PLAYLIST: Galentine’s Day 2018

Grrrls, it’s the best day of the year: GALENTINE’S DAY! Coined by Parks and Recreation character Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler) back in 2010, Galentine’s has since been recognised by girls across the globe, and used as a light-hearted platform to celebrate the girls and women who enrich our lives.

We wanted to celebrate it with you in the best way possible: by chucking some of our favourite female artists on a big old playlist. We’re all about self-love & sisterly love today, so scroll down, press play, and share that big ol’ Galentines love!

Bikini Kill – ‘Rebel Girl’ 
What can I say? The ultimate anthem for female unity and sisterly love. Singing of the affection and admiration felt for a best friend, Kathleen Hanna reminds us of the importance of telling the queens of our world how much they mean to us. (Mari Lane)

The Nyx – ‘Myself’
I told you The Nyx would feature on all of our playlists this year! Chuck ‘Myself’ on whenever you start to doubt how great you are. It’s a reminder that you are enough, which is something Mari & Tash are quick to say to me whenever I’m having a bad day. Thanks Grrrls. (Kate Crudgington)

Chromatics – ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’
A great cover of a great track. ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ always reminds me of a story about this 60 year old Italian woman who walked into her local fire station as she was having trouble with her lock. When the firemen asked the woman where she lived, thinking she’d locked herself out of her house, she lifted her sweater and showed them her chastity belt. (Tash Walker)

Chastity Belt – ‘Joke’
Which leads me nicely on to my next track by Chastity Belt. This was one of the bands I discovered at the start of Get In Her Ears, all those years ago, and just reminds me so much of what it was like at the start of it all. Three years on here’s to my two GIHE gals Mari & Kate, and all of the jokes we’ve had along the way. (TW)

Wolf Alice – ‘Bros’
Taken from their knockout debut album My Love Is Cool, ‘Bros’ is one of my favourite Wolf Alice tracks. The video shows two young girls eating chips, colouring each others nails in with felt tip pens, and climbing trees; all past-times my siblings & I used to indulge in as kids. Waves of nostalgic joy smother me every time I hear this beautiful track. (KC)

Kesha – ‘Bastards’ 
What would a GIHE playlist be without a Kesha choice from me…? “Don’t let the bastards get you down, don’t let the assholes wear you out.” – wise words from the artist, and ones which we’ve all recited to our friends as we’ve hugged and sought strength from each other during tough times. (ML)

Pretenders – ‘Alone’
I was lucky enough to see the Pretenders live last year, and they opened their Hammersmith Apollo set with this anthem of independence. Chrissie Hynde is the ultimate example of a woman making her way through the world with talent, stamina, and absolutely no apologies. (KC)

Shirley Ellis – ‘Soul Time’
I love this song, it’s just so much fun and completely infectious. Shirley Ellis often unfairly categorised as a novelty act by many music historians has a well earned place in the history of American soul.  Funky, sophisticated and sassy.  All the sisterly love for her! (TW)

Miss Eaves – ‘Thunder Thighs’ 
This is a fantastically empowering and uplifting anthem for all us gals – encouraging us to celebrate and take pride our body, whatever shape or size it may be. Thank you, Miss Eaves, for this wonderful lesson in self-love. (ML)

TLC – ‘No Scrubs’
This track is almost a decade old, but it’s still the best thing to spin after you’ve been mugged off by a fuckboy, or when you’re getting ready to paint the town red with your girl gang. (KC)

Ji Nilsson & Marlene – ‘Love You Anyway’
Released back in 2014 this was the first song that jumped to mind for this Galentine’s Day playlist, Love You Anyway is all about female friendship. The lyrics speak of solidarity but with a slight note of sadness, combined with the enchanting quality to the music the whole thing intertwined together is mesmerising. (TW)

Nicki Minaj & Beyonce – ‘Feeling Myself’ 
This perfect collaboration between Queen B and Nicki Minaj offers a super uplifting and witty message of self confidence and female unity, with a massive middle finger up to society’s expectations of girls having to be ‘good’/modest in order to be respected. (ML)

Peaches – ‘Boys Wanna Be Her’ 
Although each track on the incredible Impeach My Bush is a pretty hard-hitting, empowering masterpiece, ‘Boys Wanna Be Her’ is just a 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)

Dream Nails – ‘LoveFuck’
Dream Nails are all about self love and sisterhood, and I never get tired of their music or their inspiring activism. Whether you’re newly single, happily single, or fed up of being single: this track is designed to restore your faith in the good fucks again. Hang in there girls. They’re out there waiting for ya. (KC)

Deap Vally – ‘Smile More’ 
I just love this powerful and refreshingly tongue-in-cheek offering from this incredible duo. With lyrics such as “I am not ashamed of my mental state/And I am not ashamed of my body weight…”, ‘Smile More’ is the perfect motivational mantra that incites in me a strength to get up and face the world. (ML)

