PLAYLIST: March 2022

The Get In Her Ears team have put together an eclectic mix of guitar tunes, post punk anthems, indie gems & immersive electronic sounds for your listening pleasure. Take some time to scroll through our track choices below and make sure you hit play on the Spotify playlist at the end of this post.

Follow GIHE on Spotify to hear all of our previous playlists too.

Charlotte Adigery x Bolis Pupul – ‘Ceci n’est pas un cliché’
‘Ceci n’est pas un cliche’ by Charlotte Adigery and Bolis Pupul, whose debut album Topical Dancer came out earlier this month. I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Charlotte, where we talked about the new album, the therapeutic process of making music and the use of laughter to tackle complex topics and her lovely little baby Rocko also joined us for the chat. You can listen back to that interview on our latest Soho Radio show. (Tash Walker)

Julia-Sophie – ‘Dial Your Number’
The latest single from one of our favourites Julia-Sophie, whose new EP, it feels like thunder, has just dropped and it doesn’t disappoint. It comes as part of a trilogy of releases through Beat Palace Records, the new label set up by Anna Prior of Metronomy which has a heavy focus on championing women artists. Julia-Sophie will also be headlining our gig at The Shacklewell Arms on 1st June with support from Dewey and Maria Uzor. Grab your ticket via DICE here. (TW)

Ethel Cain – ‘Gibson Girl’
Since I heard her single ‘Crush’ last year, I have been compulsively listening to American songwriter Ethel Cain. Her heady, devastating tunes throw me off-kilter whenever I hear them and this track is no exception. Taken from her highly anticipated debut album, Preacher’s Daughter, which is set for release on 12th May, ‘Gibson Girl’ is a lustful, deeply provocative offering inspired by American model Evelyn Nesbit. Cain offers some more perspective on the track: “Being a woman is about never quite reaching a goal that someone else set for you. Under pressure to fit an impossible standard, I find myself daydreaming about what it would be like to be perfect in a way I can’t ever possibly achieve. I’ve always been in love with Evelyn Nesbit, the Gibson Girl, and thought she was the absolute pinnacle of feminine poise and grace. Whenever I start to lose myself and forget what I’m capable of, I just turn to her and she’s the greatest reminder.” (Kate Crudgington)

Ailsa Tully – ‘Salt Glaze’
The latest single from Welsh artist Ailsa Tully, ‘Salt Glaze’ offers a poignant reflection on the time that Tully and her partner spent in her late Grandmother’s house during the January lockdown last year. A truly immersive soundscape emanating a comforting warmth and exquisite captivating grace. You can watch the very cute video for ‘Salt Glaze’ here. (ML)

Tomberlin – ‘Tap’
I haven’t been able to stop listening to American songwriter Tomberlin since her single ‘Happy Accident‘ dropped into my inbox last month. Her poetic lyrics are so simple, yet they feel so profound and graceful when she sings them. This track is taken from her upcoming album, I Don’t Know Wo Needs To Hear This, set for release on 29th April via Saddle Creek, and it’s a beautiful musing on trying to disconnect from the digital world and focus on genuine human interaction – something we’ve all been craving since 2020. I think her opening line about over-using Instagram is superb: “Tap the heart until I hate myself / Hit the square, and rearrange myself / I don’t like it what it does to me / Never makes me want to laugh, or sing.” I can’t wait to hear Tomberlin’s songs live at St Matthias Church on 5th April. (KC)

Fears – ’16’
Transforming her ruminations on a troubled past relationship into an elegant, exquisitely raw offering, ’16’ is the latest release from Irish musician & producer Constance Keane aka Fears. Released via her own imprint TULLE, the track is a combination of meditative synth loops, tentative beats and the instrumentals of her late friend, classically trained cellist and trans rights activist Sophie Gwen Williams. These elements mesh together to create a truly soothing, magnetic soundscape. Accompanied by a beautiful video, shot & directed by Zoe Greenway – who performs alongside Keane in punk band M(h)aol – the visuals are a poignant tribute to Williams too. (KC)

