PLAYLIST: March 2026

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another eclectic mix of new music for your listening pleasure! Our March Playlist features post punk anthems, Riot Grrrl ragers, grunge, shoegaze & dream-pop musings, indie & alt-folk tunes and some electronic & experimental sounds. Scroll through our recommendations below!

In order to best support the female, LGBTQIA+ and non-binary artists that we love here at GIHE, we’ve moved away from using Spotify. We now have an account on TIDAL, so please follow us on there! We’ve also included YouTube/bandcamp links for all of the tracks below, so there’s plenty of ways for you to get your new music fix.

You can still access our GIHE profile on Spotify (which we do not have a paid subscription for) but we urge you to use TIDAL, bandcamp or YouTube instead. Happy listening!

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN ON TIDAL

 

VERO – ‘Dumb It’
Stockholm trio VERO have been firm favourites of mine since they released their debut LP, Unsoothing Interior, back in 2022. Fast forward two years, and they’ve shared a brand new equally as excellent record titled Razor Tongue. The band have retained their trademark sardonic lyrics and brooding riffs, but they deliver them with a potent new confidence, something which this track ‘Dumb It’ skilfully exudes. It was such a privilege to see them playing live at their debut London show at The Shacklewell Arms this week. You definitely missed out if you weren’t there.
(Kate Crudgington – Features Editor)

steel. – ‘Kismet’
Since being captivated by their swirling dark allure at Decolonise Fest last year, I’ve been a big fan of Liverpool post-punks steel., and I’d be surprised if you’re not a fan too after listening to new single ‘Kismet’. Instantly immersing you in their brooding majestic splendour, it showcases the band as purveyors of the most spellbinding of soundscapes. I cannot wait for steel. to play for us at The Great Escape on Saturday 16th May! They’ll be part of our showcase at The Beach Stage, along with other faves Problem Patterns, The Baby Seals, YAKKIE and Jessie Mac – keep your eyes peeled on our socials for more details.
(Mari Lane – Managing Editor)

Kathryn Mohr – ‘Doorway’
Taken from her second album, Carve, due on 17th April via The Flenser, Oakland-based artist Kathryn Mohr has provided another distinctively moody offering with this single. The lyrics to ‘Doorway’ were lifted from her own notebook, giving listeners a deep insight into her thoughts as she unravels them over restless, reverb-heavy riffs. Her upcoming record is a poignant reflection on the multi-faceted nature of memory, intimacy and isolation and how these things inform our understanding of ourselves over time. I can’t wait to hear it in full. (KC)

Upchuck – ‘Last Breath’
A track that lives up to its name! The urgency that underscores Upchuck’s latest single ‘Last Breath’ is palpable. It’s taken from their most recent album, I’m Nice Now, which smoulders with defiance and anarchic spirit. The Atlanta-based punk band will be returning to the UK in June this year to play gigs across the UK, including a headline show at Oslo in East London on 28th June. (KC)

CLT DRP – ‘What Is She For?’
A striking blend of jagged riffs, commanding beats and direct lyrics, Brighton-based art-punks CLT DRP have returned with this phenomenal new track. ‘What Is She For?’ dissects the notion of traditional gender roles and questions why these perspectives still haven’t shifted over time. “This single is a not-so-subtle protest to the endless requirements you have to meet as a DIY AFAB fronted band,” explains CLT DRP vocalist Annie Dorrett. Together with their bandmates, Annie is preparing to bring CLT DRP’s vital energy back to our eager ears with more new music in the very near future. (KC)

Lifeloose – ‘Lifeloose’
Described as “just two girls who want to let loose”, London-based experimental duo Lifeloose have sonically achieved just that on their debut self-titled single. Together Aldi Ho and Josie Silverman create playful, wonky electro-pop tunes shaped by their desire to overthrow their formal Guildhall Music School education and create their own sound. The result is an infectiously endearing blend of silliness and sincerity, all underscored by a really “good fucking beat”. (KC)

BIG|BRAVE – ‘the ineptitude for mutual discernment’
Capturing the complexity of how it feels to exist in the uncertainty of today’s world, acclaimed heavy trio BIG|BRAVE’s latest single is a disarming blend of gritty distortion and hypnotic vocals. ‘the ineptitude for mutual discernment’ is lifted from the band’s upcoming tenth album, in grief or in hope, which is set for release on 12th June. It’s a heavy record for heavy times, underscored by intense empathy and a desire to explore the binary oppositions of human nature. (KC)

