cro cro land – Get In Her Ears

New Track: pink suits – ‘Are You Gay Yet?’

One of the first songs written for their much anticipated upcoming album Dystopian Hellscape, pink suits have released their fourth and final single release ‘Are You Gay Yet?’. Described as “a seething celebration of queerness”, it captures the duo’s distinct, definitive essence perfectly. An anthem dedicated to reclaiming your identity and sense of self, the track takes their trademark angst and channels it into a fierce salute to individuality.

The track begins with clattering, fast paced drumming that teases the riotous energy integral to pink suits’ signature sound. Fuzzy guitars begin slowly and simply, giving the vocals plenty of space to belt out the track’s central question: “Are you gay yet?” It hangs in the relative quiet of those opening lines, forcing you to confront the discomfort inherent in such an invasive and personal question, and consider the mindset of someone who thinks that’s an appropriate thing to say out loud.

Guitar, drums and vocals pick up for furious, fast paced verses that delve deeper. They depict moments that any visibly queer person will recognise, when people go out of their way to make a point of letting you know that they have noticed, in a way that evidently isn’t designed to be kind. A way that might be delivered gently, but still feels like a slap in the face.

The track alternates between the intrusive questions and the visceral emotional reaction to being asked them. The abrupt shifts between the two perspectives create a sense of whiplash that evokes the dizzy sense of disorientation that often hits when someone has caught you off-guard with such a pernicious approach to asking about your life.

‘Are You Gay Yet?’ is quintessentially pink suits. It aches with rage at the micro-aggressions that queer people are routinely expected to tolerate, yet is simultaneously infused with an infectious joy born of rejecting that expectation. With this song, pink suits are clapping back with all the frustration they are made to feel in that moment and revelling in the satisfaction of taking the power back.

Dystopian Hellscape, the upcoming second album from pink suits, is set for release on 1st April. Catch pink suits on tour over the next couple of months, including 29th March at Manchester Punk Festival and 13th April at Cro Cro Land. Dates and tickets here.

Kirstie Summers
@ActuallyKurt

March 20, 2024

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GIHE Gigs Of 2019

It’s that time of year again when we look back at some of our musical highlights. And what a year for live music it’s been – from walking vaginas and Japanese post-punk pantomime, to matriarchal domes and DIY community spirit, we’ve felt pretty lucky to be able to witness some incredible live performances.

Last week, we shared our favourite tracks and albums, and this week we’ll be discussing our all round highlights and Ones To Watch for 2020, but for now, here are our most loved gigs of 2019. Have a read, and a listen to the playlist below!

Björk’s Cornucopia Tour @ The O2, 19.11.19
An opulent, self aware, stunning two hour performance: Icelandic icon Björk was able to “weave a matriarchal dome” over the heads of her transfixed crowd during her Cornucopia live show at London’s O2 Arena. The music pioneer brought her Utopian vision to life through pitch perfect vocals, beautifully orchestrated collaborative sounds, and breath-taking visuals. This was my first time seeing her, and it certainly won’t be my last.
(Kate Crudgington – Features Editor/Co-Founder)

Peaches @ Royal Festival Hall, 28.08.19
Wednesday, 28th September 2019: another day of exceptionally soul-destroying news about the state that the country/the world was in; a day when I particularly needed a lift, something to restore my faith in humanity. So, witnessing the sex positive queer feminism of the legendary Peaches couldn’t have come at a better time. Complete with an all womxn band, a fleet of living vaginas, huge inflatable penises, a virtual Iggy Pop and an aerial gymnast shooting lasers out of her behind, it was the most innovative and inclusive of performances. An incredible spectacle that helped restore my faith in humanity, it was just the perfect celebration of everything queer, wonderful, weird and totally life-affirming.
(Mari Lane – Managing Editor/Co-Founder)

