LISTEN: GIHE on Soho Radio with BLAB 25.08.21

Tash & Kate were back on Soho Radio‘s airwaves playing a mix of golden oldies – including an iconic 90s rager from Alanis Morissette – and new music tunes from some of their favourite women, non-binary and LGBTQ+ artists.

Southend-based musician BLAB aka Frances Murray also joined them to talk about the release of her new single ‘Insurance’ on Cool Thing Records, what it’s like recording in the studio with Sam Duckworth (Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly), being inspired by Bikini Kill/The Punk Singer & re-defining what it means to be an Essex Girl.

Listen back below:

 

Tracklist
Alanis Morissette – You Oughta Know
Little Annie – I think of you
Lion Babe – Frida Kahlo
Beorma – Her
ARXX – Not Alone But Not With You
Serena Isioma – Really, Really
Emma Bradley – I’ll Be Outside
Mumble Tide – Good 4 Me
Bleach Lab – Real Thing
BABii – Shadow
Anna Prior – Thank You For Nothing
Flossing – Switch
Moor Mother ft. lojii – Shekere
BEBELUNA – Drunk
Nilufer Yanya – Day 7.05093 (keiyaa Remix)
BLAB – Insurance
**BLAB interview**
Jaz Beeson – Coffee Machine Sounds
Grandmas House – Golden
John Glacier – Icing
DROWND – Sinner (KANGA remix)
Meggie Brown – Dusty Smells
Joon – Just Can’t Get Enough
Yay Maria ft. Franx – Template
Tinashe ft. Ms Banks – Die A Little Bit
Olivia Dean – Slowly
Lizzo ft. Cardi B – Rumors

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Track Of The Day: BLAB – ‘Insurance’

A gritty reflection on how our definition of success changes as we grow older, Southend-based multi-instrumentalist BLAB has shared her latest single ‘Insurance’. Released via Cool Thing Records, BLAB combines direct lyrics and restless guitar lines in order to deliver her cutting observations on how we avoid being crushed by the pressures of conformity.

“I was really inspired by Gang Of Four when I was writing ‘Insurance’,” BLAB aka Frances Murray explains. “It’s about questioning whether your life actually makes you happy or whether you’re just following the crowd. Working in insurance or in a city job has become such a universal experience for 20-somethings. ‘Insurance’ peers behind the façade at the unfortunate truth that external markers of success don’t always equate to a life of fulfilment. It touches upon my own realisation of this fact, and how due to social media and societal expectation I had a very warped view of what a happy and successful life for myself would be like.”

With her previous singles ‘Eton Mess’, ‘Casual Sex’ and ‘RIP’, BLAB firmly communicated her anti-establishment message. Now with her latest single ‘Insurance’, she pushes these boundaries further and reaffirms her narrative of independence and individuality, completely on her own terms. She’s currently working on her debut album with Sam Duckworth (Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly) and Rees Broomfield at SS2 Recording in Southend, channelling her riot grrrl attitude into a collection of witty, infectious anthems.

Listen to ‘Insurance’ below.

Follow BLAB on Spotify, Instagram, Twitter &  Facebook and for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Barry – ‘Neolithic Homosex’ / ‘No More Boys’

Having received acclaim from the likes of BBC 6Music’s Marc Riley, as well as sharing stages with Franz Ferdinand and Adulkt Life, South London based Barry follow their eponymous 2019 album with a new double A side release.

First up, ‘Neolithic Homosex‘ ponders the all-important issue of what gay sex was like in ancient times. Propelled by driving, breezy beats and joyously jangly hooks, whirring keys flow alongside brazen vocals and added cheering hand claps, oozing an uplifting, sunny energy. With a fizzing, playful charisma it offers a scuzzily splendid sonic delight.

Accompanying single ‘No More Boys‘ flows with a lilting zest as it reflects on those post-breakup feelings of self-pity, and unfulfilled promises to stave off any vices going forwards. With a twinkling musicality providing the backdrop for the refreshingly relateable, wit-tinged lyricism, it’s another buoyant belter; transforming life’s worries into fun-filled indie-pop goodness.

A band whose mission statement it is to “make you laugh and dance”, I’d say that Barry most certainly succeed in this. And I couldn’t be more grateful for this vibrant, quirky respite from the struggles of everyday life.

‘Neolithic Homosex’ / ‘No More Boys’ is out now. Download on bandcamp now.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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LISTEN: Teah Lewis – ‘Magnolia’

Sheffield-based singer-songwriter Teah Lewis has released ‘Magnolia‘ – a stunning new single, which blooms as beautifully as the flower it is named after. A perfect addition to your summer playlists, the music is bright and sensuous, blending modern folk styles with hints of electronica. 

Depicting the walk home on the morning after a night out, ‘Magnolia’ combines both the fresh brightness of spring and the hazy warmth of summer as Teah’s vocals flow with a soulful ease. Her music always feels effortlessly graceful and manages to capture something incredibly honest, and this track is no different. Led by her gorgeous vocal melodies and lilting guitar, ‘Magnolia’ builds steadily guiding you with ease along a musical journey. The understated bass and restrained percussion work to guide the journey. Before you know it, you realise you’ve been lifted into some otherworldly place. It’s utter bliss as the banjo, guitar, and harp weave around you, vocal and trumpets shine, hints of synthesisers and synth strings add a sprinkling of electronic ambiance, creating a magical atmosphere. It’s a truly ethereal experience.

The track comes together with the collaboration of Sheffield musicians, each bringing their own flair to the track: folk power-duo Kate Griffin (Mishra) and Manon McCoy (Shivelights) provide luscious banjo and harp accompaniment that flourishes in the spaces between the vocals, and Teah’s long-term collaborator, the composer Emily Compton, plays poignant trumpet melodies which add to the euphoria of the tracks’ crescendo. In addition to these musicians, Philippe Clegg (Oh Papa) plays bass, Josh Knight (I Set the Sea on Fire) appears on drums, and Ben Allen (Life Aquatic Band) features on the synthesizer and slide guitar. 

You can hear shades of legendary artists such as Joni Mitchell and Laura Marling in how ‘Magnolia’ is driven by infectious melodies and reflective lyrics, as well as harmonies as mellifluous as The Staves. If you are in need of a warm hug, ‘Magnolia’ will be able to provide the musical equivalent. It’s a beautifully crafted song that is sure to lift your mood.

Jaz Kelly
@surfjaz

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