Five Favourites: Montañera

Having recently released her captivating new album, A Flor de Piel, London-based Columbian artist María Mónica Gutiérrez – aka Montañera – creates innovative immersive soundscapes fusing together traditional South American musical influences with contemporary ambient electronics. Breaking through the confines of genre, the album offers a poignant reflection on Gutiérrez’s experience as an immigrant; an artist; a human being. Shimmering with a sweeping twinkling splendour and stirring raw emotion throughout, the album takes the listener on an exquisite sonic journey.

We think one of the best ways to get to know an artist is by asking what music inspires them. So, to celebrate the release of A Flor de Piel, we caught up with María to ask about the music that has inspired her the most. Read about her five favourite songs and listen to latest single ‘Santa Mar‘ below!

Sona Jobarteh – Fasiya
Sona’s album has been a great inspiration for me since the moment I became interested in Senegalese music. Her voice and kora playing were a true inspiration alongside traditional griots who carry this tradition. Her style was a referent for me when I composed ‘Me Suelto Al Riesgo’ – a song I made whilst learning about Senegalese traditional kora music with my amazing teachers Kadialy Kouyate and Lucy Duran in London. I have always found kora music to be very soothing and almost celestial, the timber of its strings captivated me right away. Sona’s album, however, allowed me to understand this tradition through a lens that was in-keeping with my own music. I really enjoy how kora music makes me feel when I listen to it; the same sensation that I was looking for when making my new album A Flor De Piel.

Lido Pimienta – Miss Columbia
I have been a massive fan of Lido’s music for quite a while now. However, when she released Miss Colombia, I really identified with her music as a singer and as a songwriter. She is one of my favourite singers, I love her voice, and production-wise, her album was a great inspiration for my music as well. I love how she blends traditional Colombian music with very fresh, fun and well written arrangements. The sonic world of her music is full of colours – I wanted to achieve something similar in my album, but through my own aesthetic, heavily constructed by synths.

Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith – Ears
This is one of my favourite Kaitlyn’s albums, it captivated me right away the first time I listened to it. Personally I think it’s one of my favourite ambient albums, her tracks are always interesting and really well crafted; they are not predictable, but allow you to flow with them, and I wanted to attain something similar in my album. I wanted to make a really carefully thought ambient album with my voice playing an important role. Her sounds and aesthetic influenced me quite a lot when composing this album with my synths, I wanted each layer to be interesting – each layer to have a purpose and not just to add sounds for the sake of it. This was also the way I wanted the producers in my album to work, and her music was also a great influence to them. Ambient is a very delicate genre, and her album was a clear reference of the craftsmanship I wanted to reach.

Marina Herlop – Pripyat
I discovered Marina not so long ago, but her aesthetic and uniqueness blew me away immediately; I felt very inspired by her from the first minute I listened to her music. She has become an inspiration not only for the making of my latest album, but also for my performances. She looks like a Goddess from the future, and her music is beyond anything I’ve heard. It seems as though she has arrived from the future, and that is how her music sounds. Her aesthetic and how unpredictable her music is have become a major inspiration for me.

Canalón de Timbiquí – De Mar y Río 
I love traditional music from all around the world, however, Afro-Colombian music has been a personal favourite for quite a while now. It was maybe fifteen years ago when I sang a traditional song from Colombia’s Pacific coast for the first time, and since then a huge curiosity and interest for this music was born. Nidia Gongora has become a massive influence for this kind of music for me – she represents the strength of the Afro-Pacific Colombian women, who are all very inspiring. I find this music not only inspiring for its musical vastness, but also for the story of resistance, resilience and joy that it carries. I feel immensely honoured to have a song in my album with one of the current marimba players, Cankita, and with the amazing Cantadoras de Yerba Buena. It was through a process of research to understand their musical practice which began this musical collaboration with them. They are a massive inspiration not only to make music with, but for life.

Massive thanks to Montañera for sharing her Five Favourites with us! Listen to latest single ‘Santa Mar’ here:

A Flor de Piel, the stunning new album from Montañera, is out now via Western Vinyl. Listen / order here.

PLAYLIST: November 2023

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another eclectic mix of pure punk anthems, indie & alternative tunes, grunge & shoegaze musings and alt-pop 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 playlist at the end of this post.

