PLAYLIST: September 2026

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another eclectic mix of new music for your listening pleasure! Our September Playlist features plenty of alternative offerings, post-punk tunes, shoegaze riffs, indie & alt-folk musings, DIY punk anthems, and some experimental, instrumental and electronic sounds. Make sure you scroll through and read all about our recommendations below.

As you already know, to best support the artists we love here at GIHE, we now use TIDAL as our main playlisting platform, so please follow us on there! We’ve also included YouTube or bandcamp links for all of the tracks below, so there’s plenty of ways for you to get your new music fix. You can still access our GIHE profile on Spotify (which we do not have a paid subscription for) but we urge you to use TIDAL, bandcamp or YouTube instead. 

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

 

Eilis Frawley – ‘Calm Down’
Interrogating the unreliability of algorithms and how they obscure the truth in her own idiosyncratic style, ‘Calm Down’ is the latest single from GIHE fave Australian-born, Berlin-based drummer and songwriter Eilis Frawley. It’s lifted from her upcoming second album, Twist My Words, which is set for release on 6th November via cult Berlin label Sinnbus Records. She combines her direct lyricism and distinctive spoken-word with her fluctuating percussive rhythms to unravel how it feels to be bombarded with versions of the “truth” online. “We’re surrounded by news, strong opinions, notifications, and algorithms, all tailored to our individual interests and needs. But is the truth being tailored too?,” Eilis shares about the context of her track. “In a world where everything competes for our attention, sometimes the most radical thing you can do is simply calm down.”
(Kate Crudgington – Features Editor)

M(h)aol – ‘Scam Manifesto’
I remember being struck by the raw power of Irish post-punks M(h)aol when I first heard their single ‘Laundries‘ back in 2020. This power still endures 6 years later, after three album releases and changes in their line-up, the band remain as cutting and contemporary as ever, especially on new single ‘Scam Manifesto’. Released via Merge Records and Tulle, it’s permeated with drummer and vocalist Constance Keane’s eviscerating honesty and dry wit, as she explores the contradiction of the image we present online, versus the one we try to obtain in private. “’Scam Manifesto’ is a song I wrote during one of my semi-regular social media breaks,” she explains. “My entire feed was ‘how to lose the last 5 lbs’ and obituaries for people I didn’t know. It’s about the guilt I feel about my own hypocrisy. Publicly, I say that as a woman it’s my right to be as ugly and old as I want and still value myself, while privately I was consistently fixating on a list of things I would change about my appearance. It’s about having one rule for others and another one for yourself.” (KC)

The Sewing Club – ‘Bark’
A swirling rumination on the unsettling nature of duplicity, I love this track from Nashville-based indie band The Sewing Club. ‘Bark’ is taken from their upcoming debut album, Sew, which is set for release on 2nd October via Born Losers Records. Led by the emotive vocals of multi-instrumentalist Hannah McElroy, the track blends melodic, fuzzy guitars with brooding bass lines to explore the “wolf in sheep’s clothing” scenario that Hannah muses over. “‘Bark’ was probably the hardest song to write on the record,” she explains. “The whole premise of the song is discovering someone isn’t who they say they are…I always tend to write the most depressing lyrics over the most melancholic guitar parts, but I really like that’s kind of just a mirror to the juxtaposition of life. Some of the most horrific things are totally normal.” (KC)

Minor Dents – ‘Rituals’
If you’ve not yet listened to Brighton’s Minor Dents’ Sitting With The Fish EP from earlier this year, you really should. Its swirling, shoegaze-tinged soundscapes and lilting Stereolab-reminiscent vocals are the stuff dreams are made of; the way different layers are interwoven seamlessly offers an evocative, ethereal haze that it’s easy to become completely immersed in. I can’t wait for Minor Dents to open our gig at Alphabet in Brighton next Friday 9th October. They’ll be supporting US band Perennial with Piney Gir, and I can promise it’ll be a magical night! Tickets are on DICE now and cheaper in advance.
(Mari Lane – Managing Editor)

