PLAYLIST: January 2023

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

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

Amaroun – ‘Just Be Good To Me’ (SOS Band Cover)
This is the latest release from London-based artist Amaroun, a firm favourite of ours here at GIHE! We are all loving this cover of ‘Just Be Good To Me’, originally by SOS Band.
(Tash Walker)

Ritual Forms – ‘Down’
A brooding, atmospheric soundscape that explores the way our moods fluctuate during uncertain times, I’m obsessed with this track from London-based trio Ritual Forms. Lifted from their upcoming debut album, Nighttime Economy, which is set for release on 2nd March, it’s a captivating blend of hypnotic loops, steady beats and intoxicating vocals.
(Kate Crudgington)

CIRCE – ‘Undone’
A sonic manifestation of power, I love this new tune from dark-pop artist Circe. I’ve been listening to her 2020 EP She’s Made Of Saints again recently, and I’m always so impressed by her ability to create such immersive, cinematic soundscapes that melt away the edges of reality. ‘Undone’ is no exception. I can’t wait to see her perform it live at The Shacklewell Arms on Monday 30th Jan. (KC)

Frankie Rose – ‘Anything’
Set to release her fifth studio album this Spring, New York based artist Frankie Rose has now shared her latest single ‘Anything’. Propelled by a whirring ‘80s-inspired drive with shades of the likes The Cure (you should also check out Rose’s Cure cover album Seventeen Seconds), a glistening soundscape flows with a stirring anthemic majesty, creating a blissful slice of electro-pop. Love As Projection, the upcoming new album from Frankie Rose, is set for release on 10th March via Night School Records. (Mari Lane)

ARXX – ‘Ride Or Die’
I challenge you to listen to this new one from absolute faves ARXX without hitting repeat at least 10 times… It’s just such a totally infectious anthem. All propelled by thrashing, impeccable time-keeping from Clara, ‘Ride Or Die’ showcases the gritty, emotion strewn vocals of Hanni, alongside sweeping catchy pop hooks and an empowering euphoria of unified voices singing along with the chorus. An utterly uplifting celebration of queer love and unwavering friendship, it’s the perfect sing-along anthem live. Being able to share a room full of adoring fans, all joining in joyously with “I would” at The Social a few months back was a blissfully memorable experience that I hope to re-live very soon. ‘Ride Or Die’ is out now via Submarine Cat Records, ahead of the release of ARXX’s upcoming album of the same name, which is set for release on 31st March. Pre-order here. (ML)

Grandmas House – ‘Desire’
GIHE fave Grandmas House are back with this gritty new single! Taken from the upcoming new EP, Who Am I, which is set for release on 3rd March via Brace Yourself Records, the track is inspired by the disorientating power of romantic infatuation, full of charged riffs and commanding beats. (KC)

Piss Kitti – ‘I’m Jammed’
This belter from Liverpool-based punks Piss Kitti was released at the end of 2022, but it’s a taste of what’s to come from the band later this year. Having previously supported Black Lips, Dream Wife and Amyl & The Sniffers, it looks like 2023 is set to be another big year for the band. I’m looking forward to hearing more tunes like this in the near future. (KC)

ALT BLK ERA – ‘Rockstar’
From the opening riff of ‘Rockstar’ to the track’s final lyric, I love this alternative anthem from Nu Metal sister duo ALT BLK ERA. It dropped into my inbox at the end of last year and it’s been ricocheting around my skull ever since. (KC)

Tokky Horror – ‘Hammer 2 The Face’
Rave-punk trio Tokky Horror will be unleashing this frenzied, excellently named anthem on their crowds at grassroots music venues across the UK for Independent Venue Week from the 1st of February! This track is described as “A sub 2-minute blast of urgency, taking aim at the casual sexual harassment that plagues femme’s in gig spaces.” I can’t wait to hear it live at The Black Heart in Camden. Full details & ticket links for the band’s upcoming IVW shows can be found here. (KC)

Alien Chicks – ‘Cowboy’
The new single from GIHE faves and Ones to Watch for this year, Alien Chicks’ ‘Cowboy’ offers an insight into the trio’s ability to create relentless funk-fuelled punk-rock with a truly unique edge. Building from a sultry rumination on anxieties to a frenzied blast of whirring, riotous emotion, it’s another wonderfully chaotic cacophony from the South London trio. Watch the new video for ‘Cowboy’ here. (ML)

