PLAYLIST: April 2023

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another eclectic mix of indie & alternative anthems, industrial soundscapes, alt-pop and electronic tunes for your listening pleasure. Take some time to scroll through our track choices below, and make sure you press play on the playlist at the end of this post.

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

 

Whitelands – ‘Setting Sun’
I’m really into London band Whitelands at the moment! Formed of Etienne, Jagun, Vanessa and Michael, I just love their scuzzy, shoegaze-infused soundscapes, and ‘Setting Sun’ showcases their ability to create the stuff of truly captivating sonic dreams. They’ll be playing in Brighton at The Great Escape Festival in May, so make sure you catch them if you’re lucky enough to be going! (Mari Lane)

Hypsoline – ‘With You Gone’
Having completely fallen in love with Hypsoline when they played for us, supporting Currls back in December, I’m now super excited that they’ll be returning to charm us again – for their first ever London headline show – on 19th May at The Shacklewell Arms. Support comes from The Ethical Debating Society and Rom Coms. Grab your tickets here. (ML)

Circe – ‘Riot Of Sunlight’
GIHE favourite Circe has shared her new single ‘Riot Of Sunlight’, which is taken from her upcoming EP, Drawing Wings From The Light, set for release on 19th July. Inspired by her love for Jez Butterworth and Mark Rylance’s critically acclaimed play Jerusalem, it’s a commanding, delightfully disorientating blend of dizzying synths and seraphic vocals, all delivered with her distinctive and vivid charm.
(Kate Crudgington)

Twin Rains – ‘You’re The Only One’
This apocalyptic reflection on love from Toronto-based Twin Rains is the first piece of new material from the duo since 2021. Full of intoxicating riffs and smooth vocals, it’s a potent blend of dream pop and psych rock with an electronic edge, and I can’t stop listening to it. (KC)

Draag – ‘Demonbird’
LA electro-shoegazers Draag release their debut album Dark Fire Heresy today (28th April), and this swirling sonic headrush is lifted from it. Speaking about the track, frontperson Jessica Huang explains: “‘Demonbird’ was a major breakthrough in my personal journey unpacking spiritual abuse in my past. Becoming the Demonbird character in the video was a way for me to find some sort of justice for the women who were silenced and discarded in the purity culture of my particular religious upbringing…It’s a relief that it doesn’t have the same power over me anymore.” Draag’s new record is well worth your attention. Listen to it here. (KC)

Fraulein – ‘Brand New’
GIHE faves Fraulein are back with this aptly titled new single, taken from their upcoming EP, Pedestal, which is set for release on 30th June. Speaking about the track, Joni and Karsten explain: ‘Brand New’ is the closing track on the EP, and it’s essentially the conclusion to the more negative emotions explored on the first half (‘Pet’, ‘Three’). It’s about trying to start fresh, leaving all that behind, and just feeling free to be yourself, even though it’s frightening and you feel so vulnerable when you do it.” We can’t wait to hear their new record in full. Pre-order your copy on limited edition cassette here. (KC)

Ezra Williams – ‘Bleed’
Cork-based songwriter Ezra Williams is set to release their debut album, Supernumeraries, on 18th June via AWAL, and this track ‘Bleed’ is the first single lifted from the record. It’s a hazy, melancholic tune that explores the artist’s feelings of disconnection and isolation in relationships. We’re big fans of Williams’ indie pop sounds here at GIHE and I’m looking forward to hearing Supernumeraries in full. (KC)

O Hell – ‘It Heals So Quick’
Following on from their previous singles ‘pixel‘ and ‘I Watch The Women‘ – which made our Tracks Of The Year list in 2022 – Brighton-based artist and producer Lucy Sheehan aka O Hell has shared their latest offering, ‘It Heals So Quick’. Underscored by their desire to explore the duality of past and present, and the inner processes of emotional relapse and recovery, O Hell delivers their extrapolations on sexuality, ritual and sacrifice with compelling and gritty conviction. (KC)

