PLAYLIST: October 2023

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another eclectic mix of indie & alternative tunes, grunge and shoegaze anthems, post punk and Riot Grrrl bangers, alt-pop and experimental 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.

 

deep tan – ‘xenomorph queen’
Having been a big fan of deep tan for a few years now, I’m excited to see that – following last year’s diamond horsetail EP – they’re back with a brand new single, and new line-up, ahead of their live shows supporting QOTSA on tour next month. Reflecting on themes of matriarchy, queer parenting and sapphic love, ‘xenomorph queen’ oozes all the discordant immersive allure that we’ve come to know and love from the trio. Instantly captivating the senses with its mystical ethereal majesty, it showcases deep tan’s ability to create their own truly unique brand of other-worldly angular post-punk. Watch the video for ‘xenomorph queen’ here.
(Mari Lane – Managing Editor)

Fräulein – ‘The Last Drop’
Is it even a GIHE playlist if we don’t include a track by Fräulein? (No, it’s not). Joni & Karston have shared this excellent single via Submarine Cat, which Joni says is inspired by the “manic uncertainty, the confusing, exasperating and self-destructive patterns that you can fall into after the end of a relationship”.
(Kate Crudgington – Features Editor)

Grrrl Gang – ‘Cool Girl’
Indonesian riot grrrl group Grrrl Gang have been a rising force in the Southeast Asian music scene since their formation in 2016, and are now commencing their world takeover with the recent release of their debut album. Having been featured in the likes of NME and Spin, with the album, Grrrl Gang showcase their ability to fuse together their empowering riotous punk energy with a poignant raw honesty and relatable fizzing emotion. Uplifting and cathartic in equal measure. Spunky, the debut album from Grrrl Gang, is out now via Trapped Animal, and via legendary label Kill Rock Stars in the US. (ML)

HotWax – ‘High Tea’
Another anthem from GIHE faves HotWax, taken from their recently released EP, Invite Me, Kindly. Vocalist Tallulah explains: “‘High Tea’ is about two people in your life who are very close to you but don’t mix well, leaving you in the middle feeling torn. It’s a conversation that has gone on for too long, you have to spit out your doubt and let your bad feelings leave you. It’s a song for people to let go and be free.” (KC)

LipGloss – ‘Anna (Walks Along The Street)’
Recorded at Start Together Studios with GIHE fave Rocky O’Reilly, ‘Anna (Walks Along The Street)’ is the new single from Belfast band LipGloss. Oozing a sparkling dark majesty, and building with a scuzzy anthemic splendour, it reflects on the band’s own personal experiences of growing up in Northern Ireland with a raw impassioned energy; reverb strewn riffs colliding perfectly with the immense soaring vocals. I can’t wait to hear more from this lot! (ML)

Dermabrasion – ‘Halberdier’
**NEW FAVOURITE BAND ALERT**
I love this ominous cacophony of industrial-tinged post punk from Toronto-based duo Dermabrasion. Taken from their upcoming debut album, Pain Behaviour, which is set for release on 26th January 2024 via Hand Drawn Dracula, the track is a heavy, brooding gothic anthem that rumbles with discontent. Perfect listening for Halloween (or anytime of the year tbh). (KC)

Slothrust – ‘Pony’
I’m not sure I’ve talked enough about my obsession with Slothrust on GIHE yet, but – having been a fan for a few years – seeing them live in New York last year just completely took my breath away. I was totally captivated by their scuzzy, raw emotion and the utterly immersive, no-frills charisma of front-person Leah Wellbaum. They’ve just released a new EP, I Promise, which includes this fiercely seductive cover of Ginuwine’s ‘Pony’, along with three other versions of the track, my favourite being the extended version: 15 minutes of pure swirling joy. With a couple of wonderful new original tracks too (plus a magical cover of ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’), the EP showcases all there is to love about Slothrust. (ML)

