LISTEN: Mykki Blanco (feat. Devendra Banhart) – ‘You Will Find It’

Mykki Blanco really doesn’t need any introduction from us. Queer pioneer and musician/rapper extraordinaire they have been an inspiration for the GIHE team for quite some time, and dazzled us with their live performance more than once. So, I’ve surprised myself by only just coming across their latest track, which was released back in April; I must have missed it amongst everything else going on at the moment. But I couldn’t not share it, just in case any of our followers – like me – missed it at the time too. It’s too wonderful not to. You need this in your ears. Better late than never, and definitely most needed right now.

Teaming up with ethereal musician Devendra Banhart and producer FaltyDL, ‘You Will Find It’ oozes a glistening, soulful splendour as shimmering hooks and swirling atmospherics provide the backdrop for Blanco’s trademark gritty power. Replacing their usual driving, glitchy energy with a haunting, soothing aura, with the help of Banhart and FaltyDL, they have created a perfect tranquil interlude; an alluring soundscape to immerse yourself in and find blissful cathartic release.

Of the track, Blanco expands:

“‘You Will Find It’ is a meditation. I don’t believe that everything spiritual has to feel so heavy and serious; I feel the opposite, actually. If people associated prayer with laughter, if prayer was made to feel sensual and funny and bitchy and ordinary, then I think more people would be comfortable acknowledging some kind of personal divine connection. This song is about exploring that connection: I should be able to smoke a joint with God and just chill a bit.”

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Matt Lambert

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Track Of The Day: Emma Kupa – ‘Nothing At All’

Having been a big fan of Mammoth Penguins for some time now, especially since they delivered a total dream of a set for us at The Finsbury last year, it’s lovely to see that front person Emma Kupa has now announced the release of her debut solo album.

Taken from the album, lead single ‘Nothing At All’ flows with Kupa’s distinctive luscious vocals, oozing a subtle gritty raw emotion, alongside twinkling folk-strewn melodies. Filled with a reflective, heartfelt lyrical storytelling, it’s impossible not to become utterly immersed in the song’s subtle passion that shines through amongst its effervescent uptempo musicality. As it builds with shimmering harmonies, the beauty of multiple voices coming together, uniting, creates a truly heartwarming slice of stirring indie-pop.

Of the track, Emma explains:

“The song channels the emotions of being stuck in a relationship which is going nowhere. Frustrating and confusing, you feel lost because you don’t know what you can do about it. In fact, all you can do is nothing and let it move on without you.“

It Will Come Easier, the upcoming album from Emma Kupa, is released on 18th September via Fika Recordings (UK) and Palo Santo (USA).

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Debbie at Wolf James Photography

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Track Of The Day: Caswell – ‘Distraction’

Hailing from Suffolk, and long-term GIHE fave, power-pop artist Caswell debuts her first release of 2020 in this spunky, energetic track ‘Distraction’.

With an eerie intro that feels like a long echoing hallway leading to a dance-floor, Caswell teases the scenario of the break-up rebounder. Deep low-ended synths set the song’s vein with dark soundscapes that exude a stirring sense of mystery.

‘Distraction’ breaths with both the hurt and hurry that comes with a break-up. Eagerness is evident, but equally is the presence of escapism. Caswell explains that her intention is to take these common, sometimes taboo scenarios and tell it like it is: “Imagining someone other than who you are with is not something people will openly admit, so this song addresses that quite candidly.”

The track’s wit truly transcends the status quo and does so in a fun, catchy way that is bound to have you up and dancing. With lyrical boldness, a euphoric chorus and a downtempo beat that creates its own atmosphere, Caswell has brought us a versatile banger that is equally suited for the club and a late night drive. 

 

‘Distraction’ is out now. Listen on Spotify.

Jill Goyeau
@jillybxxn

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Track Of The Day: Francis of Delirium – ‘Ashamed’

A hectic blend of grungy guitar riffs and insecure thoughts; Francis of Delirium have shared their latest single, ‘Ashamed’. Released via Dalliance Recordings, the track is lifted from the Canadian-American duo’s upcoming EP, All Change, which is set for release on 19th June.

Formed of 18 year old songwriter Jana Bahrich and collaborator Chris Hewett, Francis of Delirium create swirling guitar tunes that centre around Bahrich’s personal experiences. “‘Ashamed’ is about navigating how much of yourself you should be giving out to other people and then second guessing yourself, feeling like what you’re giving out isn’t enough, feeling inadequate, being ashamed of that” Bahrich explains. It’s this sensitivity that makes ‘Ashamed’ feel so relatable. With its indecisive lyrics – “I still stopped short of what I wanted” – and frenzied guitars, the track rushes through moments of concern in search of moments of clarity.

The single is accompanied by a colourful video, created by Bahrich during self-isolation. She explains the themes and ideas behind the visuals further: “There’s one moment where I hit my head and a red circle followed by white rings appears. It’s a visual representation of both the mental self-harm that the narrator is experiencing, and a mirroring of the Talking Heads’ video, ‘Once in a Lifetime’. I’ve always interpreted the song to be about achieving commonly accepted societal goals – the beautiful house, the beautiful wife etc. – and in ‘Ashamed’ I’m beating myself up for failing to achieve that idealised version of success”.

Watch the video for ‘Ashamed’ below, and follow Francis Of Delirium on Facebook & Spotify for more updates.

Photo Credit: Lynn Theisen

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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