Alien Chicks – ‘Candlestick Maker’
Mari & I were part of the sold out crowd at The Lexington watching Alien Chicks play their biggest headline show to date earlier this month, and they were absolutely electric. The Brixton-based trio, formed of Martha, Stefan and Joe, smashed through a setlist of their potent punk-inspired anthems, including this track ‘Candlestick Maker’. We’ve been obsessed with them since they played a GIHE gig for us at The Shacklewell Arms in December last year, and that’s why we named them as ‘Ones To Watch’ at the end of 2022. Go and see the band play live at The 100 Club in November this year. It’s the perfect venue to hear and see what they’re all about. Grab a ticket now. (KC)

CLT DRP – ‘New Boy’
Brighton Feminist Electro-Punks CLT DRP’s latest single is a visceral, incendiary anthem exploring the conflicting thoughts in the aftermath of a breakup. Released via Gallows’ label Venn Records, who the band have recently singed to, ‘New Boy’ is a rush of potent emotion, from it’s candid opening line about barely affording therapy, to its various cathartic, noisy breakdowns. The track is lifted from CLT DRP’s upcoming album, which is set for release later this year. (KC)

jellyskin – ‘Bringer Of Brine’
I love this new banger from Leeds-based duo jellyskin. Taken from their upcoming debut album, In Brine, which is set for release on 9th June via Wrong Speed Records, the pair combine their eccentric ideas with throbbing percussion and commanding electronics to create their techno-inspired, industrial sounds. (KC)

Calva Louise – ‘Feast Is Over’
Having been a big fan of international band Calva Louise’s fierce, sparkling energy for some time now (and even witnessing their luminous charm live across the pond in New York last year), I was excited to hear that they’ll be releasing a new EP soon. Over The Threshold will not only offer an insight into how the band’s distinctive sound has developed with a heavier, cathartic metal-infused rage, but will also be accompanied by the release of a third person video game produced by Stratera Games. An innovative move from Jess Allanic and co, inspired by her own love of Sci Fi and fantasy, which is also evident in the accompanying graphic novel the band created alongside their 2019 album Rhinoceros. Ahead of the EP’s release, the band have shared a fiercely riotous new single, ‘Feast Is Over’ – reflecting on overcoming the challenges of life, it’s an immense, raging call to arms. (ML)

Dream Phone – ‘Bad Girls’
Having been completely blown away by Oxford duo Dream Phone when they played live for us supporting Me Rex last month, I was thrilled to hear they’ll be releasing their debut EP in May. Lead single ‘Bad Girls’ offers a joyous ode to Buffy and Faith (from the best TV show ever, Buffy The Vampire Slayer), celebrating friendship and discovering your “bad side” as Jenny Bell and Hannah Watts’ sparkling charisma and vibrant energy shine through. Showcasing the duo’s ability to combine quirky voice augmentation with infectious, synth-driven glitch-pop soundscapes, it harks back to the innovative layering and sampling of Kathleen Hanna’s solo Julie Ruin record; oozing a euphoric riot grrrl inspired drive, whilst maintaining Dream Phone’s trademark playful allure. The self-titled debut EP from Dream Phone is set for release on 19th May via Divine Schism. (ML)

Jemma Freeman & The Cosmic Something – ‘Huge’
The latest single from London psych rockers Jemma Freeman and the Cosmic Something, ‘Huge’ channels the mindset of a child with ADHD. Rippling with fizzing hooks as the swirling power of Jemma’s truly distinctive vocals soars, it builds with a sparkling psychedelic allure to an immense, colourful cacophony. Showcasing the raw emotive majesty that this innovative artist is able to create, ‘Huge’ offers an epic, frenzied anthem. (ML)

Tokky Horror – ‘Toilet’
It was a total pleasure to chat to producer Zee back in March about Tokky Horror’s upcoming EP, KAPPACORE, which is set for release on 12th May via Venn Records. Lead single ‘Toilet’ is a blend of drum & bass beats, manic riffs and surprisingly vulnerable lyrics, inspired by Zee’s own experiences of finding their feet within activist scenes in music and queer spaces. Alongside dual vocalists Mollie Rush and Ava Akira, Zee will be bringing the riotous Tokky Horror show to Blondies in East London on 18th May. Full tour dates and interview here. (KC)

