PLAYLIST: September 2021

The GIHE team have unearthed more new music gems for you to listen to on our September Playlist! There’s an eclectic mix of shadowy post punk anthems, wholesome emotional tunes, alt-pop tracks & immersive electronic sounds. Take some time to scroll through our track choices below and make sure you hit play on the Spotify playlist at the end of this post.

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

LIINES – ‘Keep On Going’
The latest single from GIHE faves, Manchester trio LIINES ‘Keep On Going’ is an empowering call to arms. Propelled by a frenetic sense of urgency, I just love its fierce, unrelenting energy and Zoe McVeigh’s trademark seething, soaring vocals. (Mari Lane)

Fräulein – ‘Belly’
I’ve been obsessed with London based duo Joni Samuels and Karsten van der Tol aka Fräulein for over a year now, and their latest single does not disappoint. Propelled by sparse hooks and raw, loose beats, as Joni’s sweeping vocals take centre stage, ‘Belly’ showcases the band’s knack for creating gritty, grunge-fuelled offerings with a unique, brooding energy. Fräulein headline The Windmill in Brixton on 25th October. (ML)

Grandmas House – ‘Girl’
Taken from their upcoming self-titled debut EP, which is set for release on 15th October via Brace Yourself Records (JOHN, Nuha Ruby Ra, Laundromat, Peeping Drexels), the latest single from Bristol punk trio Grandmas House is a playful ode to the joys and frustrations of queer love. We can’t wait to see the band live at The Windmill in Brixton on 3rd November. (Kate Crudgington)

M(h)aol – ‘Gender Studies’
A rumbling cacophony of post-punk noise designed to dismantle the misconception that gender is binary, the latest single from Irish feminist post-punk band M(h)aol is a brief but powerful statement on the empowering feelings that come with challenging gender norms. It’s the title track from their debut EP, which is set for release via TULLE on 29th October (digitally) and 15th January (physically). (KC)

Visibly Choked – ‘Mother Tongue’
When I read that Canadian punks Visibly Choked describe themselves as “A hardcore Kate Bush” or “five people having a panic attack,” I knew I’d found a new favourite band. This track ‘Mother Tongue’ is taken from their debut self-titled EP, which is set for release via Mothland on November 5th. (KC)

th’sheridans – ‘I Don’t Wanna Be Dismembered’
Following a decade on the scene, indie pop duo th’sheridans have recently released an epic, career-spanning compilation, Pieces Of General, combining both old favourites and some newer treats. Taken from the album, ‘I Don’t Wanna Be Dismembered’ showcases the band’s knack for creating sparkling calls to arms – poignant creations, unsubtle in conveying their anti-fascist, anti-racist and anti-sexist values, whilst oozing a quirky, colourful spirit. Read more about the duo in our recent interview. Pieces Of General is out now via Reckless Yes. (ML)

ĠENN – ‘Catalyst’
Taken from their recent EP Liminal, ĠENN’s latest single ‘Catalyst’ offers a perfect slice of high-energy post-punk. Having been long term faves here at GIHE, wowing us with their explosive live show at our gig nights more than once, ĠENN’s latest offering delivers a rousing sonic rush with a fizzing energy. An empowering rallying cry to fight against those seeking to oppress your true spirit. (ML)

Mumble Tide – ‘On My Deathbed There’s A Full Page (You Don’t Get To Read It)’
The context of this shiny new track by Bristol-based duo Mumble Tide is an introverts DREAM. “This song is about reflecting on years of unrequited love, about the light that can shine out of a void,” explains vocalist Gina. “It’s about how chasing something that isn’t real requires creativity and resilience, but also ignorance.” Mumble Tide will be releasing a mini-album titled Everything Ugly via Nothing Fancy on 3rd December. (KC)

Francis of Delirium – ‘Come Out and Play’
Inspired by coulrophobia (the fear of clowns), I love this shadowy, atmospheric single from Luxembourg-based, Canadian born artist Jana Bahrich aka Francis of Delirium. The single is accompanied by an amazing monochrome animated video that Bahrich created herself, which you can watch here. (KC)

Softcult – ‘House Of Mirrors’
I am such a sucker for Softcult’s melancholy, grunge-tinged sounds and this latest single is no exception. “We wrote ‘House Of Mirrors’ about wanting to make the people in our lives proud, but feeling as though we’ve failed them by not living up to our potential,” explain sisters Phoenix and Mercedes Arn Horn. You can watch the accompanying video here. (KC)