Mariae Cassandra – ‘Splinter’
The new single from Australian one-to-watch Mariae Cassandra, ‘Splinters’ reflects on how feelings of self-trust and self-confidence can grow as we get older and gain strength from the experiences that we encounter along the way. Oozing a heartfelt vulnerability alongside catchy hooks and a twinkling emotion, it offers a beautifully tender ode to believing in yourself, reminiscent of the likes of Phoebe Bridgers or Blondshell. (ML)

Cosign – ‘Too Far For What’
It took approximately 5 seconds for me to decide that I loved this track from Belfast artist and producer Martha Greer aka Cosign. I love the blend of jagged and atmospheric electronics, coupled with her clear, gentle vocals. She describes ‘Too Far For What’ as dealing with “the friction of self-awareness versus self-destruction. It’s about knowing exactly how a compulsion ends but choosing to do it anyway”. The track is lifted from her upcoming EP, This Is What It Feels Like, which is set for release on 6th November via Our House Online. (KC)

YELF. – ‘brainrot’
A real gear-change from GIHE fave London-based, British-Swedish artist YELF. here, but it’s one I can get behind. Driven by two competing voices in the verses and choruses, ‘brainrot’ is a gritty-yet-infectious sonic exploration of trying to stay motivated in a world that seems to constantly drain us. Released on the autumn equinox – when day and night are equal – and produced, mixed and mastered in an abandoned bank in London by AKA Block, YELF. has actively sought to make ‘brainrot’ as all-consuming and intense as the neuroses that initially inspired the track’s conception. (KC)

Sijya – ‘Do I Know’ [Rachika Nayar Remix]
I named South Asian composer and producer Sijya as one of my ‘Ones To Watch‘ this year, after being captivated by the expansive electronica on her 2025 EP, Leather & Brass. Now, she’s gearing up to release a collaborative version of the same record, titled Leather & Brass [Retrofitted], set for release on 23rd October via One Little Independent Records. By enlisting the help of some of her favourite femme producers and artists, Sijya has re-worked her original tracks to reveal new layers to each of them. Brooklyn-based composer and producer Rachika Nayar has made her mark on ‘Do I Know’, showcasing the tenderness underlying Sijya’s original version. (KC)

Amahla – ‘Sticky’
Having been a big fan of Hackney raised artist Amahla since being charmed by the lush, soulful sounds of her 2019 single ‘Dorothy’s Verses’, we’re excited to hear that she’s back with a brand new single. Exploring the push and pull of love, ‘Sticky’ offers an infectious, jazz-tinged groove as Amahla reflects on the conflicting feelings of lust and knowing you should leave a relationship. Produced by WAVSDNTDIE, it showcases this innovative artist’s ability to combine a playful musical energy with her rich, resonant vocals and relatable lyricism. (ML)

Dana Margolin – ‘Big Beautiful Sound’
Known for her time over the last decade in acclaimed indie band (and personal favourites) Porridge Radio, Dana Margolin is now releasing her first solo single. Rippling with a stirring raw emotion as lilting stripped back melodies flow, ‘Big Beautiful Sound’ offers an exquisite rumination on self-discovery; an honest and heartfelt reflection on the journey from the darkness of despair, building with an anthemic splendour, to the glistening light of acceptance and hope. (ML)

Marina Yozora – ‘Snow Heat’ (String Session)
Japanese-born, London-based songwriter Marina Yozora continues to share the gentle evolution of her single ‘Snow Heat’ with this beautiful string-infused rendition of the track. Originally inspired by a brief connection with someone that now exists only in Marina’s mind, to honour the intensity of this fleeting moment, she has previously released a lyric video and an acoustic version to accompany the original single, and now she has added to the collection with this tender string session too. Marina plans to reveal the official video for ‘Snow Heat’ on the one year anniversary of the track’s release in 2027, which we will be keeping our eyes peeled for. (KC)