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

 

Problem Patterns – ‘Terfs Out’
Hosting Problem Patterns’ sold out London gig at Sebright Arms last Friday was a total dream. The second time they’ve played for us, and with support from total faves Fightmilk and band-on-the-rise Dogviolet, it was a wonderful night, topped off with an epic headline set from the Belfast punks – uniting the crowd in solidarity with both their swirling righteous anger and vibrant, joyous sense of fun. ‘Terfs Out’ is always a particularly powerful song to witness live, and one whose message in support of our Trans siblings is more poignant now than ever: “LGB is nothing if not for the T / so show up with some real solidarity.” Problem Patterns remain one of the most exciting bands around and deserve every success to come their way; having recently won a Northern Irish Music prize for best video, released their incredible debut album, Blouse Club, and shared a stage with total legends Le Tigre. I cannot wait to see what they have in store for us next.
(Mari Lane – Managing Editor)

pink suits – ‘Refuse The Rules’
Having blown us away with their immense live show on more than one occasion, Margate queer punk duo pink suits have become firm favourites at GIHE. We couldn’t be happier to hear that they’ll be releasing their second album in Spring 2024. Our first taster from the record comes in the form of perfectly raging new single, ‘Refuse The Rules’. Just over a minute and a half of pure empowered rage, it’s a scream for space – a refusal of the rules that have been historically created to limit people’s lives and freedoms. As Ray’s fierce growl and driving beats seethe alongside Lennie’s frenzied raw hooks, it offers a perfect raging catharsis; a short and sharp rallying cry, inciting us to stand up and make our voices heard in the face of suppression and aggression. Dystopian Hellscape, the upcoming second album from pink suits, is set for release in Spring 2024. (ML)

The Menstrual Cramps – ‘Body Politics’
I’ve been waiting a long time for new music from Bristol-based punk legends The Menstrual Cramps, and now it’s finally here! Released via the loveliest of labels, Alcopop! Records and sounding as vital as ever, ‘Body Politics’ is based around American philosopher Judith Butler’s idea of gender performativity (from her book ‘Gender Trouble’), and rallies against the ways in which gender constructs are forced upon us all under capitalism to benefit the patriarchal structure. Seething with their trademark ferocious energy, and building to a fierce RATM-esque climax, it’s a perfectly empowering and cathartic explosion of necessary rage. (ML)

Touch Excellent – ‘Overtone’
This is the latest single from Dublin punks Touch Excellent, who have described it as a “Trans Rights Anthem”. The track reflects on the band’s own experiences of the years-long waiting lists they’ve faced when trying to access trans health care in Ireland. They explain that the “heart of the song” is the personified “long wait”, where lead singer Lenny holds a 21 second wailing note, demonstrating the extended frustrations of those who are still waiting to be treated. (Kate Crudgington – Features Editor)

Jock – ‘Moving’
Belfast based queer punk band Jock have recently joined the VETA Records roster, and released this new anthem titled ‘Moving’. It’s inspired by the housing crisis in Northern Ireland and further afield, rumbling with a raw and righteous discontent. (KC)

HAVVK – ‘City Creep’
The latest single from total faves, Irish band HAVVK, ‘City Creep’ offers a stirring reflection on the impact that Dublin’s housing crisis is having on cultural spaces in the city. Propelled by a fierce energy as celestial vocals and scuzzy hooks seethe with an unrelenting sense of urgency, it showcases the band’s ability to exquisitely create a shimmering immersive grace whilst emanating a raw, politically-charged rage. ‘City Creep’ is out now via VETA Records, and we cannot wait for HAVVK to return to the Get In Her Ears stage, headlining for us on 28th March next year at Shacklewell Arms. Tickets are cheaper in advance. Get yours here. (ML)

SPRINTS – ‘Shadow Of A Doubt’
Described as their “most vulnerable moment to date”, Dublin punks SPRINTS have shared this cathartic anthem, which deals with the experience of “trauma, depression and the aftermath.” Vocalist and guitarist Karla Chubb’s clear, cutting lyrics reveal the intensity and range of emotions that underscored the track’s conception, which tentatively builds to a swell of all-encompassing noise. ‘Shadow Of A Doubt’ is taken from SPRINTS upcoming debut album, Letter To Self, which is set for release on 5th January 2024 via City Slang. (KC)

Schande – ‘52 Hz’
I’ve been a big fan of Schande for some time now, especially since they charmed our socks off at our first gig post-covid in November 2021. Their new single ‘52 Hz’ offers a soaring slice of shimmering shoegaze-tinged indie-pop; inspired by a whale whose calls resonate at a different frequency than other whales, it flutters with fizzing hooks and Jen Chochinov’s distinctive brooding vocals. A truly dreamy sonic experience. ‘52 Hz’ is out now via The Daydream Library Series, the house record label of Thurston Moore & Eva Prinz’ Ecstatic Peace Library. (ML)

