PLAYLIST: November 2022

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

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

 

Big Joanie – ‘Sainted’
HUGE congratulations to GIHE faves Big Joanie on their nomination for Best Alternative Music Act at this year’s MOBO Awards! This groundbreaking new category also features our faves Nova Twins, who wrote an open letter to the MOBO Awards back in 2020, asking the panel to include an alternative category. This is a massive and hard won achievement, respect and solidarity to all those who engineered this much needed change! To celebrate, we’ll be playing this spooky Big Joanie tune, lifted from their superb new album Back Home, on repeat. (Kate Crudgington)

Currls – ‘Nerve’
Taken from their brand new debut EP Hello My Name Is, Currls’ latest single ‘Nerve’ is a perfect slice of gritty, scuzz-filled garage-rock. Propelled by the band’s trademark empowering energy and soulful allure, it leaves you longing to catch them live and dance along in joyous unity with fellow fans. And it just so happens that this is something you can do next Thursday 1st December at Shacklewell Arms! We’re hosting Currls’ London EP launch, with support from Collars and Hypsoline – tickets on Dice now. (Mari Lane)

Bad Sidekick – ‘I Ain’t Sick’
You may have noticed that in December we’re hosting not one, but two, gigs! The second sees brooding Bristol band Bad Sidekick headlining for us on 9th December. They’ve recently released an epic debut album Daily Lottery, but I couldn’t resist including this track from their 2018 EP – I just love its raging energy, frenzied, reverb strewn riffs and Cooper’s fiercely powerful vocals. Bad Sidekick will be headlining the Shacklewell Arms on 9th December with support from Alien Chicks and Cosmic Ninja – tickets on Dice now. (ML)

The Pearl Harts – ‘More’
Loving this new single from London-based duo The Pearl Harts! It sounded great list night at their sold out gig at Blondies too. The track is lifted from their upcoming album, Love, Chaos, which is set for release in early 2023. (KC)

Django Jones and The Mystery Men – ‘Bad For You’
Described as “music written for the restless”, this is the debut single from Sheffield post punk trio Django Jones and The Mystery Men. Loving the brooding intensity of this one. (KC)

Grandmas House – ‘How Does It Feel’
Unsurprisingly, we love this new tune from GIHE faves Grandmas House. It’s a bi-lingual blast of angst, pairing frontperson Yasmin Berndt’s French vocals with drummer Poppy Dodgson’s English vocals as “a call and response between two people about the feelings of confusion you go through when breaking up.” (KC)

Panic Shack – ‘Meal Deal’
This recent single from Cardiff’s Panic Shack reflects on the realities of the cost of living crisis as working people are increasingly undervalued and underpaid, whilst musically its swirling punk spirit and tongue-in-cheek lyrics uplifts and energises. A fun-filled, yet meaningful, indie-pop banger. Baby Shack, the latest EP from Panic Shack, is out now. (ML)

Human Interest – ‘Mixing Paint’
The latest single from London duo Human Interest reflects on the darkest crevices of the mind with a fizzing post-punk energy. Oozing the band’s trademark gritty allure and the sweeping power of Tyler Damara Kelly’s vocals, ‘Mixing Paint’ cements Human Interest as my favourite new band right now without a doubt. (ML)

Ideal Host – ‘The Conflict’
A sardonic cacophony that explores the antagonistic nature of the everyday routine, I love this single from Ideal Host. Led by Heather Perkins and Sean Hughes, both former members of the band Slowcoaches, the pair have returned to work together and evolve their sound under this new moniker. The band are planning to release their debut album in early 2023 and will be playing a string of live dates too. (KC)

M(h)aol – ‘Asking For It’
We’ve been following Irish post-punks M(h)aol (pronounced “male”) for a while now, and this track has always been a favourite of mine. Fueled by a palpable rage against rape culture, the band have re-released this track alongside the news of their debt album, Attachment Styles, which is due on 3rd February via TULLE Collective. Watch the poignant accompanying video directed by bassist Zoë with input from vocalist Róisín here. (KC)