Ayanna Witter-Johnson – ‘Blue’
Another considered, emotionally resilient offering from acclaimed composer and MOBO-nominee Ayanna Witter-Johnson here. Through her tender vocals and resonant cello sounds, she provides an intimate snapshot into finding strength in vulnerability on ‘Blue’. The track is lifted from her recent album, New Roots, which she released through hero own imprint (Hill and Gully Records) in September. The LP is inspired by a plethora of personal and historical influences, including Ayanna’s reflections on her British-Caribbean identity and the inheritance of Windrush-era wisdom, grief and remembrance. Ayanna describes her album as “learning that new roots can be grown even in unfamiliar or fractured ground” – a poignant and comforting concept to hold on to. (KC)

ACTRESE – ‘Jasmine’
Self-described as “the perfect song for the end of summer”, ‘Jasmine’ is the latest single from indie-folk artist ACTRESE. Taken from her upcoming debut album, it flows with a sweeping immersive grace as lilting keys and strings ripple beneath the ethereal allure of the vocals. A stirring reflection on the initial beginnings of an infatuation – in the words of ACTRESE, “a feeling we’re not yet sure exists, or perhaps one we’re still too shy to admit.” (ML)

R Loomes – ‘Another Sip Of The Divine Specific’
This is the eponymous track from Sheffield-based musician R Loomes’ debut album, which she has released today! (30/09). ‘Another Sip Of The Divine Specific’ showcases the doom-folk songwriter’s beguiling vocal style and her intuition for pairing it with evocative riffs to create her potent and emotive sounds. “This song is about feeling the present as a cosmic, euphoric experience,” she explains, “allowing the depths of the subconscious to flow freely and giving it a voice with the aim of true authentic connection with the self and another.” (KC)

Softcult – ‘I Held You Like Glass’
Featured on their debut album, When A Flower Doesn’t Grow, which they released at the beginning of this year, Ontario-based grunge sibling duo Softcult have now shared a new video for their track ‘I Held You Like Glass’. The visuals feature the band viewed through fragmented glass, dimly lit, playing their instruments amidst shots of their hands in a bloodied state, reflecting the discomfort and numbness that they explore through their swirling riffs and melancholic vocals. “We wrote “i held you like glass” about the processing and letting go of unhealed trauma,” shares vocalist Mercedes Arn-Horn, who also directed the video. “The lyrics describe how it feels to internalize the dynamics of toxic relationships, comparing loving people that hurt us to holding broken glass; continuously wounding us until we let go.” (KC)

Esther’s Wife – ‘Anyone’s Man’
A brand new discovery for me, Esther’s Wife are already building a great reputation in their hometown of Glasgow, as well as receiving acclaim from the likes of BBC 6Music. Now, combining a gritty, impassioned energy with a more traditional folk-inspired musicality, recent single ‘Anyone’s Man’ offers a beautiful insight into what this young band are capable of. I can’t wait to hear more! (ML)

Matching Outfits – ‘Mini Moon’
Following 2025’s incredible break-up album, Ditch Me, Berlin band Matching Outfits’ latest single ‘Mini Moon’ may be my favourite track of the year so far. Combining jangly hooks with Linnea Mårtensson’s deadpan lyrics and candy sweet harmonies, it’s a gloriously lo-fi, instantly catchy reflection on the frustrating search for both romantic and artistic inspiration. I was lucky enough to catch the band live at The Ivy House while they were over in the UK a couple of weeks ago, and I highly recommend you do the same when they’re next here. Their tongue-in-cheek wit coupled with the shimmering musicality of their creations is bound to win you over. (ML)

Weather Happy – ‘Trees’
Following their debut single, ‘It Leaks Out’, brand new duo Weather Happy are back with another fantastic offering from their upcoming EP. Formed of Holly from Berries and her childhood friend Harry on drums, they’re already building a big buzz around the perfect combination of Holly’s distinctive songwriting style and seemingly effortless mega riffs with Harry’s fierce, spiky beats. Showcasing something slower-paced and more melodic than previous single, ‘Trees’ reflects on the comfort to be found in nature, and the consistent people in our lives – Holly explains: “I remember sitting in a wood surrounded by rustling leaves and creaking branches and I realised how comforting the sound of trees can be. They represent so much history and are such a solid presence. The lyrics ‘this soil grows beneath my feet, won’t trip me up, it keeps me steady’ are born from a similar place. Both reflect the solid people in our lives who help us through difficult trials and the comfort and reassurance we get from familiar faces and places.” Moth, the debut EP from Weather Happy, is out on 30th October via Easy Does It Records, and before that, the band are supporting legends Team Dresch at The Dome in North London tonight! (30/09) (ML)