Hannah Schneider – ‘Mirror Sphere’ (ML)
‘Mirror Sphere’ is the new single from Danish artist Hannah Schneider, who is also one half of GIHE faves AyOwA. Whilst more stripped back than we’ve come to expect from Ayowa, this solo venture maintains all the glistening majestic splendour and cinematic grace that we associate with Schneider, creating an enchanting hybrid of sounds. (ML)

Real Big Sky – ‘Long Lost’
A brooding, atmospheric musing on feelings of loneliness and isolation, Gothenburg four-piece Real Big Sky have shared their debut single ‘Long Lost’. Full of moody guitar sounds, shiver-inducing cymbal smashes and melancholic vocals, the track is a captivating slice of dark indie noise. I can’t wait to hear the band’s self-titled debut album, which is set for release on the 13th of May. (KC)

Scrounge – ‘This Summer’s Been Lethal’ (ML)
South London duo Lucy and Luke aka Scrounge have now announced the release of their upcoming debut album, and we couldn’t be more excited. Taken from the album, ‘This Summer’s Been Lethal’ builds with a bewitching tension and potent beats, creating a stark soundscape. Oozing the duo’s trademark deep stirring allure and dark, compelling energy, an added uptempo edge propels the track, inciting a small glimmer of hope in these uncertain times. A swirling, immersive wall of sound, here Scrounge have showcased how they are consistently honing their sound; adding innovative layers to create resonant, cathartic anthems for the present day. (ML)

Oceanator – ‘Stuck’
I’m a big fan of this new single from Brooklyn artist Oceantor, taken from her excellently titled new album, Nothing’s Ever Fine, set for release on 8th April via Big Scary Monsters. I love the charging rhythms and doomy riffs on ‘Stuck’, which as Oceanator explains, is “about that feeling of all your collective traumas, disappointments, and general sadness just accumulating over the years and weighing you down more and more.” (KC)

Francis Of Delirium – ‘The Fun House’
“This is a call to arms” sings Jana Bahrich aka Francis Of Delirium in the opening to this single, instantly commanding listeners with her grungy riffs and clear vocals. A reflection on the manic and disorientating mindset that’s been accepted as “the new normal” over the past two years, Bahrich’s track is a cathartic rush of angst that questions what’s “left to believe” in such an overwhelming world. (KC)

Horsegirl – ‘Anti-glory’
I love this playful, rumbling cacophony from Chicago post-punk outfit Horsegirl. Taken from their debut album, Versions of Modern Performance, which is set for release on 3rd June, the band – formed of best friends Penelope Lowenstein, Nora Cheng and Gigi Reece – wrote ‘Anti-Glory’ “almost by accident” whilst messing around with an old song during rehearsals. When speaking about the track, the band say: “As always, this song and album are for Chicago, our friends, our friend’s bands, everyone who can play the guitar, and everyone who can’t play the guitar.” I like that! (KC)

Proper. – ‘Huerta’
Happy album release day to Brooklyn trio Proper.! The band have shared their new album, The Great American Novel, which is a punk infused concept record about how black genius is routinely overlooked and ignored. On this track ‘Huerta’, lead vocalist Erik Garlington evaluates his thoughts about his Mexican heritage, offering listeners an insight into what it means to censor or ignore parts of yourself and the impact this can have on your own identity, as well as the wider perception of this identity in predominantly white spaces. “If these audiences are going to be a voyeur to the Black experience, I want them to hear this record and learn about our identity crises,” Garlington continues about the band’s new album. Proper.’s unfiltered approach on ‘Huerta’ and The Great American Novel is a cathartic and necessary antidote to this voyeurism. (KC)

Petrol Girls – ‘Baby I Had An Abortion’
Highlighting the truth that everyone should have access to an abortion, without shame, ‘Baby, I Had An Abortion‘ oozes a brutal, unapologetic honesty, propelled by the gritty, seething force of Ren Aldridge’s vocals. An immense, empowering statement reflecting on Aldridge’s own experiences of having an abortion in 2018, it offers a poignant ode to bodily autonomy. A raging cacophony fuelled by a riotous catharsis that emits both joy and anger. (ML)