Duck – ‘Happy Back’
The new single from GIHE faves, Duck, ‘Happy Back’ offers an anthem for anyone awkward and self-deprecating who needs a bit of love. A wonderfully fizzing cacophony, propelled by whirring hooks and a scuzz filled goodness, it’s the first release from the band’s upcoming third album and was recorded at Make Noise Studios in Sheffield with engineer/co-producer Tom Henthorn. (ML)

Hand Habits – ‘Something Wrong’
The latest single from Hand Habits – one of my most listened to artists at the moment, and someone who’s collaborated with legends like Perfume Genius – ‘Something Wrong’ is an utterly captivating offering. Propelled by a majestic dark energy, an utterly dreamy soundscape is created; instantly immersing the listener in its haunting, emotion-strewn grace. Sugar The Bruise, the upcoming mini album from Hand Habits, is set for release in June. (ML)

Hazel Mills – ‘Enclosure’
‘Enclosure’ is the first single to be lifted from Bristol-based multi-instrumentalist Hazel Mills’ upcoming EP, The Embrace, which is set for release on the 19th of May. A beautiful blend of lilting synths, altruistic beats and evocative vocals, Mills has created a gentle hypnotising soundscape that feels more affecting each time it’s listened to. (KC)

Mere Child – ‘Not Good Enough’
Written, recorded and produced in her “poorly soundproofed kitchen/conservatory”, independent artist Aimee Herbert aka Mere Child’s latest single is a tender, atmospheric ode to persevering in the face of adversity. A poignant reflection on a difficult time, ‘Don’t Let Me Go’ shimmers with its melodic guitars, earnest lyrics and Herbert’s soft, clear vocals, which provide a lullaby-like comfort. (KC)

Prima Hera – ‘Michigan’
Described as “a classic tale of unrequited love, strewn across the highways of middle America,” this is the latest single from Sheffield-based musician Prima Hera. Full of her lush vocals, yearning lyrics and sultry reverb-drenched piano, ‘Michigan’ is a rumination on an unbalanced romantic relationship, filtered through Prima Hera’s seductive melancholy-pop lens. (KC)

Midwife & Vyva Melinkolya – ‘Miss America’
‘Miss America’ is another heavy-yet-heavenly collaboration from GIHE fave Midwife and new fave Vyva Melinkolya. This single is lifted from the duo’s upcoming 5-song album, Orbweaving, which will be released on 12th May via The Flenser. The record is described as “a web like structure – a gauze of sorrow and visceral connective thread” that combines their experiences of hopelessness, calling on a higher power, being alone, and the sublime horror of the natural world. I can’t wait to hear it. (KC)

HUSSY – ‘Blew’
This is the title track on South London-based musician Sophie Ellison aka HUSSY’s latest EP, which she released earlier this month. On Blew, she extrapolates on her inner thoughts and existential crises, whilst looking outward to the wider social contexts of why she feels the way that she does. Ellison delivers these ruminations over atmospheric, grungy guitar sounds and via her clear, brooding vocals. (KC)

The White Roses – ‘This Town’
On their brand new single, Yorkshire-based indie rock four piece The White Roses try to capture “the difficulty of what it’s like to be a young person growing up in a small town.” Full of urgent riffs and direct lyrics, the band try to work through feelings of anxiety and apathy about being left behind, whilst ignoring the “small talk” and trying to make something of themselves. (KC)

Alex Lahey – ‘They Wouldn’t Let Me In’
The latest single from Australian artist Alex Lahey, ‘They Wouldn’t Let Me In’ reflects on the isolation felt during her teenage years, as a queer person growing up. Inspired by the Netflix series Heartstopper, it oozes a comforting, heartfelt catharsis as Lahey puts into words those tough moments many queer teens experience as they try to adapt to a seemingly non-inclusive world: “I spent a lot of time thinking about my own experiences growing up as a queer teenager, being excluded from conventional romantic rites of passage, feeling like I couldn’t relate to anyone around me.” The Answer Is Always Yes, the upcoming album from Alex Lahey, is set for release on 19th May via Liberation. (ML)

