Tinder, and was recovering from surgery on a sports’ injury. Although it helped me at the time get the confidence to get out and about on crutches, I have noticed the behaviour get dramatically worse in recent years. It now seems to be the norm to match someone with no intention of writing to them, or to message non-stop but not want to actually meet. What a waste of time. It is just vile in my opinion, and this song expresses all the levels I have experienced. There are a few good-uns out there, but not enough for it to be worth the doubt and madness that comes from swiping and texting and waiting and being disappointed endlessly. It’s far better to focus on self-love and being happy with yourself.

Being based in London, do you get to see lots of live music? Would you say it’s recovered since the pandemic?
I actually move between Bucks and London, as I have my recording space in my Mum’s wonderfully remote place surrounded by woodland and hills. But I make sure I am in London regularly to get my culture fix! I need the balance of nature and silence with action and what’s happening. I would definitely not say the live music scene has recovered – there are many challenges with people not buying tickets in advance, so shows get cancelled; and audiences are smaller for gigs I’ve been to. Though music festivals I went to this summer were doing well. Touring is another issue – I used to gig a lot abroad, but with Brexit, that right now is not an option (unless you have a large-sized tour management to take on costs and admin) with all the restrictions, visa-requirements and controls on bringing merch. I am helping support the campaigning and lobbying the Musician’s Union are doing to improve the situation and a possible “Musicians’s Passport” for artists who want to play live outside the UK.

And what can fans expect from your live shows?  
I will have my first physical London show since before the pandemic this Summer, to celebrate the release of my debut album under the Ch’Lu umbrella. A Ch’Lu live show has a Campfire-meets-Kirtan-meets-Club vibe. It’s intimate, theatrical, fun and transformational. The way I blend the ancient with the voice of the Zeitgeist means you can expect lyrics in a whole range of languages, live-looped classical guitar and electronic beats, and audience engagement and relatability to make you howl. The first Ch’Lu tour (USA and Europe) is already under preparation and will be a physical version of the “Ch’Lu Campfire” streams I have been moulding online for the last 18 months. For me, the audience are very much part of the performance, and this tour is going to be designed by and for, my devoted fans. Every online show I do touches me greatly, and my followers tell me how I’ve helped get them out of bed, or through an emergency situation or given them hope… So I can’t wait to meet the fans I’ve got to know virtually on this physical fan-led tour. I feel very much that the Ch’Lu Campfire family is out there, and growing. Together we are finding where the Ch’Lu flame is heading next!

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 and queer/LGBTQ+  artists? 
It’s harder than ever in most ways to be a new artist. Technology in some ways makes it easier to reach fans, but it also presents so much pressure. I am grateful for my martial arts and meditation practice, which helps relieve the stress of maintaining and growing a constant social media presence. And the fact that to get my music out there, I have to take on at least ten people’s jobs from sound engineer to mixer to producer to PR/marketing guru to show booker to merch designer, to name but a few, in addition to simply writing, composing and performing my music. I believe it is getting slightly better for female and queer/LGBTQ+ artists, but I am still faced regularly with the assumption that all I can do is sing, and that I need assistance with anything else. And that I am ok to be addressed as “love/darling/honey” in a working environment. Male bookers, engineers and producers are often surprised when they discover I record, mix and produce my music, compose in multiple languages and play classical guitar. As for the obsession with the age and appearance of female identifying artists, that is still a monumental barrier that I am passionate about obliterating. I want to see as many older and multi-shaped women performing as I do men. Of course there are exceptions, but it is all too often I am treated differently because I’m a woman.

As we’re a new music focused site, are there any other upcoming artists or bands you’re loving right now that you’d recommend we check out?
I recently saw Carol Grimes in concert (at a lovely London venue called Piano Smithfield where I will be playing on June 14th) who is approaching 80, and in her band she had two female guitarists who were in their late 60/70s. I have never seen that before and it was so incredible to witness. They were all amazing. It blew me away. I vowed to do all I can to help this to become the norm for female artists out there. I also recently saw Spirit of Sundaze Ensemble do their debut live appearance at London’s Southbank – the stage was packed with musicians ranging from live classical to the electronic and DJs. And it was the first time I have seen the QEH turn into a nightclub with everyone on their feet and screaming. I love the unexpected and genre-fusion – this was that.