New Pagans – ‘Karin Was Not A Rebel’
Following on from their stunning debut album, The Seed The Vessel The Roots and All, Belfast’s New Pagans have announced that they’ll be releasing their second LP, Making Circles of our Own, on February 17th via Big Scary Monsters. ‘Karin Was Not A Rebel’ is the first taste of what’s to come, celebrating the overlooked artist and designer Karin Bergöö Larsson, one of the foundational modern interior designers. I can’t wait to hear the band’s new record early next year! (KC)

The Empty Page – ‘Dry Ice’
Reflecting on pre-lockdown nightlife, this new single from Manchester’s The Empty Page soars with a dark energy and gritty allure, evoking feelings of nostalgia for that woozy joy of nights soaked in a smokey, sweaty haze. And it’s impossible not get utterly immersed in Kel’s sweeping vocals as they swoon with a haunting power alongside a riotous grunge-tinged musicality. (ML)

ARXX – ‘The Last Time’
The latest single from absolute long-term faves ARXX, ‘The Last Time’ reflects on feelings of heartbreak whilst referencing queer TV show Euphoria. An uplifting yet emotion strewn fizzing pop anthem, it oozes a shimmering synth-soaked musicality and catchy driving energy whilst maintaining the duo’s gritty, colossal power. It was absolutely wonderful to catch ARXX in all their empowering, endearing charm at The Social this Wednesday! ARXX’s long awaited debut album Ride Or Die is set for release very soon – pre-order here. (ML)

Collars – ‘Rainbows’
Providing main support at the Currls EP launch at Shacklewell Arms next Thursday, Collars are fast becoming a new favourite with their energy filled, fuzz-strewn catchy indie-punk offerings. Delivering rich impassioned vocals alongside jangling hooks and driving beats, I cannot wait to see this duo live! (ML)

Ailbhe Reddy – ‘Shitshow’
We’re big fans of Irish songwriter Ailbhe Reddy here at GIHE, so we’re thrilled to hear that her new album, Endless Affair, is due early next year on 17th March. “’Shitshow’ came from a lyric I played with for a few months which was ‘my god, look at the state of me, this is so embarrassing'” Ailbhe explains about this latest single. “It’s about looking back on a night out with regret while also addressing and apologising to an ex-partner about my antics. The first verse is to myself and the second verse is to someone else. It’s kind of a tongue in cheek examination of a bad hangover.” Hard relate to that one. Check out the excellent accompanying video for ‘Shitshow’ here. (KC)

Kierst – ‘How To Be’
This poetic rumination on a past relationship features on Brooklyn-based songwriter Kierst’s debut EP, Thud. Inspired by her memories of moving between people and places, the record is a heartfelt reflection on “how bizarre a thing a relationship really is.” (KC)

Dayydream – ‘Wasn’t’
A tender reflection on the transient nature of emotions and our attachments to other people, this track is lifted from Glasgow-based songwriter Chloe Trappes aka Dayydream’s debut EP, Bittersweet. Filled with delicate guitar strokes, dreamy vocals and affecting lyrics, Trappes ruminates on distance and desire across the record and the way these things can shift our perspective towards ourselves, and to others over time. I really recommend giving it a listen. (KC)

Queen Colobus – ‘5/9’
South London based indie-jazz collective Queen Colobus’ latest single is taken from their recent EP Think Fast, and I just can’t get enough of its blissful hooks, luscious swooning vocals and glistening laid-back beats. A wonderfully woozy euphoric soundscape. (ML)

Σtella – ‘Nomad’
Athenian Σtella has released ‘Nomad’ taken from her album Up and Away, which was released earlier this year in June. I’ve only just come across her now for the first time, but her music is beautiful, described as “vintage-flecked pop to the pangs and raptures of love.” This track is simply beautiful, and as with many of the tracks on the album, uses traditional Greek instruments (bouzouki and kanun). Be prepared to be swept away to the Greek seas. (Tash Walker)

Prima Queen – ‘Butter Knife’
Produced by The Big Moon, this bittersweet offering from London-based duo Prima Queen is a reflection on the cruel nature of Alzheimer’s disease. Blending spoken-word verses and softly sung choruses with gentle guitars and percussion, the track is poignant and personal lament to slowly losing a loved one. (KC)