About Bunny – ‘Teeth’
Taken from their recent EP Mixtape Vol.1, this single from London-based rock band About Bunny bites chunks out of its listeners. They’ll be playing at The Hope & Anchor in Islington on 16th February, so head down to see them live if you like what you hear. (KC)

Berries – ‘Spiral’
Following the release of their debut album, How We Function, last year, long term faves Berries have been going from strength to strength lately. Recent single ‘Spiral’ showcases all there is to love about the London trio; an instantly infectious slice of garage-rock, it hits you with its raw, scuzzy power and Holly’s distinctive sumptuous vocals and spiky guitar hooks. Driven by a frenetic energy, it perfectly captures the utterly compelling allure of the band’s live shows – witness this for yourself on their March headline tour – details here. (ML)

The Early Mornings – ‘Early-Modern Rain’
Having just released their second EP Ultra-Modern Rain, London trio The Early Mornings have been becoming known across the London scene for their energetic live sets, and wowed crowds at Left Of The Dial festival last year. Latest single ‘Early-Modern Rain’ fizzes with a jangly energy with shades of left-field legends The Raincoats, as angular hooks flow with a scuzzy allure. A perfectly playful slice of post-punk that will leave you eager to listen to the album in its entirety. (ML)

Softcult – ‘Dress’
Canadian twin siblings Softcult are back with this hazy new offering which tackles the issue of consent. Blending buoyant melodies with their candid lyrics – “It’s a dress, not a yes / Not a fucking invitation” – the band refuse to remain silent in the face of pervasive everyday sexism. The track is taken from their upcoming EP, see you in the dark, which is set for release on 24th March. (KC)

Death Valley Girls – ‘Sunday’
The latest single from LA psych-rockers Death Valley Girls, ‘Sunday’ oozes an enchanting other-worldly splendour. Building with a fizzing energy, it harks back to the psychedelic sounds of the ’70s California scene, whilst showcasing the band’s ability to create something that is utterly unique, reflecting on the process of addressing your pain and being honest with yourself. A beautifully immersive trip into the cosmic world of Death Valley Girls. Islands In The Sky, the upcoming new album from Death Valley Girls, is set for release on 24th February via Suicide Squeeze Records. (ML)

Mandy, Indiana – ‘Injury Detail’
Thumping beats and heavy, unpredictable rhythms permeate this track from experimental electronic outfit Mandy, Indiana. Influenced by the dystopian worlds of Blade Runner 2049 and video games like Bisoshock, vocalist Valentine Caulfield explains: “‘Injury Detail’ was inspired by the idea of being trapped in a liminal space, with the guitars creating a seemingly limitless and undefined landscape. The vocals act as a guide to possible salvation, or perhaps something of a more sinister intent.” (KC)

Lizzy Young – ‘Cigarettes Are Good For Pain’
Someone I’m very excited to hear more from over the next 12 months is Lizzy Young. This track is a love letter to everyone who identifies as a woman, a confrontational art-pop, electro and trap record! (TW)

Rumpistol x Kill J – ‘Walk On Home 2.0’
I was so excited to see Kill J pop up on track, and it’s one I’m going to let speak for itself. ‘Walk On Home 2.0’ is a sensationally layered soundscape. (TW)

Livia Rita – ‘FUGA FUTURA’
This sensational track is taken from Livia Rita’s album of the same name, and I can’t stop listening to it and leaning into the journey it takes me on. They will be releasing a music video for this track soon, where all the different creatures from their previous passages come together as a collective to create a portal into their queer mythologies. It is a mystical journey, a collection of possible future identities, inspired by our desires, dreams and fears for the future. It is a place of healing and fantasy, where nature rebels and magic abounds all in an attempt to unite otherworldly revolutionaries – to a swampy slow pop anthem. Are you ready? I am! (TW)

Nameless Twin – ‘Dead Roses’
I love everything about this haunting new single from industrial-electronic duo Alicia Rei Kim and Ryan Osterman aka NAMELESS TWIN. They’ve only released a handful of tracks so far, but all of them have been the perfect blend of dark, dreamy sounds. (KC)