Lauren Auder – ‘no outline’
Happy album release day to London-based composer and producer Lauren Auder! Today (27th March), she has shared her second LP, Whole World As Vigil, which this single ‘no outline’ features on. Described as “the most literal track on the record,” it was inspired by the overwhelming heartbreak Lauren endured whilst writing her new record. Her beautiful blend of tender keys, richly emotive vocals and electronic textures make for bittersweet listening. (KC)

Dose – ‘Chump Change’
I’m so pleased that Dublin four-piece Dose are back with new music! This single ‘Chump Change’ is a witty rumination on what it feels like to be left hollowed out by an unhealthy romantic connection. By deliberately incorporating elements of “slightly cheesy” rock and roll with their hazy dream-pop sounds, Dose make light of the uneasy feelings that inspired the tracks conception. ‘Chump Change’ is the first insight into what the band’s upcoming EP will sound like, due for release on Pizza Pizza Records this May. Check out the accompanying David Lynch-inspired video below, directed by guitarist & vocalist Lizzie Fitzpatrick and featuring bassist Lauren Heron. (KC)

deary – ‘Alma’
Following on from their gorgeous epic shoegaze single ‘Alfie’, London-based trio deary have shared another dreamy offering titled ‘Alma’. Lifted from the band’s upcoming debut album, Birding, which is set for release on 3rd April via Bella Union, ‘Alma’ is an airy blend of lush vocals and shimmering riffs, inspired by themes of growth, resilience and kindness. “I see ‘Alma’ as an embodiment of our band,” explains vocalist & guitarist Dottie. “It has been with us for a long time and changed with us along the way…In this song, I am talking to my younger self who made the decision to look after us and become a better person.” (KC)

Lemonade Sin – ‘Hold The Frame’
Ahead of the release of their upcoming third album, London-via-Devon supergroup Lemonade Sin have shared a dreamy new single. Reflecting on the dynamic between Baby and Johnny in the film Dirty Dancing, it ripples with a hazy Twin Peaks-reminiscent energy, as wispy vocals float over ethereal keys creating a blissful yet somewhat disconcerting soundscape. Nothing For A Pair, the new album from Lemonade Sin, is set for release on 17th April. (ML)

Misty Coast – ‘Spring’
Released to coincide with the Spring equinox, this aptly titled track from Norwegian duo Misty Coast is a breath of fresh air. ‘Spring’ is the third single the band have shared from their upcoming album, Always Sun, which is set for release on 24th April via Melodaze Records. Psychedelic riffs, soft vocals and field recordings of the duo’s winter stay in Tokyo permeate the track, providing listeners with a bright, lilting slice of psych-pop. ‘Spring’ is also accompanied by a DIY video, shot on location in Tokyo that you can watch below. (KC)

Gladie – ‘I Want That For You’
An exhilarating anthem inspired by friendship and self-compassion, ‘I Want That For You’ is the latest single from Philadelphia-based rockers Gladie. It’s taken from their recent album, No Need To Be Lonely, which they shared via Get Better Records earlier this month. Full of defiant lyrics and racing riffs, the track is a cathartic reflection on moving through times of struggle. Vocalist Augusta Koch explains the context further: “It kind of encapsulates to me the whole message of No Need To Be Lonely…I often think about how easy it is to see the beauty and wonderful qualities in someone else but how hard it is to apply that same love to yourself. ‘I Want That For You’ is basically about encouragement and wanting everyone to stick around, even when it’s really hard, including ourselves.” (KC)

IRKED – ‘Settle Down’
Described as “a garage-punk hate letter to the world,” North-East punks IRKED are gearing up to share their upcoming debut album, Grievance. Set for release on 1st May via Wrong Speed Records, it’s a deeply personal, visceral dismantling of the politics of gender, employment and class. On their latest single ‘Settle Down’, the band tackle the ingrained sexism that adds to the stresses of everyday life, that lead to women feeling exhausted and inadequate. (KC)