Problem Patterns – ‘Y.A.W’
A powerful, necessary anthem for women and girls who have spoken out against violent misogyny only to be told they’re “just a bitch who can’t take a joke,” it was a privilege to premiere Belfast Punks Problem Patterns video for their poignant new single ‘Y.A.W’ earlier this month. An acronym for ‘Yes All Women’ – antagonising the social media excuse ‘Not All Men’ – the track seethes with a righteous fury, underscored by Ciara’s King’s buzzing basslines, Beverley Boal’s striking guitar riffs, Bethany Crooks’ thudding beats and Alanah Smith’s crystalline vocals. It’s a visceral rumination on the universal rage and despair that permeates our consciousness in the wake of public violence towards women, in particular, the misogynist killings of Sarah Everard and Aisling Murphy. Watch the video here. (KC)

LibraLibra – ‘Here’s To You Mr Robinson’ (ML)
GIHE faves LibraLibra today release their second EP, Modern Millenial. Taken from the EP, latest single ‘Here’s To You Mr Robinson’ offers a satirical FU to the UK Government and any other right wing cretins. Initially inspired by the Tommy Robinson milkshake-in-face incident, it’s driven by a frenzied electro-driven whirr as the impassioned vocal prowess of front-person Beth Cannon soars. Another colossal cacophony showcasing the immense genre-defying power of this band on the rise. (ML)

Projector – ‘Play Along’
A brooding exploration on “the cognitive dissonance that allows you to feel like you are god’s gift, whilst simultaneously feeling like a piece of shit,” I love this new track from Brighton trio Projector. Splicing the dual vocals of Edward Ensbury and Lucy Sheehan with angular riffs, restless rhythms and ominous synths, the track marks new sonic territory for the band and I’m looking forward to seeing what they do next. (KC)

Body Type – ‘Buoyancy’
A rousing, energetic slice of indie punk, this fun new single from Australian trio Body Type is taken from their debut album, Everything Is Dangerous But Nothing’s Surprising, which is set for release on 20th May 20th. Inspired by a text exchange between bandmates Annabel Blackman and Georgia Wilkinson, ‘Buoyancy’ lives up to its namesake and is all about “grappling with internal inconsistencies and moral ambiguities in an incoherent style.” The band also say it’s “a personal reminder that when certain things are rendered uncertain, those you love are an eternal rudder.” C.U.T.E. (KC)

Breakup Haircut – ‘Out Of My Way (I’m Not Getting On The Nightbus’) (ML)
Having wowed us live with their scuzzy, joyous punk-pop at our January gig at The Victoria, Breakup Haircut have now shared a jangly new offering, dedicated to those of us who may not be too fond of big social gatherings. ‘Get Out Of My Way (I’m Not Getting On The Nightbus)’ flows with a jangly, uplifting energy and snarly wit as the band’s colourful charisma shines through. Breakup Haircut are set to release their debut album on 15th July via Reckless Yes. (ML)

girlhouse – ‘paul blart mall cop’
An honest musing about her experience of living with depression, this is a tender but buoyant new offering from US bedroom-pop artist Lauren Luiz aka girlhouse. Through her confessional lyrics and catchy melodies, she explores what she calls “the ultimate dilemma as a person that has dealt with depression for the majority of their life – not wanting to live but not wanting to die.” Despite its heavy context, girlhouse delivers her observations with earnest and cathartic flair. (KC)

BEORMA – ‘Without You’
A bittersweet reflection on losing someone you love and as a result a part of yourself, Birmingham-based band Beorma have shared their latest single ‘Without You’. Mixing R&B and indie pop sensibilities with a smooth heartfelt vocal, the track is an unexpectedly upbeat listen, brimming with emotion and a melody that warmly rushes the senses. (KC)

