INTERVIEW: House Of Women

Fresh from performing alongside Coach Party and Bedroom High Club at London’s Omeara, Hackney-based alt-rock trio House Of Women are reflecting on a productive year. From playing knockout sets at All Points East and 2000trees festivals in the summer, to self-releasing their debut EP, People Printing, in November; together, Elsa Malazogu (guitar), Poppy Miller (guitar) and Kyla Lanai (vocals, piano) have created a compelling sound and statement that hints at a band with truly exciting potential.

We caught up with the trio to talk about their roots, their inspirations, and the pros and cons that come with independently releasing your own music…

Hello Poppy, Kyla and Elsa! For anyone who doesn’t already know, can you tell us how you first met and formed House Of Women?

Poppy: Me and Kyla met at a music collage in East London, we started writing some songs together and came up with the name. We saw Elsa at a college rehearsal and I remember seeing this tiny girl on stage, but she stood out so well. We asked her if she was in a band already, she said she was, however never mentioned this mystery band ever again. Here we are…

Kyla: Poppy and I were in the same year in college and became friends because of it. I remember us talking about how we both had always wanted to start a band and decided to start writing some music together over the summer. Elsa was the year below us and we met her while we were watching one of her project rehearsals in college. We saw her playing and thought we’d ask her to come and try a rehearsal with us.

Elsa: From the first industry lesson I took joining music college, I picked House of Women as one of the artists on the list to listen to in class – having no idea ‘what’ it was. After having a listen and instantly loving the demo, I then surprisingly saw the two piece (Kyla and Poppy) live which sparked a memory for me back to that industry lesson. Couple days later, whilst rehearsing for my first project at school, I was approached by Kyla and Poppy after hearing some good reviews about my playing, where they asked the special question “do you want to jam sometime?” The rest was history… although they may say I was ‘playing hard to get’, I was definitely in a casual band before!

Sometimes playing hard to get (even if you actually aren’t) is the way to go! Congratulations on releasing your debut EP, People Printing, back in November. What are you most proud of about this record?

Poppy: Thank you! I’m most proud of the sound we have curated so far and the songwriting. I also love the seamlessness from ‘Elsa’s Lullaby’ going into ‘The Arc’.

Kyla: Personally, I’m proud of the songwriter that I have become by writing with House of Women. I think that we have started to really develop our own sound and that’s something that you can hear on the EP.

Elsa: This EP release has been our biggest project yet! The thing I’m most proud about is the structure of the EP. I strongly feel that it has a good flow from start to end, and thought deeply about the journey we wanted [people to have] whilst listening to 27 minutes of House of Women. Like our songs, we jump from soft verses/instrumentals to belting vocals and heavy distorted guitars; you get a strong sense of what House of Women is from People Printing.

Your sound is informed by lots of seminal 90s bands: Alice in Chains, Mazzy Star, PJ Harvey, Sonic Youth, Nick Cave and Jeff Buckley. Can you tell us what it is about these artists that inspired you to write your own music?

Poppy: I love the chords Jeff Buckley uses. They can be so bright and beautiful, matching his voice, but also heavy and dark at times. I love the rotations and progressions he writes; it all feels very cyclical.

Kyla: I always focus on vocalists and how different people add their vocals to instrumentals. I think that Alice in Chains, Mazzy Star and Jeff Buckley are my biggest inspirations because they all have vocals that really compliment the songs and add something relevant to them rather than take over.

Elsa: From my perspective of writing, I am a hard Alice in Chains’= fan, in all elements. Jerry Cantrell’s melodies and original grunge sound is very inspiring to me. We fit in with them as they have an equal share of rhythm and lead guitars as well as a large vocal range that Lane Stayley has. Or, I just love them to be honest…

You self-released your EP, People Printing. What are the pros and cons of this independent process? What advice would you give to bands or artists who are contemplating doing the same?

Poppy: It’s scary just putting stuff into the world hoping it gets noticed, but also very freeing. We just went into the studio and did what we wanted. Highly recommend.

Kyla: I think that it’s definitely scary to put yourself out there alone and release music for everyone to hear, but I would say take all of the opportunities that you can get and start as soon as you can.

Elsa: We went through EMU bands for our distribution process which was quite straightforward and a quick process. Originally we tried CD Baby, however there was difficulty with the American tax system therefore we had to switch to avoid complications and potentially paying more – that’s up to you to decide of course. Personally, I think it gets difficult when connecting your PRS account (which I should complete actually…) and knowing when the best time is to apply for playlists.

