Introducing Interview: Cryptic Street

Maltese rockers Cryptic Street are fast becoming known in the UK for their immense, riotous live performances, and we cannot wait for them to headline for us at The Five Bells on 26th October!

We caught up with the band before the head on over to blow our minds! So, get to know all about Cryptic Street here…

Hi Cryptic Street, welcome to Get In Her Ears! Can you tell us a bit about yourselves and what you do?
Hi! We are so looking forward to performing for your Get in Her Ears event on 26th October! We are Cryptic Street – a psychedelic punk band ready to rock your patriarchal ears and mess with your brain. We’re serving alternative madness fresh out of a DIY framework, straight outta Malta!

How did you all initially get together and start creating music?
Leona (vocalist) and Janelle (guitarist) initially met in an all-girls school and founded Cryptic Street 8 years ago for a school project. After several lineup changes and a lot of ups and downs, we decided that it was something we want to pursue in a serious and professional way, and we are working to do just that!

We love your soaring post-punk energy, but who would you say are your main musical influences?
We have a wide range of musical influences, but our music and lyrics mostly channel an emotion or an experience that we would be going through at that point in time. Rather than pinpointing specific artists, Cryptic Street’s music is like a sponge – absorbing everyday life and personal troubles to create something cathartic and meaningful.

We can’t wait for you to headline for us at The Five Bells on 26th October, but would you say there’s been a particular gig you’ve played so far that stands out as a highlight for you?
All performances are special to us. Performing in Malta is heart warming since we’re performing for our home crowd and for people who have seen us grow. On the other hand, every time performing abroad is a different challenge since we have to prove ourselves again and again, and that itself is very invigorating and makes us want to push and challenge ourselves both musically and personally. However, supporting Acid Mothers Temple and PINS last year were definitely special gigs for us!

How is the music scene in Malta? Do you go to see much live music?
Malta’s music scene is small but blooming. There are projects ranging across the musical spectrum, and live music is something that is happening constantly all year round. The music community is a tight knit one, and you always manage to find a fellow musician that will help you out in some way or another. Everyone knows everyone, and obviously that has its advantages and disadvantages. There’s a lot of talent… But little international exposure. We hope to continue pushing the boundaries and promote Malta as a musical hot spot whenever we tour.

As we’re a new music focused site, are there any other new upcoming bands/artists who that you’d recommend we check out?
We would definitely recommend Emme Woods from Scotland – she’s amazing, and of course, the amazing bands we’re performing with for your wonderful event (HAWXX, Worst Place, Panic Pocket). We would also recommend Maltese artists such as Beesqueeze, nosnow/noalps, and all the other cool bands and artists hailing from Malta… too many to mention everyone!

And how do you feel the industry is for new bands at the moment – would you say it’s difficult to get noticed?
Coming from a tiny island, we definitely have to push harder and harder to get noticed and to get gigs abroad. There are so many amazing bands, for example in the UK, especially in our niche of Riot Grrrl punk, that you constantly have to push yourself in all aspects. Doing it DIY, like so many bands out there at the moment, is both rewarding and stressful at the same time – apart from the music we have to cater for everything, ranging from admin work to design to social media etc. We even organise our own parties in order to fund band stuff! Bands nowadays have to think of themselves as brands and that really pushes people involved in bands to develop different skill sets. On the other hand, we really want to advocate the importance of taking care of your mental well being – being a musician is tough work, and you really need to be mentally strong to navigate through all the rejections and obstacles that the industry throws at you. That’s something that really spills over in our lyrics too!

Finally, what does the rest of 2018 have in store for Cryptic Street?
First of all, we have our upcoming UK Tour – totally DIY, totally fun, and supported by Girls Against and Women that Rock. We really wanted to support female talent during this tour and promote safe inclusive spaces where everyone, irrespective of their differences, can enjoy a night out without the fear of being harassed or mocked. That’s something we REALLY believe in. Therefore we are collaborating with a lot of feminist/non-binary promoters and we’re performing alongside a lot of inspiring, innovative artists. So check us out cause we’re coming for ya! We will also have our unique merch pieces as well as our Titty Monster album on sale during each performance so make sure you come and grab them here. We will be spending the rest of 2018 writing new music, developing the band and our vision, and becoming even more kick ass!

Huge thanks to Cryptic Street for answering our questions! Catch them live headlining our gig at The Five Bells, New Cross on 26th October! 

They’re also playing the following dates for their End Of The Titty Monster Tour:

26th October – London, The Five Bells (for Get In Her Ears!)
27th October – London The Good Mixer
28th October – Cardiff, The Moon
29th October – Exeter, The Cavern Club
30th October – Bristol, Venue TBA
31st October – Brighton, Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar
1st November – London, The Windmill
2nd November – Brighton, The Green Door Store
3rd November – Sheffield, HER FEST//Picture House Social

Have a listen to Cryptic Street on Soundcloud and Spotify, and give them a follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Photo Credit: Matthew Attard

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Introducing Interview: Jo Marches

Set to release their new EP Day In Day Out later this month, Utrecht band Jo Marches deliver captivating electronic soundscapes, propelled by the soaring, dreamy vocals of front-woman Johanneke Kranendonk.