Otoboke Beaver/ Say Sue Me/ Drinking Boys And Girls Choir @ Brudenell Social Club, 03.05.19
A skate-punk trio from Daegu. A four piece indie surf outfit from Busan. And the headliners, the self-described “Japanese girls knock out or pound cake band”, named after an Osaka love hotel. In a converted working men’s club in the outskirts of Leeds. This showcase of two Korean and one Japanese band on the Damnably label was part of a tour undertaken by the three during Otoboke Beaver‘s ‘Golden Week’ – their time off from work when they get to do live dates outside of Japan. When I realised that they were touring the UK, I made plans to go and see them at the Brudenell, as part of a long-held desire to go to a gig there. Perhaps the most amazing element was that these three bands of quite different guitar genres – two of whom I had never heard of before – completely carried a warm, appreciative English audience all the way with them. Say Sue Me, in particular, showed the poise and indie-pop nous of many of my favourite acts – and crucially had all the best merch. But it was Otoboke Beaver who nearly blew the roof off with their blistering post-punk pantomime that culminated in a ‘secret’ fourth encore, largely performed in the middle of the audience. Unimpeachable, irrepressible, joyful and exhilarating: they’re the best band in the world and to see them live was something I won’t ever forget.
(John McGovern – Contributor)

Cro Cro Land, 06.04.19
Although it seems it now, 2019 wasn’t all bad… One of its highlights was the launch of Croydon’s brand new festival Cro Cro Land. Particularly exciting for me, as a Croydon resident. Organised by friends of GIHE Angela Martin and Julia Woollams, the festival aimed to promote gender equality in both its line-up and staff, whilst championing a number of local bands and artists, and working in conjunction with a number of grassroots organisations and charities. A day filled not only with all the best live music, but also a completely unmatched sense of community spirit, it was so much more than just a festival, it was like a huge family gathering, filled with all the most life-affirming vibes. Highlights included: the soaring rock anthems of Tiger Mimic, Jetstream Pony‘s dreamy indie-pop, ARXX‘s seething punk, Berries‘ raucous whirring energy, Feral Five‘s unique electro punk, Bugeye‘s colourful power, the politically driven power of She Drew The Gun, Bang Bang Romeo‘s incredible compelling charisma, Fightmilk‘s dreamily catchy offerings, the immense force of Nova Twins, Chorusgirl‘s sparkling garage-pop, the riotous frenzied energy of The Lovely Eggs, Blood Red Shoes‘ set full of electrifying offerings new and old, and many more amazing bands I’ve failed to mention!
(ML)

Lingua Ignota @ Oslo, Hackney, 30.11.19
Lingua Ignota‘s (aka Kristin Hayter) sold out show at Hackney’s Oslo was catharsis incarnate. The industrial/metal multi-instrumentalist’s hair-raising vocal range and dramatic performance style held her crowd in captivated silence, as she used her pitch perfect voice to sing songs about vengeance and violence. Like an Anglerfish that dwells in dark waters attracting its prey with a dazzling light, Hayter used her portable spotlight to lure and illuminate her audience each time she broke the fourth wall. A survivor of abuse and of industry misogyny (read her excellent interview with The Guardian here), Hayter has defiantly risen from these ashes in Phoenix-like fashion. Her interrogative spotlight is not easy to escape, and her powerful voice is impossible to ignore.
(KC)

John Kennedy’s X-POSURE Summer Party, 17.08.19
Celebrating twenty years of his X-POSURE radio show, John Kennedy hosted the best of parties this summer. A real, genuine pioneer of new music, and tireless promoter of upcoming bands and artists, we’re massive fans of all John does, here at GIHE, and the day did not disappoint. Held at Flat Iron Square, with an outdoor stage as well as events held in Apres and Omeara, John made sure that there were no band clashes throughout the day – a genius idea! Kicking off with the soothing tones of Brooke Bentham, personal highlights on the outdoor stage included the unmatched buoyant energy of Calva Louise and the dreamy, soulful sounds of Babeheaven whilst inside in Omeara, I was completely blown away by the seething rock anthems of Liverpool’s The Mysterines. It was also wonderful to catch Marika Hackman live in conversation with John, discussing her latest album I’m Not Your Man. A perfect celebration of new music, thank you John!
(ML)