Saoirse Dream – ‘grimdark’
‘grimdark’ is the title track from North American electronic-emo artist Saoirse Dream’s upcoming album, which is set for release on 9th October via Lauren Records. Saoirse blends emotive lyrics with melodic guitars and dramatic volume fluctuations to give ‘grimdark’ its racing, urgent quality. Alongside fellow North American artist Estelle Allen (who plays on their upcoming record) Saoirse Dream will be coming over to the UK & Ireland this November to play a series of shows in Bristol, Manchester, Glasgow, Dublin and Belfast. They’ll also be playing a headline show in East London on 13th November at Signature Brew. Tickets are available on DICE now! (KC)

DOG DAYS – ‘Starting Again’
This is the second single from Newcastle-based newcomers DOG DAYS. A hazy blend of indie riffs and brooding basslines, ‘Starting Again’ showcases the band’s ability to write infectious alternative tunes that smoulder with teenage angst. I look forward to hearing more offerings like this from DOG DAYS in the near future! (KC)

Chuck SJ – ‘Lovesick Puppy’
The latest single from GIHE fave Chuck SJ, ‘Lovesick Puppy’ offers a soaring reflection on queer identity and the conflicting feelings of needing some quiet time in nature whilst craving the sense of community and culture that city life brings. Going on to explore how transphobia has influenced Chuck’s relationship to grief and their mixed feelings around whether or not they would be accepted by their mother if she was still alive, it’s propelled by a raw stirring emotion and honest sense of vulnerability. A beautifully heartfelt introspection that builds with a twinkling musicality, switching between anthemic hooks and stripped-back delicate vocals. (ML)

Blue Bendy – ‘Dragonslayer’
Having first fallen in love with Blue Bendy, immediately captivated by their swirling cacophonies, at Deer Shed festival back in 2024, I’ve been missing new music from them over the last couple of years while the band have been on hiatus. But now, with a revised line-up and second album on the way, they’re back with a new single that maintains the seething raw emotion and glistening, fuzzy musicality that first captured my attention, whilst showcasing a more refined, all-encompassing sound. Of ‘Dragonslayer’, vocalist and songwriter Arthur Nolan reflects: “I was trying to look at Nationalistic mythology wrapped in a tragicomic romantic pop song, and the fantasies that any musician tells themself about fame, living in your own head.” One Day This Will All Be Lore, the upcoming second album from Blue Bendy, is set for release on 29th January 2027. (ML)

Count Florida – ‘Last Selfie’
Another new discovery from Glasgow, Count Florida look set to take the place of my indie-pop faves imminently. With its lilting melodies, stripped back bass and honey-sweet Belle and Sebastian reminiscent vocals, new single ‘Last Selfie’ offers a first taste of the band’s upcoming second album, in the form of a dreamy reflection on the trials and tribulations of an old relationship. With each of the band no stranger to the DIY music scene (bassist Andrew used to be in Shopping), and their new album promising “a witty, warm and proudly queer record”, I’m looking forward to hearing more from this Scottish trio. (ML)

Had Sandy – ‘I Hate My Parents and I Wanna Learn How To Swim’
The latest single from Brighton’s Had Sandy, ‘I Hate My Parents and I Wanna Learn How To Swim’ offers a nostalgic emo-tinged reflection on teenage angst that promises to “make you feel 16 again”. It does just that, and has me wishing I had a band like Had Sandy to resonate with when I was an angsty teen – the way their scuzzy, impassioned energy fizzes alongside their driving, catchy hooks would have been (and still is) just what I needed. (ML)