Chelsea Wolfe – ‘Whispers In The Echo Chamber’
A potent blend of shadowy industrial sounds and her trademark captivating vocals, Chelsea Wolfe’s latest single is accompanied by the news that she’ll be releasing her seventh album, She Reaches Out To She Reaches Out To She, via Loma Vista on 9th February 2024. ‘Whispers In The Echo Chamber’ is a heavy rumination on trusting your inner voice and following your own intuition. Wolfe is “bathing in the blood of who [she] used to be” – cleansed and cutting as ever. (KC)

Vyva Melinkolya & Midwife – ‘Doomer GF Song’
I’ve made no secret of my admiration for the sounds that Vyva Melinkolya & Midwife make together, and this track is another perfect example of the unique symbiotic musical relationship they share. ‘Doomer GF Song’ – what a title, and what a sound. (KC)

Atka – ‘Eye In The Sky’
Set to release her debut EP next month, London-based, Brandenburg-born artist Atka creates captivating cinematic soundscapes. This first taster of the EP, ‘Eye In The Sky’ shimmers with a dark, haunting energy, reflecting on the social construction of identity. A stirring offering showcasing the beguiling majesty of this innovative artist. The Eye Against The Ashen Sky, the upcoming debut EP from Atka, is out on 3rd November. Catch Atka live in London on 7th November at Studio 9294. (ML)

body / negative – ‘persimmon’
An exquisitely gloomy piece of ambient shoegaze from body / negative, the solo project of multi-instrumentalist Andy Schiaffino. ‘Persimmon’, is taken from their upcoming album, Everett, which is set for release on 8th December. The record is inspired by love, loss and grief, following the death of their Father, featuring contributions from Midwife and Amulets – two of my favourites. I can’t wait to hear it. (KC)

GENN – ‘The Sister Of’
Lifted from their debut album, unum, released via their own label Liminal Collective, this is another dynamic offering from Malta-via-Brighton art punks ĠENN. Their album is a cell-tingling listen, inspired by deep empathy and feelings of otherness. Read more about it and watch the stunning accompanying video for ‘The Sister Of’ on our website here. (KC)

070 – ‘Black Dress’
I am OBSESSED with this track from 070 Shake, which is equal parts moody and euphoric. She’s going to be releasing a new album soon and I cannot wait to hear it. (KC)

Coolgirl – ‘Druid’s Hood’
Another sensational electronic offering from GIHE fave Lizzie Fitzpatrick aka Coolgirl. Inspired by the sounds on vintage video games, ‘Druid’s Hood’ is taken from the Dublin-based artist and producer’s upcoming EP, Failed Reboot, which is set for release on 8th November via VETA Records. (KC)

Echo Juliet – ‘Life On Trains’
This is the latest single from Birmingham-based electronic musician Echo Juliet, taken from her debut 7 track mini-album, Abandon Reality, out now via her new label Invisible IDs. This track – written entirely on a train – is a hypnotic, electronic minimal groove. Speaking about the track, Echo Juliet explains: “I’ve spent a lot of time on the train for work and wanted to capture the feelings that gives me. The groove has a kind of rolling, perpetual forward motion but I was also feeling exhaustion, listlessness and a sense of inevitability that I tried to capture in the melody” Such a vibe! Read Echo Juliet’s Five Favourites feature on our website for more insight into her music. (Tash Walker – Digital Editor)

Janette King – ‘Nah Mek Me Fall’
An end-of summer track drawing On Janette King’s Caribbean roots, incorporating patois into her lyrics layered over those infectious beats, ‘Nah Mek Me Fall’ is perfect for this hazy October sun. A celebration of identity and a testament to the power of music in conveying the tangled journey of love and uncertainty. (TW)