Nik Void (supporting Gum Takes Tooth) @ Electrowerkz, 25.01.19
Nik Void gave a master class in how to perform electronic music solo at Electrowerkz when she supported duo Gum Takes Tooth at their album launch. Positioned behind a desk overflowing with wires and synths, Void skilfully tuned and triggered her equipment, creating intense waves of experimental electronic noise. I wasn’t aware of Void’s history (she’s one half of Factory Floor, and one third of Carter Tutti Void) – but even without an understanding of her previous work, her solo set was a truly remarkable experience.
(KC)

GIHE Live @ Notting Hill Arts Club
Cheating and gloating a bit here, but all of the GIHE gigs I’ve organised at Notting Hill Arts Club this year have been favourites (as have Mari’s monthly gigs at The Finsbury). I try to co-ordinate line-ups that feature some form of electronic music, and I think I nailed that with our final show of the year. ESYA (Ayse Hassan of Savages/Kite Base/180 db), Scrounge and Eilis Frawley played for us, and they were all sensational. It goes without saying that I couldn’t have pulled any of this off without the help of Mari, Tash, Paul & Jon. All have been incredibly helpful with booking suggestions, photographs, and acting as door staff on the nights.
(KC)

GIHE Live @ The Finsbury
Having now been running our live nights at The Finsbury for over three years, putting these gigs on remains my most favourite thing to do. Bringing like-minded people together to enjoy music, offering bands the opportunity to share their incredible art in a safe space, just fills me with joy and pride each month. All twelve of our gigs this year have been exceptional, and I’ve loved every single band we’ve hosted; from the raging electro-punk of Clt Drp, to the dreamy indie-pop of faves such as Mammoth Penguins and Chorusgirl, they’ve all been wonderful in different ways, and I’m super grateful to everyone who’s been a part of it. A stand out moment for me, though, would have to be our International Women’s Day celebration on 8th March, headlined by the ferocious, sparkling force of Brighton duo ARXX, with support from the fun-filled-empowering energy of The Baby Seals, the fierce post-punk of Scrounge and the twinkling electronic soundscapes of Rainbow Corps. We also invited The Outside Project – a charity dedicated to helping the homeless LGBTQ+ community – along to raise money for their project. It was a joyful, empowering night filled with the best vibes to celebrate all womxn.
(ML)

We’ve updated our Best Of 2019 playlist with some songs from the bands and artists we’ve loved live. Have a listen now!

Mari Lane / @marimindles
Kate Crudgington / @kcbobcut
John McGovern / @etinsuburbiaego

December 16, 2019December 16, 2019

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Happy Birthday Us: GIHE Turns Two!

To mark two years since the birth of our baby website, we’ve decided to look back at a few of our personal highlights of the last 24 months. From fantastic gigs and memorable interviews, to informative guest blogs and the return of some of our favourite bands, it’s been amazing getting to share what we’re passionate about on our little platform.

So, we’d also like to take this opportunity to thank all who’ve supported us on this journey – to all the wonderful bands and artists who inspire us every day, and anyone who takes time to read/listen to us and spread the word about what we do. We’re super grateful for you all, and could not have done this without you! Here’s to the next two years and more, continuing to do as much as possible to promote and support female/non binary/LGBTQ+ people in new music.

Have a read about some of our highlights of the last couple of years, and listen to our special birthday playlist below…

Guest Blog: Dream Nails’ Janey – “What It Means To Be A Punk Witch”
One of the first ever posts to go up on the website, it was a real honour to have Janey from faves Dream Nails share with us what it means to be a punk witch; discussing the importance of sisterhood, feminism and direct action, and the need for women and non-binary people to come together in safe spaces. All things that we hold with great regard here at Get In Her Ears. Talking about the catharsis of channelling “the instinctive, magic energy of womanhood together”, reading this highlights just how necessary and powerful voices such as Janey’s are at times like this; why we need bands like Dream Nails more than ever – groups willing to combine activism and music to form a unifying force against the patriarchy.
– Mari Lane