Cherym – ‘We’re Just Friends’
Ahead of the release of their upcoming new EP Hey Tori, Derry trio Cherym recently shared vibrant single ‘We’re Just Friends’. A heartfelt reflection on life and love, particularly from the perspective of non-heteronormative couples, it oozes a swirling energy and all the honey-sweet punk-pop vibes you could ever desire. Hey Tori is out 1st October via Alcopop! Records and I cannot wait to be launched back into the world of gigs seeing them live at Paper Dress Vintage, next Wednesday 6th October! (ML)

Sleigh Bells – ‘True Seekers’
I just can’t get enough of the immense new album from long term favourites Sleigh Bells. Taken from Texis, ‘True Seekers’ may be a step away from the usual explosive, exuberant sounds Sleigh Bells are known for, but loses none of the duo’s searing power and emotion-filled anthemic splendour. I was lucky enough to have a chat with Alexis Krauss from Sleigh Bells a few weeks ago. We talked about the new album, the formation of Sleigh Bells and her involvement with Young Women Who Crush – an amazing sounding organisation that she co-founded for young women and gender expansive youth, inspiring them to discover the outdoors and develop their leadership skills. Have a read here. (ML)

Lunar Vacation – ‘Gears’
The latest single from Atlanta based band Lunar Vacation, ‘Gears’ oozes a dreamy, shimmering allure as it reflects on the deterioration of a relationship. Against the backdrop of a scuzzy, whirring musicality, Grace Repasky’s honey-sweet crystalline vocals float seamlessly with an ethereal splendour. A heartfelt slice of irresistibly effervescent indie-pop. (ML)

SPIDER – ‘I’m Fine, I’m Good, I’m Perfect!’
A brooding, dark-pop tune that reflects on the grey area between feeling emotionally overwhelmed and totally apathetic, I love this tune from London-based, Irish born musician & producer SPIDER. ‘I’m Fine, I’m Good, I’m Perfect!’ playfully embraces and dismisses life’s darker moments with its catchy chorus and smooth vocals. (KC)

Maria Uzor – ‘Donuts’
Having been massive fans of Norwich duo Sink Ya Teeth for a number of years now, we’re super excited to hear that vocalist and songwriter Maria Uzor has now released her debut solo EP, Innocence and Worldliness. To celebrate the EP’s release, Maria shared a brand new video for ‘Donuts‘. Propelled by a swirling, glitchy energy and whirring, otherworldly allure, it’s a wonderfully immersive sonic fusion. A perfectly blissful cacophony that will take you on a rainbow-tinted trip into space. So, grab some pastries, sit back, and immerse yourself in the trippy, colourful haze of ‘Donuts’ now. And watch the euphoric video here. (ML)

Elsa Hewitt – ‘Inhaler’
Taken from her album LUPA which she self-released on her own imprint ERH earlier this year, I’ve enjoyed delving into the soundscapes of Elsa Hewitt and letting her music envelop me. She’s going to be playing the Pickle Factory on 1st October and I cannot encourage you enough to go check her out, when she played for us at Notting Hill Arts Club it was mesmerising. (Tash Walker)

Julia-Sophie – ‘And You Know It’
A total fave of mine, Julia-Sophie has nearly finished her third EP which is set to be released very soon. Plus, she’s going to be playing The Windmill in Brixton on the 5th October and I for one cannot wait to see her live for the first time. A date for all your diaries. Hope to see you there. (TW)

Liyv – ‘Let Me Know’
Occasionally the world sends you a signal that you should listen to a song, and I had that with this one. Not only did it pop up on my Spotify, but Liyv the artist who created it popped into my inbox too. Based in Portland Oregon, this is their new single which is just beautiful. Taken from the upcoming album Matriach, this single is a message to their younger self, which builds and builds with the intense emotion Liyv is unpacking throughout the song. (TW)

Dear Laika – ‘Black Moon, Lilith’
I’m loving this creation from 23-year-old UK-based musician Isabelle “Izzy” Thorn, aka Dear Laika. They’re set to release their new album Pluperfect Mind on 29th October via Memorials of Distinction (UK) & NNA Tapes (ROW) and I can’t wait to hear the record in full. (KC)

Okay Kaya – ‘If I Can Help Somebody’
Coming in at only 1.44, this is the latest release by a total love of mine, Okay Kaya, the last person I saw before lockdown at SET in Dalston. ‘If I can Help Somebody’ is the lead single from her forthcoming mixtape, The Incompatible Okay Kaya, set for release on 22nd October via Jagjaguwar. This cover strips back the song we normally hear performed with a gospel choir and if you listen really closely, you can almost here the emotion about to break in her voice. What a voice, what gentleness. (TW)