Do you have a favourite track on the EP? If so, why?

Poppy: I love ‘Elsa’s Lullaby’, It’s just so cool. ‘Hypocrite’ is a tune though.

Kyla: I think that ‘Few Too Many Times’ will always hold a special place in my heart, but ‘Hypocrite’ is one that I am proudest of both lyrically and vocally.

Elsa: I could easily say ‘Elsa’s Lullaby’ but I’m going to think further away than just my name. Even though it presents a dark, atmospheric feel with a dissonant melody that will keep you on edge, I have to say that I love ‘Hypocrite’. Our longest song YET. Especially our 2 minute long bridge that returns back to the headbanging riff that everyone loves! Mmmmhh It’s a good end to the EP.

You’ve played some great gigs this year, including a headline show at Notting Hill Arts Club and festival slots at All Points East and 2000trees. Tell us some of the highlights from these performances?

Poppy: I loved our Notting Hill Arts Club EP release. The room had so much energy and sweat it was beautiful. I left my guitar feeding back on the stage floor before coming back for an encore, It definitely felt pretty rockstar.

Kyla: I think that 2000 Trees was a big highlight of the year for me, because of how beautiful the stage was and the festival overall had an amazing atmosphere. I loved Notting Hill Arts club because it was one of the best crowds we’ve ever had with so much interaction from the audience.

Elsa: I’m very grateful for opportunities such as All Points East and 2000 Trees. The feeling of being backstage with other artists and playing your own songs on a massive stage is a great accomplishment. Oh, Also having my brother sent to the hospital at the end of 2000 Trees was a highlight! Maybe crowd surfing isn’t for everyone…

That sounds intense. He’s clearly your most dedicated fan.

We know you’ve been busy releasing your own music, but is there an EP or album that you have loved listening to from another band/artist this year?

Poppy: I’m gonna have to say LoggerHead by Wu-Lu. I’m late to it though, it was released in 2022. But definitely been one of my faves I’ve been listening to this year.

Kyla: I’ve really been enjoying Volcano by Jungle and although it was actually release in 2018 I have just discovered and have really been enjoying Errorzone by Vein.fm.

Elsa: Apart from the one and only EP People Printing, next in line has to be GLOW ON by Turnstile in 2021. I absolutely love their nasty breakdowns with a touch of percussion and catchy melodies. You will catch me headbanging at a Turnstile concert for sure with our manager Danny. I’m forcing you

Finally, can you tell us any plans House Of Women might have for new music in 2024?

Poppy: We’ve been writing loads and loads and we’re hoping to get back in the studio ASAP.

Kyla: We have some new songs that I would love for us to record…

Elsa: New music New music New music! Definitely coming your way. Although, nothing ready to release just yet, we have plans set, might even surprise you…

Follow House Of Women on YouTube, Spotify, (X), Instagram and via their Official Website

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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GIHE: Tracks Of 2023

With another hard-going year behind us, we’ve continued to seek comfort in new music released by our favourite hard-working and talented artists. There’s been an immense amount of incredible new music released, so we want to shed some light on some of the tunes that got us through the hard times, accompanied the good times, and generally saw us through 2023.

To start our annual end of year round-ups, we’re sharing our ‘Tracks Of 2023’ ahead of features on our favourite albums, ‘Highlights’ and ‘Ones To Watch 2024’… Have a read about some of the tunes we’ve been loving the most, and make sure you hit play on the accompanying playlist to hear just how fantastic they all are! (In addition to listening to the playlist, if you particularly love any of the tracks, please do follow the artists on social media and, if you can, buy their music and merch via Bandcamp or their websites).

pink suits – ‘Refuse The Rules’
Margate queer punk duo pink suits have been big faves of mine for a couple of years now, and have blown us away playing live for us at Shacklewell Arms a couple of times. ‘Refuse The Rules’ is the first taster of their upcoming (and perfectly named) second album, Dystopian Hellscape, which is set for release in Spring next year. The track offers a scream for space; a refusal of the rules that have been historically created to limit people’s lives and freedoms. A short and sharp rallying cry inciting us to stand up and make our voices heard in the face of suppression and aggression. Something we need now more than ever. Also, while I’m talking about my love of pink suits, I think one of the most fun events of the year for me was attending their first London Queer Cuntry with fellow GIHE writer and door person extraordinaire Kirstie. They’ve been hosting them regularly in Margate for some time, but are now building on its success and this was hopefully the first of many more in London… It really was such a joyous night; performances ranging from acoustic country ballads, to drag and cabaret, all with an unapologetically queer energy and unifying spirit.
Find out more about pink suits here.
(Mari Lane – GIHE Co-Founder)