YAKKIE- ‘Lean Out’
Having been guests on our February Soho Radio show, and having blown us away with their immense live show on more than one occasion, epic supergroup YAKKIE have released one of the most powerful and resonant albums, not just of the year, but perhaps ever. Kill The Cop Inside Your Head really is a perfectly fierce and necessary catharsis for all women and marginalised communities, and comes complete with some of the most incredible, grunge-fuelled riffs you’ve ever heard. This track ‘Lean Out’ offers a seething retort against corporate feminism and how women’s labour has been historically undervalued, instead calling for real change which comes with community and collaboration, rising against the systems that oppress us. It’s now more important than ever to have bands like YAKKIE, not afraid to speak up for what’s right and use their platform as a real force for change. I’m extremely grateful they exist. (ML)

ScareBears – ‘Softboy Disco’
The second single from Bristol feminist punks ScareBears, ‘Softboy Disco’ explores themes of emotional manipulation and toxic masculinity as a seething sense of urgency and frenzied energy fizzes throughout. Another immense anthem from this supergroup of sorts (featuring members of The Menstrual Cramps and Mondo Wave), offering a scathing retort against that all-too-common ‘nice guy’ facade. We cannot wait for ScareBears to come and headline our next gig at The Cavendish Arms on 23rd April, with support from longtime faves Comic Sans and First Timers alumni Magpie Conspiracy (featuring Jemma Freeman). Tickets are on DICE now and cheaper in advance. (ML)

 

 

Gouge Away – ‘Figurine’
I still have Florida-based heavy band Gouge Away’s 2024 track ‘Stuck In A Dream’ embedded in my skull, but I’m glad to hear they’ve lost none of their potency on this new single. ‘Figurine’ is their first release on Run For Cover Records, and it’s inspired by vocalist Christina Michelle’s reflections on her childhood as a timid “people pleaser”. Full of her distinctive, dynamic vocals and the bands visceral beats and riffs, it’s a rallying cry for love and acceptance, whether you’re well behaved or not. (KC)

NEXT TO NADA – ‘Nan’s In a Punk Band’
London-based punks NEXT TO NADA are back with this excellently named new single. The band describe the track’s narrative as “the story of a punk band, a cannibal vicar and your nan,” which is set over fuzzy guitar riffs and off-kilter lyrics to create a devious slice of doom-pop. Recorded in a single day at Subfrantic Studios with Liam Gunning, the band used a myriad of equipment – including a Fender HodRod Deveille, an Ampeg SVT 3 Pro head and the legendary MIDAS H3000 analogue console – to bring their anarchic sounds to life. (KC)

The Empty Page – ‘A Feminine Ending’
Following impassioned recent single ‘Death On Our Side’ the latest single from long-time favourites, The Empty Page, offers a stark rejection of the beauty standards and expectations placed on women in a world largely dictated by the whims of problematic men. A searing critique of the patriarchy, the track seethes with the band’s trademark reverb-strewn hooks and fierce gritty energy. Kel from the band expands: “Women’s voices need to be louder than ever in 2026. Decades of progress driven by the feminist movement are in danger of being rapidly undone in a world of out-of-control male egos… it’s more significant than ever to criticise the pervasive and deeply concerning message that only young women are attractive, desirable, or of any value whatsoever.” (ML)

The Black Wizards – ‘Killing The Buzz’
New favourites for sure, Porto based trio The Black Wizards are storming into spring with their first new music since 2018. Propelled by relentless riffs and underscored by a fierce blues-driven groove, ‘Killing The Buzz’ offers a gloriously energised, yet impossibly cool, slice of rousing garage-rock. I can’t wait to hear more. (ML)

Black Water County – ‘People’
With the recent release of new EP, Second Best, Dorset folk-punks Black Water County trace a journey from individual alienation to a shared resistance, with each track on the collection exploring a different emotional response to the state of society right now, and ultimately celebrating the power of collective defiance. Whilst reflecting on the instinct to withdraw from the world when times are hard, focus track ‘People’ is propelled by lilting hooks and the fierce energy of front person Shan Byrom’s vocals, showcasing the band’s ability to fuse a resonant sense of rage together with their trademark uplifting spirit. An impassioned rallying cry to all who may be feeling demoralised by the world, Second Best offers a much-needed catharsis and message of hope at a time when we need it the most. The EP is out now via We Go To 11, the artist-lead sub-label of Trapped Animal Records. (ML)