We caught up with Kranendonk to find out more…

Hi Jo Marches, welcome to Get In Her Ears! Can you tell us a bit about the band?
We’re a band from the Netherlands playing synth drenched psychedelic pop music. We released our first single and EP in 2016.

How did you initially all get together and start creating music?
It all started with me looking for a new approach to my songs and sound. I was playing with a band that had a more singer-songwriter approach, and I kind of missed the loudness of my first bands. I was really looking for a way to combine pop melodies in songs and a strong sound, but I wanted to stay away from the use of heavy guitar and drum sounds. At a showcase festival I was then introduced to David Hoogerheide. His ideas on producing really spoke to me, so we decided to spend a day in my home studio. We finished our first single that day and so we started working on the EPs. The live band was formed after the recordings.

Your new EP Day In Day Out is out very soon – can you tell us what it’s all about? Are there any themes running throughout the EP?
The EP is about letting go of old ideas and the fight to create room for development. There are so many ways in which we all limit ourselves because of common ideas on how we should be dealing with life. I was seeing people around me desperately looking for meaning but at the same time stubbornly holding on to old ideas or habits, addictions, scary religious stuff, depression and loss. For example ‘Clearing’ is about a discussion I had with a friend about inequality between men and women. I really tried to open his eyes on this subject but he kept referring to scary, nearly religious, self help stuff, making the whole conversation impossible. It freaked me out and I kind of got obsessed by reading and watching everything I could find on cults and religious sects. So that’s all in there, in one song, haha.

You’ve been compared to the likes of Tame Impala and Bat For Lashes, but who would you say are your main musical influences?
We definitely were a fan of the Tame Impala records! Other influences are Broadcast, Blonde Redhead, Caribou, The Dø and Portishead.

How is your local music scene? Do you go to see lots of live music?
I live in Utrecht but the other band members live in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Holland is quite small so you can easily get to another town for an event.

And what can fans expect from your live shows?
Loud synthesizers, melancholic swaying and dimmed lights.

As we’re a new music focused site, are there any new/upcoming bands or artists you’d recommend we check out?
Ooo, where to begin?!  I love Munya from Montreal! And you should check out Kalulu from The Netherlands. L CON from Toronto has just released a wonderful record too! And if you have the chance to see Blue Crime live go see their show – they’re an awesome band!

And how do you feel the music industry is for new bands at the moment – would you say it’s difficult to get noticed?
In a way it is difficult to get noticed but I love the opportunities that online streaming services such as Spotify create for DIY artists. It’s easy to share your music with people all over the world and that’s pretty cool!

Finally, what does the rest of 2018 have in store for Jo Marches?
Foremost the release of the EP and next video. And I’m leaving for Berlin next week to start recordings for our first album. At the end of the year we’ll also be doing a few shows opening for a really cool band. Really excited about that!

Huge thanks to Jo Marches for answering our questions!

Day In Day Out, the upcoming EP from Jo Marches, is out 26th October.

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Introducing Interview: Harlea

Having received support from the likes of NME, Clash and BBC Radio 1’s Phil Taggart, Harlea is proving herself to be one of the most exciting new artists of the year. Now, following the success of acclaimed singles ‘Miss Me’ and ‘You Don’t Get It’, she’s back with highly addictive, powerfully soul-filled latest offering ‘Beautiful Mess’.

We caught up with Harlea to find out more…

Hi Harlea, welcome to Get In Her Ears! Can you tell us a bit about how you initially started creating music?
I worked with some producers out in Santa Monica a couple of years back and together we accomplished what I tried for a year to do, and that was make music that represented who I am as an artist.

Your new single ‘Beautiful Mess’ is out now – can you tell us what it’s all about?
So I was played the demo to this track and I just loved the funky beat. I knew to make it my own we had to work on the production of it, but I loved the strength it gives off. It’s about a real strong woman who is completely in control.

 

You’ve been compared to the likes of Lorde and Alanis Morrissette, but who would you say are your main musical influences?
Well I can’t complain at that, they are both incredible and I would certainly add them to the list! I have also always looked up to the likes of Stevie Nicks and Blondie, they crushed it! 

How is your local music scene? Do you go to see lots of live music?
Not as much as I would like. I live between LA and London and get more of a chance to see live music when I am in LA. A couple years back I saw Imagine Dragons at an intimate gig at the Troubadour. It was amazing!

And what can fans expect from your live shows?
Lots of noise! And plenty of fun!

How do you feel the music industry is for new artists at the moment – would you say it’s difficult to get noticed?
It certainly isn’t easy! Especially when you are competing with the big labels and artists, but there are people out there who are hungry for newness.

