Track Of The Day: YAY MARIA – ‘Template’ (ft. Franx)

Having previously captivated our ears as the front person of Grawl!x, Trans and queer artist YAY MARIA has now announced the release of her debut solo album, OYEZ. Touching on themes of being an outsider, celebrating solidarity and community, OYEZ is set for release later this year.

The first of three tracks to be shared from the album, new single ‘Template’ is a wonderfully empowering slice of poignant power-pop. Made in collaboration with Nottingham-based queer artist and musician FRANX, the track oozes a swirling, ethereal splendour and vibrant, uplifting energy. Propelled by calypso-like jangling beats and colourful twinkling hooks, it’s filled with a stirring lyricism that celebrates self-love (“No set way for living your life / That’s ok / You’re great / No wrong or right.”) whilst oozing a dry wit, drawing attention with a raw honesty to the mundane issues of modern life; the parts of life that are often expected of us – the ‘template’ we are expected to live by – but by no means are appropriate or desired by all, particularly those in the queer/non-heteronormative community. As Maria explains:

“I think it can sometimes feel like there is a ‘template’ in life (school, marriage, children etc) & for many that course of life is either unattainable &/or undesirable. So, it can feel kinda scary not fitting in with that pre-supposed model. However, there is also something wonderful & empowering about that too; particularly given that there are so many other queer folks out there who feel a similar way.”

With this first taste of the new album, ‘Template’ offers a blissfully euphoric anthem in celebration of being your true self in the face of adversity. A much-needed sentiment right now, YAY MARIA has created a truly dreamy, danceable soundtrack to the summer; a vital message of solidarity – assuring us that even if you don’t fit society’s accepted ‘template’, you deserve happiness – that we need now more than ever.

‘Template’ is accompanied by a simply beautiful video, exuding all the celebratory, self-love filled joy you could ever desire. Have a watch, and a boogie, now:

‘Template’ is released with the Year Of Glad collective, a young imprint and close knit family of creatives who worked with YAY MARIA on her charity release ‘ENDTIMES’ and a commemorative piece for Transgender Day Of Rememberance’ in 2020. The track, as with all of OYEZ, is made in the spirit of collaboration, produced with label mate and YOG founder Tom John Hall.

‘Template’ is out now. Buy it on bandcamp now – with all proceeds going to the QTIBIPOC Therapy Fund; an initiative of the Radical Therapist Network, to create access for Queer & Trans People of Colour to safe therapeutic spaces & services; outside of systemic oppression. 

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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LISTEN: The Dead Zoo – ‘In The End’

A shimmering synth-pop tune that celebrates the importance of emotional resilience in the face of adversity, London-based group The Dead Zoo have shared their second single ‘In The End’. Following on from their J-Pop cover ‘Mother‘ in 2020, the band continue to blend pop sensibilities into their usually heavier post punk/shoegaze offerings, this time reflecting the optimism and strength that underscores their latest effort.

“During the second lockdown, I was listening to a lot of 80s stuff–Giorgio Moroder, Donna Summer, Madonna, Japan, New Order,” songwriter and vocalist Kaoru explains. “That poured into the conception of sound and melody for the song. The lyric is founded on my gender transition experience. The sense of keeping faith in an envisioned future and using that goal to overcome difficulties and stay on course; though I think it carries a more universal message of hope and optimism that I think we all need right now in these unusual times.”

Full of lush synths and snappy beats, ‘In The End’ is an uplifting ode to coping through testing circumstances. The track has also been remixed by Brighton’s CLT DRP and fellow London band The Sly Persuaders, something band member Somrata takes great pride in. “We were completely blown away by the creativity and variety of the remixes as they came in. It’s great to have so many liberating perspectives on a piece that was conceived and mostly recorded and mixed during the very difficult winter lockdown. We can’t wait to share it with the world and to perform it live for the first time.”

Listen to ‘In The End’ below.

Follow The Dead Zoo on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Photo Credit: K Hearne

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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WATCH: Cherym – ‘We’re Just Friends’

Following their luscious and totally infectious last single ‘Listening To My Head’, and receiving acclaim from the likes of John Kennedy and Frank Turner, Derry trio Cherym have now announced their upcoming new EP, Hey Tori, set for release in September. And, ahead of the EP’s release, they have now shared a vibrant new video.

Propelled by buoyant beats and jangling hooks, ‘We’re Just Friends‘ is a heartfelt reflection on life and love, particularly from the perspective of non-heteronormative couples. Oozing a swirling, danceable energy and all the honey-sweet punk-pop vibes you could ever desire, it’s a wonderfully fuzzy burst of bubbling, sugar-coated nostalgia. Another instantly catchy, and utterly uplifting, offering that harks back to my favourites of the early noughties in all the best ways.

Of the track, drummer Alannagh Doherty explains:

“This is a song we wrote after spending some time thinking about life and some of the positive aspects of it, like relationships we’ve had that we can look back on, or the relationships that have yet to come. It’s a cheesy tune about being in a very wholesome relationship with your soul mate… There is a wee bit of irony in the title because in most wlw (woman-loving-woman) relationships—or any non-heteronormative relationships—people will always presume you’re ‘just friends’ so that’s where the idea came from.”

Watch the super cute animated video for ‘We’re Just Friends’ now:


Hey Tori, the upcoming EP from Cherym, is set for release on 30th September via Alcopop! Records. Pre-order here. Catch them live on their UK tour in October – more info here.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Y-Control Photography

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Track Of The Day: Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra – ‘I Didn’t Love You When I Said I Did and I Don’t Now’

Equal parts charming and cutting, Dublin-based trio Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra‘s latest single ‘I Didn’t Love You When I Said I Did and I Don’t Now’ is a swirling lament to the moment when you realise a relationship is ultimately beyond saving. Released via Anon Records and recommended to us by fellow Irish musician Fears, the band blend shimmering guitars, urgent vocals and poignant lyricism to reflect the frustrations and uncertainties that come with this unwanted epiphany.

Formed of Sarah Deegan (songwriter/guitarist), Alice Grollero (bassist) and Danni Nolan (drummer), Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra met via Dublin’s underground & DIY music scenes and began writing music together inspired by the sounds of Mitski, Courtney Barnett and Angel Olsen. The band deliver their observations on life with a raw sincerity, with Deegan’s distinctive voice leading the charge on ‘I Didn’t Love You When I Said I Did and I Don’t Now’.

The track is accompanied by a video, shot and edited by artist Hollie Gilson, reflecting the irritation, resentment and reluctance that follows the point of no return after a breakup. To take the edge off, they’ve also shared some fun ‘Behind The Scenes’ footage that you can watch here too.

Watch the video for ‘I Didn’t Love You When I Said I Did and I Don’t Now’ below.

Follow Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Kate Crudgington
@kcbobcut

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