The Oozes – ‘Pump Out Some Kids’
Having had the honour of having art-punk queercore legends The Oozes play our GIHE 10th Anniversary party at The Cavendish Arms last year, I’m super excited that they’ve now announced the release of their debut album. Taken from the album, ‘Pump Out Some Kids’ is propelled by a driving frenzied energy, as the duo rage against the villainisation of the trans community and the deeply harmful rhetoric of trans exclusionary groups. Racing with a necessary sense of urgency, the track’s immediacy coupled with the seething emotion of its visceral vocals highlight the importance of the message behind it. The Oozes’ debut album will be released on 15th January 2027 and covers themes including navigating intersectionality within political spaces, disrupting stability in structures of power, and pushing against the relentless suppression of community used to maintain the holds of capitalism, fascism and colonialism. (ML)

Heavens To Betsy – ‘My Secret’
Sharing their first music since 1994, feminist punk trailblazers Corin Tucker (Sleater-Kinney) and Tracy Sawyer (The Husbands, The Flying Tigers, The Lies) aka Heavens To Betsy are making an extremely welcome return to our ears. As huge inspirations to us, both as fans of their music and influenced by their rebellious voices and desire to create safe spaces for women and the queer community within the Riot Grrrl movement, we’re excited by this recent announcement. A 16-track mission statement comprising a never-before-heard demo tape, baby’s gone was originally recorded by Bratmobile’s Molly Neuman and is now finally being digitised and released into the world, at a time when it seems more urgent than ever to bring attention to certain important issues. Album track ‘my secret’, for example, sees Corin Tucker grappling with the aftermath of a sexual assault; a subject that seems particularly resonant with what’s been in the news this week, and the pervasiveness of rape culture that continues to dominate society. (ML)

 

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

LISTEN: GIHE on Soho Radio x The Great Escape Special & WIDGET (13.05.26)

Tash, Kate and Mari were back on Soho Radio this month with a special playlist celebrating the female, non-binary & LGBTQ+ artists who are playing The Great Escape this year! They dedicated an entire section of the show to the artists who are performing as part of the GIHE showcase at the festival on The Soundwaves Stage on Brighton Beach on Saturday 16th May – so listen out for tracks from Problem Patterns, The Baby Seals, YAKKIE, steel. and Jessie Mac…

The team were also joined in the studio by Ky & Estella from East London queer disco-punk band WIDGET. They spoke about the joys of being in a DIY band, the amazing people they’ve met through their various DIY communities and shared stories about the tracks on their self-released debut album, CLASSY HITS VOL.2. If you can’t make our GIHE showcase at The Great Escape this Saturday 16th May, you should head to The Pie House in Deptford to watch WIDGET play a special fundraiser gig instead! Grab a ticket here.

Listen back below:

 

We’ll be back on Soho Radio on Wednesday 10th June from 20:00-22:00
Listen via the Soho Radio app or www.sohoradio.com

Tracklist
Peaches – Boys Wanna Be Her
Lauren Auder, Celeste – Unseen
Jessie Mac – Trans Is Beautiful
The Baby Seals – Tamoo Trance
YAKKIE – Kill The Cop Inside Your Head
Problem Patterns – I’m Fine and I’m Doing Great
steel. – DFTTM
Ngaiire ft. Nai Palm – Dirty Hercules
Lumi – Once In A Blue Moon
Tanzana – Pulse, Pose, Position
Roomer – Written By
SISTRA – Things I really Mean
ARXX – We Don’t Talk About It Enough
Cowboy Hunters – Money For Drugs
congratulations – This Life
WIDGET – WHAT IF PHONES BUT TOO MUCH
**Interview with Ky & Estella from WIDGET**
Track chosen by WIDGET: Mia Musa – Knew You Before
Not Richard & Her Majesty – A Song About Being A Parasite
Twat Union – Tiny Shorts
Bonnie Trash – Hellmouth
Fraulein (Jonique) – Wait and See
Afternoon Bike Ride – Sunday Sketch
Neve Cariad – Burdens
Yaz – Father Nature
Jamaica Moana – CYA
Meduulla – Vibe Nice
Kimmortal – This Dyke
Tom Rasmussen – There’s A Lot To Be Happy About

Introducing Interview: Heart Rot

A brand new band who’ve popped into our inbox for the first time recently, New York based Heart Rot deliver their ethereal yet gritty creations with a fierce allure, inspired by the quiet-loud dynamics of the ‘90s grunge scene. A completely DIY project, the band draw influence from their experience as girls and connection to the natural world in their songwriting, and pride themselves as artists honing their craft; not just in creating their music, but in their merch too. With just two songs out so far, they’re a new favourite for sure, and we can’t wait to hear more of their raw, bewitching soundscapes.