Get In Her Ears w/ Big Joanie
It’s hard to pick favourites when it comes to guests we’ve booked for our radio show, but when Steph & Estella from punk band Big Joanie agreed to come in to the studio for a chat, I was genuinely excited. Their knowledge and experience surrounding the DIY music scene and intersectional feminism is so fascinating and so vital. The work they do on and off stage is incredible, so I’m glad we could support them on our platform.
– Kate Crudgington

Having Steph & Estella from Big Joanie as guests on the radio show was definitely a highlight for me! We barely needed to ask a question; as Kate says, they spoke with such knowledge and experience surrounding the DIY music scene and intersectional feminism, it was an honour to listen to what they were saying. And their music’s not too bad either…!
– Tash Walker

Get In Her Ears Live @ The Finsbury w/ ARXX
To celebrate International Women’s Day this year, we invited one of our most favourite bands to headline for us at The Finsbury. And what better way to celebrate womanhood than with the utterly phenomenal, ferocious force of the magnificent ARXX. Joined by the fun-filled empowering energy of The Baby Seals, the fierce post-punk of Scrounge and the twinkling soundscapes of Rainbow Corp, it was a truly special night; one which left me feeling all the feels and incredibly grateful for being able to do what we do.
– Mari

Introducing Interview: Helga
I really enjoyed interviewing Helga both because I love her music but also because it’s so important to us at Get In Her Ears to champion the artists we believe in. Publishing interviews, reviews and guest blogs from womxn and non-binary people across the music industry is what we’re about, and will always be about for all the years to come!
– Tash

Interview: Teri Gender Bender from Le Butcherettes
I only discovered Le Butcherettes after they released their fourth album bi/MENTAL earlier this year – I must’ve been living under a rock. Shame on me! I saw them live at Moth Club and I was blown away by front-woman Teri Gender Bender’s formidable voice and captivating performance style. When I called her for a chat, I was worried my fan-girling would get in the way of my journalistic interests in her music, but luckily for me, she was incredibly friendly, charming and funny.
– Kate

LIVE (Photos): Cro Cro Land (Part 1) (Part 2)
As a fairly new Croydon resident, it was a real honour to be asked to help with the inaugural Cro Cro Land festival this year by friend and all round wonder woman Angela Martin (of Bugeye). A festival which ensures gender balance across the board – not only with those performing, but with all crew and staff behind the scenes – it was a fantastic day filled with incredible music from both widely known bands such as The Lovely Eggs, Nova Twins and Bang Bang Romeo, and personal favourites like Chorusgirl, Fightmilk and ARXX. Being able to be a part of it, and DJ on the day, was such a wonderful and informative experience, and we can’t wait for Cro Cro Land 2020… !
– Mari

Playlist: 50 Years Of Pride
Supporting LGBTQ+ rights is at the core of what we do at Get In Her Ears 365 days a year. I’m so proud to be part of an organisation which takes the time to acknowledge this throughout everything we do, from gender neutral toilets at our gigs, to standing up in defence of LGBTQ+ equality. Our 50 Years of Pride playlist is a culmination of everything we believe in and represent, and a great way both to celebrate and take stock of what still needs to be done in the ongoing fight for equality for everyone.
– Tash

Get In Her Ears w/ ESYA
It’s an understatement to say that us GIHE girls were thrilled when ESYA (Ayse Hassan of Savages, Kite Base, 180 db) agreed to come into the Hoxton Radio show for a chat with us. There were a LOT of capital letters used in our group chat on WhatsApp. I’d seen her live and interviewed her at her gig at The Glove That Fits earlier in the year, and I was so happy to discover she rates Gazelle Twin’s music as highly as I do. Her attitude to going solo, and her general work ethic, are truly admirable. ESYA is proof that it doesn’t matter what level you’re at in the industry, doing things for yourself is a positive and honest way of working (even when you’re snowed under with emails/EP orders/life).
– Kate