Jock – ‘Spoilsport’
I love this driving, potent anthem from Belfast-based queer band Jock – new GIHE favourites for sure! Orla from the band explains: “’Spoilsport’ is a punk song written in reaction to the ‘culture of silence’ surrounding sexual assault cases in Belfast” – we’re all about protest songs here at GIHE so we fully support Jock’s message. Newly signed to one of our favourite labels VETA Records, I’m looking forward to hearing more from the band in 2024.
Find out more about Jock here.
(Kate Crudgington – GIHE Co-Founder)

Scrounge – ‘Starve’
I got to see long time GIHE faves Scrounge in the tiny but intimately delightful basement of Third Man Records last month. The sound in there is fantastic, what a venue to hear Scrounge banging out their tunes – as expected Lucy and Luke were brilliant. We love them.
Find out more about Scrounge here.
(Tash Walker – GIHE Co-Founder)

Gender Chores – ‘Dysphurious’
Having shared stages with the likes of Problem Patterns, Strange New Places and Sister Ghost, Belfast punks Gender Chores create empowering anthems defending reproductive rights, resisting the patriarchy and documenting the human cost of late-stage capitalism. A reflection on coming out as non-binary – a subject that’s very close to the band’s hearts – ‘Dysphurious’ offers an energising boost of confidence to be your true self in the face of adversity. The track was recorded at Belfast’s Start Together studios with GIHE fave Rocky O’Reilly. Find out more about Gender Chores here. (ML)

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

Panic Pocket – ‘Get Me’
Natalie and Sophie – aka Panic Pocket – released their debut album Mad Half Hour this year via Skep Wax records, and it’s been a definite highlight. I’ve been a huge fan of these two since they first played live for us back in 2019, and just can’t get enough of their uplifting indie-pop and tongue-in-cheek wit that fizzes throughout each release. ‘Get Me’ offers a sassy take on the “claustrophobic questions about settling down”, and showcases the duo’s new-found rockier sound, with the addition of ‘back pocket’ band members Healey Becks (Fightmilk) and Laura Ankles (Colour Me Wednesday). I’m super excited that Panic Pocket will be playing for us again at our next gig at Shacklewell Arms on 2nd Dec, supporting German band Roller Derby – nab tickets on Dice now. Find out more about Panic Pocket here. (ML)

Small Crush – ‘Rumblin’ Tummy’
Having released their second album, Penelope, this year, Bay area band Small Crush have been one of my favourite new discoveries. With their own distinct brand of dreamy surf-pop, I can’t get enough of their shimmering energy and whimsical nostalgic charm. They just seem to be able to perfectly balance vulnerable a raw emotion with blissful, carefree vibes and glistening allure. Find out more about Small Crush here. (ML)

Softcult – ‘Haunt You Still’
I’m a big fan of Toronto-based sibling duo Softcult. This track is a shimmering reflection on the mark we leave on others in the extended aftermath of a breakup, whether that’s platonic or romantic. Full of their trademark shadowy, swirling riffs and soft dual vocals, they explore accountability and atonement on this bittersweet offering. Haunting in all the right ways. Find out more about Softcult here. (KC)

O Hell – ‘hard times’
The chorus to this O Hell track hit me right in sternum the first time I heard it. The solo project of Projector’s Lucy Sheehan, O Hell tenderly navigates the uncertain territory between romantic and platonic love on this track; dismissing the idea that we always need to burn bridges in the aftermath of a relationship. Over atmospheric beats, cinematic synths and idiosyncratic samples, Sheehan acknowledges that we need time to recover, but true closure comes from accepting change, and moving forward with optimism, even if that goes against the grain. Find out more about O Hell here. (KC)