Finally, what does the near future have in store for Ch’Lu?
I’m getting ready for the release of my Arts Council of England and Help Musicians UK funded album, The Goddess Within on 10th June, Global Wellness Day. It fuses together my binaural field-recordings, hypnotic Sanskrit vocals, classical guitar arpeggiation and electronic soundscapes – the foundations to the album are the Sanskrit words of the ancient and sacred “Mandukya Upanishads”. It will be a journey into consciousness fusing the ancient with the voice of the Zeitgeist with a launch concert at London’s Piano Smithfield on 14th June (get early bird tickets here).

Many thanks to Ch’Lu for answering our questions!

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Introducing Interview: Maja Lena

Following last year’s captivating debut album The Keeper, and previous projects Hot Feet and Low Chimes, alt-folk artist Maja Lena has now released her second solo album, Pluto. Delving into an ethereal alternate world, Pluto immerses the listener in its glistening sweeping soundscapes, all flowing with Maja Lena’s trademark majestic grace and resplendent vocals.

We caught up with Maja Lena to find out more about the album, her inspirations and touring essentials… Have a read and watch the beautiful video for recent single ‘The Stone‘ below!

Hi Maja Lena Welcome to Get In Her Ears! Can you tell us a bit about yourself? 
Hello! I was born and brought up in Stroud in England but my Mum is Swedish so I spend a lot of time there. My family and some friends call me Maja and my middle name is Lena, but I also go by Marianne. I started out in a band called Hot Feet in my teens, we then went on to become Low Chimes till the end of 2017, and then I began this project a year or so later and began working and releasing with independent label Chiverin. I’ve also been working on a Natural Horsemanship Therapy yard for the last 14 years and I help my husband Luke part-time on his no-dig market garden.

Are you able to tell us a bit about how and why you initially started creating music? 
Singing, playing and listening to music was always a big part of our household growing up, and most of my friends were musical too. I think it just happened naturally and had become a very familiar form of expression to me by the time I started writing my own songs. I think I was also lucky in that my parents were very supportive of me doing that.

We love your beautifully twinkling folk-strewn sounds , but who would you say are your main musical influences?
Thank you! The Incredible String Band, Mike Oldfield, Pentangle, Fairport Convention, Leonard Cohen, Joe Hisaishi, PJ Harvey, Nick Drake, The Velvet Underground, Kate Bush, Sandy Denny, Radiohead, Beck, Domenique Dumont..

You’ve just released your new album Pluto, which is very exciting! Are you able to tell us a bit about what inspired it and the themes running throughout it?
Reality vs imagination and believing stories we’ve created in our heads – I was spending quite a lot of time on my own when I wrote it, so had plenty of time and space to get stuck into my own imagination. Eventually a whole made up landscape/ alternate world formed where most of the songs are set, with Pluto in the distance instead of the sun or moon, as there are Plutonic themes such as destruction and creation, transformation and renewal throughout the record.

How would you say it differs from last year’s debut, The Keeper? 
The Keeper was set more in the real world and was overall more stripped back. We delved deeper sonically making this one, trying to bring the landscape to life with more synth and electronic explorations. I also wrote Pluto in a much more condensed period of time (a couple of the songs whilst we were recording), and I personally feel they were more of a natural fit together than those on the first, which I’d written over a much wider timescale.

We had the pleasure of seeing your beautiful set at Deershed Festival this year, but is there a live show you’ve played that stands out as a highlight?
Oh thank you! Probably the next show after that at Smugglers Festival, which was our 2nd band show of the year and we had a few extra friends play with us on stage. It was late in the afternoon on a beautiful sunny day in a beautiful place, and it was possibly the most relaxed I’ve ever felt on stage. I was able to fully enjoy playing the music with my lovely band and had a really fun time!

And, when out on tour, are there any particular essentials that you need with you and keep you going when away from home? 
I am type 1 diabetic so firstly all my associated testers and insulin/sugar. A good scarf, book, health tinctures – oregano oil’s my current fave! Rescue remedy, swimsuit & running clothes, notebook, pillow, hot water bottle, more recently my Grandma’s glamorous bright yellow handbag for keeping spirits up! And last but not least, waterproofs and walking boots! I always like to try and fit in walking and nature time wherever possible – I think fresh air and some hills and trees to stomp about amongst are my biggest tour essential!

