Track Of The Day: SPIDER – ‘U GET HIGH / I GET NOTHING’

A dark, atmospheric reflection on the imbalance of emotions in an unequal relationship, London-based, Irish musician & producer SPIDER has shared her latest single ‘U GET HIGH / I GET NOTHING’. Taken from her recent debut mixtape C.O.A. (Coming Of Age), the track is a raw, relatable rumination on being taken for granted by someone you cared for, explored through emotive vocals, brooding electronics and confessional lyrics.

Born and raised in Dublin, twenty-two year old SPIDER harnesses the strong feminine energy of the arachnid she’s named after as a totemic symbol through which she can explore her own emotional resilience. She struggled growing up in a Catholic household as a young Nigerian girl in a predominately white country, but creating music provided her with an outlet for her most unfiltered thoughts. Now, with her mixtape and new single, she continues this narrative of breaking down barriers to share her truth and she does so with provocative flair.

Refusing to be stereotyped by producers and other music industry folk who assumed she was an R&B artist because of her skin colour, SPIDER exerts full autonomy over her music, taking on production duties and coming up with the visuals and aesthetics for all of her releases. On C.O.A, she filters her experiences through a dark-pop, angsty lens to prove that growing up – and fucking up – is a universal experience.

“Activities like drinking and partying are tagged as ‘coming of age’ when white kids do it but demonized when kids of colour do it,” SPIDER comments. “We deserve the right to experience our youth and find ourselves. C.O.A is what that felt like for me, and my hope is that other people of colour will listen to it, hear a situation they’ve been through, and maybe it’ll become their own coming of age moment.”

Listen to ‘U GET HIGH / I GET NOTHING’ below.

Follow SPIDER on Spotify, Instagram, Twitter & Facebook

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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PREMIERE: ROE – ‘I Dare You’

Embracing the rush of relief that comes with letting go of unexpected or difficult emotions while you’re in transit, Northern Irish songwriter ROE has shared her latest single ‘I Dare You’. Released via The Music Federation, the track is based on ROE’s own experience of being a touring musician and the balancing act of enjoying these precious opportunities, whilst trying not to be overwhelmed with exhaustion.

“‘I Dare You’ is about all the unpredictable emotions that show up when spending days on end together on the road as musicians,” ROE elaborates on her new single. “It’s an incredibly testing side of this industry that fans don’t get to see. The frustration and tears and uncontrollable laughter. Some days it’s such a joy and other days all you want is to be back in your own bed. It’s always worth it but it’s not always easy. The inevitable drives between shows and home are so ridiculous and difficult and new every time. Staying awake so nobody drives alone and the inescapable stop at the closest McD’s are constant but so much happens in that space.”

Underscored by driving beats, observational lyrics and her clear vocals, ROE’s new single is a snapshot of joyful unrest, which builds to an anthemic chorus full of trumpet fanfares. With ‘I Dare You’, ROE has crafted her own brand of “existential indie-pop,” finding catharsis in surrendering to the pressures of life in its more testing moments, and celebrating it in all its raw, unfiltered glory.

ROE will be performing live tonight (31st) at the Oh Yeah Centre in Belfast.

Listen to ‘I Dare You’ below.

 

Follow ROE on Spotify, Twitter, Facebook & Instagram

Photo Credit: Megan Doherty 

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Beauty Sleep – ‘I Love It Here I Hate It’

In an infectious, fantastic overhaul of alt-pop, Belfast duo Cheylene and Ryan – aka Beauty Sleep – capture our undivided attention with their most recent single ‘I Love It Here I Hate It‘. Fresh off of their SXSW debut, the excitable nature of Beauty Sleep is infectious throughout the track in such an earnest way. 

The band’s shimmering pop disposition paired with irresistible melodic grooves make for a sonic setting that immediately pulls us in, and never lets go. Delving into a discussion of duality, Beauty Sleep drench their art-pop nature with a fresh palette of enchanting string instrumentation that makes ‘I Love It Here I Hate It’ its own universe. Draped alongside deep synth beds, twinkling guitar leads and danceable bass lines, Beauty Sleep facilitates an energising mix oozing a rich orchestral splendour.

Personal voice samples layered into the track furthers the vastness of Beauty Sleep’s vision, creating an intimate touch on a song that otherwise feels universal. The humanity of duality throughout ‘I Love It Here I Hate It’ seeps from every note. As the illustrious, soaring vocals explain “I used to be the one who wanted to get out… Now I’m grown I just wanna be home”, we feel the band’s vulnerability become cathartic. What first feels like a guilty confession, the phrase “I Love It Here I Hate It” gains validation, and then ultimately celebration by the track’s end. 

Beauty Sleep have meticulously captured a journey of reflection, realisation and acceptance in ‘I Love It Here I Hate It’. Of the track, they explain:

“We are all so in-between, all our identities are uncertain. And I think that makes us so powerful and we should celebrate it, rather than letting it ruin our self-esteem. It’s about trying to claim our own identities and inspire others to do the same. There is power in that. There Is power in owning who you are, and connecting with others through your complicated identity.”

Jillian Goyeau
@jillybxxn

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Track Of The Day: CIEL – ‘Fine Everything’

A brooding rumination on the nature of indecision and how sometimes it’s easier to bury your head in the sand, Brighton trio CIEL have shared their latest single ‘Fine Everything’. Taken from their upcoming EP which is set to be released later this year, the track is a mix of buzzing shoegaze-style riffs and mesmeric vocals that still retains the melodic sheen of the band’s former releases.

Formed of Michelle Hindriks (vocals, bass), Jorge Bela Jimenez (guitar) and Tim Spencer (drums), CIEL have cut their teeth playing gigs on the live circuit across the UK, supporting the likes of English Teacher, Opus Kink, Penelope Isles, Sasami and Malady. Having recently been longlisted for Glastonbury’s Emerging Talent Competition, the trio are pushing forward with a “grittier” sound, with new single ‘Fine Everything’ being the first venture into this territory.

“It’s about coming of age and not really knowing how to navigate life,” Hindriks explains about the single. “The doubts and difficulties that involve making life-changing decisions, yet maybe not being ready growing up, when all your friends are. I was thinking of how so many people lost touch with their inner gut feeling and instincts, and how all the possibilities in life can feel so overwhelming sometimes. It’s almost kind of easier to stay oblivious to it, instead of digging deep into your mind”.

The track is accompanied by a video shot by Jay Bartlett, which shows the band persevere with playing their instruments despite the afflictions they encounter, reflecting Hindriks words about ignoring your instincts in order to appear fine.

Watch the video for ‘Fine Everything’ below.

Follow CIEL on Spotify, Instagram, Twitter & Facebook

Photo Credit: Percy Walker-Smart

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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