Hand Habits – ‘The Bust Of Nefertiti’
LA based artist Meg Duffy – aka Hand Habits – released their EP Sugar The Bruise earlier this year; a collection of songs focused on being in the moment. The EP was written after Duffy had taught a month long songwriting class last summer, in which they discovered a newfound clarity in embracing the unknown. I just really love this track’s driving emotion and cinematic soundscape – it’s been one of my most-listened to songs of 2023 for sure.
Find out more about Hand Habits here. (ML)

girl with dream – ‘H.R.T’ (Heart Replacement Theory)
One of my favourite songs of this year, from girl with dream who I first heard almost a year ago when they reached out to me via email. Girl with dream is the project of trans singer-songwriter Chris Lawson and Rhy Climenhage. And this song is all about the sacred power found in embracing yourself and participating in the an act of healing, guided by self-love and harnessing agency. Something that we can all lean into a bit more I think, and a lovely note to take us from 2023 to 2024. Find out more about girl with dream here. (TW)

Becca Mancari (ft. Julien Baker) – ‘Over and Over’
Having collaborated with big names such as Hayley Williams (Paramore) and Julien Baker (boygenius), Nashville artist Becca Mancari released latest album, Left Hand, this year. Rippling throughout with a beautifully heartfelt emotion and twinkling musicality, it offers a dreamy and gently empowering reflection on queer identities and our relation to the natural world; a shimmering and relatable ode to being your true self. I was lucky enough to chat to Becca back in September, have a read! Find out more about about Becca Mancari here.
(ML)

Nina Keith – ‘Blow Up Yr Life (U Need To)’
A comforting reminder to let go of negativity and doubt, ‘Blow Up Yr Life (U Need To)’ is a gentle offering from LA-based trans artist, producer and composer Nina Keith. Featuring the vocals of indie pop artist Barrie and composer and musician Qur’an Shaheed, the track is a considered, delicate blend of lilting electronics, fragmented voices and crisp production, all of which melt together to create an exquisite, emotive listening experience.
Find out more about Nina Keith here. (KC)

Sheherazaad – ‘Mashoor’
One of my most-listened to songs of the year comes from New York based artist Sheherazaad with her debut single, ‘Mashoor’. Reflecting on her South Asian sonic lineage, it draws on themes of displacement and nostalgia with a contemporary, genre-defying spirit. Exuding an exquisite rippling allure, Sherherazaad’s sumptuous vocals flow throughout, allowing ‘Mashoor’ to immerse you in its soaring, spellbinding beauty on first listen. It’s just exquisite and I can’t wait to hear more from Sheherazaad in 2024.
Find out more about Sheherazaad here. (ML)

Twin Rains – ‘You’re The Only One’
This apocalyptic reflection on love from Toronto-based Twin Rains has been swirling around my skull all year. Full of intoxicating riffs and smooth vocals, it’s a potent blend of dream pop and psych rock with an electronic edge, and I can’t stop listening to it.
Find out more about Twin Rains here. (KC)

Brenda – ‘Microscopic Babe’
Glaswegian band Brenda joined us on the radio show earlier this year. I love their self-titled album, each song is like a different fairground ride, chaotic bangers! We’ve had some amazing guests joining us here in the studio at Soho Radio throughout 2023. So, remember you can always listen back to our past shows here! Find out more about Brenda here. (TW)

Girl Ray – ‘Everybody’s Saying That’
I think ‘Everybody’s Saying That’ showcases all there is to love about Girl Ray. It’s taken from this year’s album Prestige, which is inspired by the ballroom scene of the 1980s, and oozes bucketfuls of queer joy throughout. Being one of my total faves, it was a real honour to interview Girl Ray this year – they were even lovelier than expected! I also was lucky enough to catch them live (an experience that always leaves me feeling super happy and nourished) for about the fifth time a couple of weeks back at Village Underground – a night filled with blissful vibes, celebrating the new album and all the band has achieved. I continue to love everything that Poppy, Sophie and Iris do – and can’t wait to see what they do next. Find out more about Girl Ray here. (ML)

Say She She – ‘Astral Plane’
I caught Say She She in all their glory at Village Underground earlier this year and they were honestly exceptional. If you get the change to catch Say She She live, grab it with all your fingers! I had the best night bopping along in the crowd.
Find out more about Say She She here. (TW)

Bas Jan – ‘No More Swamp’
London collective, and long time faves, Bas Jan, released their new album Back To The Swamp this year, and this fellow swamp-themed track ‘No More Swamp’ perfectly showcases the band’s trademark quirky energy and perceptive songwriting ability. Reflecting on how the band’s lives have changed over the years, it interweaves shimmering instrumentation to create a wonderfully danceable cacophony. Find out more about Bas Jan here. (ML)