Frances Murray – ‘The Woods’
Simmering with a slow-burning anger, ‘The Woods’ is the latest single from Essex-born, Brighton-based musician and producer Frances Murray (fka BLAB). Taken from her upcoming debut solo album, Dreamer, which she’ll be self-releasing on 10th April, the track begins with her deceptively steady vocals, but builds to an agitated chorus that bitterly laments a lack of self-autonomy. (KC)

Alice Mary – ‘Spiral’
Having played live for us many moons ago, songwriter Alice Mary has now shared her first single in four years. Born from the isolation of the covid lockdowns and produced by Grace Banks (Marika Hackman, English Teacher), ‘Spiral’ offers a lilting yearning for connection, oozing a raw emotion and gritty musicality. Self-described by Mary as “slow-burn indie-rock for overthinkers”. (ML)

Eleanor Hooper – ‘Every Fibre Of Me Is You’
Independent artist Eleanor Hooper provides a poignant reflection on maternal experience on this tender track. Inspired by “the first moment of separation after exclusive breastfeeding,” Eleanor uses her beautifully layered vocals, folk influences and choral textures to give this encounter the resonance she deeply feels it deserves. ‘Every Fibre Of Me Is You’ is lifted from her debut EP, FIBRES, which is available to listen to online now. (KC)

Lemoncello – ‘Articulate Animal’
I had such a lovely conversation with Irish duo Lemoncello for The Line Of Best Fit back in 2024, so I’m pleased to see that they’re sharing new music again. Released via the esteemed Claddagh Records, this track ‘Articulate Animal’ is a song that truly “gets to the heart of things” with its gorgeous vocal floating over a hypnotic cello drone. It will be the opening track on Lemoncello’s upcoming new album, Perfect Place, due on 8th May. (KC)

Modern Woman – ‘Daniel’
Set to release their debut album in May, London art-rock band Modern Woman offer an immersive, ethereal splendour with latest single ‘Daniel’. Written whilst songwriter Sophie Harris was camping near a lake in Wales, it captures the sparkling sense of calm and pastoral majesty that can be felt in nature; a raw and intimate moment amongst the quirky energy of some of the band’s other, livelier tracks. Johnny’s Dreamworld, the upcoming debut album from Modern Woman, is out on 1st May via One Little Independent Records. (ML)

Ailsa Tully – ‘Womb Room’
Having been big fans of Welsh songwriter Ailsa Tully for many years now, the GIHE team were really pleased to hear that she released her debut album earlier this month. Written in the year following her father’s death from cancer, Womb Room offers an intimate exploration of grief; raw with emotion and rippling with a desperate sense of longing and melancholy throughout, the album also shimmers with moments of hope and the comfort that love can bring us. As Tully’s distinctive resonant vocals flow seamlessly, different sonic elements are interwoven into each song; from rich keys, soaring strings and Tully’s unique bass-playing technique, to natural field recordings and even snippets of her father playing piano (‘He’s Leaving’). It’s truly an exquisite collection; a poignant and heartfelt reflection on grief and the search for a sense of belonging that can follow. An eclectic tapestry of soundscapes, each beautifully stirring in its own right. Womb Room, the debut album from Ailsa Tully, is out now. (ML)

ESYA ft. Jessy Lanza – ‘Chasing Desire’
‘Chasing Desire’ is the eponymous track from ESYA’s upcoming debut album, which is set for release on 10th April via AOK records. The solo project of Ayse Hassan (Savages, Kite Base, 180db) ESYA’s latest release features the sounds of Canadian Hyperdub artist Jessy Lanza. It’s another experimental, lilting soundscape from an artist who is committed to exploring all aspects of her sound. ESYA wants to encourage others to do the same and “demystify” the process of making electronic music by hosting Chasing Desire interactive exhibitions in London, Glasgow and Bristol in the lead up to the release. She will be at eARTH Space on Hoxton Street in London between 10th-12th April. More details here. (KC)