Dermabrasion – ‘Goblin Dance’
This is only the second track I’ve heard from Dermabrasion, but the Toronto-based duo are fast becoming firm favourites of mine. Such a banger! ‘Goblin Dance’ is taken from the band’s upcoming debut album, Pain Behaviour, which is set for release on 26th January via Hand Drawn Dracula. (KC)

Meg Elsier – ‘iznotreal’
I love this new single from Nashville-based artist Meg Elsier. Punishingly heavy riffs and soft, sultry vocals – strong #GloomyGirl vibes, which we all know, are the best type of vibes. Check out the excellent accompanying video for it here. (KC)

Wisp – ‘Once then we’ll be free’
19 year old San Francisco-based artist WISP makes music inspired by the likes of Deftones, My Bloody Valentine and Whirr. This is her latest single and it’s full of brooding bass lines, hushed vocals and heavy reverb. I’m looking forward to hearing more from her in the near future. (KC)

Softcult – ‘Haunt You Still’
Toronto-based duo Softcult’s latest single is a shimmering reflection on the mark we leave on others in the extended aftermath of a breakup. Full of their trademark shadowy, swirling riffs and soft dual vocals, the band explore accountability and atonement on this bittersweet offering. (KC)

body / negative ft. Midwife – ‘sleepy’
This delicate lullaby by body / negative is a tender, moving ode to their late parents, accompanied by a deeply nostalgic video. I’ve loved everything that body / negative has released this year, and I’m looking forward to hearing their new record, everett, in full when it’s out on 8th December. (KC)

House Of Women – ‘Hypocrite’
London-based newcomers House Of Women released their debut EP, People Printing, via their own label earlier this month, and this track ‘Hypocrite’ is a standout listen. They will be headlining London’s Omeara on 5th December, so grab a ticket if you like what you hear. (KC)

Felicette – ‘Go To Hell’
Named after the first cat in space, Felicette are your new favourite DIY indie-pop band, formed of members of faves like Cheerbleederz, Supermilk and Doe. Set to release their debut EP next month, they’ve now shared the title track – a wonderfully scuzzy ode to the catharsis that comes with being honest about your feelings after being hurt. I love its grunge-tinged hooks and gritty energy, and can’t wait to hear more from this lot! Go To Hell, the debut EP from Felicette, is out on 5th December via Everything Sucks Music. (ML)

King Isis – ‘Make It Up’
“I wrote the first version of this song at home, going through lows in love and life,” explains Oakland-born artist King Isis about their latest single. Full of angsty lyrics and their smooth vocals, ‘Make It Up’ is a taste of what’s to come from the artist in the near future. The track is also accompanied by a brooding, vampire themed video, which you can watch here. (KC)

ARXX – ‘Baby Uh Huh’
As if a single from ARXX wasn’t exciting enough, the new one features a whole chorus of favourites! Including familiar voices from the likes of CLT DRP, Cherym, Soft Lad, Ailbhe Reddy, and DIY legend Beth White, this rendition of ‘Baby Uh Huh’ is a beautifully uplifting and empowering anthem, released to raise funds for We Exist – whose work is invaluable in supporting trans and queer communities. ARXX explain: “We were looking at the world around us, at all the attacks on Queer lives and in particular Trans lives, and we wanted to do something to show our support with our Queer community. ‘Baby Uh Huh’ is about finding the right people to surround yourself with to make you a better version of yourself, which is a very Queer experience.” Once again establishing themselves as master creators of the freshest, most addictive and most euphoric anthems, ARXX continue to make me fall more and more in love with them with each release. I can’t wait to see them live again on 7th December at The Lexington! Tickets still available here. (ML)

Personnel – ‘Her City I Was After’
Taken from their forthcoming album set for release next year, ‘Her City I Was After’ by Personnel was released via queer record label Staying Out Records. It’s a kind of unrequited love song to Soho. The song draws on places and characters finding queer life in London from the 30s to the 70s, with the video bringing it alive in the 90s, using archival footage by film maker Mark Harriott of direct action queer activist group OUTRAGE! Check it out now. The more I listen to that song the more I love it. (Tash Walker – Digital Editor)

ALYSS – ‘Hydra’
I am SO into this track from Alyss, who played live for us back in 2018 at Notting Hill Arts Club – which was such a great show! Talking about the track, ALYSS explains: “She is one. A singular point that has roamed between the shadow & ether of every cell for the past 7 years”. (TW)