Amaroun – ‘Brown Skin Beauty’
A poignant offering reflecting on a personal journey of building in confidence to having the freedom to feel comfortable in your own black queer skin, this latest single from GIHE fave Amaroun flows into the ears with a sweeping ethereal soundscape. As her soaring, luscious vocals ripple atop the shimmering musicality, a truly blissful offering oozing a sparkling majestic grace is created. Mars, the upcoming debut album from Amaroun, is set for release on 3rd June. (ML)

King Hannah – ‘All Being Fine’
Having just released their debut album, I’m Not Sorry, I Was Just Being Me, Liverpool duo King Hannah have been firm favourites here at GIHE for a while now. Latest single ‘All Being Fine’ flows with an eerily captivating energy alongside Merrick’s trademark rich, sultry vocals. Building with a dark, iridescent splendour, it oozes a gritty, spellbinding allure, showcasing King Hannah’s unique, majestic grace and exquisite ability to create soundscapes with a truly compelling ethereal power. (ML)

Jenny Hval – ‘Year of Love’
In the run up to seeing Jenny Hval in April, I’ve been filling my ears with the fruits of her latest album Classic Objects, including this song ‘Year of Love’. It’s such a gentle song with those distantly haunting vocals of Hval swooping over like melodic drones, bliss. (TW)

Pongo – ‘Doudou’
‘Doudou’ is the latest release from Angolan-Portuguese artist Pongo who has often been described as the new diva of kuduro – and for good reason! Since her debut, Pongo has never stopped renewing the heritage of this genre by feeding it with sounds from all over the world. Just like this one. (TW)

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

“This is a call to arms” sings Jana Bahrich aka Francis Of Delirium in the opening to her latest single ‘The Funhouse’, instantly commanding listeners with her grungy riffs and clear vocals. A reflection on the manic and disorientating mindset that’s been accepted as “the new normal” over the past few years, Bahrich’s track is a cathartic rush of angst that questions what’s “left to believe” in such an overwhelming world.

“’The Funhouse’ is largely about how we are adapting to the chaos that is present in our everyday lives,” Bahrich explains about her new single. “The way it can feel that the world is crashing down around us and in order to protect ourselves, we become numb to the sheer terror of it all. Sort of like walking through a funhouse and attempting to remain un-phased by the mayhem that surrounds you.”

Through her frantic riffs, urgent vocals and conflicted lyrics, Bahrich explores the strange mix of apathy, adrenaline and dread that we’ve all been ricocheting between since the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020. The track is accompanied by a self-directed video, with its fast-paced editing and flashing lights reflecting the chaos she sings of. Despite its uneasy context, ‘The Funhouse’ is a powerful dose of riotous guitar music that breaks down the remnants of underlying anxiety that originally fuelled it.

Watch the video for ‘The Funhouse’ below.

Follow Francis Of Delirium on bandcamp, Spotify, Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

Francis of Delirium will play their first-ever North American tour supporting The Districts this spring.

Photo Credit: Pit Reding
 
Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

LISTEN: GIHE on Soho Radio with Charlotte Adigéry 09.03.22

Tash & Kate were back on the Soho Radio airwaves playing loads of new music from some of their favourite female, non-binary and LGBTQ+ artists. Sadly Mari couldn’t make it into the studio, but offered some of her “musical musings” too.

French-born, Belgian-Caribbean musician Charlotte Adigéry also joined them to talk about her debut album Topical Dancer, which she worked on with Bolis Pupul, and the power of joy and laughter when it comes to making art about your own life experiences. Baby Rocco also had his say!

Listen back below:

Tracklist
Eurythmics & Aretha Franklin – Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves
Adrianne Lenker – Symbol
Julia-Sophie – Dial Your Number
t l k – IWNU
Fraulein – Drag Behind
A.A. Williams – Melt
PET Wife – Alone
Ailsa Tully – Salt Glaze
Tomberlin – happy accident
ROBYN & Neneh Cherry ft. Mapei – Buffalo Stance
Pongo – Doudou
My Idea – Crutch
CMAT – Every Bottle Is My Boyfriend
After London – Here, Tonite
Charlotte Adigéry x Bolis Pupul – Ceci n’est pas un cliché
**Interview with Charlotte Adigéry**
Tirzah – Tectonic
Hannah Schneider – Mirror Sphere
Big Thief – Little Things
Muna Ileiwat – Stuck
Petrol Girls – Baby, I Had An Abortion
SASAMI & No Home – Squeeze
KIN – Cosmos
Amaroun – Brown Skin Beauty
Cate Le Bon – Remembering Me
Queen Latifah ft. Monie Love – Ladies First