Sylvan Esso – ‘Echo Party’
This track by Sylvan Esso came out at the beginning of 2023. What an epic tune, the production is just sublime, and it has not stopped me dancing since I first played it on our February radio show at the beginning of the year. How good is that!! 
Find out more about Sylvan Esso here. (TW)

jellyskin – ‘Bringer of Brine’
Leeds-based electronic duo jellyskin were one of my favourite new music discoveries this year. ‘Bringer of Brine’ is taken from their debut album, In Brine, which they released via Wrong Speed Records back in June. They’ve combined throbbing beats, hypnotic vocals and industrial-techno inspired synths to create this manic and massively enjoyable anthem.
Find out more about jellyskin here. (KC)

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

Maria Uzor – ‘Ventolin’
I think it’s fair to say that Maria Uzor is one of our GIHE all time fave artists, and this has been such an amazing year for her. It’s such a joy watching an artist you support and admire receive the deserved praise and accolades they deserve. And, to round it all off with an amazing album Soft Cuts which she released this autumn, celebrating with a fantastic launch party at the Windmill in Brixton. Sublime. 10 out of 10. And this is one of my favourite tracks from the album – shout out to all my fellow ventolin users out there!
Find out more about Maria Uzor here. (TW)

Lauren Auder – ‘the ripple’
Lifted from her highly anticipated debut album, the infinite spine, ‘the ripple’ is a tenacious alt-pop gem that showcases London-based, French-born musician Lauren Auder’s distinctive artistic talent. Her album is a potent, pop-drenched exploration and celebration of her true self, and what it’s like being a trans woman in a world that increasingly tries to deny trans women the right to exist on their own terms. Described as “the monkey’s paw of having your voice heard,” ‘the ripple’ is Auder’s rallying cry “to accept, to be duped / to not grimace at the absolute”, a message that she fully delivers via racing, distorted electronics and cathartic screams that permeate the track’s chorus.
Find out more about Lauren Auder here. (KC)

Dermabrasion – ‘Halbadier’
I love this ominous cacophony of industrial-tinged post punk from Toronto-based duo Dermabrasion. Taken from their upcoming debut album, Pain Behaviour, which is set for release on 26th January 2024 via Hand Drawn Dracula, ‘Halbadier’ is a heavy, brooding gothic anthem that rumbles with discontent. Find out more about Dermabrasion here. (KC)

afromerm – ‘held’
Oram Award-winning artist and producer afromerm shared her debut single ‘held’ exclusively on bandcamp back in July. Formerly known as CIL (who we named as one of our ‘Ones To Watch‘ in 2022) under her updated moniker, afromerm is marking a “new era” of her journey into sound. ‘held’ is an eclectic rumination on the duality of emotion, flowing with afromerm’s instinctive musicality. It was a pleasure to interview her on our November Soho Radio show this year too. Listen back here. Find out more about afromerm here. (KC)

Massive thanks to all the artists and bands creating wonderful tunes this year – be sure to check them out and support their work! And keep an eye out for our Albums & EPs Of The Year, 2023 Highlights and Ones To Watch for 2024.

Listen to our Tracks Of 2023 playlist now!

 

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Five Favourites: Montañera

Having recently released her captivating new album, A Flor de Piel, London-based Columbian artist María Mónica Gutiérrez – aka Montañera – creates innovative immersive soundscapes fusing together traditional South American musical influences with contemporary ambient electronics. Breaking through the confines of genre, the album offers a poignant reflection on Gutiérrez’s experience as an immigrant; an artist; a human being. Shimmering with a sweeping twinkling splendour and stirring raw emotion throughout, the album takes the listener on an exquisite sonic journey.

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 A Flor de Piel, we caught up with María to ask about the music that has inspired her the most. Read about her five favourite songs and listen to latest single ‘Santa Mar‘ below!

Sona Jobarteh – Fasiya
Sona’s album has been a great inspiration for me since the moment I became interested in Senegalese music. Her voice and kora playing were a true inspiration alongside traditional griots who carry this tradition. Her style was a referent for me when I composed ‘Me Suelto Al Riesgo’ – a song I made whilst learning about Senegalese traditional kora music with my amazing teachers Kadialy Kouyate and Lucy Duran in London. I have always found kora music to be very soothing and almost celestial, the timber of its strings captivated me right away. Sona’s album, however, allowed me to understand this tradition through a lens that was in-keeping with my own music. I really enjoy how kora music makes me feel when I listen to it; the same sensation that I was looking for when making my new album A Flor De Piel.