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 and queer/LGBTQ+  artists? 
Without speaking to many people in person on these questions, I find it hard to answer them with much certainty, but from what I’ve seen online (which is obviously only a small part of the picture), I imagine it must be very difficult for new artists as well as any artist for that matter – as in many areas of profession, so much has changed and is full of uncertainty, there are so many extra things to do and try to balance behind the scenes, so many of us trying to do several jobs at once to make ends meet which can be difficult to juggle.
And in terms of the second question, again I feel I’d need to actually speak to a lot more people to get a truer picture than the one I do mainly just online and feel I can only really speak from my own personal experience. For better and normally for worse, I’m a bit of a recluse! 

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?
Holyseuss Fly is awesome! 

Finally, what does 2023 have in store for Maja Lena? 
I’ve just finished the album release tour, then hopefully lots of writing, lots of hiking, and deeper synth and guitar explorations! And lots more working outdoors with animal friends and vegetables.

Massive thanks to Maja Lena for answering our questions!

Maja Lena’s latest album, Pluto, is out now via Chiverin Records.

Photo Credit: Martha Webb

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PLAYLIST: Galentine’s Day 2023

It’s one of the best days of the year, GALENTINE’S DAY! Coined by Amy Poehler’s ‘Parks and Recreation’ character Leslie Knope back in 2010, Galentine’s has since been recognised by gals across the globe and used as a light-hearted way to celebrate the women who enrich our lives.

With this in mind, we’ve chosen tracks from a handful of our favourite female and LGBTQ+ artists and put them together into one eclectic playlist. We’re all about self-love and sisterly love – not just cis-terly love – so scroll down, press play and share the Galentine’s joy!

Aretha Franklin & Annie Lennox – ‘Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves’
I know I put this on all of our Galentine’s playlists, but that’s because it’s a classic! It may have been released back in 1985, but the lyrics are just as relevant today. Annie Lennox also reminds me of my Mum, who is one of Get In Her Ears’ most loyal fans. Thanks for everything Cindy.
(Kate Crudgington)

Queen Latifah – ‘U.N.I.T.Y’
If you haven’t watched the documentary Fight The Power: How Hip-Hop Changed The World already, I urge you to do so. Public Enemy’s Chuck D and many other pioneers of the genre give one of the best history lessons on this revolutionary form of protest music, that continues to thrive 50 years after its inception in the Bronx in the early 70s. I was moved by the way many of the interviewees spoke about Queen Latifah’s contribution to the movement. This track ‘U.N.I.T.Y.’ won her a Grammy back in 1993. It ruthlessly calls out street harassment, domestic violence and the blatant disrespect black women endure in hip-hop culture. Queen Latifah is one of many excellent women named in the documentary, alongside Monie Love, Roxanne Shante and activist Sister Souljah. (KC)

ARXX – ‘Ride Or Die’
A total Galentine’s anthem from our total faves, Brighton duo ARXX! ‘Ride Or Die’ is an utterly uplifting celebration of queer love and platonic friendship. Propelled by Clara’s thrashing time-keeping and the gritty emotion strewn vocals of Hanni, it’s a sweeping pop classic, oozing an empowering euphoria. Happy Galentine’s Day, ARXX – we love you!
(Mari Lane)

Big Joanie – ‘In My Arms’
GIHE faves and all round punk icons Big Joanie continue to inspire and impress us with all that they do, both on and off stage. Watching them play a sold out headline show at The Garage earlier this year was equally as exciting as it was emotional. This track ‘In My Arms’ celebrates queer love and friendship, and is taken from their acclaimed second album, Back Home. The accompanying video was shot in Southend too, which is 30 minutes away from where I grew up in Essex. (KC)

Ethel Cain – ‘American Teenager’
It was hard to pick just one Ethel Cain track for this playlist, but I figured ‘American Teenager’ captures the euphoric, giddy nature of Galentine’s Day best. I’d like to dedicate this anthem to my GIHE pals Mari & Tash. They let me freely express my teenage angst – despite being in my 30s – frequently on all of the GIHE platforms. That’s the sort of love and patience you just can’t buy. I feel very lucky to have you both. ** cheerleader fist pump ** (KC)