Feral Five – ‘Truth Is The New Gold’
Ahead of the release of their new album next month, electro-punk duo Feral Five have shared the title track as a scintillating taste of what’s to come. Propelled by a fierce energy, ‘Truth Is The New Gold’ explores truth and trust between both people and information. Offering a glitchy soundscape fizzing with an ethereal whirr, Kat’s sweeping, rich vocals flow as a sparkling cinematic splendour immerses the listener. Truth Is The New Gold, the upcoming new album from Feral Five, is out on 10th February via Reckless Yes. (ML)

girl with dream – ‘HRT’ (Heart Replacement Theory)
I can’t get enough of this song by girl with dream, the newest project from trans singer-songwriter Chris Lawson alongside Rhy Climenhage. This track is all about the sacred power found in embracing yourself and participating in an act of healing, guided by self love and harnessing agency. Just beautiful. (TW)

Razor Braids – ‘Nashville, Again’
Brooklyn-based Razor Braids are a queer, all-female/non-binary rock band who combine the vulnerable self-awareness of indie rock with dynamic instrumentation, anchored in a 90s ethos – just like us here at GIHE! This track is a fresh look at an old fave of theirs, the first song they ever released as a band! (TW)

Frankie Morrow – ‘Sunflowers’
Having released their debut EP, Blue Parrot Backpackers Hotel in October, Scottish band Frankie Morrow finally formed their current fully-fledged outfit last year after initially playing together and separately in various musical projects across Scotland since their teens. Personally, I can’t get enough of their glistening, folk-strewn sounds and heartfelt lyricism, and love the lilting grace of this track ‘Sunflowers’. (ML)

‘LINN – Okay, Sister’
Copenhagen DIY avant-pop artist LINN has released this tune with all its soothing tones and acoustic pluckings, highlighting the vulnerability in the lyrics. It’s taken from her upcoming EP, Femte Dimension, which is out now. Don’t forget to check out the video which was filmed by her 4 year old – amazing! (TW)

Prima Hera – ‘Sidecar’
This is the debut release from Prima Hera, the solo project of musician Stef Williamson. A track all about self-doubt, told through the perception of an imagined other, it’s just beautiful. I’m looking forward to hearing more from Prima Hera in 2023. (TW)

Poolblood – ‘voyager’
This woozy guitar tune from Toronto-based musician poolblood is a tender reflection on the conflicting feelings that come with moving on at the end of a relationship. It’s taken from her recent album, mole, which explores the highs & lows of romantic and platonic love. The songs on the record were influenced by the dynamic between Keanu Reeves and River Phoenix’s characters in Gus Van Sant’s My Own Private Idaho, which is one of my favourite films! (KC)

Dog Park – ‘Sunny Decadence’
A bright, lo-fi indie pop tune, ‘Sunny Decadence’ is the debut single from Paris-based band Dog Park. Full of soft vocals and hazy guitar sounds, it’s a proper antidote to the January blues. (KC)

H.L Grail – ‘O.T.D’
Whilst you may be familiar with her from London icons Goat Girl, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer Holly Mullineaux – aka H.L. Grail – has now announced the release of her debut EP. Taken from the EP, new single ‘OTD’ immerses the ears in a shimmering, celestial splendour as Mullineaux’s delicate vocals ripple beautifully with a whimsical allure. An exquisitely stirring lullaby. (ML)

Deerhoof – ‘Sit Down, Let Me Tell You A Story’
Having just announced the release of their upcoming 19th (!) album in March, math-rock alumni Deerhoof have now shared an enticing taster with their brand new single. Sung entirely in Satomi’s native Japanese (as is the whole album), ‘Sit Down, Let Me Tell You A Story’ offers a frenzied, colourful cacophony as quirky honey-sweet vocals twinkle throughout the fuzzy soundscape. I’m super excited about the return of Deerhoof and can’t wait to hear Miracle Level, the new album, released on 31st March via Joyful Noise. (ML)

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PLAYLIST: May 2022

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another eclectic mix of guitar tunes, 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.

