Track Of The Day: Lande Hekt – ‘Whiskey’

A humble, emotive guitar tune about self acceptance and coming to terms with your sexuality, Lande Hekt has shared her latest single ‘Whiskey’. Lifted from her debut album Going To Hell, which is set for release in January 2021 via queer-run independent label Get Better Records, the track is Hekt’s most personal offering to date.

“I’m no stranger to queer punk and queer politics,” Hekt explains. “I’ve always taken a special interest for obvious reasons, but this record is important to me because it’s the first time I’m releasing anything as an outwardly gay person.” This decision has given Hekt the confidence to speak candidly about the anxieties and expectations that coming out can bring on her new record, and on single ‘Whiskey’

“This song is essentially about how there were so many things that didn’t feel right in my life,” says Hekt. “It’s about learning how to come to terms with being gay or, more accurately, realising that pretending you’re not gay can’t go on forever.” Between her raw lyricism and her stripped back guitar sounds, Hekt shows that there’s no need to hide who you are from other people, but gently acknowledges the fear or indecisiveness that can underscore these important realisations.

“I internalised a lot of that [homophobia and heteronormative] culture for a long time,” Heky continues. “It wasn’t until I found myself surrounded by queer and trans people and friends, that I realised I could live happily in a way that felt right. I know I’m not alone in feeling like this and it was other people sharing their experiences with me that helped me out.”

Listen to ‘Whiskey’ below and follow Lande Hekt on bandcamp, Facebook & Spotify for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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WATCH: Æ MAK – ‘hey driver (!)’

A vibrant, catchy tune made with “100% childsplay and solo belly laughs”, Kitsch-bop Queen Æ MAK has shared her latest single, ‘hey driver (!)’. Taken from her new EP how to: make a kitsch pop song to show the world, which is released today (18th Sept), the Irish artist has crafted another polished art-pop offering with a dance routine that’s a joy to mimic.

Embracing production duties for the first time on her new release, Æ MAK – aka Aoife McCann – wrote and recorded her new EP during the Covid-19 lockdown period. She focused on making upbeat tunes that listeners could bop too, and the result is a candid and ultra fun aural “how to” on making music that’s joyous and uplifting.

McCann’s carefree attitude is best displayed in the accompanying music video for ‘hey driver (!)’, shot and edited by Tim Shearwood. Featuring her cousin Anyamanee Thungsombat and school friend Kavneet Kainth, the video shows the girls seamlessly executing dance moves such as the “bumble bee butt walk” and adopting the “casual horse rider” pose.

Watch the video below and follow Æ MAK on Facebook and Spotify for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: King Hannah – ‘Crème Brûlée’

We have actually previously featured this song from Liverpool duo King Hannah as Track Of The Day way back when it was first brought to our attention in July last year, but – with its official release having just been announced on City Slang Records – we felt it only right to sing its praises once again.

In fact, ‘Crème Brûlée’ had me so completely hooked the first time around that the band even featured in my Ones To Watch for 2020 (hate to say I told you so…). It just completely cast me under its spell on first listen.

With a sweeping, ethereal power and the longing, impassioned vocals of Hannah Merrick that flow with a majestic musicality, it’s just utterly compelling; a stunning introduction to the band who I hope to hear a lot more from over the coming months. Although they’re just one single down, with already over 11,000 streams on Spotify and a sound as captivating and original as this, I have a feeling that they’ll be enchanting many more ears.

And now ‘Crème Brûlée’ comes complete with its own beautifully homemade, documentary-style new video. Watch now:

‘Crème Brûlée’ is out now via City Slang. Listen on Spotify.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Lucy Mclachlan

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Track Of The Day: ZAND – ‘Slut Money’

A defiant, savage pop tune that celebrates self-autonomy and body positivity, ZAND has shared their latest single ‘Slut Money’. The self-described “ugly pop” star is taking aim at slut shamers on their new track, knocking down the haters with their gritty beats, sweet vocals and candid rap verses.

“While it’s a tongue-in-cheek bop, I wrote it as a liberating bite back at whorephobes,” ZAND explains about the new single. “[It’s] an ode to the community, as well as it being empowering for anyone who’s been judged for demonstrating their right to bodily autonomy and sexual liberation.” The Blackpool-born producer delivers these thoughts via unapologetic lyrics and dense beats on ‘Slut Money’.

“Why you complaining when it’s not your body?” ZAND repeatedly asks, reiterating the problem that patriarchal society has with judging the bodies of women and non-binary people. ZAND has a simple message for the haters though – “fuck you, pay me” – which is deftly delivered throughout the track. ZAND rightfully celebrates using your body in whatever way you want to, and unapologetically tells those who find it offensive exactly where to go.

Listen to ‘Slut Money’ below and follow ZAND on Instagram and Spotify for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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