Robyn – ‘Dancing On My Own’
One for our GIHE co-founder and all round hero Tash Walker! Robyn is an outspoken ally for LGBTQ+ rights and we all know romance isn’t just for the heterosexuals out there. So whether you honour Galentine’s or Valentine’s Day, make sure you have a good old dance! (ML)

Blonde Maze – ‘Leaving Home’
I cannot get enough of the shimmering, heartfelt splendour that Blonde Maze is consistently able to create; a comforting embrace in audio form. Blonde Maze just never fails to soothe and uplift with her beautiful creations, and I’m forever grateful to be able to immerse myself in her truly blissful soundscapes. Blonde Maze’s creations are a consistent companion to me whenever I feel lost, and I’ve also been lucky enough to get to know her as a friend over the years – showing the power of beautiful music to bring like-minded people together. (ML)

Maria Uzor – ‘Over This’
Reflecting on a time of reclaiming your identity and being honest with your emotions, this track from GIHE fave Maria Uzor whirrs with a glitchy splendour as her distinctive honey-sweet vocals flow. Shimmering with an immersive grace, it offers a resplendent slice of electro-pop fizzing with an empowering drive. Of the track, Maria explains: “… it’s about reclaiming parts of yourself after a period of silencing yourself and your experiences to keep other people safe and unchallenged in their ignorance. It can be an isolating thing to go through, and I wanted to write as though I was speaking to myself, or anyone else who may have felt silenced due to race, sexuality, or gender identity; I needed reminding that I wasn’t alone.” (ML)

NOVA TWINS – ‘K.M.B’
Like everyone else who saw Nova Twins ruling the red carpet in their custom-made Bad Stitches dresses at The BRITs on Saturday night, I am in awe of Amy Love and Georgia South. Firm favourites of the GIHE team since they were guests on our radio show back in 2018, they have triumphed in the face of so much adversity in predominantly white, male music industry spaces. They’ve stood their ground, remained true to themselves, lifted up their peers and made some of the best heavy music that’s hit our ears in the last decade. This track ‘K.M.B’ is lifted from their Mercury-prize nominated album, Supernova. (KC)

Le Tigre – ‘Keep On Livin’
Such an empowering and motivating anthem from my utter favourites – a song I listen to whenever I need a pick-me-up. And I never tire of listening to it twice in a row (with this name and ‘Cry For Everything Bad That’s Ever Happened’) at the end of 2001’s Feminist Sweepstakes. I CANNOT WAIT to dance and cry in euphoric joy to this live with my GIHE gal pals Kate and Tash (and Paul!) in June. (ML)

Dream Phone – ‘Strut’
The debut single from Oxford duo Dream Phone (aka my new favourite band), ‘Strut’ showcases everything there is to love about their utterly unique creations. Combining playful voice augmentation and synth-driven soundscapes, all fuelled by Jen and Hannah’s sparkling charisma and vibrant energy, it’s a gloriously danceable Galentine’s anthem. Dream Phone played for us last Friday at Shacklewell Arms, and their wonderfully quirky joy and sense of fun-filled friendship was instantly infectious and a truly entertaining spectacle (even their swirling Papa Roach cover!) I cannot wait to see and hear more from this exciting duo. (ML)

Currls – ‘Honey’
Currls wowed us live, headlining for us at Shacklewell Arms for us in December and their track ‘Honey’ is a colourful ode to female friendship and owning your own unique individuality. I just love its empowering energy and unifying, singalong refrains – a truly energising and compelling anthem of self-love that’ll motivate and inspire on first listen. (ML)

Personal Best – ‘This Is What We Look Like’
A track dedicated to the queer community, ‘This Is What We Look Like’ perfectly showcases Personal Best’s “classic rock for tragic lesbians”. As the poignancy of the lyrics “I wanna kiss you in the street / where everyone can see /’cause this is what we look like” shines through with an empowering sense of unity, it’s a perfect anthem for love between anyone and everyone. (ML)

Fightmilk – ‘Overbite’
As the raw emotion and distinctive smooth-yet-husky charm of front-person Lily’s vocals deliver a heartwarming sentiment (“You don’t have to smile if you don’t want to darling, you’re perfect as you are”) alongside scuzzed-out riffs and an infectious, shimmering energy, Fightmilk have created the perfect, alternative fuzzy love-song. A totally joyous ode to your best pal or lover, or both, it offers another slice of blissful power-pop from one of my favourite bands. (ML)