Track Of The Day: Chorusgirl – ‘No Goodbye’
Three years after the release of their self-titled debut, GIHE faves Chorusgirl last year shared their poignant second album Shimmer and Spin via DIY label Reckless Yes. The return of a favourite band after a bit of a hiatus is always pretty exciting, but there was something particularly special about Chorusgirl’s come back. Chronicling a tense year, created during a period of crippling anxiety and a relentless string of bad luck and bad news, the album was the result of immense hard work and dedication from Silvi and co. ‘No Goodbye’ was the perfect introduction to the collection: a truly dreamy slice of scuzzy, sparkling garage-pop showcasing all there is to love about this band.
– Mari

Guest Blog: Grapefruit
I really loved this piece from Grapefruit’s Angela as part of our Guest Blog series. She chose to focus on what it means to take claim of being a woman in the music industry – it’s a great read! They also played a fantastic set for us at one of our Notting Hill Arts Club gigs, great music and great minds.
– Tash

EP: Petty Phase – ‘Petty Phase’
I love that our GIHE platform has allowed us to reach some of our established favourite artists but at its core, it’s about providing coverage for new musicians who deserve to be heard by all of our listeners/readers. Petty Phase are an Essex Riot Grrrl band who I’ve happily promoted over the last fews years on our website, and there are plenty more hard-working bands out there who are worthy of your/our attention too.
– Kate

LIVE: Indietracks Festival (Part 1) (Part 2)
With our ongoing disappointment at the lack of diversity on the majority of mainstream festival line-ups, I was particularly excited to have found out about Indietracks Festival last year – one that refreshingly, consistently, champions DIY bands and artists of all genders and genres. And it exceeded all expectations. With highlights including Sacred Paws, Colour Me Wednesday, Happy Accidents, Sink Ya Teeth and Ghum, it was so wonderful to be a part of. Indietracks is truly like a different world; a safe, joy-filled world, and one jam-packed with all the best music.
– Mari

LIVE: Hilary Woods, St Pancras Old Church
I’ve just re-read my live review of Hilary Woods’ performance at St Pancras Old Church from 2018, and it’s clear I was an emotional wreck during her show, and afterwards too. What a wonderful thing though – to be so moved by someone’s music that you hammer out 500 words about how insane you are.
– Kate

Get In Her Ears w/ Bengi Unsal
A radio show highlight for me was interviewing the Southbank Centre’s Senior Contemporary Music Programmer Bengi Unsal. She gave great insight to the work that she’s done at the Southbank Centre and throughout her career, including curating several Meltdown festivals, and the championing of electronic and world music.
– Tash

GIHE Behind The Scenes: Southbank Centre’s Alex & Phoebe
A recent feature we’ve started for the website, our behind the scenes feature focusses on all those amazing womxn working hard behind the scenes in the industry. It was a real honour to get to chat to Alex and Phoebe, the PR team behind promoting all the amazing events at my favourite space in London, Southbank Centre, for the first in the series. It was wonderful to find out about all the hard work they do, their dedication to accessibility and inclusivity, and all the Southbank Centre does for London’s culture.
– Mari

Have a listen to our special birthday highlights playlist here:

Mari Lane / @marimindles
Tash Walker / @maudeandtrevor
Kate Crudgington / @kcbobcut

Photo Credit: Jon Mo / @jonmophoto

October 6, 2019October 6, 2019

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LIVE (Photos): Cro Cro Land, 06.04.19 (Part 2)

Last weekend saw the launch of Croydon’s brand new festival, Cro Cro Land. Organised by Croydon residents Angela Martin and Julia Woollams, the festival aimed to promote gender equality in both its line-up and staff, whilst championing a number of local bands and artists, and working in conjunction with a number of grassroots organisations and charities, including Lives Not Knives.

And what a festival it was! Paying host to SO MANY incredible bands, it was not only a day filled with all the best live music, but also a completely unmatched sense of community spirit and united joy at being part of the DIY scene. As well as all the superb bands playing on the day, we bumped into so many other bands and artists there to support their peers, as well as other key members from the community, such as Caffy from The Zine UK and staff from Croydon’s best pub, The Oval Tavern. It was like a huge family gathering, filled with all the most life-affirming vibes and, of course, the best live music.