Blonde Maze – ‘When You Move’
Another utterly euphoric creation from my most played artist over the last few years, ‘When You Move’ comes from a collection of equally dreamy tracks that the New York based artist has released recently. Oozing an immersive, shimmering splendour, it offers a comforting embrace in audio form, as rippling waves of electro hooks sparkle with an exquisite majesty alongside heartfelt vocals. Blonde Maze never fails to soothe and uplift with her blissful creations. (ML)

Maria BC – ‘ROF’ (Rachika Nayar remix)
Ohio-born songwriter Maria BC has shared a remix EP of their beautiful debut album Hyaline, and it’s just as dreamy and poetic as their original record. Featuring No Home, Rachika Nayar, Nina Keith, Lucy Liyou, and Ragana, the altruistic ambient-folk sounds are a perfect distraction from life’s more stressful moments. (KC)

paun – ‘Earth Timeline’
Berlin-based paun released this eclectic ambient track earlier this year in addition to being featured in the first Éclat Various Artists compilation. It’s been in my ears for most of this month, so definitely check out the rest of paun’s work on bandcamp if you’re into this. (KC)

Babyfather, Tirzah – ‘1471’
‘1471’ is the second collab between Dean Blunt under his alias Babyfather and Tirzah, the first being her track ‘Recipe’ off of her album, Colourgrade. Always thirsty for more Tirzah content me! (TW)

HOLDA SEK – ‘At Twenty’
This is the debut single from the London based HOLDA SEK, made with producer Caezar. I can’t stop listening to this song, very catchy beats which drill down through your ears into your brain. (TW)

Tempers – ‘Unfamiliar’
New York City duo Tempers specialise in a sleek strain of low-lit poetic synth pop, I got to see them in London at studio 9240 and they were fantastic. This is their lead single from their album New Meaning, which was released earlier this year via Dais Records. (TW)

Twin Rains – ‘Nothing in my Purse’ (Secret Sign Remix)
Inspired by the concept of death and possession, I’m a big fan of this shadowy remix of Toronto-based duo Twin Rains track ‘Nothing In My Purse’. Re-worked by Secret Sign’s Phil Baljeu, a Toronto video artist & longtime friend and collaborator of Twin Rains, the track is an industrial-shoegaze tinted gem. (KC)

DOUBLE HELIX – ‘Rat Rave’
I first heard this track at the hand of Kate, so I’m going to dedicate this one to you mate. Double Helix were another of the bands that I saw at Studio 9294, alongside the likes of Tempers and Curses. A pretty epic live performance, some serious shoulder shuffling from me. (TW)

LibraLibra – ‘Frenemies’
The new single from total faves LibraLibra, ‘Frenemies’ reflects on the comfort we may find in fake or damaging ‘friendships’. Lulling us into a false sense of security with a sweeping orchestral intro, it builds with a colossal magnificence as front woman Beth’s vocals simmer with a sultry allure, before exploding into a riotous anthem seething with dark undertones. And LibraLibra were absolutely spectacular, as always, supporting other faves ARXX at The Social this Wednesday. (ML)

 

Introducing Interview: Jewelia

With over 20,000 listens on Spotify and with acclaim from the likes of BBC Introducing and BBC Radio Kent, London based artist Jewelia has been charming our ears with her soulful alt-pop sounds. Oozing a sparkling raw emotion alongside her rich, honey-sweet vocals, latest single ‘Second Best‘ offers a heartfelt anthem delivered with a subtle, stirring power.

To celebrate the single’s release, we caught up with Jewelia to find out more…

Hi Jewelia! Welcome to Get In Her Ears! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m a singer-songwriter based in London, originally from Bucharest, Romania. I moved to the UK a few years ago to study Music Production, so that I would be able to execute the vision for my songs without a middle-man. I play piano and I’m learning guitar. I love books and also writing my own stories and poems when I have time, online shopping (especially when it’s for music video props), and cats, but sadly I don’t have one… !

Are you able to tell us a bit about how and why you initially started creating music?
I’ve been singing and writing songs since I was little – in fact, I believe I wrote my first song when I was seven. When I was thirteen I became interested in production and started teaching myself to record and produce my own songs. Music was always something I was very interested in, so there was simply no other way!