Gabi Garbutt ft. Jemma Freeman – ‘Radical Love’
Set to release their third album later this year, London artist Gabi Garbutt has now shared the first taste of what to expect. Featuring GIHE fave Jemma Freeman on backing vocals, guitars and synths, ‘Radical Love’ was initially inspired by writer/activist Sara Ahmed’s notion of ‘Queer Phenomenology’, as well as essays by legends such as Audre Lorde and Martin Luther King, and offers an empowering and uplifting anthem. Of the track, Garbutt explains – “[this song explores] how a radical love is urgently needed to face a world falling apart with humanitarian crisis and climate crisis.” (ML)

th’sheridans’ – ‘Painted’
After more than a decade creating music together, London-based band Adam Karenina Sherif and Julia Oertli aka th’sheridans returned to our ears with brand new music this month. Self-described as “blonking through the dystopia as best we know how”, they remain the perfect purveyors of scuzzy indie-pop; interweaving poignant issues whilst oozing an uplifting effervescent euphoria. Originally recorded back in 2023 and completely mixed and mastered by the band, new single ‘Painted’ offers a stirring resonance for right now, showcasing the band’s ability to create a sparkling sense of hope despite our fears and frustrations. ‘Painted’ is accompanied by an unlikely cover of Carly Rae Jepsen’s ‘Emotion’ as a virtual b-side. Originally commissioned by some friends to arrange the song for a wedding, the duo felt it thematically complemented their new single perfectly: whilst ‘Painted’ is rooted in reality as they experience it, ‘Emotion’ is about everything they could be doing if things were different. (ML)

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN ON TIDAL

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Five Favourites – Blackwater Holylight

Having recently released their fourth album, Not Here Not Gone, LA based Blackwater Holylight combine dreamy psych-tinged soundscapes with a fierce power to create a sound that is entirely their own. As the glistening, woozy allure of Allison Faris’ delicate vocals ripples throughout, dirge-like hooks and propulsive beats reveal the band’s eclectic influences, showcasing their ability to interweave immense, doom-laden soundscapes with an immersive transcendental majesty.

We think one of the best ways to get to know a band is by asking what music inspired them to write in the first place. We caught up with drummer Eliese Dorsay to ask about her “Five Favourites” and she’s picked five albums that have influenced her distinctive drumming style over the years. Check out her choices below, scroll down to listen to Blackwater Holylight’s latest single ‘Bodies‘, and make sure you check out the entire exquisite album too…

Uffomamut – Idolum
Uffomammut is a stoner doom band from Italy. I was fifteen, making art in my basement bedroom when this album popped on as a YouTube suggestion. As soon as I heard the first couple notes, I immediately perked up. I was listening to heavy metal at the time, but nothing quite like this. I noticed the drumming and thought “Oh man, I want to do THAT!”. This is the album that lead to me finding Sleep and Electric Wizard. Doom metal quickly invaded my life in the best way. When I finally started playing drums at seventeen, the first song on this album was the first beat I learned. From there I played along to the rest of the Uffomammut discography. Without them I would not play the way I do. 

Russian Circles – Geneva
This album is important to me because I learned a lot about dynamics by listening to it. Russian Circles’ songs are really cinematic and have a lot of movement. It’s what taught me how to build; starting with a minimal beat and slowly adding parts, moving around the kit to build intensity. This band in general definitely opened up my creativity on the drums – they know how to complement each other instrumentally, and take turns being the star.

Def Leppard – High ‘n’ Dry
Some of my favourite drumming ever is just simple straight forward Big Heavy Hitting. I found this album when I was twenty one and realised that’s the same age that drummer Rick Allen was when he lost his arm. By this point drums were becoming more than just a hobby for me; I was realising that I want to do this for the rest of my life. The thought of not being to play anymore for any reason is terrifying. Rick Allen’s story of determination and love for the drums is beyond inspiring. 

Inter Arma – Paradise Gallows
Although I can’t currently play in this style, it’s massively inspiring. The blast beat speeds are legendary, and they’re one of my favourite bands to watch live. They have a unique way of combining all the sub-genres of metal into one project. Not just the drummer, but the band as whole is incredibly talented and versatile. They’ve taught me that you don’t need to limit yourself to one style or genre. 

Bison B.C. – Quiet Earth
This is another album that I love for their unique style of combining different metal genres. They’re thrashier than just standard doom metal. I used to listen to this album on repeat getting ready for school in the morning. When I started playing drums I thought I could play along to it because I knew it all by heart, but it was much more difficult than I thought!! This album continues to push me – I’m still trying to learn little parts of it all the time. The only song I can mostly nail is ‘These Are my Dress Clothes’. Maybe someday I’ll be able to play the album all the way through. 

