LISTEN: Anika & Ni Vash ft. Nasim Luczaj – ‘No Fly Zone’

An evocative, sonic form of resistance, ‘No Fly Zone’ is a fundraising collaboration between Iran-based musicians Ni Vash and Berlin-based musician Anika. Released via Invada Records, all profits from this track will go directly to support a UK-based charitable organisation – who have asked to remain anonymous – who are campaigning for human rights, women’s equality and against government oppression via demonstrations, conferences and publications, offering legal support to those in need.

Collectively know as Ni Vash – a Persian word for “renewal” or “regeneration” – the artists and musicians involved in the project have concealed their names for their own safety. They have worked alongside Anika to create ‘No Fly Zone’, a moving effort to remind listeners that “restrictions come in many forms” and it is our global responsibility to help break down the barriers that are holding others back. You can download the track via bandcamp here

‘No Fly Zone’ is a stirring, atmospheric uprising featuring the words of Anemone, Windflower, by poet Nasim Luczaj. The anemone is known as the “windflower” because its petals close when the plant detects advancing rainstorms. The plant’s natural instincts personify a very human reaction to fear, but on ‘No Fly Zone’, Luczaj’s calm, measured narration and Ni Vash & Anika’s hypnotic synth sounds gently over ride this instinct, quietly urging listeners to do the same.

Speaking about their new collaboration, Ni Vash explain: “In Iran or anywhere, people cannot fly, cannot see their dreams materialize, even through working hard or playing by the rules. Restrictions come in many forms, from without and from within – self or society, made by cultures, we are restricted. We are surrounded by voices without words, in a no fly zone. Join us in the fight for human rights. Join us in the fight against government oppression. This is a world-wide fight. This is your fight.”

Download ‘No Fly Zone’ and donate here.

Watch the video for the collaboration below.

Photo credit: Autumn Andel

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment

VIDEO PREMIERE: Problem Patterns – ‘Y.A.W’

**Content Warning: mention of misogyny & violence towards women**

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,” Belfast punks Problem Patterns have shared a video for their poignant new single ‘Y.A.W’, which we’re premiering exclusively on Get In Her Ears.

Recorded at Start Together Studios with the support of the ‘Scratch’ development programme at the Oh Yeah Music Centre, the track is 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.

Their first official single since their 2020 release ‘Big Shouty‘, Problem Patterns’ ‘Y.A.W’ 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. An acronym for ‘Yes All Women’ – antagonising the social media excuse ‘Not All Men’ – on ‘Y.A.W’ Alanah steps forward on vocal duties, demanding “Who do we call for help / When the help seems like a threat to me?” as her bandmates unleash a cathartic cacophony of relentless, rage-fulled sound around her.

“We’re trying to help people get through certain situations, or speak to situations that people are having at this moment. It’s hard to hold things back,” guitarist Beverley explains about the purpose of Problem Patterns’ music and the context of ‘Y.A.W’. This desire to antagonise, expose and shift the narratives around women’s safety is something the band have believed in from day one, and something which their collective hero, Bikini Kill’s Kathleen Hanna, encouraged them to keep shouting about. “She’s been part of relighting the fire,” continues Ciara, “and the trust and confidence we have in ourselves as a band.”

Officially released tomorrow (16th March), 100% of the profits from the Bandcamp sales of ‘Y.A.W’ will be split between Cara-Friend and Women’s Aid Northern Ireland. The track is accompanied by a striking performance video, shot and directed by Brendan Seamus with art direction from Billy Woods. It captures the raw, frenzied energy of a Problem Patterns’ gig, something GIHE followers will relate to after their debut London performance with GIHE at The Shacklewell Arms back in December 2021.

Together, Problem Patterns use their collective talents to create riotous feminist punk anthems that provide comfort and catharsis in equal measure, with this latest single being a powerhouse example of both. Watch the video for ‘Y.A.W’ below.

Follow Problem Patterns on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Problem Patterns Upcoming Tour Dates 2022
06.04.2022 – Bob Vylan & Problem Patterns Tour (Cork, Cyprus Avenue)
07.04.2022 – Bob Vylan & Problem Patterns Tour (Galway, The Loft)
08.04.2022 – Bob Vylan & Problem Patterns Tour (Belfast, Deer’s Head)
09.04.2022 – Bob Vylan & Problem Patterns Tour (Limerick, Kasbah)
10.04.2022 – Bob Vylan & Problem Patterns Tour (Dublin, The Grand Social)
12.06.2022 – Supporting Bikini Kill (O2 Academy, Glasgow)

Photo Credit: Carrie Davenport

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate Crudgington2 Comments

LISTEN: LOUD WOMEN – ‘Reclaim These Streets’

An uncompromising feminist anthem that centers women’s experiences of harassment and fears for their safety in public spheres, LOUD WOMEN have shared their new collaborative charity single ‘Reclaim These Streets’. Sparked by the conversations around the untimely deaths of Blessing Olusegun and Sarah Everard, LOUD WOMEN’s founder Cassie Fox invited a collection of female and non-binary musicians to rage alongside her on this vital musical statement, with all proceeds from the track being donated to UK charity Women’s Aid.