We love your Maisie Peters-inspired alt-pop sounds, but who would you say are your main musical influences?
As a teenager, I was obsessed with Muse. Their early material was so powerful and intensely emotional, and I loved how their topics were things that don’t often appear in songs, such as outer space or the state of the world. It was what made me want to have a band, and have my own voice, so a very strong early influence for me. A couple of others would be Amanda Palmer (in the period of my first EP and album), Sufjan Stevens and Lana del Rey. These days I listen to a lot of alt-pop, the likes of Phoebe Bridgers or Holly Humberstone.

You’ve just released your new single ‘Second Best’. Are you able to tell us a bit about it?
‘Second Best’ is about feeling inadequate in a society that celebrates the one-in-a-million American Dream stories of going from rags to riches, while collectively pitying the the masses living average lives. From a young age, we watch stories of success against all odds and are besotted with the chosen one, while getting accustomed to look down on the average people and their struggles – the irony being, of course, that we are them. We are told that we can achieve anything, if only we try hard enough. As inspiring as this sounds, it also implies that we only have ourselves to blame (regardless of systemic disadvantages, biological limits, financial difficulty etc) for having an average life, in a world where mediocrity is viewed as being worse than utter failure. Something is messed up here, and I thought it was worth exploring.

Being based in London, do you get to see lots of live music? Would you say it’s recovered since the pandemic?
There is always something cool happening in London, but I don’t go out as much as I should, really! I used to go to a lot of gigs before the pandemic; not so much now, but planning to change that! I’m Not sure if things are the same, as some venues have really suffered and even had to close, but I see that lots of things are going on, and lots of friends and people I know are back to putting on gigs.

And what can fans expect from your live shows?
No shows planned for this year, but hoping to put together a UK tour in 2023, to promote the new album coming out next year. More details TBC!

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?
I am seeing a lot of positive change, a lot more visibility and lot more acceptance. But there’s still a long way to go! I’d love to see more women producers (we are still a tiny fraction of the total, less than 3%)! And less ageism, again especially directed at women. Life doesn’t end at 30, so why should music careers end then? Thankfully this also seems to be improving, slowly.

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?
Just looking at my feed at some musicians I know that have released music recently, check out Austel – ‘Cut Me Down’, GRAY – ‘A Million Roses’, Rookes – ‘Paint’, Feral Five – ‘Silver Sky’. I also love Luna Keller’s ‘Wolves’ and Luke Fraser with ‘Moth Eaten Romeo’.

Finally, what does the rest of the year have in store for you?
I have at least one more single dropping before the end of the year, a new album pre-order announcement to come, and also the obligatory Christmas video! And I’ll also be found playing songs and taking requests on Twitch (almost) every Sunday!

Massive thanks to Jewelia for answering our questions!

Get In Her Ears Live @ Sebright Arms w/ Breakup Haircut, 17.11.2022

Following our super special September gig with Jemma Freeman and the Cosmic Something headlining, our November instalment of GIHE live saw us return to the Sebright Arms in Bethnal Green for a night filled with the best music, best people and best vibes. Massive thanks to Breakup Haircut, Piney Gir and BCOS RSNS, and to everyone who came down to support the bands and help us raise money for completely vital organisation, Mermaids.

First up, exciting new band BCOS RSNS treat us to their scuzzy garage-rock offerings, reflecting on themes ranging from people being dicks and internet crushes, to being yourself in a patriarchal society.


Next up, Piney Gir delivers her magical indie-pop dreamscapes with a swirling psychedelic haze and sunny, lilting energy. Oozing a majestic witchy allure, she completely immerses the crowd in her sparkling, uplifting majesty.


Back to headline for us after supporting Fräulein in January, Breakup Haircut treat us to 45 minutes of their joyous, tongue-in-cheek brand of pop-punk. Exuding a vibrant energy, they deliver their fizzing, danceable offerings with an infectious wit and colourful charisma. As I sing along to every word, I know for sure that I’m in the presence of a band on the rise.

Massive thanks to the three bands who played for us on Thursday! We’ll be back next month for not one, but two, special gigs! On 1st December we’ll be at Shacklewell Arms hosting Currls‘ EP launch with support from Collars and Hypsoline – tickets here. And on 9th December we’ll be back at the Shacklewell Arms again with Bad Sidekick and support from Alien Chicks and Cosmic Ninja – tickets here.