Huge thanks to Eliese for sharing her choices with us! Listen to Blackwater Holylight’s latest single ‘Bodies’ below, and make sure you check out their exquisite album, Not Here Not Gone, in its entirety too!

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INTERVIEW: Daffo

The songwriting project of Brooklyn-based, Philly-raised Gabi Gamberg, Daffo‘s debut album Where The Earth Bends was a definite highlight of 2025 for me, and it’s still pretty much on repeat since its release in September. Interweaving a scuzzy indie-pop musicality with a searing raw emotion and glistening heartfelt grace, it’s a deeply personal and beautifully resonant collection that showcases Gamberg’s unique gift for writing songs that really do feel like they reach out and gently caress how you’re feeling.

Since the album’s release, Gamberg has been relentlessly touring both Europe and the US, and only now just seems to be winding down. We were lucky enough to catch up with them to talk about the album, the DIY music community, Capitalism, pillow cases and more. Have a read, make sure you check out the exquisite sounds of of Where The Earth Bends (if – for some reason – you’ve missed it / been under a rock for the last six months), and also watch / listen to their poignant cover of Arthur Russell’s ‘I Couldn’t Say It To Your Face‘ which they shared earlier this month.

Hi Gabi! Welcome to Get In Her Ears! How are you doing today?
Good! I’m glad to have have a day off of tour finally – I got to sleep my usual 12 hours, lol. 

Are you able to tell us a bit about what initially inspired you to start creating music?
I guess it was always in me. Maybe always around me. So, I was always drawn to it. Plus my parents said I had to take music lessons when I was like 6!

I love the raw stirring emotion and scuzzy musicality of your songs, but who would you consider to be your main musical influences?
Probably Elliott Smith is the big one. I also feel like Frankie Cosmos and Alex G were big ones for me.

Your debut album Where The Earth Bends came out last year –  it really is a beautiful collection from start to finish (and was one of our ‘Albums Of 2025’), big congratulations! It’s said to deal with emotions ranging from rage and shame, to self-acceptance and resolve – are you able to tell us a bit more about this and how your experiences inspired your writing?
Well, my writing has always been an outlet for me, so when I experience big emotions I usually feel like writing about them in order to process them fully. And that ultimately led to the songs on my record. 

And – tricky question (sorry!) –  do you have a favourite track on the album? (I think mine might be ‘Carrot Fingers’, though I love them all)
‘Carrot Fingers’ is definitely one of my favourites as well. But I think, right now, my favourite is still ‘Sideways’ – I just love the way it turned out and the song means a lot to me. 

How would you say the process of recording the album has differed from your previous releases?
I think I took more time making the songs – I was more intentional with everything. 

From a young age, it seems like you’ve been really involved in the DIY music community where you’ve lived, which is something close to our hearts at Get In Her Ears. Why do you think these close knit communities are so important for artists? And how has being a part of one helped you personally?
It really allows you the space to explore and grow as an artist. The art world can be a very competitive place, and the DIY scene really is very welcoming to everyone, so you have the space to mess up and learn.

We were lucky enough to catch you live at The Great Escape in Brighton earlier this year – such a great show! How was this experience for you? And how was your recent trip to the UK last month?
Festivals can be hard! You don’t have a sound check and it all goes by very quick. But you get to play to a diverse fan base, which is a great opportunity and ultimately very fun. The UK was great! I had good beer for the first time in my life.

And, when you’re out on tour, or playing gigs, are there any particular essentials that you like to have with you to keep you going?
I always need to have my own pillow case to keep me safe from all the detergent I’m allergic to, lol. Other than that, as long as I have some sort of simple snack like corn chips or carrots I’m good. 

Has there been a specific show you’ve played over the years that stands out as a particular highlight?
I think the release show I did at someone’s apartment was the best. It was packed out and the first time I’ve had people sing my lyrics with me. 

