Since we booked South London duo Lucy Alexander and Luke Cartledge aka Scrounge as support for our GIHE gig at The Windmill back in 2018, we have been avid fans of their vital, frenzied art-punk sounds. Featured on our ‘Albums of 2022‘ list, their debut mini-album, Sugar Daddy, is full of gritty, relatable anthems that hit a nerve and showcase the passion and determination that underscores all that they do. The duo have always remained loyal to their DIY roots, and their latest single ‘Corner Cutting Boredom’ is accompanied by a limited edition flexi-disc and a zine that “documents and celebrates what’s going on south of the river” in a thriving underground music scene.
We think one of the best ways to get to know a band is by asking what music inspired them to write in the first place. We caught up with vocalist and guitarist Lucy to ask about her “Five Favourites” – five songs that have inspired Scrounge over the years. Check out her choices below and scroll down to listen to Scrounge’s single ‘Corner Cutting Boredom’.
1. Pavement – ‘Fame Throwa’
As soon as I met Luke at Goldsmiths, I knew that I wanted to be his mate. It might’ve been that he looked “dead indie” but I quickly found he is one of the most thoughtful and caring people in the world. Sometimes we’d swap song recommendations, other days we’d just have a few pints at the Marquis where we once talked about how South East London lacked a scene for guitar music, despite having so many amazing venues. At that moment, along with designer Amanda Tooke, we vowed to make our own collective to ‘Support South London and Support Your Mates’. We named it Fame Throwa after Pavement’s chaotic hit and that song inspired us to work together to run a night, radio show and record label. Although Fame Throwa is now dormant, it was our “in” to DIY activism and it introduced us to some truly outstanding human beings.
2. Italia 90 – ‘New Factory’
When we started Scrounge, we had no idea what we were doing; Luke didn’t know how to play drums and I played the acoustic guitar. We were constantly looking for nights – like Get In Her Ears – that we could perform at and bands we’d compliment on a bill. Italia 90 were recommended to us by our mate Ben so we booked them for a Fame Throwa night. We REALLY wanted to play a show with them and, as no one would book us, we decided to book them. ‘New Factory’ is a staple in their set and we’ve spent many nights shouting along to it in sweaty south London venues. This year, Italia 90 released their debut album, Living Human Treasure, and we were delighted to get a mention in the liner notes. As much as they like us, we can guarantee that we like them more and we’ll be forever grateful for their influence.
3. Piglet – ‘It Isn’t Fair’
Charlie Loane is one of South London’s most prolific performers. Over the years, we’ve watched him perform in loads of different bands but Piglet, Loane’s solo project, is utterly incredible. As an activist and beautiful songwriter, Piglet captures everyday life and the trans experience through his poignant lyrics. ‘It Isn’t Fair’ is not only anthemic but a real life representation of the awful standard of trans rights in the UK. Trans rights are human rights and as allies, we need to do better. This song is a call to action and a reminder that we can and must do more.
4. CHUNKY – ‘GNG’ (Guts N Grets)
When I first started performing at open mic nights as a teenager, I constantly sought new opportunities for young musicians. I quickly joined The Albany Theatre’s youth music group and was lucky enough to be mentored by some of the country’s most influential artists. Chunky, an MC from Manchester, mentored on the project and really believed in my music. He supported my early solo project, Fame Throwa and is equally supportive of Scrounge. Despite our genre differences, we’ve ended up working together on a few different projects and I’m in awe of his DIY attitude and work ethic. At the beginning of this year, Chunky released his long awaited debut album, Somebody’s Child, and ‘GNG’ is a standout single that really shows off the quick lyricism and sharp wit that inspired me as a young songwriter.
5. Kae Tempest – ‘Hold Your Own’
It feels like I’ve seen Kae Tempest perform a million times over the years and each performance is always as impactful as the last; it really doesn’t matter whether they’re performing poems, a play, or their music it’s always the same outcome. ‘Hold Your Own’ was a collection of poems by Tempest which I stumbled upon at university and the much needed catalyst I needed to truly accept myself for who I really am. The titular poem also features on Tempest’s album, The Book of Traps and Lessons, and is an aural reminder to persevere through adversity while remembering your own self worth. It’s a love letter to our shared community that I cherish.
Thanks to Lucy for sharing her Five Favourites with us!
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Listen to Scrounge’s latest single ‘Corner Cutting Boredom’ below
