Track Of The Day: CIEL – ‘All My Life’

A shimmering celebration of introversion, Brighton-based alt-pop trio CIEL have shared their latest single ‘All My Life’. Produced by Iggy B (John Grant, Spiritualized, Ghostpoet), the new track marks the band’s transition into poppier territory with its ambient guitars, dreamy synths and uplifting vocals.

“I have always been quite shy and a very introverted person,” explains CIEL’s frontwoman Michelle Hindricks. “Although I love parties and hanging out with other people, I need a lot of time for myself and to be able to do things at my own pace too. ‘All My Life’ is about finding your way into the world, which can be quite loud and fast-paced when you’re a more soft-spoken person and realising that you can make a difference in a more subtle way, and stand in your power that way.” Hindrik’s patient approach is epitomised in her tentative, clear vocal delivery.

Formed of Hindriks, Jorge Bela Jimenez (guitar, synthesiser, bass) and Tim Spencer (drums), CIEL came together after Hindriks relocated to Brighton from The Netherlands. After releasing their debut EP Movement earlier this year, the trio are now working on new material that showcases their softer side.

Listen to ‘All My Life’ below.

 

Follow CIEL on Instagram, Twitter, FacebookSpotify for more updates.

Photo Credit: Julia Nala

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

LISTEN: Zelha – ‘Player One’

Pop artist Zelha has just released new single ‘Player One’, taken from her debut EP which will be released over the course of the next year.

A melancholic ode to someone who’s just out of reach, even when they’re holding your hand, ‘Player One’ is an instant alt-pop earworm. Zelha, with soulful and rich tones, laments a lover who is more focused on winning the game and levelling up than on connecting with others, as subtle drops and rhythmic synths flow throughout. A heartfelt sonic gem, ‘Player One’ puts us into a longing space, watching someone we love slip away right between our fingers.

Born to Beligan and Mexican parents, Zelha takes her unique perspective straight into her songwriting. Citing influences like Dolly Parton and Lorde, the singer/songwriter infuses her music with honest, emotion-strewn storytelling.

Aisha Kasmir
@aisha_vocal

WATCH: Kadija Kamara – ‘Best Moves’

With her positive attitude and talent for filtering contemporary music elements through a nostalgic lens, Kadija Kamara‘s sound is equal parts catchy, vibrant and motivational. The London-based songwriter has shared a video to accompany her latest single ‘Best Moves’ and it’s a bright reflection on working hard, keeping your chin up and spreading good vibes.

“I filmed [the video for] ‘Best Moves’ with a bunch of amazing creative friends and completed the edit myself,” Kamara explains. “It was filmed across various locations in London. I planned to film it earlier this year, but due to pandemic it didn’t quite work out, but I am happy with the results. You’ll catch me dancing and roller skating in clips acros the video. I picked up skating during lockdown which has become a big part of my life today.”

“I wanted to show different characters in the video doing things that they love. The characters include a passionate tennis player, a male roller skater. A model being photographed at a photoshoot, but also doing a great job as a mum with her child on set. Dance teachers and their young students. A singer, a DJ who has a love for dancing and other normal people just living their day to day lives. I want everyone to feel included, which is why I filmed a range of people. A lot of my friends got involved which I feel very grateful for.”

With her afro-pop inspired sounds and uplifting visuals, Kamara is helping listeners push through self doubt and make the most of their best moves. Watch the video below.

Follow Kadija Kamara on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook & Spotify for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Get In Her Ears w/ Lucy O’Brien 05.11.20

Kate and Tash were back in the Hoxton Radio studio this week with a playlist full of tunes from women & non-binary artists. Tash caught up with author of She Bop Lucy O’Brien to talk about the 25th anniversary reissue of her book (which includes a mention of GIHE!) and her amazing experiences as a music journalist. You can order a copy of Lucy’s new book here.

Listen back:

Tracklist
Mazzy Star – Fade Into You
Scrounge – Etch
Technoir – II Male
Girlhood – It Might Take A Woman
Blonde Maze – Not All Flowers Bloom
CATBEAR – Girl Crush
Julia-Sophie – Breathe
Lido Pimienta – Eso Que Tu Haces
Seraphina Simone – O.M.D.
Amparo feat. AgesWild – Coral Eyes
Jessica Winter – Sad Music
Bitch Falcon – How Did I Know
Sister Ghost – Season Of The Witch
Cyndi Lauper – She Bop
**Interview with Lucy O’Brien**
Two Tribes – Cruel Sensuality
GRAMN. – Minimum
Tokky Horror – Sleeper
Screaming Toenail – Get Cute
Lizzy Laurance – Famous
Wallice – Punching Bag
Noga Erez – NO News On TV
Nina Simone – Ain’t Got No, I Got Life