Hand Habits – ‘No Difference’
Hand Habits is the moniker of Los Angeles-based non binary musician Meg Duffy, and I just love the shimmering emotion and lilting energy of that track; they just seem to have a special knack for creating beautifully heartfelt indie-pop. A perfectly soothing treat for the ears. ‘No Difference’ is taken from Hand Habits’ upcoming new album Fun House, which is set for release on 22nd October via Saddle Creek Records. (ML)

Girlhood – ‘4AM’
We have so much love for London duo Girlhood here at GIHE! ‘4AM’ is full of more of Tessa’s distinctive, beautiful vocals, poignant lyrics and Christian’s smooth instrumentation. Check out their debut album here. (KC)

Lilith Ai – ‘Bare Radical’
I had such a lovely chat with songwriter Lilith Ai ahead of her performance at Loud Women Festival a few weeks ago (read the full thing here.) This track ‘Bare Radical’ is taken from her Hercury Prize winning album Folk You Hard, which you can listen to here. (KC)

Toni Sancho – ‘Survive!’ 
Raised in North Greenwich with strong family ties to Trinidad, ‘Survive!’ is songwriter & musician Toni Sancho’s debut single. It’s a raw, charming offering that, as Toni explains, “is about recognising when a situation isn’t good for you and having the wisdom to walk away.” (KC)

Bestfriend – ‘Hannah In The City’
DIY duo Stacy Kim and Kaelen Geoffrey aka Bestfriend with their latest confessional slice of ‘bedroom electro pop’, ‘Hannah In The City’. Despite being written by them both via email, you’d never guess the physical distance between them; their emotional connection and harmonious vocals shine perfectly through in this sparkling soundscape. Bestfriend’s upcoming EP Places I’ve Lived, is set for release on 1st October. (ML)

Foxgluvv – ‘Fever Dream’
Taken from her new EP Deep Dive, ‘Fever Dream’ is a lush slice of electro-pop that showcases Foxgluvv’s dreamy vocals perfectly. Created alongside her producer Scott Colcombe, we’re all big fans of Foxgluvv’s hungover-pop sounds here at GIHE. (KC)

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LISTEN: GIHE on Soho Radio with Maria Uzor 22.09.21

Tash, Mari & Kate were back on Soho Radio‘s airwaves playing a few golden oldies – including an iconic 90s banger from Sweet Female Attitude – and loads of new music tunes from some of their favourite women, non-binary and LGBTQ+ artists.

Mutant electro artist Maria Uzor also joined them to talk about her latest EP, Innocence and Worldliness, vegan donuts and the importance of taking your time to process and create your own art.

Listen back below:

Tracklist
The Sugarcubes – Hit
Elsa Hewitt – Inhaler
Julia-Sophie – And You Know It
Evil House Party – Keep Going On
Bestfriend – Hannah In The City
Halsey – i am not a woman, i’m a god
Tei Shi – Basically (acoustic)
of all living things – If I Go
Barrie – Dig
Okay Kaya – If I Can Help Somebody
Aisha Badru – The Way Back Home
Self Esteem – How Can I Help You
LIINES – Keep On Going
Krakow Loves Adana – Follow The Voice
Maria Uzor – Now Is The Core
**Interview with Maria Uzor**
Kilamanzego – Black Weirdo
Lilith Ai – Bare Radical
Liyv – Let Me Know
Pretty Happy – Sea Sea Sea
Fraulein – Belly
Sleigh Bells – Justine Go Genesis
Grandmas House – Girl
Planningtorock – Girl You’ve Got My Heart
Hand Habits – No Difference
Sweet Female Attitude – Flowers

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Introducing Interview: th’sheridans

Following a decade on the scene, indie pop duo th’sheridans have recently released an epic, career-spanning compilation – Pieces Of General – combining both old favourites and some newer treats. Showcasing their knack for creating scuzzy hooks, jangly beats and a swirling energy, the album offers reflections on poignant issues whilst oozing an uplifting effervescent euphoria. Whilst harking back to old favourites with a shimmering sense of nostalgia, the duo have managed to evoke a stirring resonance for right now; a sparkling call to arms, oozing a quirky, colourful spirit.

We were lucky enough to chat to the band to find out more… Have a read!