 

VERO – ‘She’s Scared Of Everything’
I can hard relate to this aptly titled track from Stockholm-based trio VERO, who have released their debut album, Unsoothing Interior, today! (6th May). The band feel the fear and do things their own way via swirling guitars, moody vocals and angsty lyrics and I’m a big fan of everything they’ve released so far. I can’t wait to give the vinyl a spin.
(Kate Crudgington)

Deep Tan – ‘Rudy Ya Ya Ya’
The latest single from London trio deep tan, ‘rudy ya ya ya’ offers a bizarrely witty ode to the former mayor of NYC. Maintaining all the wonderfully wacky yet seductively dark sentiment we’ve come to know and love from the band, it’s beset with haunting, glitchy hooks and sweeping, sultry vocals, resulting in a strangely addictive, fizzing cacophony. diamond horsetail, the upcoming new EP from deep tan, is released digitally today (6th May) and physical copies will be available on 22nd July. (Mari Lane)

Momma – ‘Speeding 72’
New York-based Momma just keep releasing alternative banger after alternative banger, and this track ‘Speeding 72’ is no exception! It’s taken from their upcoming album Household Name, which is set for release on 1st July via Lucky Number. (KC)

Ghum – ‘Some People’
The latest single from long-term faves, GHUM, ‘Some People’ reflects on the fear of hurting someone who you may have fallen out of love with. Rippling with a seductive ethereal allure and dark hypnotic splendour, a colossal grunge-tinged anthem is created. I’m super excited that Ghum’s debut album is set for release on 17th June via Everything Sucks. (ML)

Bad Waitress – ‘Spit It Out’
Following the release of their debut album No Taste last year, Toronto-based four-piece punk rock band Bad Waitress are back with a new single ‘Spit It Out’. Showcasing the band’s gritty, fierce energy and empowering drive, it’s a wonderfully raucous, punk-fuelled anthem. And I cannot wait to finally see Bad Waitress live at Moth Club, supporting Gustaf, next Monday 9th May! (ML)

Real Big Sky – ‘Jess’
I love this reverb-heavy, atmospheric guitar tune from Gothenburg four-piece Real Big Sky. The track blurs powerful riffs with melancholic vocals to create a commanding four minutes of brooding indie noise. Keep your eyes peeled for updates on Real Big Sky’s self-titled debut album, which is set for release in July. (KC)

Bestfriend – ‘Someplace Else’
Following last year’s debut EP, places i’ve lived, LGBTQ Vancouver/Toronto based bedroom-pop duo Bestfriend have now announced the release of their upcoming new EP, due out in the summer. Ahead of the EP, they recently shared an utterly dreamy new offering. Reflecting on the optimistic feelings of a new crush, ‘Someplace Else’ oozes a lush, ethereal soundscape as sugar-sweet harmonies flow with a shimmering, uplifting energy. (ML)

Martha Rose & GRIP TIGHT – ‘Never B Mine’
I am loving this collaboration from Martha Rose and GRIP TIGHT which has such a soft sadness to it. (Tash Walker)

Jelly Crystal & Seinabo Sey – ‘I Tryyy’
A truly delightful piece of music from Swedish artists Jelly Crystal and Seinabo Sey. Serving as a fervent love song, with those beautiful vocals from Seinabo Sey soaring over the top of the synthy crescendos. It’s the latest single to be taken from Jelly Crystal’s forthcoming EP, ILY, which is out in June. (TW)

Shivum Sharma – ‘Overload’
This was my Track Of The Show on the May edition of our Soho Radio show, from Indian Irish artist Shivum Sharma. I am loving it! (TW)

Hannah Holland x Planningtorock – ‘Planningtobeams’
A collab from two of our faves here at GIHE, Planningtorock and Hannah Holland. What a tune! looking forward to hearing this on our Spring dancefloors. (TW)

Nikki & The Waves – ‘The Phone Song’
The new single from Liverpool band Nikki & The Waves, ‘The Phone Song’ instantly hits you with its jangly, quirky energy. Propelled by an uplifting, vibrant groove, it flows with fizzing hooks and Nikki’s lush, sugar-sweet vocals, as voicemails from those closest to the band – spanning Hong Kong to America – are interwoven into the funk-fuelled musicality. Complete with swooping trombone solos, sparkling harmonies and a relatable witty lyricism, it showcases all there is to love about Nikki & The Waves. (ML)