Savages – ‘When In Love’
I remember scoring last minute tickets to see Savages’ sold out Roundhouse gig back in 2016 and feeling so excited I nearly threw up at my desk. I went on my own to see them in the flesh, and it was one of the best things I’ve ever witnessed. I’ll always remember Jehnny Beth telling her crowd that this track was about knowing how love is going to fuck you up, but you should have the nerve to go ahead and pursue it anyway. A reckless, but  brilliant piece of advice. (KC)

Carole King – ‘You’ve Got A Friend’ 
Having sung this at my loved ones many a time, ‘You’ve Got A Friend’ fills me with emotion on each listen. An uplifting message of unity and platonic love, Carole King once again continues to inspire me, my mother before me, and women everywhere, with this beautiful, heartfelt anthem. (ML)

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Albums Of The Year 2017

Although some might say we now live in an age dominated by single tracks – as streaming services like Spotify and Soundcloud take over our listening habits – here at Get In Her Ears we still enjoy losing ourselves in a flowing collection of songs by the same artist. There’s nothing quite like the excitement of discovering your new favourite album or EP.  

2017 has seen us spoilt for choice for great albums by great people; from St Vincent’s incredible comeback with ‘Masseduction’ to the enchanting, spine-tingling splendour of Aldous Harding’s ‘Party’; from the haunting magic of the legendary Bjork’s ‘Utopia’ to the twinkling, introspective grace of Adult Mom’s ‘Soft Spots’. There’s been some crackers.

However, as promoters of new music, we’ve decided to pick our favourite albums/EPs of the year from some of the most deserving, most amazing upcoming/DIY artists we know.

Sacred Paws – ‘Strike A Match’
I think it’s fair to say 2017 hasn’t been the best of years, but just one listen of London-Glasgow duo Sacred Paws’ Strike A Match will uplift in an instant, making everything seem just a little brighter. Fronted by the sunny charisma of Rachel Aggs, Sacred Paws have not only provided a soundtrack to our year, but have also left us grinning from cheek-to-cheek and full of joy upon seeing them live at Visions Festival in the summer.

Filled with one delectable, danceable delight after another, the Scottish Album Of The Year award winner oozes a unique jangly joy throughout. With each track offering a contagious buoyant energy as vibrant calypso-inspired melodies flow seamlessly alongside lush harmonies and thrilling, racing beats, Strike A Match is the perfect antidote to 2017’s troubles. A wonderfully musically rich collection with all the reviving spirit and colourful charm you could ever need to see you into the new year. (Mari Lane)

H1987 – ‘Dreamlike’
Mysteriously named electronic artist and producer H1987 released Dreamlike earlier this year; and it’s an ambient, fluid, ethereal offering from this prolific talent.

Whilst the record is mainly instrumental, it manages to articulate emotions and states of mind that the most poetic of lyrics would fall short of explaining. It’s a soundscape for anxiety, distance, euphoria, reassurance – and equal parts cold and comforting. Like a pebble that breaks the surface of a placid lake, each track is a ripple that widens and spreads in to the next.

If film soundtracks or unusual electronic albums are your thing, then allow yourself the luxury of listening to Dreamlike in one sitting to feel the full effect. It’s the ultimate antidote for any stressful or long commute. Put your headphones in, and disappear. (Kate Crudgington)

Dream Nails – ‘Dare To Care’
As well as providing us with some of the most liberating and exciting live performances of the year – the assertion of their ‘Girls To The Front’ ethos at their gigs providing an empowering and necessary step towards creating safe spaces for women and non-binary people at music venues – Dream Nails have also released their completely fantastic debut EP.

Packing a punch with its seething force, Dare To Care is proof of why we need Dream Nails in our lives now more than ever. From ‘Joke Choke’ – a raging, discordant offering filled with a punk-fuelled fury about people who think it’s funny to make jokes about rape – and the fist-clenching power of ‘Tourist’s message against emotionally predatory men; to the uplifting, unifying sparkle of ‘Merkury’, and the ultimate, sex-positive break-up anthem ‘Lovefuck’, this EP provides a perfect and timely voice against the patriarchy.

A group willing to combine activism and music to form a unifying force against misogyny and inequality in society, Dream Nails succeed in inspiring and motivating girls everywhere to get to the front and make our voices heard. And we cannot wait to hear what our favourite Feminist Punk Witches have in store in 2018 to follow the empowering magnificence of Dare To Care. (ML)

LOUD WOMEN – ‘Volume One’
Featuring 21 tracks from a variety of DIY female musicians – with all profits going to Women’s Aid – LOUD WOMEN’s Volume One compilation album is a vital piece of energy-giving activism. With tracks from DOLLS, GUTTFULL, Bugeye and more; this eclectic mix of punk, indie, rock & alternative is perfect listening for any feminist activist – or any fan of quality DIY music.