Pool Kids – ‘That’s Physics, Baby’
The latest single from Florida band Pool Kids, ‘That’s Physics, Baby’ harks back to the beloved emo-strewn sounds of the early noughties. With acclaim from noughties royalty Paramore’s Hayley Williams, I just love its fizzing energy, swirling impassioned drive and catchy hooks. Pool Kids have just released their self titled second album via cult label Big Scary Monsters, and you can catch them live at The Sebright Arms on 10th May. (ML)

Heart Shaped – ‘Felt’
Following on from her previous release ‘No Contact’, Houston-born, Belfast-based songwriter Heart Shaped has provided her listeners with another cinematic slice of dream pop on ‘Felt’. Inspired by the self-deception that can underpin some romantic relationships, it’s an effervescent, uplifting offering full of soothing vocals, hazy guitar sounds and tender lyrics. (KC)

Sorry Girls – ‘Prettier Things’
Montreal duo Heather Foster Kirkpatrick and Dylan Konrad Obront aka Sorry Girls are set to release their new album in June, and continue to charm our ears with their lilting heartfelt offerings. Reflecting on being honest with yourself, ‘Prettier Things’ oozes a glistening splendour as Heather’s crystalline sugar-sweet vocals ripple with a stirring emotion throughout. A truly blissful soundscape, luring the listener in with an immersive twinkling grace. (ML)

Fern Veh – ‘Galaxies’
Fern Veh are a Leeds-based solo-project-turned-five-piece band headed by Ada Fae Gilfoyle, who create sounds that flow in an dreampop-indie-post-rock vein. They’re currently working on their debut album, and this track ‘Galaxies’ is the first single from the record. Described as “an intimate and atmospheric love song”, it’s a gentle, dreamy tune. (KC)

Divide and Dissolve – ‘Blood Quantum’
I’ve been following doom instrumentalists Divide and Dissolve since they released their second album, Abomination, back in 2018, so I was thrilled earlier this month when the duo announced that they’ll be releasing their fourth album, Systemic, on 30th June via Invada Records. This single ‘Blood Quantum’ is the first taste of what’s to come. “This music is an acknowledgement of the dispossession that occurs due to colonial violence,” explains Saxophonist and guitarist Takiaya Reed. Takiaya also credits the duo’s 2021 album, Gas Lit, for laying the foundation for their new sounds: “Because of what was built with Gas Lit, Systemic is able to express itself.” I can’t wait to hear it. Watch the striking accompanying video for ‘Blood Quantum’ here. (KC)

 

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PLAYLIST: April 2019

It’s a brand new month and that means we’ve got a brand new playlist of new music to share with you! April has been another month of musical discovery for us, and we’re excited to share our top picks with you all. Take some time to scroll through our words and hit play on the Spotify link at the bottom of the page…

Lupa J – ‘The Crash’ 
‘The Crash’ is the latest single from Lupa J which she’s also recently dropped a pretty slick video to. With sounds evocative of early Grimes and touches of Alice Glass, we’re loving this track at Get In Her Ears. Of the track Lupa J says: “”I wrote this just over a year ago now, and I was in a really unhappy place. I had barely any friends in the city I lived in; instead focusing my energy on a long term relationship that was starting to eat away at me and my sanity more than it grew me, and I was starting to realise more and more I had a lot of previously repressed & unexplored queer desire.” (Tash Walker)

Tacocat – ‘The Joke Of Life’
Our fave Seattle pop-punks Tacocat are releasing their new album This Mess Is A Place on 5th May via Sub-pop records, and this is the latest single to be lifted form the record. This band never fail to put a smile on my face, always providing a buoyant guitar tune that makes for a reassuring listen during these misguided and politically turbulent times. Long live Tacocat! (Kate Crudgington)

Panic Pocket – ‘Pizza In My Pants’
Taken from Panic Pocket’s new EP Never Gonna Happen, ‘Pizza In My Pants’ is a fun-filled look at the common expectations society holds women to, and is filled with a playful energy and self-deprecating humour. Oozing honey-sweet harmonies alongside shimmering melodies and a gritty synth-driven energy, it’s another luscious (and super relatable!) slice of indie-pop from the duo, showcasing all there is to love about them. Never Gonna Happen, the new EP from Panic Pocket, is out now via Reckless Yes. And we cannot wait for them to play for us at our next night at The Finsbury on 10th May, along with Crumbs, Charismatic Megafauna and Rookes. (Mari Lane)

Grizzly Coast – ‘Half-Light Boy’ 
“Will you shine for them, like I shined for you?” asks Grizzly Coast on her bitter sweet new single ‘Half-Light Boy’. The track is a “sobering realization that not every person you encounter will have the same heart as you”. It’s not all doom and gloom though! Grizzly Coasts’ buoyant guitar and gentle yet sturdy vocals are a reminder that “someone else’s lack of care for you is often due to something lacking in them – it is never an expression of what you deserve”. The story behind ‘Half-Light Boy’ will resonate with anyone who’s felt like like they’re shining the spotlight on someone else, whilst simultaneously living in their shadow. (KC)

ABBIE OZARD – ‘Growing Pains’
I am loving the latest single from Manchester based Abbie Ozard, ‘Growing Pains’ keep your eyes peeled for a full debut EP still to come later this year – mine are wide wide open. (TW)

Sølv – ‘Bittersweet’ 
Bittersweet’ is the first taste of Sølv that we’ve had following the release of her acclaimed Codeine EP in 2017 and it’s a banger. Tripped out hazy waves, warped vocals all mixed together in electronic beats. Yes please.(TW)

Bamboo – ‘Weeping Idols’ (ML)
Taken from Bamboo‘s upcoming third album, ‘Weeping Idols’ is an uplifting and subtly captivating offering. Propelled by a thunderous sense of urgency, a twinkling soundscape is created as swirling interwoven melodies and chiming hooks provide the backdrop for Rachel Horwood (Trash Kit)’s soaring majestic vocals. Daughters Of The Sky, the upcoming new album from Bamboo, is out on 14th June via Upset The Rhythm. Pre-order here. (ML)

Witching Waves – ‘Best Of Me’ 
The latest single from trio Witching Waves, ‘Best Of Me’ races with a jangly twang and punk-fuelled energy. Alongside fast-paced hooks and raw, impassioned vocals, I just can’t get enough of visceral power. Formed of Emma, Mark and Estella (Big Joanie and Charmpit), I just love Witching Waves’ unrelenting DIY post-punk sound and frenetic sense of urgency. Persistence, the new album from Witching Waves, is out now. (ML)

Mammoth Penguins – ‘Closure’
The latest single from Cambridge trio Mammoth Penguins, ‘Closure’ is a reflective offering, oozing the rich, impassioned power of Emma Kupa’s vocals alongside the band’s trademark jangly hooks and shimmering emotion, showcasing the their ability to make me feel all the feels on every listen. Of the track, Emma explains: “Closure is a song about an interaction, or day, or moment, or occurrence when something shifts and feelings that you may have been carrying around for a while just dissipate. I think real closure can be quite rare and incredibly profound.” Having left us with butterflies in our stomachs with their dreamy indie-pop offerings playing for us at our last night at The Finsbury, Mammoth Penguins’ new album There’s No Fight We Can’t Both Win, is out today, 26th April, via Fika Recordings. (ML)

Seraphina – ‘Backbone’ 
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – I am loving what Seraphina is bringing out at the moment! Such rich sound and soul. ‘Backbone’ is her last single which is out now and all about wanting someone you shouldn’t…and all the messy head-fuckery that it brings. Just fantastic. (TW)

Jessica Winter – ‘Sleep Forever’ 
I am so late to the Jessica Winter party, but thanks to a suggestion from one of our writers (thanks Cazz!) I have arrived and I am ready to immerse myself in her captivating sound. She’s a DIY Producer who fuses elements of trap and gothic electronica and her vocals are spellbinding. Jessica also has a strong presence in the LGBTQ scene, putting on Hate The Haus club nights across London to celebrate a range of talent while supporting ethical causes. ‘Sleep Forever’ is an introduction to her upcoming EP Let’s Keep It Shallow, due out in September. (KC)

FKA TWIGS – ‘Cellophane’
FKA Twigs seems to re-emerge whenever my heart’s taken a bit of a beating, and I’m always so relieved when she does. ‘Cellophane’ is her first release since 2016 and she’s co-created a breath-taking set of visuals and written a truly poignant and ballad. “Why don’t I do it for you?” she asks so gently – Oh Twigs! – you do it for me every time and I’m so glad to have your new music back in my life *cries* (KC)

Zamilska – ‘Hollow’ 
I am obsessed with Polish producer ZAMILSKA and I cannot wait to hear her new album Uncovered, which this track is taken from, when it’s released digitally on 10th May via her own label Untuned Records. Set around the theme of levitation, Zamilska’s industrial, techno-infused electronics have been haunting me (in a good way) from first listen. She’s been featured on Nine Inch Nails’ Spotify playlist, and remixed ‘Belly Of The Beast’ one of my fave tracks from my fave artist Gazelle Twin. Super talented and super exciting to see what she does next. (KC)

Peaches – ‘Boys Wanna Be Her’
Long time favourite, and total legend, Peaches is playing at The Southbank Centre in London on 28th August – I’m SO excited to finally be able to finally see her incredible, unique performance live! And ‘Boys Wanna Be Her’ is just the perfect celebratory anthem; as Peaches explains – “It’s just a celebration. Seriously. I want it to be like a post-gender and post-age celebration of becoming who you are.”
(ML)

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PLAYLIST: April 2018

Another month, another brand new playlist brimming with fresh music! We’ve been (gladly) overwhelmed by the amount of brilliant new sounds bursting in to our ears this April, and we wanted to share our favourites with you here. Whether you’re in to the idustrial/electronic beats of Zola Jesus, the anti-fascist punk glory of Dream Nails, or if you’re breaking in to “mumble rap” with Tierra Whack…there’s something here for your listening pleasure. Scroll down to the playlist below & enjoy! 

 

Zola Jesus – ‘Bound’ 
Artist & Producer Zola Jesus has shared an eclectic set of new tracks & remixes on Okovi: Additions, and ‘Bound’ is one of many sonic treats on this project. This release follows her 2017 critically acclaimed album Okovi (via Sacred Bones Records), and features remixes by a diverse cast of artists including; Johnny Jewel, Katie Gately, Wolves in the Throne Room, and Joanne Pollock. I’ve had this track on repeat since I first heard it in March, and I’m happy to stay ‘Bound’ by Zola Jesus’ sounds. Read our review of the album here. (Kate Crudgington)

Wendy Rae Fowler – ‘Svengali’ 
Having previously worked alongside the likes of Queens Of The Stone Age, Mark Lanegan and UNKLE, American artist Wendy Rae Fowler has now released her new solo album, Warped. Taken from the album is the utterly bewitching ‘Svengali’. Filled with sweeping layers of sound and the cinematic grace of Wendy’s vocals, it’s a truly captivating creation. Read our review of Warped here. (Mari Lane)

Rhye – ‘Please’
I was lucky enough to get tickets to see Rhye perform in London this week, back in our ears after a four year hiatus.  What a treat. When they played this track I felt like I was melting into Heaven’s floor (apt), so incredibly gentle, sensual and intimate. I can never get enough of the gender-fluid vocals of Mike Milosh, now more so than ever. (Tash Walker)

Girls Names – ’25’
Taken from their upcoming new album, Belfast’s Girls Names’ new single ’25’ is a brooding, shoegaze-reminiscent sonic delight. Filled with sweeping, reverb strewn layers of synth-heavy sound and the dark, swooning vocals of Cathal Cully, it oozes a twinkling, ethereal haze alongside eerie undertones. An intensely captivating offering, it’ll have you hooked on first listen, and desperate to hear the album in full. Stains On Silence, the new album, is out 15th June. (ML)

Henry Green – ‘Another Light’ 
I recently reviewed Henry Green’s debut album Shift, and I felt like every track was a helpful reminder to inhale, exhale, and try to exist in the moment. His gentle electronics and intuitive lyrics have helped me to slow down (whilst still moving at full speed) this month, and I’d recommend him to anyone that needs a ‘Shift’ in perspective. (KC)