Secret World Orchestra ft. Circe – ‘It’s All Over’
Taking musical and lyrical cues from Circe’s previous single ‘Mess With Your Head‘, Secret World Orchestra aka Jules Konieczny (who is one half of alt-pop duo APRE) has extrapolated on her original piece and created ‘It’s All Over’. It’s a tender electronic musing on the fluctuating nature of love, designed to capture that end-of-the-night feeling on a lonely dancefloor. (KC)

Grawl!x – ‘Hopelessness’
Grawl!x’s first new music since 2010, ‘Hopelessness’ showcases the band’s newly expanded line-up with front person Maria Micheal Machlin’s lush vocals at the forefront. Flowing with a twinkling, ethereal splendour, it’s an utterly dreamy offering oozing both a joyous energy and reflective vulnerability. A thoughtful, yet uplifting, ode to hope and honesty. Spring, the upcoming new EP from Grawl!x, is set for release later this month via Reckless Yes. (ML)

Beauty Sleep – ‘I Love It Here, I Hate It’
The latest single from Belfast duo Beauty Sleep, ‘I Love It Here, I Hate It’ is a perfectly shimmering slice of stirring alt-pop. Juxtaposing lush melodic grooves with a rich orchestral splendour, a sweeping, utterly dreamy soundscape is created. (ML)

Ethel Cain – ‘American Teenager’
This Ethel Cain song is absolutely lushhhh and I cannot wait to hear her full album, Preacher’s Daughter, when it’s released on 12th May via her own imprint Daughters Of Cain. Please check her out. Her gorgeous, moody sounds will melt the ears right off the side of your face. (KC)

Queen Kwong ft. Roger O’Donnell – ‘On The Run’
I remember interviewing Queen Kwong before her in-store show at Rough Trae East back in 2018 and being dazzled by her live performance. Her sound has evolved beautifully since then, and I’m loving this moody cut ‘On The Run’, featuring The Cure’s keyboard player Roger O’Donnell. This track is taken from Queen Kwong’s upcoming album, Couples Only, which is set for release on 12th July. (KC)

Bloomsday – ‘ISO’
This earnest, poignant musing from New York duo Bloomsday extrapolates on vocalist Iris Garrison’s journey to become “acquainted with their body and the inner parts of their experience” and to “learn to like themselves and what came with being in transition.” This track is taken from Bloomsday’s debut album, Place To Land, which is set for release on 10th June via Bayonet Records. (KC)

Amaroun – ‘Orchid’
Amaroun’s latest release is a celebration of self-love and queerness. ‘Orchid’ is about slow-motion growth, in Amaroun’s words “It’s a pledge to my lover to bend and grow together, entwined but independence, embracing all our differences. It’s a story of taking your time and staying in the present, a reflection of a beautiful moment.” (TW)

Art Moore – ‘Snowy’
‘Snowy’ is the debut single from new collaborative project Art Moore – aka Taylor Vick (Boy Scouts), Sam Durkes and Trevor Brooks (Ezra Furman’s band). This track is inspired by loss and loneliness, described as “that feeling that someone is right next to you, but you know they can’t be.” (KC)

Kindred Fawn – ‘Silver Blanket’
The new solo project from GIHE faves Naz & Ella’s Ella Patenall, Kindred Fawn has shared her beautiful new single. Inspired by Patenall’s comfort in listening to the shipping forecast, ‘Silver Blanket’ combines rich aural textures with reflective pastoral musings to create a captivating, melancholic soundscape. (ML)

Ydegirl – ‘I Need This’
‘I need this’ by Copenhagen-based artist Ydegirl, taken from her 2019 self-titled debut album which I have only just discovered. Some lovely chamber art-pop for you all. I’m looking forward to Ydegirl’s music weaving into my ears more over the coming year. (TW)

Maria BC – ‘Betelgeuse’
“Betelgeuse is about coming to terms with one’s role as a victim, bystander, and perpetrator,” explains Maria BC. Through tender vocals and atmospheric guitar sounds, Maria ruminates on the nature of anticipation, abandonment and disappointment, but despite its melancholy context, the track is an oddly comforting listen. ‘Betelgeuse’ is taken from Maria’s debut album Hyaline, which is set for release on 27th May via Fear Of Missing Out records here in the UK. (KC)

Hercules Love Affair, ANOHNI – ‘Poisonous Storytelling’
I was so excited to hear the news that ANOHNI has teamed up again with Hercules & Love Affair, their last collaboration happening back in 2008. This is the latest single from In Amber, producer Andy Butler’s first Hercules & Love Affair album in five years, which also features Siouxsie and the Banshees drummer Budgie. Speaking about the track, ANOHNI explains that this song is an attack on misinformation that permeates the news cycle and social media: “We must be careful with new narratives, because everyone is rotted out from poisonous storytelling.” Hopefully this will not be the last we hear from ANOHNI. I have everything crossed to be able to see them live at some point again in my life. (TW)

Erasers – ‘A Breeze’
The new single from Perth-based ‘dungeon synth’ duo Rebecca Orchard and Rupert Thomas – aka Erasers -, ‘A Breeze’ evokes the raw beauty of their native landscape of Western Australia oozing an immersive ethereal splendour and poignant, layered musicality. ‘A Breeze’ is taking from Erasers’ hypnotic latest album, Constant Connection. (ML)

Zola Jesus – ‘Desire’
I am so happy to see that Zola Jesus is releasing new music! This powerful track ‘Desire’ is taken from her upcoming album, Arkhon, which is set for release on 24th June via one of my favourite record labels, Sacred Bones. Her voice makes my heart ache (in the good way) and it’s showcased in all its glory on this emotive and poignant track. (KC)

 

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Track Of The Day: Secret World Orchestra ft. Circe – ‘It’s All Over’

A tender electronic musing on the fluctuating nature of love, Secret World Orchestra and Circe have shared their new collaborative track ‘It’s All Over’. Taking musical and lyrical cues from Circe’s previous single ‘Mess With Your Head‘, Secret World Orchestra aka Jules Konieczny (who is one half of alt-pop duo APRE) has extrapolated on the original piece, providing listeners with a warm rush of euphoria via his glitchy beats and atmospheric synth textures.

“I really wanted to capture that feeling of being lonely on the dance floor at the end of the night, where all your friends are around you but you still feel as if you are the only one there,” Konieczny explains about the new track. “It was born out of an accident and became its own collaborative monster without a second thought between Circe and I, so it feels like the perfect way to introduce Secret World Orchestra to the world.”

By blending Circe’s tender, alluring vocals and enigmatic lyrics with his glistening electronics, Konieczny softly reveals the realities of loneliness and love on ‘Its All Over’, something which Circe elaborates on:

“This song is like waking up after a fight with your love on a dance floor, and they are still there next to you. Your heart is fluttery, your face is sparkly, their body is warm and it’s all okay. A line from the song is from Shakespeare: ‘you gave me your heart / so I gave you a pound of flesh’. Measuring a relationship as a series of exchanges, the currency of love: swap you a fragile heart for the heat of a body? It encapsulates that moment after the honeymoon phase where you see each other for real. That exact moment where you see them at their worst, and you forgive them and you still love them – that’s where the beauty of life lives.”

Listen to ‘It’s All Over’ below.

 

Follow Circe on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Facebook & Instagram

Follow Secret World Orchestra on Spotify, Twitter & Instagram

 

Photo Credit: Secret World Orchestra and Circe

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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GIHE: Personal Highlights Of 2021

2021 has been another strange year. Live music tentatively returned after multiple Covid-19 lockdowns, which meant the GIHE team were finally able to see some of our favourite bands in the flesh. The easing of restrictions also meant we were able to physically get into a studio to record our monthly Soho Radio show together! More than ever, we were grateful to feel connected – either through the internet or in real life – to our friends and followers, and that’s what our Personal Highlights of 2021 reflect.

Read below for a recap of some of our Personal Highlights of the year. Huge thanks to everyone who has supported GIHE. Love & solidarity. x

 

Team Highlight: Moving to Soho Radio

After six years of presenting our new music show on Hoxton Radio, the GIHE team were invited to move over to Soho Radio’s airwaves. They say a change is as good as a rest, and this change certainly helped to re-energise us to get back into doing what we love: fan-girling on air about our favourite music and talking to the bands and artists who create it. Noga Erez helped us launch our debut show in May, and since then we’ve spoken to BISHI, Bitch Hunt, Fears, BLAB, Maria Uzor, Grandmas House & The Log Books’ Shivani Dave. It’s a privilege to have this platform on Soho to promote women & non-binary artists, and we’re excited to bring you more radio shows with them problem pain 2022!

