LISTEN: Sydney Sprague – ‘i refuse to die’

A stirring piece of guitar-pop that encourages listeners to try their best against the odds, songwriter Sydney Sprague has shared her latest single ‘i refuse to die’. Released via Rude Records who Sprague has recently signed to, the track is a fiery ode to persevering with what you love, even when the world is getting you down.

“This song is a desperate wish for good luck,” explains Sprague. “Looking around at the world [today] it feels like it didn’t work.” Despite the unfortunate timing of the release, ‘i refuse to die’ is still a catchy track that urges listeners to resist the forces of negativity. Brimming with the 90s guitar pop vibes that Sprague loves, her blend of modest yet confidence-boosting lyrics – “I can do that thing I said I’d never / I think it’s time to try” – gracefully compliment her melodies.

“I’m so grateful that I get to continue to do what I love thanks to Rude Records,” comments Sprague about her recent signing. “To have the support of this team, especially during this odd time, is a literal dream come true. I can’t wait to show you what we’ve got planned.” Listen to ‘i refuse to die’ below and follow Sydney Sprague on Spotify, Instagram & Twitter for more updates.

Photo Credit: Natasha Wilson

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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WATCH: Serena Isioma – ‘King’

An intoxicating blend of smooth vocals and jangly guitars, Chicago-based musician Serena Isioma has shared their latest single ‘King’. Full of seductive beats and brooding bass lines, the track is a shimmering reflection on the problematic friendships 20-year old Isioma has found themselves in.

“’King’ is about remembering your worth,” the songwriter explains. “I used to have a lot of rich friends. I would do anything to please them so they would let me live their lifestyles. After cutting those friends off then going through a period of isolation, I saw history repeating itself when I got in a new entanglement.” Isioma unravels these ties through catchy melodies and empowering lyrics.

‘King’ is accompanied by a beautiful set of visuals, directed by Michael Del Rosario. “I’m sick of seeing white cisgender people dominate the alternative world simply because there is nothing alternative about that,” Isioma explains. “I’m so happy that I was able to showcase black femmes as the stars of the ‘King’ music video. Black femmes deserve the world.”

Watch the video for ‘King’ below and keep your eyes peeled for Isioma’s new EP The Leo Sun Sets, set for release later this year.

Follow Serena Isioma on Spotify & Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: M(h)aol – ‘Laundries’

A brooding reflection on the grim realities that “fallen women” faced in Ireland’s infamous Magdalene Laundries, inter-sectional feminist post-punk band M(h)aol (pronounced like “male”) have shared their first single after a five year hiatus, titled ‘Laundries’. Through scathing vocals, thudding beats and distorted riffs, the group ruminate on the cruel past of these oppressive institutions.

Currently based between Dublin, London and Bristol, M(h)aol are formed of Róisín Nic Ghearailt, Constance Keane, Jamie Hyland, Zoe Greenway and Sean Nolan. Together, the band aim to shake up the male dominated post-punk scene with their urgent, shadowy sounds and new single ‘Laundries’ is the perfect instigator for this pursuit.

Fueled by relentless, crashing percussion and candid lyricism, ‘Laundries’ acknowledges “the shame of our secrets / the stain of our days”, shedding light on the uncomfortable truth behind the brutal religious institutions, the last of which closed its doors in October 1996. The track acts as a poignant reminder to both Ireland and the rest of the world that challenging oppression and misogyny is a collective responsibility, and the only way we can prevent such cruelty from happening again in the future.

Listen to ‘Laundries’ below and follow M(h)aol on bandcamp, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: MIRI – ‘Just Breathe’

With acclaim from the likes of BBC 6Music, and performances for Sofar Sounds and supporting Laura Viers at Bush Hall, GIHE fave and previous radio guest host MIRI has recently shared a poignant new single.

Released to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Day earlier this month, ‘Just Breathe’ reflects on the negative impact some social media can have, whilst delivering a message of love and positivity. Propelled by a soothing, soulful splendour and emotion-strewn majesty, the soaring heartfelt power of Miri’s distinctive vocals flows alongside an uplifting musicality, oozing an endearing sense of hope. With resonant lyrics such as “You can call on me, I’ll be the safe space that you need”, it’s a stirring ode to self care and taking care of those you love, at a time when we need it the most. 

Of the track, MIRI explains: “Just Breathe is my message to anyone struggling mentally to please reach out for help. We are living in an incredibly stressful and intense time especially with the pandemic. It can all have a major impact on our mental health and wellbeing which is why it was important for me to release this track for WMHD.”

‘Just Breathe’ is accompanied by a beautifully calming video, directed by Kate Lane. Watch here:

‘Just Breathe’ is out now. Listen on Spotify.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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