Rubie – ‘Sicily’
This was my track of the show for our October Soho Radio show. It comes from Rubie, who describes herself as a songstress, producer, multi-instrumentalist and unbridled trans voice from south London. I first encountered Rubie as a member of Jenny Moore’s Mystic Business and of course the fantastic F*Choir. But this is Rubie in her solo iteration here, fresh off her new EP release, Whatever Cage – totally mesmerising. Rubie will be opening for Living Body on 2nd November at New Cross Inn, and playing an in-store lunchtime gig at Dash the Henge on 4th Novemeber, which will also go out live on Resonance FM, all ahead of the EP launch party on 30th November at Walthamstow Trades Hall – see you there! (TW)

Caleb Nichols – ‘Demon Twink’
California-based poet and musician Caleb Nichols creates beautifully poignant indie-pop ballads with a lilting heartfelt energy reminiscent of the stirring offerings of Elliott Smith. I was lucky enough to catch Caleb live at The Cavendish Arms this Spring and am very much looking forward to having them play for us at Matchstick Piehouse on 1st December, along with adults and Gay Skeleton Club. Grab a ticket here. Their latest album, Let’s Look Back, is out now via Kill Rock Stars. (ML)

ME REX – ‘Jawbone’
Having just released their debut album, ME REX continue to win my heart with each new offering, and latest single ‘Jawbone’ is no different. I just can’t get enough of the swirling emotion oozing from their stirring lyrical storytelling with their trademark glistening musicality and impassioned energy. Giant Elk, the debut album from ME REX, is out now via Big Scary Monsters. (ML)

Francis of Delirium – ‘First Touch’
Produced by Catherine Marks and released via Dalliance Recordings, this truly dreamy track is all about those initially heady moments of love or lust. Francis of Delirium will be playing a headline show at the Lexington in London on 15th November. (TW)

Coco – ‘Mythological Man’
Formed in 2019, LA trio Coco have just announced the release of their second album. Out first taster of the album is ‘Mythological Man’; a reflection on common ‘masculine’ archetypes, it offers a blissful dose of lilting indie-pop. Rippling with luscious hooks and the honey-sweet vocals of Maia Friedman, it’s a dreamy soundscape, oozing subtle playful wit -visualised perfectly in the accompanying self-directed video. Simply titled 2, the upcoming second album from Coco, is set for release on 1st March 2024 via First City Artists. (ML)

Maple Glider – ‘Don’t Kiss Me’
Australian artist Tori Zietsch aka Maple Glider has just released her brand new album, I Get Into Trouble. Offering a poignant reflection on her Christian upbringing, reflecting on themes of shame, consent and sexuality, it’s a truly stirring collection of starkly honest, yet delicately beautiful, compositions. Flowing with a glistening musicality as the heartfelt crystalline splendour of Zietsch’s vocals ripples with raw emotion, the album showcases her ability to reflect on potentially difficult subject matter with an immersive cathartic grace and shimmering majestic allure. Read our recent interview with Maple Glider here. (ML)

Sheherazaad – ‘Mashoor’
The debut single from New York based artist Sheherazaad, ‘Mashoor’ reflects on her South Asian sonic lineage; drawing on themes of displacement and nostalgia with a contemporary, genre-defying spirit. Exuding an exquisite rippling allure, Sherherazaad’s sumptuous vocals flow throughout, allowing ‘Mashoor’ to immerse you in its soaring, spellbinding beauty on first listen. Watch the stirring accompanying video for ‘Mashoor’ here. (ML)

Gazelle Twin – ‘Fear Keeps Us Alive’
This Gazelle Twin track, taken from her recently released fourth album Black Dog, spotlights once again what an instinctive, shape-shifting artist she is. Released via one of my favourite labels INVADA Records, this single and her new record are partially inspired by her childhood experiences with the paranormal, which makes for perfect listening this October. (KC)

Hilary Woods – ‘Burial Rites’
Following on from her poignant rumination ‘Where The Bough Has Broken’ – an atmospheric ode to communal growth and memory – Irish artist Hilary Woods has returned with another hypnotic instrumental titled ‘Burial Rites’. Lifted from her upcoming album, Acts Of Light, which is set for release on 3rd November via Sacred Bones, the track is a magnetic, gloomy cogitation inspired by the Gaelic Celtic ritual of Keening; a traditional form of vocal lament when mourning for the dead. (KC)