 

Mari Lane (Co-Founder & Managing Editor)

Interviewing Sleigh Bells

With the release of their sixth album Texis this year, genre-defying duo Sleigh Bells have been firm favourites of mine over the last decade, and have provided many personal musical memories. From dancing the night away to the immense energy of the likes of ‘Rill Rill’ or ‘Infinity Guitars’ throughout my 20s, to watching that scene of Jessica Jones on repeat, purely because of the incredible power that ‘Demons’ adds to the narrative. It was such an honour to speak to vocalist and songwriter Alexis Krauss in September about the album, her collaborative process with producer/guitarist Derek Miller, the formation of Sleigh Bells, being a woman in the industry, and her involvement with Young Women Who Crush – an amazing sounding organisation for young women and gender expansive youth from New York City public schools, inspiring them to discover the outdoors and develop their leadership skills. You can read the full interview here.

GIHE Live at The Shacklewell Arms with Problem Patterns, pink suits & GUTTS

Hosting our first gig at The Shacklewell Arms was such a joyous experience in every way. Not only was it an honour to be able to organise an event at such an esteemed venue at which I’ve spent many a night enjoying some of the best live music at, but everyone who works there was so lovely and helpful, that it made the whole experience completely stress-free. Massive shout-out to sound engineer Sofia, a total pro who is amazing at what she does!

And of course, what made the night particularly special was the bands. With GIHE having been mega fans of Northern Irish punks Problem Patterns for some time now, it was such a privilege to be able to host their first London gig. With each poignant, raging offering, the band filled the venue with their swirling, empowering energy and fierce, infectious passion, uniting the crowd with both their righteous anger and vibrant, joyous sense of fun. With the captivating, riotous force of queer Margate duo pink suits, and the angst-driven ‘sax punk’ of opening band GUTTS too, it really was a dream of a night and I’m so grateful it was able to go ahead. You can check out pics of the event here.

Talking to The Independent about Women’s Safety at Gigs & Festivals

Kate and I spoke to Elizabeth Aubrey for a feature in The Independent about the need to make music events safer spaces for women, girls and the LGBTQ+ community. A topic we feel extremely strongly about. We discussed our zero tolerance policy to sexual assault and harassment at our events, and measures we put in place at our gigs to try and ensure the safest possible environment for all. It was also the first time I’ve really properly talked about the experience of having my drink spiked whilst at university in Leeds – the issue of women and girls being spiked sadly being something that seems particularly prevalent at the moment.

I was really grateful to be given the opportunity to speak to Elizabeth about such an important issue and hope that, with an increased awareness in the public eye, more ‘active bystanders’ and with more women, girls and LGBTQIA+ folk feeling safe enough to speak out, more can start being done by the industry as a whole to put a stop to instances of abuse or harassment, and to provide the safest possible spaces. You can read the full feature here.

Interviewing Celeste Bell (Poly Styrene’s daughter)

With the release of the documentary Poly Styrene: I Am A Cliché this year, we were lucky enough to talk to Celeste Bell – Poly’s daughter and co-director of the film, along with Paul Sng – about the inspirations behind the film, her relationship with her mother and the sexism that still prevails in the music industry. Based around a wonderful book by Zoë Howe, Dayglo: The Poly Styrene Story, the film chronicles Poly’s remarkable and often troubled life, including never-seen-before footage of her, telling her moving story predominantly through the eyes of her daughter.

In addition to discussing the film, it was interesting to speak to Celeste about how far the industry and society’s attitudes towards women still have to go, and the urgent need to revive some of Poly’s punk spirit. To unite, overcome adversity and bring about change, we could all do with being a bit more like her, to start to undo the bondage that binds us into this patriarchal society. As Poly says: “Oh Bondage, Up Yours!”. Read the full interview with Celeste here.