Catherine Moan – ‘Undo Undo’
Another heady dose of synth-pop from Catherine Moan here. Released via Born Losers Records, the track is an intoxicating blend of Catherine’s honeyed vocals, 80s-esque electronics and catchy beats. (KC)

Seraphina Simone – ‘Liverpool’
This was my Track Of the Show on November’s Soho Radio show, we are LOVING it at Get In Her Ears! Seraphina wrote this while on tour with Self Esteem in Liverpool, and it’s all about love, loss and memory. Close your eyes and allow yourselves to dive deep into the sounds of Seraphina Simone. (TW)

Stainwasher – ‘Circle Trails’
Stockholm-based musician Stainwasher has released this “slowcore/dreampop gem” that explores how counterproductive infatuation and obsession can be. Released via Oh Sister Records, it’s a bittersweet, shoegazey rumination on wasted time. (KC)

Holysseus Fly – ‘Bloom’
Such a mesmerising track from Holysseus Fly, taken from her debut solo EP, Birthpool, released earlier this month. You may recognise Holly’s vocals from Ishmael Ensemble, where she is the vocalist and songwriter, but this is her solo iteration! She’s going to be headlining three UK shows this month, the first in Bristol at The exchange on the 23rd, Corsica Studio in London on 24th November, and the Carlton club on 28th. (TW)

Montañera – ‘Santa Mar’
London-based Columbian artist Montañera creates innovative immersive soundscapes fusing together traditional South American musical influences with contemporary ambient electronics. Featuring marimba player Cankita (from the band Bejuco) and the expressive voices of Las Cantadoras de Yerba Buena, a group of traditional singers from Tumaco, latest single ‘Santa Mar’ is poignant reflection on on peace, specifically for afro pacific women, and shimmers with a sweeping twinkling splendour and captivating raw emotion. A Flor de Piel, the new album from Montañera, is out now via Western Vinyl. (ML)

Ratboys – ‘The Window’
I’d been desperate to see Chicago’s Ratboys for some time (especially as this year’s album, The Window, is in my personal top five of 2023 for sure), so it was a real treat to finally catch them live at Omeara last Sunday, along with Norwich faves SUDS. Delivering a set even more dreamy than I could have hoped for, each lilting hook oozed fuzzy surf-pop perfection as front person Julia Steiner’s vocals exuded a shimmering raw emotion throughout. As the crowd sand and swayed along in blissful unity, it was captivating and comforting in equal measure; a much-needed ray of sunlight in an increasingly dark time. Thank you Ratboys! (ML)

Teens In Trouble – ‘Sharon’
With a collaborative split EP with LA based Desert Mambas out now, Teens In Trouble (the indie creative project of writer, guitarist, and vocalist Lizzie Killian) create perfect emo-tinged pop-punk with a quirky, playful energy and fuzzy allure. Offering emotive yet upbeat songs about being present in the moment and mental health, based on true stories/experiences of Killian, the EP provides a must-have soundtrack for anyone experiencing existential crises right now. Teens In Trouble / Desert Mambas, the split EP, is out now via Kill Rock Stars and Asian Man Records. (ML)

¡Ay Carmela! – ‘Rear View’
Bristol-based trio ¡Ay Carmela! have just released their much awaited second album, Tokens. Reflecting on themes around cherished memories and inevitable change, it showcases the band’s gritty ‘90s-inspired indie-rock sounds, interweaving their distinctive catchy hooks with a sparkling emotion. Tokens is out now. ¡Ay Carmela! will be playing for us at The Shacklewell Arms on 2nd February 2024, supporting German dream-pop band Roller Derby with Panic Pocket. Tickets are cheaper in advance and are available here. (ML)

Ida Kudo – ‘The Power That Is Woman’
With her upcoming new EP set for release in Spring next year, Danish-Japanese alt-pop artist Ida Kudo has recently shared anthemic single. Her first material in four years, ‘The Power That Is Woman’ is propelled by a fierce empowering energy and alluring soulful grace as Kudo urges us to fight for a new kind of leadership, putting people before profit.
‘The Power That Is Woman’ is produced by Andrew Hunt. (ML)

NESS NOST – ‘The Regular’
This is the second release from NESS NOST’s EP called ‘The Regular’. The song’s narrative centers around the protagonist working in a restaurant, this time being confronted by a regular customer, that ends with a decision between making a living, or standing up for herself to this overbearing man. Boundaries crossed, where in many places of work women have to choose between dignity or money. (TW)

 

LISTEN: GIHE on Soho Radio with afromerm (13.11.23)

Tash and Kate were back on Soho Radio’s airwaves playing loads of new music from some of their favourite female, non-binary and LGBTQIA+ artists! Mari offered some of her “musical musings” too. Artists featured on the eclectic playlist included Planningtorock, body/negative, Fraulein, HotWax, paun, LipGloss, Sheherazaad, Dermabrasion, deep tan, Seraphina Simone, SandunesVyva Melinkolya and more.