Black Gold Buffalo – ‘Magnets’
Keziah Stillwell’s vocals blaze in full glory on the mesmerising ‘Magnets’, which is a swirling fusion of bass, guitar & electronics that prove Black Gold Buffalo have a knack for writing atmospheric dark-pop songs. Their debut album is released today via their own label Buff Rekkids, and we’ve been swooning over it ever since. Read our review here. (KC)

Lamb – ‘Gabriel’
I was recently reminded of Lamb after we put together our alternative Best of British playlist this week. Gabriel is a solid blast from my past taken from their album What Sound released back in 2001, which was my soundtrack of that summer.  Listening to Rhodes’ distinctive and emotive vocals wavering over the top of a medley of string samples and gentle beats, this song marks the beginning of my love for electronic music. 15 going on 16 and very sexually confused. All the feelings, all the emotions and all the hormones in the world. (TW)

Maria Kelly – ‘Small Talk’
Filled with smooth, celestial vocals and folk-tinged melodies, Irish artist Maria Kelly’s ‘Small Talk’ is a majestic, emotion-strewn offering. Written during a storm blackout in her hometown, the song parallels the nature of a storm with her own feelings of social anxiety. Double A-side ‘Small Talk’/’Dark Places’ is out 27th April via Veta Records. (ML)

Fenne Lily – ‘On Hold’
Since I saw her live at The Islington pub a few months ago, Fenne Lily’s sad but sublime music has played on my mind (as has her sharp wit and dry sense of humour). ‘On Hold’ is the title-track from her debut album (released today), and it makes my spirits sink and soar whenever I listen to it. The accompanying video is a charming ode to small acts of kindness too. (KC)

Courtney Barnett – ‘Never Tear Us Apart (Rehearsal Room Recording)’
A beautiful stripped back cover of INXS’ ‘Never Tear Us Apart’ by Courtney Barnett. I love this simple recording of her performance, finding myself completely entranced by our Aussie fav. This song was released for an Apple commercial in support of marriage equality – here here. (TW)

Sit Down – ‘Honeysucker’
Oh. My. Word. There’s no force on earth that could make you sit still or indeed Sit Down to the sound of this Brighton duo (pictured above). The pair released their knockout debut EP Cheap Luxe at the end of March, and ‘Honeysucker’ is my go-to track. Filthy, furious, and sweet as hell. Read the full review here. (KC)

Queen Zee – ‘Victim Age’
It was Transgender Day of Visibility on 31st of March (thanks to Tash for informing me), so it feels apt to support Queen Zee and all that she and her band mates stand for. They’ve been taking down trolls and tearing up stages across the country with their live shows, and I can’t wait to see them again at their sold out Sebright Arms show on April 26th. Long live Queen Zee! (KC)

Dream Nails – ‘Vagina Police’
“Your body is not your own, you are public property…” Dream Nails front-woman Janey rages in the refrain of our favourite Feminist Punk Witches’ ‘Vagina Police’. Oozing the poignant message that women are not allowed to have control over their own bodies, it races with the band’s trademark punk-fuelled energy and the riotous power of Janey’s seething, impassioned vocals. Another formidable offering that proves once again why we need Dream Nails in our lives, and makes us even more excited to see them live at The Finsbury for GIHE on 13th April! (ML)

Tierra Whack – ‘Mumbo Jumbo’
A twisted reflection of mumble rap and hip-hop, I cannot get this song out of my head and I especially love the ambiguity around what she’s saying, making it so much easier for me to join in.  Quietly. Mumbo Jumbo came out last year but I was recently introduced to her in the wake of her outstanding performance at SXSW. Soooo godamnnnn gooood. Need I say more? (TW)

BARQ – ‘Sassy Mouth’ 
One half of their new double A-side, Dublin band BARQ’s ‘Sassy Mouth’ is inspired by the courage and resilience of Ireland’s Repeal The 8th movement and the perils of online debate. Oozing the soaring power of front-woman Jess Kav’s soulful vocals alongside immense funk-fuelled beats, it’s a powerful, and empowering, call to arms. (ML)

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