Lido Pimienta – Miss Columbia
I have been a massive fan of Lido’s music for quite a while now. However, when she released Miss Colombia, I really identified with her music as a singer and as a songwriter. She is one of my favourite singers, I love her voice, and production-wise, her album was a great inspiration for my music as well. I love how she blends traditional Colombian music with very fresh, fun and well written arrangements. The sonic world of her music is full of colours – I wanted to achieve something similar in my album, but through my own aesthetic, heavily constructed by synths.

Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith – Ears
This is one of my favourite Kaitlyn’s albums, it captivated me right away the first time I listened to it. Personally I think it’s one of my favourite ambient albums, her tracks are always interesting and really well crafted; they are not predictable, but allow you to flow with them, and I wanted to attain something similar in my album. I wanted to make a really carefully thought ambient album with my voice playing an important role. Her sounds and aesthetic influenced me quite a lot when composing this album with my synths, I wanted each layer to be interesting – each layer to have a purpose and not just to add sounds for the sake of it. This was also the way I wanted the producers in my album to work, and her music was also a great influence to them. Ambient is a very delicate genre, and her album was a clear reference of the craftsmanship I wanted to reach.

Marina Herlop – Pripyat
I discovered Marina not so long ago, but her aesthetic and uniqueness blew me away immediately; I felt very inspired by her from the first minute I listened to her music. She has become an inspiration not only for the making of my latest album, but also for my performances. She looks like a Goddess from the future, and her music is beyond anything I’ve heard. It seems as though she has arrived from the future, and that is how her music sounds. Her aesthetic and how unpredictable her music is have become a major inspiration for me.

Canalón de Timbiquí – De Mar y Río 
I love traditional music from all around the world, however, Afro-Colombian music has been a personal favourite for quite a while now. It was maybe fifteen years ago when I sang a traditional song from Colombia’s Pacific coast for the first time, and since then a huge curiosity and interest for this music was born. Nidia Gongora has become a massive influence for this kind of music for me – she represents the strength of the Afro-Pacific Colombian women, who are all very inspiring. I find this music not only inspiring for its musical vastness, but also for the story of resistance, resilience and joy that it carries. I feel immensely honoured to have a song in my album with one of the current marimba players, Cankita, and with the amazing Cantadoras de Yerba Buena. It was through a process of research to understand their musical practice which began this musical collaboration with them. They are a massive inspiration not only to make music with, but for life.

Massive thanks to Montañera for sharing her Five Favourites with us! Listen to latest single ‘Santa Mar’ here:

A Flor de Piel, the stunning new album from Montañera, is out now via Western Vinyl. Listen / order here.

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WATCH: Liv Wynter – ‘VIOLENCE’

An antagonistic, abrasive cry for autonomy and action, Trans and working-class artist and activist Liv Wynter has shared a startling set of visuals for their latest single ‘Violence’. Lifted from their recent EP of the same name, the track is a cathartic, urgent dismantling of transphobic hate and a radical cry for movement against it.

Having recently played gigs alongside other GIHE faves Scrounge, The Menstrual Cramps and Yakkie, as well as performing under their other moniker How To Catch A Pig, Liv Wynter has been a vital force in DIY music and activist spheres for many years. Now, they’re sharing new music under their solo name, with their three track EP, Violence, making a vehement and striking impact on those who have listened so far.

On the title track, Liv sets an unsettling scene; walking home alone in the dark, cold, pursued by a stranger who begins to spew vitriol and hate against trans bodies. In this moment of uncertainty, Liv chooses to respond to the “fight or flight” scenario with unfiltered rage. “I’m not here to convince anyone that we deserve to exist / I’m here to encourage violence” bites Liv, over corrosive FX and crushing, industrial beats. Their direct, no-holds-barred lyrics provide a visceral sense of relief and empowerment; even their menacing whisper of “I encourage violence” provokes a similar incendiary effect.

‘Violence’ is accompanied by a striking set of visuals, directed by Asher McLaughlin. They reflect the sequence of events Liv explores in their lyrics, enhancing the track’s defiant underlying message of radical love, and fighting back against those who attempt to push their hatred on to marginalised communities.

Watch the video for ‘Violence’ below.

Follow Liv Wynter on bandcamp and Instagram

Photo Credit: Jody Evans

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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