Hi th’sheridans! Are you able to tell us a bit about how you initially started creating music together?
We met at Bongos?! World Music Society in 2010 where we played “international folk” covers that ended up sounding more like a big indie band. The first thing the two of us really played together was an arrangement of the Italian partisan song ‘Bella Ciao’ (which may some day emerge as a b-side). And after trying out a batch of original sheridans songs, everybody agreed to do band.

I love your scuzzy, sparkling sounds but who would you say are your main musical influences?
Thank you so much! We put a lotta thought into the sounds and textures we use, so it’s lovely whenever that resonates with someone. Our songwriting really comes out of the Ramones playbook in that the songs can usually be broken down to a set of chords and a pop/R&B melody. As well as the broader ‘70s New York scene, ‘90s Riot Grrrl is a huge influence – especially Ladies, Women and Girls, Bratmobile’s second record. It’s key in terms of figuring out how to express and own our values in the songs, while keeping the hooks as tasty as possible! Klezmer music, Papa T. (Julia’s dad), and The Velvet Underground’s drone all play a big part in our arrangements, especially with the viola. Lastly (although this could easily spin out into a whole encyclopaedia…), artists like Hundred Waters, Beth Orton and Metric have really helped us hone how we incorporate electronic elements like drum machines and synthesisers.

You’ve just released your new career-spanning compilation album – ‘Pieces Of General’ which is super exciting! Are you able to tell us a bit about this? What made you decide to put together this collection of songs new and old?
This album really came out of conversations we had with Reckless Yes after signing with them in 2020. We were thinking about how we could best introduce ourselves to their audience while also capping off the DIY phase of our work. So Pieces Of General is basically greatest hits for a band that’s had… no hits, with some new tracks mixed in. The key thing for us was to sequence it as a coherent album, which only really became possible through Livio Beroggi’s incredible remastering work. Getting the chance to present these songs in this way has been truly wonderful, and having the label stand by and co-sign our work has meant so much to us personally.

And how have you found recording and promoting an album during these strange times?
Day to day, it’s honestly felt quite abstract, which is tough. But it’s also been a blessing to have this project to work on, especially with such wonderful collaborators. Having the remastered tracks coming in from Livio, or seeing Nestan Mghebrishvili’s artwork and design take shape – those were moments of total joy. Promotion’s been an unusual vibe (when is it not?), and at times it’s felt like folks have had more energy to get down and engage with something – and at times less. And that’s okay, we’re all trying to survive right now. But we’re grateful for where our work’s been given space or shared, and we’re particularly appreciative of Reckless Yes’s efforts to get our stuff further out there.

How have you been connecting with your audience and other musicians during the pandemic?
It’s been v. v. difficult. We’ve definitely missed the energy of a scene, of seeing friends do their thing and being inspired by that. The divisiveness of the UK government’s “it’s all up to you now, so fight amongst yourselves!” policies has been especially painful. We haven’t been rehearsing or taking bookings in the pandemic, because that hasn’t been right for us, and that’s still where we’re at. Bitch Hunt put it so well in a recent interview, where they pointed out that “it’s just less visible when people are not-doing-stuff.” Meanwhile, virtual connection has definitely felt more meaningful, whether that’s social media or ZOOM calls.

And has there been anything/anyone specific that has been inspiring you, or helping to motivate you, over the last couple of years?
Absolutely! In terms of craft or artistic practice, artists working in other media have been an increasingly big deal for us in how we approach our work as a band. Over the last few years, that’s included Frida Kahlo, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Diane Arbus. Exploring how someone develops, refines, unpacks, diverges from, expands on the themes in their work is just endlessly interesting – and where you find connection in that, it’s such a precious, beautiful experience. Same goes for how an artist lives their values – lately that’s been writers like Cecil Castellucci, artists like Bianca Xunise, and the folks over at wildly rad UK record label Amateur Pop Incorporated. And on that level of inner work, cultural workers like adrienne maree brown, Layla F. Saad, and Prentis Hemphill offer invaluable insights and pointed, necessary challenges. All their podcasts come highly recommended by yr local sheridans.