We caught up with Lily, Maya and Ceci from the band to find out more – have a read, and make sure you check out Heart Rot‘s double A-side singles ‘Anchors To Elsa‘ and ‘Sunday Night‘ now!

Hi Heart Rot! Welcome to Get In Her Ears! How are you doing today?
Thank you so much for having us! We’re doing amazing thanks!

Are you able to tell us a bit about how you all met and started creating music together?
We met through moving to college in New York City. We all knew that we wanted to be in a band, but got so lucky to meet each other early on, thanks to social media. The first time we played together, we felt such a natural musical connection between us and by our second practice we were writing songs. 

I love your gritty grunge-tinged sounds, but who would you consider to be your main musical influences?
Our main source of inspiration definitely comes from the sounds of ’90s alternative and grunge music-acts like The Breeders, Hole, Sonic Youth, Pixies, Mazzy Star, Veruca Salt, and Belly. 

You recently released your awesome double A-side single ‘Anchors To Elsa’ / ‘Sunday Night’ – can you tell us a bit about these tracks? Are there any particular themes running throughout them?
Thank you so much! A little over a year ago, I (Lily) brought in both of these songs in the forms of rough demos, having written the lyrics and chords on her acoustic guitar. ‘Anchors to Elsa’ was written in the summer of 2021, when Hurricane Elsa was soaking the East Coast of the US. I have always been fascinated that we name storms, humanising these archetypally terrifying natural disasters. The effects of climate change are actively intensifying the prevalence and tenacity of such storms, which is the cause of so much grief and anxiety among young people today. Young[er] at the time, I was experiencing emotional turmoil and angst, stir-crazy from the pandemic and stressed about the future. Elsa was such a fitting metaphor for how I was feeling; I just wanted to run across the whole world and release all of my fears and doubts like water and wind. The fact that Elsa is already ingrained in mainstream culture as the storm of Arendelle was not intentional, but as my little sister pointed out, quite apt. Lyrically, we think it is beautiful to relate emotions to aspects of the natural world, seen in ‘Sunday Night’ through lines like “the rain washes away all I ever said” and “you need my gnarled roots, a perpetual tree”. We are really glad that we did not rush into recording right after writing, and think that the time we spent with them rehearsing and playing live really helped them to evolve. 

You seem to really pride yourselves on being DIY and honing your craft; not just musically, but by making all your own merch too. Are you able to tell us a bit more about this and what inspires you to do this? 
The driving force for our merch production and process is sustainability. The garment industry in particular is extremely problematic – although filling out an online order form is much easier, we really believe every act and decision is valuable. We are committed to hand printing our merch on thrifted shirts and sweaters, and being physically present throughout the process instead of outsourcing. The first part of our merch-making process is going to a pay-by-pound thrift store where it is easy to find hundreds of blank tees, tanks, and sweaters with so much life left in them. Our guitarist Maya draws incredible digital sketches and I’m able to use the printmaking studio at our school to screen-print those designs. The innate uniqueness of each shirt is something we are very proud of; no two Heart Rot merch pieces look alike.

Being based in New York must be pretty exciting. What’s the live scene like there at the moment? 
There are so many incredible rock bands in New York right now who draw influence from many different sub genres of the last fifty years of rock and indie music. It’s super awesome to go to shows because every act has such a creative and unique sound. We also know a lot of bands, including ourselves, that are in some form of art school. In addition to making music, a lot of us are photographers, painters, fashion designers, and printmakers, which speaks to the whole DIY energy here. It’s also super exciting and inviting to see and play with more women and queer-led groups. It’s great that the music scene is becoming more inclusive.