PLAYLIST: January 2022

New year, new playlist! The Get In Her Ears team have put together an eclectic mix of indie anthems, guitar tunes, alt-pop tracks & immersive electronic sounds for your listening pleasure. Take some time to scroll through our track choices below and make sure you hit play on the Spotify playlist at the end of this post.

Follow GIHE on Spotify to hear all of our previous playlists too.

Ronnie Spector – ‘She Talks To Rainbows’
Hearing news of Ronnie Spector’s passing last week hit hard. A truly innovative musical icon, she inspired generations of women in music, whilst The Ronnettes were one of the first ‘girl groups’ to receive worldwide acclaim. Sadly also famous for being a survivor of serious physical and psychological abuse from her husband of six years, producer Phil Spector, I think it’s important we remember Ronnie for the incredible musical gifts she’s left us with. I just love the sparkling, soulful splendour and whimsical grace of this lesser known beauty, ‘She Talks To Rainbows’. (Mari Lane)

Girl Ray – ‘Murder on the Dance Floor’
Girl Ray’s cover of this 2001 classic by Sophie Ellis-Bextor… Need. I. Say. More. (Tash Walker)

Bas Jan – ‘Sex Cult’
The latest single from London experimental collective Bas Jan (founded by Serafina Steer and featuring members of Jenny Moore’s Mystic Business and Jarv Is), ‘Sex Cult’ offers a glistening cacophony propelled by a quirky energy and captivating allure. Reflecting on society’s attitude towards polygamy, it radiates a celestial joy as crystalline voices come together in unity to create something quite euphoric. Baby You Know, the new album from Bas Jan, is out 28th January via Lost Map Records. (ML)

ML Buch – ‘I’m a Girl You can Hold IRL’
This song is taken from Danish electro-pop musician ML Buch’s album Skinned which came out in 2020, but I spent a lot of the winter break listening to it so thought I’d share it with you all in 2022. I love its futuristic techno electro tones and all the FEELINGS. (TW)

SEA CHANGE – ‘Is There Anybody There’
Created during a time of intense loneliness during the middle of lockdown, this atmospheric offering from Norwegian producer Sea Change gives me goosebumps. Blossoming from a place of empathy, it’s one of many evocative tunes that feature on her upcoming album, Mutual Dreaming, which is set for release on 11th February via Shapes Recordings. (Kate Crudgington)

Brimheim – ‘This Week’s Laundry’
A stirring, intricately observed guitar tune about trying to cultivate a “normal” routine during a time of deep vulnerability, I love this single from Danish alt-pop artist Brimheim. Taken from her upcoming album, can’t hate myself into a different shape, which is set for release on 28th January via W.A.S Entertainment, the track flows with her tender vocals and confessional lyrics, which chime with relatable melancholy. I had the pleasure of interviewing Brimheim about her new record and her love for Queen Avril Lavigne earlier this month. Read our chat here. (KC)

Midwife – ‘2020’
This is a gloomy (but great) track about the year we’d all rather forget: 2020. Taken from Midwife aka Madeline Johnston’s third album Luminol, which was written & produced during quarantine last year, ‘2020’ is her cover of The Offspring’s 1997 track ‘Gone Away’, which I didn’t know until the person who recommended Midwife to me sent me a link to the original song. I know she’s been around a while, but I’m newly obsessed with this track & her album.  (KC)

Wu-Lu – ‘Times’
My new obsession, I recently came across South London multi-instrumentalist and producer Wu-Lu courtesy of Mary-Anne Hobbs on BBC 6Music. Creating a wonderfully eclectic smorgasbord of immense sounds, I just love how Wu-Lu manages to fuse together dark, Deftones-esque punk with a gritty, hip-hop inspired edge. I cannot stop listening to this track right now, which features drums by Black Midi’s Morgan Simpson. (ML)