As a band keen to call out sexism and racism, how do you feel the industry is for new artists at the moment? Do you feel much has changed over the last few years?
There’s always values at work in any piece of art, the same way there’s always values at work in any conversation. And because of the overt and more transparent experience of fascism in recent years, we’ve felt the need to be increasingly direct and open about our values, as in songs like ‘I Don’t Wanna Be Dismembered‘. It’s also important to pair that kind of projection with practice and embodiment. And, while we name and explore the things we can speak to, we’re also trying to do the work around the things we don’t directly experience. As far as what we’ve seen lately, it’s a mixed bag(uette). Something we’ve noticed is a kind of values drift, particularly when it comes to specific intersections of marginalised identity (eg. white bands only paying attention to gender as a lens). And it’s hard to know how much it’s just the predictable co-option of whatever’s on-trend, or something else. Dr. Angela Y. Davis reminds us that even if it is just co-option, it means we’re getting somewhere. And at the same time, one of the biggest shifts has been witnessing the start of mainstream conversations that were previously totally off the table, specifically with regards to structural racism. And, as so many of those who have spoken truth to power have always underscored, one of the things that keeps us going is the idea that folks younger than us won’t have to go through the same things we have over the last decade or so.

And, as we’re a new music focused site, are there any other upcoming artists or bands that you’d recommend we check out?
A list! Shilpa Ray (‘70s New York vibes for the modern day, best scream outside of metal), Naz & Ella (grunge + indie + folk), Breakup Haircut (spooky pop-punk), Jemma Freeman and The Cosmic Something (cutting edge post-punk), Whitelands (shoegaze lives!), sweetbellechobaby (radical atmospheric pop), Bitch Hunt (emotionally real indie punk).

(Great choices – all GIHE faves!)

Finally, in addition to the release of your album, what does the rest of 2021 have in store for th’sheridans?
Anxiety and hibernation! We do have our next release already in the can though (a li’l late ‘80s throwback), and we’re currently figuring out which thematic batch of songs to get into next.

Massive thanks to th’sheridans for answering our questions!

Pieces Of General, the new compilation album from th’sheridans, is out now via Reckless Yes. Buy it on bandcamp now.

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5 Things We Learned At Wide Awake Festival

Brockwell Park was buzzing with excited energy on Friday 3rd September, packed with hundreds of music fans keen to hear the sounds of the eclectic mix of underground talent who were booked to play Wide Awake‘s debut festival. Postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic last year, the appetite for hearing live music was unsurprisingly tenacious from the moment the festival gates opened and watching the crowds dance and sing along to the likes of IDLES, Goat Girl, black midi, Lena Willikens, Black Country, New Road and headliners shame gave us an overwhelming sense of joy (heavily aided by multiple cans of Red Stripe.)

We’ve condensed 10 hours of live music down to 5 key points that we’ve filtered through our GIHE lens and shared them with you below…

1. Self Esteem is a beacon of hope

Rebecca Lucy Taylor and her bandmates delivered a truly empowering set during their headline slot on the Moth Club stage, complete with a stunning light show and dancers too. When Taylor walked on stage with the words “But There Is Nothing That Terrifies A Man More Than A Woman That Appears Completely Deranged” lit up behind her silhouette, we knew we were in for a treat. Her powerful voice and relatable lyrics filled the tent with a sincere and playful joy.

2. Porridge Radio are great

We’re well aware most people already know this, but Brighton four piece Porridge Radio really impressed us with their stellar mid-afternoon performance on the Bad Vibrations stage. Fronted by captivating vocalist & lead guitarist Dana Margolin, the band ripped through their setlist full of indie bangers with impressive flair. We’ll definitely be catching them live again in the future.

3. Stumbling across a new favourite band feels just as good as re-visiting old favourites

We’ve missed the electric feeling that flows through your cells when you unexpectedly hear a great song in the distance by a new band you’ve never seen live before. Porridge Radio are a prime example here, but we also found ourselves drawn to the sounds of Snapped Ankles and The Murder Capital on the Moth Club stage, as well as Mandy, Indiana‘s set on the So Young stage. We were sad to miss Dream Wife, who had to cancel last minute due to contracting Covid-19, but GIHE favourites Goat Girl distracted us from this gap in the line-up with their charming yet brooding set on the main stage.

4. Brockwell Park is an ideal location for a music festival

We may be saying this solely because 2/3s of GIHE are based in South London, but Brockwell Park felt like the perfect location for a day of indie, leftfield and electronic music. Packed with independent food & drink stands as well as the main bars, it felt like we’d been transported out of London for the day when the sun was shining and the music was blaring from all directions.

5. We’ve really missed music festivals

From running into old friends, making new ones in the queues for the portaloos and generally just watching everyone else have a total blast, Wide Awake really made things feel “normal” again for a split second. We’re hoping that next year, everyone will feel confident enough to come back to Brockwell Park to sample some of the incredible bands and artists who made the festival feel as exciting and unique as it did this year.

Photo Credit: Luke Dyson (www.lukedyson.com)

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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