Words: Mari Lane / @marimindles
Photos: Don Blandford / @snapperchap.don

Five Favourites: Electric Pets

Having previously received acclaim for catchy singles ‘Don’t Leave Me’ and ‘That Way‘ from the likes of BBC Introducing, Emma Buckley, Phil Wagg, Adam Grace and Pete Darrington – aka Electric Pets – have today released their second EP, Elephant. Showcasing front woman Emma’s raw, impassioned vocals and the band’s trademark gritty, scuzz-strewn musicality, it’s a collection of garage-infused rock anthems, all propelled by a fierce energy and empowering spirit.

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 Elephant, we caught up with Emma Buckley of Electric Pets to ask about the music that has inspired her the most. See below for her choice of her five favourite albums.

Lucia & The Best Boys – Cheap Talk
Lucia, now known as Lucia & The Best Boys have been on my radar since 2018. I came across ‘Summertime’ on a playlist and fell in love with their in your face, feel-good, indie-pop sound. Their discography combines big ’60s pop choruses with punk riffs. Lucia’s vocals have the perfect blend of sweetness and angst which sit perfectly on a bed of grunge guitars. I respect the bolshy synth work and fully support the themes of female empowerment. Oh, and of course I’ll never get tired of seeing a female front woman in an over-sized blazer playing the electric guitar!


Hamilton Leithauser + Rostam – I Had A Dream That You Were Mine 
It was actually Phil (lead guitarist in Electric Pets) who introduced me to this masterpiece. Leithauser, lead vocalist of The Walkman and Rostam, founding member of Vampire Weekend and in my opinion one of the greatest indie-rock producers of his generation. This collaboration features a variety of vintage production that inspired some of the influences of soul & early ‘rock n roll’ you hear in Electric Pets. It never conforms to the verse-chorus structure and doesn’t dwell on lyrical content. This album played a large part in my ability to trust the natural flow of a song’s narrative. It taught me not to get hung up on the story and appreciate a song in its entirety.

Bon Iver – 22, A Million
This album marked a shift in my appreciation for the art of production. As much as I’d been party to an indie-folk outfit, I’d never heard influences of hip-hop and electronic music fuse with folk in this way. Before this album, I was impressed mostly by a story and a hook but Bon Iver’s production transported me to different world. After getting over the initial meditative state I found myself in when listening, I naturally attempted to dissect the layers of instruments and their place in the ensemble. This album represents the power music has to shift a mental state for me. It’s obscure and none conventional but beautifully peaceful.

P!nk – I’m Not Dead
It wasn’t Pink’s recorded material that impressed me, but her spellbinding live performance. I was eleven when I received tickets to her Misunderztood tour as a birthday gift. I had a pre-conceived idea she was like any other female RnB/pop star but stood corrected. A singer, songwriter, performer, instrumentalist and true trailblazer. She had it all – a complete force of nature. She redefined the concept of a popstar and commanded the stage like a born rockstar. I made it my mission to go to as many of her tours as I could, which over the years have turned into acrobatic masterpieces. P!nk’s ability to combine show-stopping spectacles with simple, acoustic masterpieces are what make her truly unique. Off stage, she’s committed to her community and has inspired a generation to embrace themselves for exactly who they are – a message that shaped my youth and a baton I hope to carry for others.

Eminem – The Eminem Show
I’m not exaggerating when I say ten year old Emma lived for this album. It was the first time I truly understood the power of words when it came to expressing pain and evoking emotion through music. Most girls my age were busy dancing to the Spice Girls (which I was very much party to) but. in the comfort of my own room, I meticulously studied the lyrical genius that formed these troubled verses from Eminem. I think part of the excitement and charm was that I definitely shouldn’t have been exposed to such narrative at that young age but as my Dad always said –  “Emma, this is art and I won’t restrict access to art whatever your age… Just never tell your mother!”

Massive thanks to Emma for sharing her Five Favourites with us! Listen to current single ‘Show’ below:

Elephant, the brand new EP from Electric Pets, is out today via Reckless Yes. Buy/stream on Bandcamp now, and make sure you catch Electric Pets live at their first headline show on 18th November at West Hampstead Arts Club.