As we’re an organisation with a focus on supporting new and marginalised artists, I just wondered how you feel the industry is for them at the moment? And do you feel much has changed over the years in its treatment of female and queer artists?
Well, Capitalism is rooted in racism and sexism. We live in a Capitalist society, so you tell me. Can we really have a capitalist music industry where we are all treated with the same respect…? Most artists don’t even earn a fraction of what we are owed. I don’t know, this is a very hard question, I could write a whole essay (but I won’t because i hate writing essays!). 

And are there any other bands or artists that you’d recommend we check out at the moment?
I’ve been loving earth 2 tiffany recently. I also love Superfan and Shmoo.

Huge thanks to Gabi for answering our questions! We can’t wait to hear more from them soon, and for now you can listen to Where The Earth Bends on repeat (like I do), and watch the new video for their poignant cover of Arthur Russell’s ‘I Couldn’t Say It To Your Face‘.

Photo Credit: Sam Penn

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GIHE: Ones To Watch 2026

It’s fair to say that 2025 was another tough year, but one positive we’re taking away from it is the immense amount of incredible new music that was released and the hope of more wonderful offerings from new bands and artists in 2026.

Following on from our features about our favourite Tracks, Albums & EPs and Personal Highlights of 2025, it’s now time for us to share our Ones To Watch for 2026 – naming a handful of bands and artists who we predict will be reaching ears far and wide this year. Have a read of our choices and make sure you give them all a follow on social media to keep track of their achievements over the next 12 months.

We’ve also added tunes from our favourite albums and from the bands included in this feature to our Tracks Of 2025 Playlist, to provide the best soundtrack to the start of your 2026! Have a listen on Tidal and be sure to download songs by the artists you love from bandcamp, go and see them live, buy their merch, and spread the word. They need your support now more than ever!

Here are a few of the bands and artists we’re most excited about going into 2026…

Cowboy Hunters
Having been building a reputation in the Glasgow scene for their memorable live shows, Scottish punks Cowboy Hunters create immense riotous anthems and I was very excited when I was first introduced to their seething single ‘Mating Calls’ back in March last year. Since then, I had the complete pleasure of seeing them at Deer Shed Festival in the summer and the fiercely engaging charisma and stark dry wit that they exuded throughout their immense instrument-swapping set exceeded all expectations. Strictly not adhering to the festival’s suggested reduced swearing policy, they raged about transphobes and needing money for drugs before ending the set by getting the whole crowd to join in doing ‘The Macarena’ with them. It really was the most surreal and perfect way to kick off a Saturday morning! And, with a full EP promised in the spring, I cannot wait to see / hear what wonderfully riotous offerings they have in store for us this year. (Mari Lane – Managing Editor)


Jessie Mac
South East London DJ, producer & label owner Jessie Mac is still a bit of an enigma to the GIHE team, but we all know that we’re obsessed with her track ‘Trans Is Beautiful’ – a total gem that I unearthed in my GIHE inbox last year. It’s a powerful and incredibly catchy “sonic statement” that is equal parts poignant, political and playful, featuring the vital words of American actress & activist Laverne Cox. Jessie’s blend of club-inspired beats and shape-shifting electronics have been ricocheting between my ears for the past twelve months. We know that she’s working on new projects and music for 2026 and we’re excited to hear more of her essential LGBTQIA anthems. (Kate Crudgington – Features Editor)


Lōwli
On both our Soho Radio show and in our monthly playlist features, I consistently coined Irish composer & songwriter Lowli as one of my favourite new music discoveries of 2025. Her debut album, Window In The Woods, is a moving rumination on unsettling memories and emotions, explored through her tender keys, crystalline vocals and beautiful instrumentation. Released via VETA Records, the album provides a safe haven from the stresses of everyday life, as Lowli is adept at crafting a serene, yet melancholic world for you to immerse yourself in. I look forward to hearing Window In The Woods live one day soon. (KC)

Midori Jaeger
An artist I discovered by accident when seeing Tanita Tikaram at Royal Festival Hall in November, Midori Jaeger instantly caught my attention with their unique style of playing the cello and the soothing allure of her vocals while playing in Tikaram’s band. Originally from Japan, Jaeger has recorded three EPs and played alongside the likes of Daughter and Courtney Pine, as well as Tanita Tikaram. But, kicking off this year with the rich sparkling splendour of her new single ‘Dark Green’, I have a feeling she’ll be commanding plenty of stages in her own right throughout 2026, with her immersive, genre-defying sounds. I for one can’t wait to immerse myself in more of her captivating folk-strewn musicality and shimmering heartfelt emotion. (ML)