And what can fans expect from your live shows? 
We like to stack shows that we organise with as many female/non-binary bands as possible, so you should expect to see some other incredible acts (and dance in the crowd with us). We like to do this only semi-defined ritual called ‘girl mosh’ (not just for girls): our version of a safe and inclusive way to contrast the typical exclusive, almost jarring body-slam that dominates traditional punk/rock scenes. We hope to foster a safe and fun energy in the crowd. 

As we’re an organisation keen to support new artists, we just wondered how you feel the industry is for them at the moment? And do you feel much has changed over the years in its treatment of female and queer artists? 
I think many of us have seen a definite shift on what it means to be a popular and successful artist because the internet and social media have become such a determining factor in connecting with other artists and audiences. The musical landscape that female and queer musicians are entering now celebrates us a lot more and there has been an enormous amount of progress within the last fifty years. We’ve been so appreciative of how we have been received as a band, but know that our experience is certainly not universal. Misogynistic biases continue to find ways to put down female artists – the current version on social media seems to be the assumption that breakout female artists are “industry plants”. This completely disregards their artistry, chocking it up to unjust inflation or some behind-the-scenes corporate manipulation.

And are there any other new bands or artists that you’d recommend that we check out?
There are so many incredible bands active in NYC releasing music and playing shows. Le Bang, The Dutch Kills, OMAT, and Lucky Number are some of our favourites! 

Finally, what does 2024 have in store for Heart Rot? 
Definitely more music and a relentless amount of live shows! We hope to release our full length album, keep producing homemade merch and related artwork, and release more music videos. We have a handful of shows coming up in February, but we’re most excited for the show on February 10th at Stone Circle Theatre in Queens, NYC.

Massive thanks to Heart Rot for answering our questions, we can’t wait to hear more from them soon!

Photo Credit: @ellamenop3

New Track: Ski Lift – ‘Double Yellow’

‘Double Yellow‘ is the latest single by Ski Lift, the project of Welsh born/Croydon-based songwriter Benji Tranter with Elizabeth Walsh on bass and vocals and Adam Fletcher on drums. With its nostalgic sound, enchanting melody, and evocative lyrics, it captivated me on first listen.

The music kicks off with a gritty, grunge-infused strumming of rhythm guitars accompanied by a cool drum groove. The soft vocals gracefully float atop the guitar, while a subtle low harmony accentuates the main vocal line with a touch of melancholy. Eventually, the track drops, with the drums adopting a richer and warmer tone and the track builds for a big chorus marked by a fuzz-laden guitar chop followed by the lyric hook “my little universe” – underscoring the theme of our shrinking world during lockdown – a line you just have to sing along with. As a call-and-response melody follows, the guitars step back to give the vocals a central spotlight.

With shades of ’90s bands like Weezer, whose influence is easy to hear, the track also brings to mind more contemporary artists like Soccer Mommy and Palehound. 

A song written over lockdown, it captures the newfound fascination in the mundane and ordinary that we felt over that time, confined indoors with little to do but embark on our daily walks. The song paints vivid images of common-place things that often escape our notice in ‘normal’ daily life. Of the lyrics, Tranter explains:

“During the lockdown of 2021, I explored my local area on foot most days – Broad Green, Waddon Marsh (overshadowed by the giant gasworks which have since been torn down) and Wandle Park. I became familiar with, and fond of, many little details and aspects I hadn’t noticed in busier times. I felt strange knowing that when life sped back up, I might not see those places again in the same way.”

Having shared a stage with bands such as Holiday Ghosts, ARXX and Mary in the Junkyard, Ski Lift have already received radio play and support from the likes of BBC 6Music’s Tom Robinson and Radio X’s John Kennedy, demonstrating they are a band not to be ignored.

Watch a beautiful live session of ‘Double Yellow’ that the band recorded for Sub Cat Records; really highlighting their tight musicianship and the intricate harmonies they’re able to create.


Catch Ski Lift live on 29th March at The Cavendish Arms’ London Indie Pop Weekender – get tickets here.

Ella Patenall
@ellapatenall

Photo Credit: Jas Kisbee