Finally, what does the rest of 2018 have in store for Harlea?
I’m going to keep grinding, do some shows, hopefully get another single out!

‘Beautiful Mess’, the new single from Harlea, is out now via Roxy Princess Records.

 

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Introducing Interview: Belako

Having wowed us with their immersive live show at Finsbury Park supporting Queens Of The Stone Age in the summer, Basque Country band Belako are now about to embark on a UK tour.

Spending the year touring a dozen countries, 3 continents and gathering a host of new fans along the way, the band also released latest album Render Me Numb, Trivial Violence – a collection of poignant, genre-pushing offerings executed with gritty passion, marking themselves out as a definite band on the rise.

We caught up with Belako to find out more…

Hi Belako! Can you tell us a bit about yourselves and what you do?
Hi! We think of ourselves as a band that mixes different influences and turns them into eclectic songs in constant transformation. We do punk, noise, rock, synth pop, new wave, no wave. We’re still trying different sounds on our recordings but our live shows are much more organic, visceral and the best presentation card we have so far.

How did you initially get together and start creating music?
Cris and Josu met at the university of Fine Arts. Because of their shared passion for almost all the same bands, they went to rehearse some covers (Massive Attack, Pixies…) with Lore, Josu’s sister, in an old abandoned factory in the suburb named “Belako”. A few months later Lander joined them and the team was made. We started creating our own music since the very beginning, it all happened pretty naturally.

Your fantastic album Render Me Numb, Trivial Violence is out now, can you tell us a bit about it? Are there any themes running throughout it?
We think its title sums up pretty well all of the lyrics in one sentence, as all of them are about different violent situations we observe from the lucky side of the planet in the media (trivial violence = T.V.), while we keep a passive attitude about them. We feel very proud of this album, it has a lot of different musical arrangements but all of the songs are connected in a certain logical order.

We’ve heard about the track ‘Over The Edge’ as being “against gender violence” – do you feel it’s important to address this issue in music?
It is crucial to address this issue in every field – we are musicians, so we do it in our music, in our gigs and whenever we are asked. We understood at some point how lucky we were because of the chance we have had with the band to raise our voice and be heard. This should matter always to everyone – women are being murdered, raped, beaten, humiliated in many different ways all over the world.

We love your gritty, post-punk sound, but who would you say are your main musical influences?
We are inspired by Gorillaz, Talking Heads, Flaming Lips, Grimes, MGMT, The Voidz because of their unlimited creativity, and Savages, Dream Wife, Empress Of, Surfbort, Idles, because of their attitude and live performances. We also take strong influence from bands from our home, the Basque Country, because of their sound and use of the Basque language in music which we try to conserve – they are from the ’80s, Itoiz and Hertzainak.

We were blown away seeing you live at Finsbury Park with Queens Of The Stone Age this summer, but is there a particular concert you’ve played so far that stands out as a highlight?
Fortunately, there are a lot of special concerts in our minds when we’re asked about this and it is hard to choose just one or two. Thinking about the first time we came to the UK, we fell in love with Scotland – playing at Sneaky Pete’s in Edinburgh with the magnificent Scottish duo Nice Church (after whom we named a song on our last album) was a gift. Small dark noisy venue, the best.

How is your local music scene? Do you go to see much live music?
The Basque Country has a lot of interesting bands and we try to catch as many gigs as we can. There is a huge tradition of punk-rock but nowadays you get to see alternative projects that should be touring abroad as well!

As we’re a new music focused site, are there any other new Spanish bands/artists who you’d recommend we check out?
From the Basque Country there’s Lukiek, Vulk, Cecilia Payne, Toc, LesteryEliza, Yellow Big Machine… From Catalunya there’s Mourn, from Madrid, Favx, and from Valencia, La Plata.

And how do you feel the industry is for new bands at the moment – would you say it’s difficult to get noticed?
It is a very hostile world, ruled by social networks, the amount of followers you have… Basically we live in the image era and both mainstream and alternative bands play the same game. Usually the profiles people get to see on the internet are detached from the artists or bands’ realities. All that might recall success or fame doesn’t mean an easy and solved life, follows and likes aren’t money on your account, but they are the vehicle to get bigger audiences, and live shows are what most musicians make a living out of nowadays.

Finally, what does the rest of 2018 have in store for Belako?
We will play London, Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham (17th to 20th of September), then off to Hamburg for the Reeperbahn Festival, Bime Festival in Bilbao, and several dates in Spain including big venues in Madrid and Barcelona.

Huge thanks to Belako for answering our questions!
Thanks for asking 😉

Catch Belako live in the UK at the following dates. Tickets here.

17th September – The Lexington, London
18th September – Gullivers, Manchester
19th September – Stereo, Glasgow
20th September – The Flapper, Birmingham

 

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