Pinkshift
With the release of their second album, Earthkeeper, last summer, Maryland punk-rockers Pinkshift cemented their ability to create perfectly honed, refreshingly honest modern day rock anthems. As a fierce sense of urgency and relentless grunge-tinged energy rage throughout the album alongside the gritty raw emotion of front-person Ashrita Kumar’s vocals, it offers a welcoming hit of early noughties nostalgia whilst rippling with the band’s own unique groove. Apparently the aim of the record is to inspire us to “give a fuck”, and I certainly do – about the world, but also about this exciting band who I can’t wait to see on tour with Grandson in March – the UK is in for a treat! (ML)


Sijya
South Asian composer and producer Sijya crafted one of my favourite EPs of 2025, Leather & Brass, so it will come as no surprise that I have chosen her for our Ones To Watch feature too. Signed to the prestigious One Little Independent Records, Sijya’s experimental spirit is reflected in her music, which is an idiosyncratic blend of digital and analogue synths, drifting vocals and atmospheric beats. I was sad to miss her performance at the Tate Modern last year, where she played her EP live in the iconic turbine hall as part of their Tate Lates series, but I’m hoping to hear her expansive electronica in the flesh at some point in the near future. (KC)


Um, Jennifer?
Having first won me over with the playful energy of 2023 single ‘Girl Class’, New York trans duo Um, Jennifer? continued to be total faves last year with the release of their new album, Um Comma Jennifer Question Mark. Oozing so many deliciously scuzzy lo-fi pop-punk vibes, the album reflects on trans identity, lust and obsession, whilst offering a wonderfully empowering ode to defying expectations and not fitting into the moulds that society often places on us. Their band bio says “Fig and Eli met at a party in Brooklyn. Eli wanted to hook up with Fig’s friend. Now they make music together for nobody except the vengeful god, Jennifer. Jennifer thinks their music sucks.” I’d have to disagree with Jennifer, and have a feeling many other people will throughout 2026. (ML)


Yakkie  
Having been privileged enough to attend Yakkie’s first ever gig back in 2023, and since witnessing their immense live presence on more than one occasion, it had felt like a long wait for the debut single from the incredible supergroup back in October. Fronted by interminable force of nature Janey Starling (formerly of Dream Nails) and featuring Robin Gatt (Personal Best, Petrol Girls), Laura Ankles (Colour Me Wednesday, The Dumb Blondes) and Maeve Westall (Jasmine.4.t, itoldyouiwouldeatyou), it was amazing to see this absolutely epic collective of faves come together in all their seething punk-rock glory last year, offering the rage, joy and unity we all so desperately need. And now, with their debut album set for release in February, I cannot wait to be treated to plenty more of their relentless riffs and swirling empowering energy. Entitled Kill The Cop Inside Your Head, of the album Janey explains: “If we want a better world, we must first be able to imagine one. To do that, we have to kill the cop inside our head. Go to the protest! Join your union!” Offering a fierce, rallying cry for unity and rebellion, it’s now more important than ever to have bands like Yakkie, not afraid to speak up for what’s right and use their platform as a real force for change. I’m extremely grateful they exist and look forward to having them see us through 2026. (ML)

Despite our apprehensions about 2026, at least we’re heading into the new year with some fantastic music to accompany it. Huge love and thanks to all the bands and artists who continue to soundtrack our lives and offer hope that we can resist those seeking to oppress marginalised groups and continue to create powerful communities that bring joy, strength and comfort. And massive thanks to all who supported GIHE throughout 2025 and for the last ten years (!) – it really means the world.

Throughout 2026, if possible, please support your favourite artists by downloading their music from bandcamp, following them on social media and nabbing tickets to see them live! For a taste of who to follow next, listen to our playlist of 2025 favourites here.

A great way to discover your new favourite band is to come along to our GIHE gigs! Next up, we’re at The Waiting Room on 16th January with South London post-punk faves Hadda Be, plus support from Sussex alt-rockers Shallow Honey and upcoming shoegaze dreamers Mannequin Flowers. Tickets are on DICE now and they are always cheaper in advance!

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