“Two women a week are killed by men. Refuge services are having to turn away one in two survivors of violence – and yet refuge funding has been cut by one quarter since 2010,” Cassie explains. “This is a song of feminist solidarity and hope – all women and gender non-conforming people have a right to walk safely on every street, and be safe in their own home.” Backed by the voices of Siobhan Fahey (Bananarama, Shakespears Sister), Brix Smith Start (The Fall/Brix & The Extricated) and Patsy Stevenson (the face of the Clapham vigil) and with instrumentation provided by members of My Bloody Valentine, Salad and T-Bitch, ‘Reclaim These Streets’ is a powerful and necessary punk offering that demands the right to exist in a world free from gender-based harassment and violence.

The track features over 60 female voices from the independent & alternative UK music scenes, including Estella Adeyeri (Big Joanie), Janey Starling (ex-Dream Nails), Nadia Javed (The Tuts), Ren Aldridge (Petrol Girls), Jo Bevan (Desperate Journalist), Siân Alex (Gold Baby), MIRI, Kat Five (Feral Five), Holly Carter (Berries), Angela Martin (Bugeye), Elis Sarv & Kelly Chard (Noise Noir) and many more.

‘Reclaim These Streets’ simmers with a palpable, justified rage and provides a cathartic burst of relief for female and non-binary listeners who have been living under the shadow of street harassment for most of their lives.

Watch the video for the track below. Download ‘Reclaim These Streets’ via bandcamp.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Full list of ‘Reclaim These Streets’ contributors:
Abby Werth of I, Doris and Argonaut
Amber of Hadda Be
Angela Martin of Bugeye
Bec Jevons of IDestroy
Brix Smith Start
Caroline Gilchrist of Hot Sauce Pony
Cassie Fox
Charley Stone
Debbie Googe
Debbie Smith
Dungareen Jean
Elis Sarv from Noise Noir
Ella Patenall of Naz & Ella
Emily Eagle of The Pukes
Emma Sky of Slut Magic
Erika Severyns
Estella Adeyeri of Big Joanie
Gail Something-Else of Muddy Summers & the Dirty Field Whores
Gemma Cullingford of Sink Ya Teeth
Georgie Willsher of Beverley Kills
Gilan
Harriet Doveton
Helen McCookerybook
Holly Carter of Berries
Jade Ellins
Janey Starling
Jen Macro
Jo Bevan
Joyce Raskin
Julie Riley of I Am HER
Karen of Hagar the Womb
Kat Five of Feral Five
Kel of The Empty Page
Kelly Chard
Kimmi Watson
Kristina Stazaker
Lee Friese-Greene
Lilith Ai
Liz Hayward of Ode to Sleep
Lorna Tiefholz of Rabies Babies
Marijne van der Vlugt
Michelle Marti of Girls Rock Indiana
Minni Moody
MIRI
Molly Energi
Nadia Javed
Ngaire Ruth
Nicki Mirage of Brazen Hussy/KNM
Patsy Stevenson
Paul Maps – Joyzine
Penfriend
Priya
Ren Aldridge of Petrol Girls
Ros Cairney of Deux Furieuses
Roshi Nasehi
Rowanna Chown
Sam McCann of Gender Chores
Shona MacMillan
Siân Alex of Gold Baby
Siobhan Fahey
Stevie B of T-Bitch
Suteki Hegg
The Pukes
Umbilica

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment

Track Of The Day: Currls – ‘Winter Time Blues’

Usually known for their scuzzy garage rock offerings, Brighton band Currls have now shared a stirring festive ballad.

With all proceeds of the single going to Mind Charity UK, ‘Winter Time Blues’ flows with beautifully twinkling melodies and sweeping, soulful vocals. Oozing a nostalgic sense of romanticism, shimmering harmonies and a lilting, uplifting energy, it offers a delicate sense of hope and unity to those who might be feeling alone or struggling with their mental health right now. The band explain:

“… We understand that this has been a very difficult year for everyone and has taken a massive toll on many people’s mental health, physical health and well-being. We thought  that in all of this madness the only thing to do at this time of year was to try and spread a little love and encourage others to do so, and remind each other that togetherness can be our greatest strength.”

 

‘Winter Time Blues’ is available to buy exclusively on Bandcamp with all proceeds being donated to Mind UK, we will continue this until 7th January and hope to round up the amount and donate this to Mind.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Get In Her EarsLeave a comment