 

WATCH: Charlotte Carpenter – ‘You’re My Reason Why’

To celebrate the release of her new album A Modern Rage, East Midlands singer-songwriter Charlotte Carpenter’s latest single ‘You’re My Reason Why‘ is accompanied by a cinematic video telling a dystopian gay love story. Charlotte Carpenter has previously released a string of successful EPs, which have garnered attention from tastemakers such as The Line of Best Fit, through to rock bible Classic Rock, and has received airplay from the likes of BBC 6Music, BBC Radio 2 and Virgin Radio.

‘You’re My Reason Why’ is a beam of light amongst a collection of darker-edged songs on the album. It has a sad, yet resolute, feeling, evidenced in the slow piano keys at the start – “Even if the world will fall apart, I’ll still be here falling down for you”. A burst of guitar builds towards the emotional chorus, as the uplifting message that love will sustain any disaster oozes through the shimmering musicality. Reflecting on Carpenter’s fond memories of spending time with her wife in a rural cottage during lockdown, it offers a heartfelt twinkling emotion and stirring grace.

Full of references to older technology, and harking back to a more innocent time – whilst exuding a subtle sense of foreboding – the video offers the perfect accompaniment to this comforting yet poignant ballad. If you require an “end of the world love letter to your other half”, this song is the one. 

Of the meaning behind the track, Carpenter explains:

I can honestly say, they were some of my favourite times together. It put so much into perspective for me. I had stripped away all of those routines and expectations, and I found what I truly valued in life, which is love and time.”


A Modern Rage, the new album from Charlotte Carpenter, is out now.

Fi Ni Aicead
@gotnomoniker

Photo Credit: Fraser West

Introducing Interview: Small Crush

Having just released their second album, Bay Area band Small Crush create their own distinct brand of dreamy surf-pop with a shimmering energy and whimsical nostalgic charm. With lilting scuzzy vibes and the luscious honey-sweet vocals of front person Logan Hammon, each track perfectly balances vulnerable a raw emotion with blissful, carefree vibes and glistening allure.

We caught up with Logan to find out more about the album – have a read, and make sure you check out Penelope now!

Hi Small Crush! Welcome to Get In Her Ears! Can you tell us a bit about yourselves and how you initially got together to start creating music? 
Hello Get in Her Ears! Logan here, We are an indie rock group from the SF East Bay Area! I’ve always written songs ever since I was little and always admired my dad for playing music. In high school, I joined up with Jackson, our guitar player, and started working on my songs more. We met our current drummer, Allen, and bassist, Joey, through mutual friends and the love of music. 

I really love your luscious scuzzy energy and uplifting surf-pop vibes, but who would you consider to be your main musical influences?
Some of my favourites are Cub, The Cardigans, and Joni Mitchell. I love looking up to other female musicians. It always inspires me to keep going. Cub has a great rock-pop vibe. The Cardigans are so dreamy and sweet, and Joni’s songwriting is unmatched. 

You’ve recently released a new re-imagining of an older song, ‘Rumblin Tummy’ – what made you decide to do this, and how does this differ from the original, ‘Tummy Rumblin’? 
When we played this song live we always felt an urge to speed it up and make it more dancey. We played it so many times this way, it just felt right to record a version that the crowd enjoyed as much as we did playing it. I like re-imagining songs because it allows them to transform in ways we didn’t think of initially. 

And you’ve recently released your second album Penelope,  which is very exciting – congratulations! Are you able to tell us a bit about it? Are there any particular themes running throughout it? 
Penelope is kind of my “saying goodbye to childhood” record. I chose the name because when I was little I named a lot of things Penelope. Stuffies, a chicken, a songbird, and a frog – pretty much anything I could! It felt right to name the album something I resonated a lot with when I was little. Most of the songs are about wishing for a simpler time and reminiscing on old memories. 