Wolf Alice – ‘Bros’
The scene in this Wolf Alice video where the two young girls are colouring each other’s nails in with felt-tip pens takes me right back to doing the same thing with my younger sisters when I was a kid. The overwhelming nostalgia makes me want to cry? ANYWAY. I adore music that celebrates the importance of platonic love, and ‘Bros’ is one of my all-time favourites. Love you Wolf Alice. Love you Holly and Sarah. x (KC)

Brimheim – ‘Hey Amanda’
I put this track by Danish alt-pop artist Brimheim on our playlist last year, but it’s too good not to include again! An ode to friendship in all its bittersweet glory, ‘Hey Amanda’ is taken from her brilliant debut album, can’t hate myself into a different shape, which I have had on repeat since it was released last year. (KC)

Self Esteem – ‘I Do This All The Time’
As always, I just want to dedicate this track to my awesome GIHE team mates and leave you with Self Esteem’s inspiring lyrics from this perfect anthem of self-love: “Be very careful out there / Stop trying to have so many friends / Don’t be intimated by all the babies they’ve had / Don’t be embarrassed that all you’ve had is fun. Prioritise Pleasure.” (ML)

M(h)aol – ‘Period Sex’
As M(h)aol’s bassist Zoë Greenway so accurately puts it: “At the end of the day, it’s just a bit of blood, isn’t it?” ‘Period Sex’ is a sultry, slow-burning anthem about centering female pleasure, accompanied by a beautiful video that Greenway also directed. I’m consistently moved by the efforts that Irish post punks M(h)aol make to talk about what many perceive to be shameful or painful subjects. This track is one of ten poignant songs that make up their debut album, Attachment Styles. (KC)

Boygenius – ‘Emily, I’m Sorry’
So, it turns out dreams do come true… When news hit last month that absolute super group of dreams Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker – aka Boygenius – were releasing new music, I couldn’t have been happier. The three songs they’ve shared so far are all total beauts, but what’s been even more lovely is seeing these three friends clearly having such a blast promoting them – especially their incredible, playful takes on Nirvana photoshoots of the ‘90s in their recent Rolling Stone feature. (ML)

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Get In Her Ears Live @ Shacklewell Arms w/ Me Rex, 10.02.2023

For our first gig of 2023, we were lucky enough to host a beautiful sold out night at The Shacklewell Arms, filled with the best music, best people and best vibes. Huge massive thanks to headliners Me Rex, as well as Dream Phone and Jen Denitto for being amazing! Thanks too to Sofia on sound, and to everyone who came down to support the bands, dance the night away, and help us raise £200 for vital organisation, Gendered Intelligence.

See below for some fantastic photos of the night, courtesy of our photographer Jon Mo…

Kicking off the night, London DIY legend Jen Denitto and her band deliver a career-spanning range of scuzzy indie-pop offerings. Covering themes from narcissists to the power of friendship, it’s a wonderfully uplifting set, oozing a unifying sense of joy throughout the crowd.

Next up, Oxford duo Dream Phone (aka my new favourite band) take to the stage. An utterly unique experience, their set offers voice augmentation and synth-driven glitch-pop soundscapes, all fuelled by Jen and Hannah’s sparkling charisma and vibrant energy. With the set lasting just under 20 minutes, every single second is a truly entertaining spectacle (a highlight being a swirling rendition of Papa Roach’s ‘Last Resort’), and I cannot wait to see and hear more from this exciting duo.

Headliners Me Rex take to the stage amidst a sea of adoring fans, treating them to 45 blissful minutes of indie-pop goodness. Oozing a swirling emotion alongside jangling melodies and luscious harmonies, each and every song flows with the band’s stirring lyricism, glistening musicality and impassioned energy; and I can’t help but lose myself in the rich, soothing catharsis that ripples throughout. Having been a mega fan of Me Rex for a few years now, it really is an honour to have them play for us – an experience that exceeded all expectations.

Huge thanks again to the three INCREDIBLE bands who played for us on Friday – what a dream of a night! Next up, we’re at Sebright Arms on 31st March for Gold Baby’s single launch, with support from The Other Ones and Argonaut – nab tickets here!

Words: Mari Lane / @marimindles
Photos: Jon Mo / @jonmophoto

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