Pearly – ‘Silver Behind The Mirror’
An agitated, sultry dose of cinematic heavy rock, I’m a big fan of this single by Ohio-based trio Pearly. Taken from their upcoming album Silver of The Mirror, which is set for release on 11th February via Eto Ano Recordings, the track is a smouldering slice of “stoner rock” that heaves with heady desire. (KC)

SASAMI – ‘Say It’
This industrial-tinged “rage dance anthem” from SASAMI is 100% a bit of me. Taken from her upcoming album Squeeze, which is set for release on 25th February via Domino, SASAMI explains: “I feel like when I hear this song I see a hot femme with a mystical flamethrower engulfed in emotional blue flames throwing elbows alone in an industrial dance club in outer space.” Mate, same. (KC)

HALINA RICE – ‘Sunken Suns’
What do I love more than dreamy songs full of feelings? The answer is obscure electronica! My latest listen comes from London-based artist Halina Rice, as part of a new project where she is embarking on creating new worlds in her music. Of this track Halina explains, “I wanted to create something dark and strange and emotive. The track emerged after days spent generating sounds through synths and noise generators. I put a mass of effects on the sampled vocals and they seemed to develop a life of their own – like a half-heard transmission from another world.” LOVE IT. (TW)

Gemini Aaliyah – ‘Moonrise’
Leeds-based artist Gemini Aaliyah says her single ‘Moonrise’ is the beginning of her “fucked up fairy tale where the ghetto meets the goth girl,” and that’s something I’d like to openly support. She channels her angst through yearning vocals and brooding beats, finding solace in the idea of re-birth and reinvention through her lyrics. Gemini Aaliyah will be playing at Drown U Out Festival at Leeds University Union on 19th February, alongside two of my other favourites Ho99o9 and Bob Vylan. (KC)

Queen Cult – ‘Calm’
Following acclaim from the likes of BBC Introducing for their debut single ‘Shindigger’ and support for their resonant latest single ‘A Song About Consent’, Queen Cult’s latest single ‘Calm’ flows with luscious, heartfelt vocals before building to a sweeping, fiercely impassioned proclamation to stand up to the patriarchy. Once again showcasing the Cheshire band’s knack for creating epic pop-rock anthems with a poignant sense of intent, ‘Calm’ cements Queen Cult’s place as definite ones to watch in 2022. The debut EP from Queen Cult is set for release on 28th January. (ML)

Peaness – ‘How I’m Feeling’
Having just announced the release of their debut album, Chester trio Peaness have shared a new taster of what’s to come from the LP. Propelled by uplifting, jangling hooks, latest single ‘How I’m Feeling’ reflects on the feelings of self-loathing and melancholy that can come from being stuck in an unfulfilling job and offers a glistening sense of hope that, with a bit of determination, you can make a positive change. I just can’t get enough of Peaness’ glossy, honey-sweet sounds and sunny, playful energy. World Full Of Worry, the debut album from Peaness, is set for release on 6th May. (ML)

SPRINTS – ‘Little Fix’
Another absolute banger from Dublin four-piece Sprints. Taken from their upcoming EP A Modern Job, which is set for release on 11th March via Nice Swan Records, ‘Little Fix’ is full of powerhouse vocals, crashing drums and racing riffs. The track is inspired by vocalist Karla Chubb’s experience of imposter syndrome, as she explains: “plagued by insecurities, imposter syndrome and gender stereotypes, ‘Little Fix’ is the culmination of all my fears – the, sometimes self-applied pressure that as a woman in music, I can’t just be good, I have to be great.” Even with these anxieties, Karla and her bandmates have created a candid, intensely cathartic offering with this track. (KC)

Worse Off – ‘You Belong Here’
I love this track by excellently named New York pop punk duo Worse Off. They sent me their EP You Win Some, You Lose…A Lot, in December last year and I was headbanging away to their tunes at my desk. Definitely check them out, their EP is up on bandcamp and Spotify. (KC)