What was the recording process for album like? And how did it differ from your 2019 debut? 
We set some time on District Recording’s schedule for a week and basically worked day and night getting it done. We even slept over a few times in the studio for an album slumber party. We then just edited things here and there in the weeks after. It was pretty similar to our first record, but I’d say we had more self-confidence and drive to get it done. 

Being based in California, how would you say this influences you as a band? Would you say it’s a good place to be involved in music? 
Living in the Bay I have felt so lucky to be surrounded by so much good music and different influences. I’ve grown up here my whole life and it’s definitely had a huge impact on my music. I like to mix a lot of genres and ideas to form Small Crush’s sound as a whole, and I think living up north versus LA gives us a little more breathing room to grow. 

You’re setting off on tour with Jeff Rosenstock later this year, which sounds like it’ll be a lot of fun! When out on tour, are there any particular essentials that you like to take with you to keep you going when away from home?
My #1 tour essential is my coffee pour-over set up – I seriously can’t function without it! Also, noise-canceling headphones for our long van rides and small sleeping quarters. A few good books are great for when you get tired of staring at your phone too long. 

How do you feel the industry is for new artists at the moment? And do you feel much has changed over the last few years in its treatment of female/gender non-conforming and queer artists? 
Through the power of the internet I feel a lot of new artists have a lot of control in taking their art into their own hands. It’s great that through promoting yourself you can find the best audience for you and your music. Before IG and TikTok, you had to have a lot of outside help to promote and find shows. Now, we have the power to plan our own gigs and find our own connections along the way. I feel like there has been some change in regards to female/gnc/queer artists, but there’s still a lot of work to be done. 

As we’re a new music focused site, are there any other upcoming artists you’re loving right now that you’d recommend we check out?
I’m currently loving Similar Kind, Strawberry Launch, and Chokecherry!! 

Finally, as well as the tour, what does the rest of 2023 have in store for you? 
Mostly getting ready for the tour and working on some new stuff for 2024!

Massive thanks to Logan from Small Crush for answering our questions!


Penelope, the latest album from Small Crush, is out now via Asian Man Records. Order here.

Photo Credit: Trinity Gardener

LISTEN: GIHE on Soho Radio with Hinako Omori (16.10.23)

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 Phoebe TroupCoolgirlBas Jan070 ShakeEcho JulietSlothrustJanette King, Rubie, Projector, Kloxii Li, GENN, body/negative and more.

London-based multi-instrumentalist Hinako Omori also came into the studio to chat about her upcoming second album, stillness, softness…, which is set for release via Houndstooth on 27th October. She reflected on what inspired her to write the record, how it differs in sound from her 2020 debut full length album, a journey…, and her upcoming anticipations for her live show at London’s ICA on the 2nd of December. Grab a ticket here.

Listen back to the show below:

 

We’ll be back on Soho Radio on Monday 13th November from 12-2pm!
 Make sure you tune in via www.sohoradiolondon.com

Tracklist
SOPHIE – Immaterial
Janette King – Nah Mek Me Fall
Francis of Delirium – First Touch
Phoebe Troup – Worm Dance
Coolgirl – Druid’s Hood
070 Shake – Black Dress
Echo Juliet – Life on Trains
Gabriel Gifford, Aphty Khéa – Voice From The Wind
Mica & The Midnight Blue – Human Beings
Livia – Glue
Franny London – Funny Girl
Hinako Omori – ember
**Interview with Hinako Omori**
Kloxii Li – Angel Dust
body / negative – persimmon
Chelsea Wolfe – Dusk
Twin Rains – Laws Of The Universe
Projector – And Now The End
GENN – The Sister Of
Rubie – Sicily
Glass Isle – Pols d’Ombres
Slothrust – Pony
Comic Sans – Winter In Sokcho
Clementine Valentine – Selenelion
Bas Jan – No More Swamp
Amy Winehouse – October Song