The chorus on Madame So’s ‘Black Is Beautiful’ filled me with tearful hope the first time I listened. Petrol Girls’ ‘Touch Me Again’ has remained my angry, life-affirming, self-autonomous anthem. Deux Furieses brief but brilliant ‘Out Of My System’ is the punk remedy to any bad day. There really is something here for everyone. (KC)

H.Grimace – ‘Self Architect’
Having wowed us with their impeccable live performances at Green Man Festival and at our very own Finsbury night, this year H.Grimace followed 2015’s ‘I Am Material’ cassette and last year’s Royal Hush EP with the release of their debut album Self Architect. 

A collection of raw post-punk scuzz, the album swirls in its stirring darkness and shoegaze-inspired haze, the likes of which I haven’t been quite as addicted to since first losing myself in Sonic Youth’s Goo.

Whilst the blunt power of ‘2.1 Woman’s commentary on patriarchal society’s expectations of women to create perfect versions of themselves may be a personal highlight of the album, this record is a pure sonic delight from start to finish. From the seething, dreamy whirr of ‘Lipsyncer’, to the twinkling hum of ‘Land/Body’ and the jangly cacophony of its title track, Self Architect flows with a soaring, bewitching majesty and gritty power.

Combine these innovative musical creations with the compelling, cool swathe and raw honesty of exceptional front woman Hannah Gledhill, and you have one of the most exciting bands of 2017. (ML)

Rews – ‘Pyro’ (KC)
Like the phoenix that rises from the ashes of its own flames, REWS take the remnants of loves old and new, and turn them in to tunes that blaze with fun and furious style. Their debut album Pyro (released via Marshall Records) brims with a simultaneously dark and delightful energy, and it set our ears alight in all the right ways.

From the glittery, gritty goodness of single ‘Shine’, to the powerhouse break-up anthem ‘Miss You In The Dark’ – Pyro proves the REWS girls take everything in their stride; and they should take great pride in a debut that perfectly showcases their musical potential.(KC)

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LIVE (Photos): Dance Like I’ve Got Diamonds with Dream Nails, 06.12.17

To round off a year of putting on fantastic events promoting women in music, Dance Like I’ve Got Diamonds hosted their last event event of 2017 at The Victoria on Wednesday. In true Christmas spirit, it focused on giving back to society, with all net profits from the event going to women’s aid organisation Nia, who specialise in helping victims of rape and domestic violence in North East London.

Kicking off the live music are Babyarms – Jen Doveton from Colour Me Wednesday’s solo project – delivering their luscious, twinkling indie-pop creations.

Next up, in place of DOLLS who sadly had to cancel due to illness (wish you better, DOLLS!), are Berries. Blasting out their impressive racing riffs and rolling beats with a riotous energy, their raw rock-fused power marks them out as definite ones to watch in 2018.

Headlining the night are our favourite feminist punk witches, Dream Nails. With their seething, punk-filled power, they treat us to a range of super empowering offerings, raging against domestic violence, misogyny and bullies with all the sparkling, buoyant energy you could ever desire. With their unique impassioned charm and raucous force, Dream Nails once again prove why they’re a necessity in our lives right now; continuing to inspire and motivate us all to get to the front and make our voices heard.

Photo Credit: Jon Mo / @jonmophoto

 

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WATCH: Dream Nails – ‘Tourist’

To celebrate the release of their new Dare To Care EP, GIHE faves Dream Nails have shared a brand new video for their latest single ‘Tourist’.

A racing, punk-fuelled offering, packing a punch with its seething, fist-clenching force, ‘Tourist’ was written about emotionally predatory men who are drawn to women when they’re vulnerable. Propelled by guitarist Anya’s truly infectious riffs, pounding beats and front woman Janey’s buoyant energy and impassioned vocals, it’s another sparkling, energy-filled offering from the band.

Charting a girls’ day out to the seaside with a retro tinge, the video sees the band having fun at Margate seafront, dancing on the promenade and generally giving zero fucks to what anyone might think. Filmed and directed by an all female crew, it highlights the band’s ethos of ‘fries before guys’, and oozes all the joy-filled, empowering charm from our favourite Feminist Punk Witches.

Watch the brand new video for ‘Tourist’ here:

(Directed by Jade Jackman and Natalie Pitters as Director of Photography.)

‘Tourist’ is yet another example of why we need Dream Nails in our lives; at times like this, we need bands like them more than ever – a group willing to combine activism and music to form a unifying force against the patriarchy. A band who continue to inspire and motivate girls everywhere to get to the front and make our voices heard.

Dare To Care, the new EP from Dream Nails, is out now.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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