Honourable Mention: Ezra Furman

I thought I’d also give an honourable mention to Ezra Furman, who came out as a Transgender woman earlier this year and shared beautiful images of herself with her child. As Furman poignantly states in her coming out message: “I’m telling you I’m a mom now for a specific reason. Because one problem with being trans is that we have so few visions of what it can look like to have an adult life, to grow up and be happy and not die young. When our baby was born I had approximately zero examples that I had seen of trans women raising children. So here’s one for anyone who wants to see one. I’m a trans woman and a mom. This is possible.”

 

Kate Crudgington (Co-Founder & Features Editor)

Chatting to Cool Thing Records on Soho Radio about GIHE

I’ve been following Southend indie label Cool Thing Records since my Gigslutz days, so when Luke invited me on to their Soho Radio show (Cool Thing Presents) to chat about my experience as a DIY music journalist, I was genuinely chuffed. I loved reminiscing with him about landmark musical moments in my life and how we came to launch GIHE. I also managed to wedge in an impersonation of Eastenders’ Nick Cotton into our chat, which you can listen to in full here.

The Cool Thing team have supported GIHE in everything we do, and we naturally support them back. Their roster is bursting with talent – from BLAB, Mai and Beckie Margaret, to Asylums, Suspects, BAIT and The Horse Heads – I’m constantly impressed and excited to hear their new releases. There’s an immense amount of passion, commitment and empathy behind everything they do, and I look forward to working with them throughout 2022.

My first gig after Covid-19 & our first GIHE gig of 2021

When I walked in to Electrowerkz to see DROWND – aka my brother Joe – play his first gig of 2021 in August, I was tanked up on Gin & Tonic because I was nervous to be doing something “normal” for the first time in over a year. Despite my anxieties, within minutes of the gig starting, my mind blocked out any Covid-19 paraphernalia; it just let the intense, heavy sounds blasting out of the speakers spread through my cells. It was fucking brilliant. I didn’t want the night to end.

I had a similar sensation watching Schande and CURRLS perform at our first GIHE gig of 2021 at The Victoria a few months later in November. I watched from a distance as Mari worked the room, ensuring the bands and everyone who was attending felt safe and valued. 2022 is looking like another dodgy year for live music, but I hope we’ll get to attend and organise more gigs like this at some point soon.

Talking to NME about Women’s Safety at Gigs

With the return of live music, unfortunately, came the return of the all-to-familiar reports of sexual harassment and assault at gigs and festivals. It’s something we have experienced first hand at GIHE, and we know many of our friends and followers have also lived through these grim and debilitating experiences. That’s why we feel it’s important to push forward with our own policies at events to keep women & non-binary people safe, and to keep the conversations about women’s safety in the public eye.

Mari & I spoke to NME journalist Charlotte Krol about this and how we think things can be improved earlier this year. You can read the full feature here.

Favourite Interviews of 2021

One of the main things that’s kept me going this year are the conversations I’ve had with bands and artists about the music they make. It’s such a privilege to have access to someone’s creative processes, and I am humbled every time an artist shares their own thoughts and influences with me. I also love it when bands consistently crack jokes about how bored they are of hearing their own music, like Cork art-punks Pretty Happy did when I spoke to them back in September.

My conversations with Circe, Nadia Javed, Breakup Haircut, Sian O’Gorman (NYX Choir), Lilith AI, Softcult, Nova Twins, Bleach Lab and Divide & Dissolve all left a lasting impression on me in 2021.

 

Victoria Conway (GIHE Contributor)

Helen Love @ Sheffield Pop Weekender Sidney and Matilda (first gig after lockdown)

I’m not sure if this was my first gig after lockdown, but, woah, it was the most memorable. After over 18 months without live music, Helen Love took me back, headfirst and in glorious technicolour. They fired up the drum machine and powered through a set of glitter-fuelled bubblegum punk pop with swagger and smiles. The legendary Ms. Love, still looking badass after fronting the band for almost 30 years, stood in front of a dizzying video collage and blasted out the hits to a crowd who roared their appreciation by shouting along to every word. ‘Does your heart go booooom?’ was a standout; it was the musical equivalent of someone shaking up a can of Monster Energy and letting it spray absolutely everywhere. I’m talking pure, giddy caffeinated joy! It was beautiful to reunite with a band I’ve loved for over half my life, and to do it on a dancefloor packed with much-missed gig buddies.

Thanks for everything folks. We’ll see you in 2022!

 

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