Check out Part 1 of our review of the day here. And here’s some more fantastic photos from Jon Mo and Jamie MacMillan, who were there to capture all the action…

Following Bugeye’s impressive set, we stick around at the main Town Square stage to catch the festival’s ‘secret’ headliner – Liverpool’s She Drew The Gun. Kicking off with the politically-driven power of ‘Resister’, they treat us to an immense and utterly immersive set filled with a sincere, empowering energy.

Photo Credit: Jamie MacMillian

Photo Credit: Jamie MacMillan

Continuing the incredible performances at the Town Square stage, South Yorkshire’s Bang Bang Romeo blast into our eyes and ears with a magnificent energy. As front woman Stars completely blows my mind with her incredible compelling charisma and the soaring soulful power of her vocals, they deliver a truly breathtaking and instantly memorable set, taking full control of the huge crowd.

Photo Credit: Jon Mo

Rather nervous about some of my favourite bands clashing (it’s just such a perfect line-up!), I manage to fit in at least some of all the ones I’m desperate to see over the next hour – flitting between the Concrete Playground and Town Square…

From Bang Bang Romeo, I catch a good chunk of the luscious, punk-infused indie-pop of Fightmilk. With their wonderfully raucous energy, they never fail to uplift, as I find myself singing along to each of their dreamily catchy offerings – including personal highlight ‘Dream Phone’ (and yes, sadly I am old enough to remember the game!).

Photo Credit: Jon Mo

Photo Credit: Jamie MacMillan

Dashing back to the Town Square in time to catch South London duo Nova Twins, they once again succeed in completely taking my breath away with their ferocious power and biting energy. Having been following Georgia and Amy for some time now, it’s no surprise to see them achieving the success they have been (supporting Wolf Alice and Prophets Of Rage, praise from the likes of Iggy Pop, playing festivals across the world…); their truly immense, seething offerings are like nothing else I’ve heard before, and the vibrant, mighty force of their live show remains completely unmatched.

Photo Credit: Jon Mo

Back at the Concrete Playground, total faves Chorusgirl do not disappoint. Another band I’ve been following for the last few years, it really is wonderful to see them develop their sound, with their incredible dedication to their craft paying off with the release of last year’s truly epic second album Shimmer and Spin. A set filled with a joyous energy and front woman Silvi’s endearing modest charm, I just can’t get enough of their scuzzy, sparkling garage-rock, and may even have shed a tear upon hearing personal favourite ‘Stuck’ live for the first time; a poignant offering from the new album, that tugs at the heartstrings in all the right ways.

Photo Credit: Jamie MacMillan

I manage to get back to the Town Square just in time to catch The Lovely Eggs. Despite a significant amp explosion moments before they’re due to start, the Lancaster duo deliver their immense punk-infused sonic fusions to perfection. With the brash, inspiring charisma and no-frills-yet-empowering presence of Holly Ross, they blast out a swirling, psychedelic cacophony and uplifting lo-fi fuzz. And, with their blunt realism and scathing retorts to all the dickheads in the world accompanying their riotous frenzied energy, they remain one of the most relevant bands around (and one of the most exciting to see live).

Photo Credit: Jamie MacMillan

Photo Credit: Jon Mo

Closing the incredible day, Blood Red Shoes deliver a headline set filled with raucous anthems new and old. Oozing their trademark whirring riffs, thrashing beats and the immense, energy-fuelled interplay between Laura Mary and Steven, they fill the room with a mass of buoyant bodies, singing along to each electrifying offering.

Photo Credit: Jon Mo

HUGE thanks to Angela and Julia for organising one of the best days ever; and here’s to Cro Cro Land 2020!

Photos:
Jon Mo / @jonmophoto
Jamie MacMillan / @jamiemacphotos

Words:
Mari Lane / @marimindles

April 15, 2019July 8, 2021

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