Tits Up – ‘Macho Bullshit’
Having released their debut EP Greatest Tits, at the beginning of the month, Liverpool band Tits Up are ready to blast into your lives with their immense riot grrrl inspired energy and unapologetic honesty raging against the patriarchal society in which we live. Fuelled by a frenzied punk spirit, ‘Macho Bullshit’ hits you with its riotous, angst-driven force, offering an empowering statement of intent. (ML)

Bitch – ‘You’re The Man’
Set to release her debut album next month, queer electro-pop artist Bitch prides herself on being “like Joni Mitchell set to a click track… It’s neon pink, in your face, ready to hex you with its brilliance.” Latest single ‘You’re The Man’ exudes a driving, gritty energy as sizzling synths race alongside dense drum-machine beats, creating an empowering reflection on letting go of negative forces and reclaiming your inner voice. Bitch’s perfectly named debut album Bitchcraft is set for release on 4th February via legendary label Kill Rock Stars. (ML)

Combo Chimbita – ‘Yo Me Lo Merezco’
The title of this warm, joyful track from New York-based Latinx quartet Combo Chimbita roughly translates as “I deserve it”. The track and accompanying video are a celebration of self-love, spot-lighting prominent queer and trans performance artists, including Teresa Karolina who stars in the visuals. ‘Yo Me Lo Merezco’ is taken from Combo Chimbita’s upcoming album, IRE, which is set for release on 28th January via ANTI. (KC)

Flamango Bay – ‘LA’
The latest single from San Francisco trio Flamango Bay, ‘LA’ reflects on the band’s recent move to the city. Propelled by sunny, jangling melodies, it’s a dreamy slice of indie-pop that glistens with an irresistible, effervescent charm. The Fool, the upcoming debut EP from Flamango Bay, is set for release on 13th May via 0800-Moshi-Moshi. (ML)

Babeheaven – ‘Don’t Wake Me‘
This band never disappoint. ‘Don’t Wake Me’ is Babeheaven’s latest gently soothing release. Just lovely. (TW)

KEYAH/BLU – ‘Til Bliss’
This is the latest single by South London rapper KEYAH/BLU who I would encourage you all to go and check out if you aren’t familiar with already. (TW)

Skylu – ‘Foreign Concept’
A tune for the stolen hours, this is the debut single from Skylu, whose voice you may recognise from Bamboo Smoke. (TW)

Lucy Barton – ‘Starlight’
The latest single from singer-songwriter Lucy Barton, ‘Starlight’ offers a sparkling reflection on gaining awareness of our self-crippling subconscious thoughts. With a subtle immersive power, the track speaks of breaking free from this internal narration, allowing us to discover the beauty that exists in life. I’m a big fan of Barton’s soaring, glitchy musicality and emotion-strewn honey-sweet vocals, and can’t wait to hear more from her. (ML)

Carmel Smickersgill – ‘Questioning’
The latest single from modern classical artist Carmel Smickersgill, ‘Questioning’ offers a truly captivating and uniquely intriguing soundscape. Mentored by acclaimed musician Anna Meredith, Smickersgill prides herself on creating immersive ‘outsider pop’, and I just love this track’s whirring grace and celestial, ethereal energy, reminiscent of GIHE fave Jenny Hval. Smickersgill is releasing her debut EP in April. (ML)

Novaa – ‘You Can F With Me’
‘You Can F With Me’ by Berlin based alt-pop singer-songwriter Novaa is taken from her forthcoming album due in early 2022. This is a song about the things that people asked and told her as a victim of sexual abuse and rape. Love and solidarity to anyone who relates to that track and remember that the best thing you can ever do for anyone who has been a victim, is to listen, be kind and give them space and support to heal. (TW)

Zannie – ‘Mechanical Bull’
This is the latest single from New York-based songwriter Zannie, who’s recently signed to iconic riot grrrl label Kill Rock Stars. They remind me a little bit of Phoebe Bridgers on this track and I’m excited to hear more from them this year. (KC)