South London-based sound artist and GIHE fave afromerm also came into the studio to chat about winning an Oram Award – an award which celebrates Women, Trans, Non-Binary and Gender Expansive artists who are pushing the envelope of creativity in sound, music and related technology. She also spoke about her work as part of the NYX Drone Choir and the innovative motion-sensitive instrument she created for her undergraduate project called ‘Juniper’.

You can catch afromerm performing live at the Oram Awards Ceremony at Kings Place in London on 19th November. Tickets are free, but you need to register.

Listen back to the show below:

We’ll be back on Soho Radio on Monday 11th December from 12-2pm!
 Make sure you tune in via www.sohoradiolondon.com

Tracklist
Planningtorock – Transome
Personnel – Her City I Was After
ALYSS – Hydra
Sandunes – Feel Me From The Inside
Holysseus Fly – Bloom
body / negative ft. Midwife – everett
LipGloss – Anna (Walks Along The Street)
Chelsea Wolfe – Whispers In The Echo Chamber
Fraulein – The Last Drop
HotWax – High Tea
deep tan – xenomorph queen
NESS NOST – The Regular
Saff Juno – 5 O’clock Sun
Maple Glider – Don’t Kiss Me
paun – Double Standard
Mary Lovett – Tambor
afromerm – held
**Interview with afromerm**
Laura Misch – Sax Rise
Hilary Woods – Burial Rites
Seraphina Simone – Liverpool
Sheherazaad – Mashoor
Dermabrasion – Halberdier
Gross Misconduct – All My Fine Fabrics
A Lot, Not Too Much – Runnin’
Vyva Melinkolya, Midwife – Doomer GF Song
Gazelle Twin – Fear Keeps Us Alive
Queen Latifah – U.N.I.T.Y.

EP: Coolgirl – ‘Failed Reboot’

Created entirely in her bedroom studio, Dublin-based artist Lizzie Fitzpatrick aka Coolgirl‘s debut EP, Failed Reboot, is an ode to the power of our personal relationship with sound. Released via VETA Records, it’s a vivid, cinematic collection of synths, intriguing samples and sparse vocals, transporting listeners into sonic spheres that seamlessly shift like quicksilver in tone and mood.

GIHE fans will recognise Fitzpatrick as the former front person of grunge trio Bitch Falcon, but under her new solo moniker, she experiments with everything from Korg synths to tin whistles and saxophone in order to create her unconventional offerings. On Failed Reboot, she takes listeners on a bittersweet, thrilling journey that traverses waves of deep melancholy, potent nostalgia and unspoken desire.

‘Druid’s Hood’ reveals the first glimpse into Coolgirl’s universe. Inspired by the soundtracks to vintage video games, it’s a mesmeric blend of evocative beats and cell-tingling vocals. Her synth-soaked, vivid explorations all melt into each other. Whether she’s sampling the sound of knocking on a radiator for the hypnotic ‘High Altar’, or combining whirring synth textures and glitchy beats on ‘Silverlight’, Coolgirl’s instinct and curiosity shine through on each of the six tracks that form Failed Reboot.

“I wanted listeners to take a journey with me, through muddy water and face themselves in a technologic reflection of what human relationships are with music,” Fitzpatrick comments about the conception of her debut record. This “reflection” feels most vivid on tracks like ‘Overturned’, ’22nd Capsule’ and the eponymous ‘Failed Reboot’. Each embodies a real sense of drama and theatricality. The eerie, extended opening of ’22nd Capsule’ in particular, shape-shifts into a mass of energetic, warped synths, underscored by primal, heady beats.

Curious, experimental and ambient are all words that lend themselves to Fitzpatrick’s sound, but ultimately, her music is as cool as her namesake. The tracks on Failed Reboot dissolve into each other, eroding feelings of doubt and anxiety in the process. She evokes a potent feeling of transience, infatuation and intrigue that often permeates electronic music, but she retains a fresh unconventional sonic perspective throughout.

Follow Coolgirl on bandcampSpotifyTwitter & Instagram

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Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut