Track Of The Day: YAY MARIA – ‘Template’ (ft. Franx)

Having previously captivated our ears as the front person of Grawl!x, Trans and queer artist YAY MARIA has now announced the release of her debut solo album, OYEZ. Touching on themes of being an outsider, celebrating solidarity and community, OYEZ is set for release later this year.

The first of three tracks to be shared from the album, new single ‘Template’ is a wonderfully empowering slice of poignant power-pop. Made in collaboration with Nottingham-based queer artist and musician FRANX, the track oozes a swirling, ethereal splendour and vibrant, uplifting energy. Propelled by calypso-like jangling beats and colourful twinkling hooks, it’s filled with a stirring lyricism that celebrates self-love (“No set way for living your life / That’s ok / You’re great / No wrong or right.”) whilst oozing a dry wit, drawing attention with a raw honesty to the mundane issues of modern life; the parts of life that are often expected of us – the ‘template’ we are expected to live by – but by no means are appropriate or desired by all, particularly those in the queer/non-heteronormative community. As Maria explains:

“I think it can sometimes feel like there is a ‘template’ in life (school, marriage, children etc) & for many that course of life is either unattainable &/or undesirable. So, it can feel kinda scary not fitting in with that pre-supposed model. However, there is also something wonderful & empowering about that too; particularly given that there are so many other queer folks out there who feel a similar way.”

With this first taste of the new album, ‘Template’ offers a blissfully euphoric anthem in celebration of being your true self in the face of adversity. A much-needed sentiment right now, YAY MARIA has created a truly dreamy, danceable soundtrack to the summer; a vital message of solidarity – assuring us that even if you don’t fit society’s accepted ‘template’, you deserve happiness – that we need now more than ever.

‘Template’ is accompanied by a simply beautiful video, exuding all the celebratory, self-love filled joy you could ever desire. Have a watch, and a boogie, now:

‘Template’ is released with the Year Of Glad collective, a young imprint and close knit family of creatives who worked with YAY MARIA on her charity release ‘ENDTIMES’ and a commemorative piece for Transgender Day Of Rememberance’ in 2020. The track, as with all of OYEZ, is made in the spirit of collaboration, produced with label mate and YOG founder Tom John Hall.

‘Template’ is out now. Buy it on bandcamp now – with all proceeds going to the QTIBIPOC Therapy Fund; an initiative of the Radical Therapist Network, to create access for Queer & Trans People of Colour to safe therapeutic spaces & services; outside of systemic oppression. 

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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Introducing Interview: Nghtfall

Having spent the last few years garnering streams and fans for their emotion-strewn alt-pop offerings, Toronto based non-binary artist Bradley Milosevic-Hill, aka Nghtfall, has recently shared their heartfelt new single ‘I’ll Be Fine‘. Shimmering with a twinkling musicality and a soaring, anthemic splendour, Nghtfall wears their heart on their sleeve with this raw reflection on identity and being accepted for being your true self.

We caught up with Bradley to find out more…

Hi Bradley, welcome to Get In Her Ears! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m an independent queer non-binary artist from Toronto that releases music under the name Nghtfall. 

What initially inspired you to start creating music?
I’ve loved music since a very early age and started writing songs in my head long before I knew I was going to become a musician. It’s really the only thing I’ve ever been this passionate about.

You’ve recently released your poignant new single as Nghtfall, ‘I’ll Be Fine’, can you tell us a bit about this? Is it focused on any particular themes? 
This song is about coming to terms with how people’s view of me has changed since I came out as non-binary. There’s a lot of my fears and anxieties in the lyrics. Especially the feeling that a lot of people’s love is temporary when you know one detail about you would change their view of you completely. I feel so free in being able to express this in my music now, because it’s something I’ve struggled with for a while.

We love your heartfelt, anthemic pop sounds, but who would you say are your main musical influences?
It ranges from modern artists like Nothing,Nowhere and Halsey to stuff I grew up with like Fall Out Boy. Though honestly I get inspiration from all kinds of music.

You’re based in Toronto – in ‘normal’ times, how is the music scene there? Is it a good place for an emerging musician?It’s definitely a great place to watch live music, but I wouldn’t say it’s a super good place for emerging artists. It’s so competitive and a lot of the live music in the city is dominated by established US artists that often play there as their only show in Canada for that tour. I don’t really think about the local scene when it comes to my own music that much, but it is a great place to go to shows.

How have you been connecting with your audience and other musicians during the pandemic?
Maybe it’s because everyone’s been inside but I feel like I’ve made more connections than ever through social media this year. I do a lot of remote collaborations even before the pandemic so this past year or so has almost been better for a lot of what I do in a weird way. Plus it’s given me more time to find ways to connect with new audiences online.

And has there been anything/anyone specific that has been inspiring you, or helping to motivate you, throughout these strange times? 
I’m a huge movie & tv nerd so I’m always getting inspired by that. I’ve gotten really into David Lynch’s movies over the pandemic & recently read his book on creativity. I just find him such an incredible and inspiring artist. Also, I bring her up all the time, but Savannah Brown is someone whose writing and poetry I am such a huge fan of and find super inspiring. I wish I could write as well as her!

How do you feel the music industry is for new artists at the moment – would you say it’s difficult to get noticed?
It definitely is, and a lot of the conversations I have with other artists reflects that. However, there’s so many cool things you can do outside of “the industry” with social media to connect with an audience. You just have to be creative with it.

As we’re a new music focused site, are there any other upcoming artists that you’d recommend we check out?
There’s this local band Softcult that I discovered recently that makes super great music with a lot of feminist messages in it. I’ve had the chance to talk with them a bit on social media and they’re super nice too.

Finally, what does the rest of 2021 have in store for Nghtfall?
I’m going to be releasing regularly till at least the end of the year, so just expect a lot more music!

Massive thanks to Bradley for answering our questions!

Listen to Nghtfall’s latest single ‘I’ll Be Fine’ here:

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WATCH: Meggie Brown – ‘Dusty Smells’

Having already been championed by the likes of Alex Kapranos, and The Guardian – who named them as ‘One To Watch’ at the beginning of 2020 -, North London-based artist Meggie Brown has now shared the first song taken from their upcoming new EP.

‘Dusty Smells’ is an anthem for anyone wrangling with their identity or trying to find their place in the world. Brown’s delivery is pure poetry, almost like spoken word, as they share a nostalgic take on identity. The lyrics transport us to a trashy old working men’s club, somewhere in suburbia, which allows us to reflect on who we are. It’s proper storytelling, amplified by super-sleazy guitars, primal drums and a trippy, art-rock outro that celebrates little nuggets of our collective memories – like skin on custard and getting all dolled up to show that you’re a fully functioning adult.

There’s such originality here; Brown’s vocals and lyrics sparkle, and the music feels fresh and exciting. When Brown sings “Why do I bother?” it feels like a revelation – something to liberate and inspire anyone who’s ever struggled to fit in.

Of the track, Brown – who recently came out as transgender – explains:

“Coming to terms with one’s gender identity has been both beautiful and challenging during this lockdown. When I wrote and recorded ‘Dusty Smells’ and the EP I wanted them to match through sound how non-binary those emotions and realisations were… True to the circumstance, Dusty smells is very nostalgic trying to connect the old ways with the new, the feeling of home, the smells and associations whilst trying to understand our place as young adults, why do we bother?“

‘Dusty Smells’ is accompanied by an immersive, artfully created, video, directed by Myfi Mountfordand produced by Creature Fleur. Watch it here:

HOME, the upcoming EP from Meggie Brown, is set for release later this year.

Vic Conway
@thepicsofvic

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Five Favourites: F.R.U.I.T.Y

Following the release of ‘Bela Lugosi’s Dead’ and ‘Not Quite Exceptional’, Belfast-based queer artist Dan O’Rawe – aka F.R.U.I.T.Y – has now shared the first single from their upcoming debut EP, set for release next month. Propelled by off-kilter glitchy beats, ‘U.P.S‘ offers a wonderfully quirky, futuristic soundscape whilst reflecting on themes of identity in O’Rawe’s trademark deadpan Northern Irish drawl. As twinkling hooks flow with a cinematic splendour, it’s a glistening, uplifting slice of alt-electro-pop; a perfect soundtrack to woozy summer evenings. Of the track, they comment: “… it’s the summer loving comedown. The doubt, the reflection and the ending of those summer days… something underscored by the blissed-out, but tired, mind...”

We think one of the best ways to get to know an artist is by asking what music inspires them. So, to mark the release of ‘U.P.S’ today, we caught up with Dan to ask about their “Five Favourites” – five songs that they love the most. Check out their choices below and scroll down to listen to ‘U.P.S’.

Easy Life – ‘A Message to Myself’ 
I absolutely vibe so hard with this song, there is a tremendous flow to the lyrics that I am obsessed with. It speaks for itself, just be yourself. I love how much they reflect what is happening right now. In twenty years’, time, I can picture myself feeling super nostalgic for this time already. They also sent me this little merch air freshener fish with the single, which was a fun bonus!  

Remi Wolf – ‘Shawty’ 
Whenever this song comes on, I feel energised. It is so damn fun. I love lyrics that follow a mundane narrative, I know that is bizarre, but it is just really relatable. The layered vocal style she uses is something I take inspiration from. It has an early 2000s vibe; I can feel the low-rise jeans with a thong showing energy.  

Tayo Sound – ‘Cold Feet’ 
I like how this song starts with that initial infatuation with someone, the woozy start when you are so nervous you get mad butterflies. It has a tasty hook. It is easy, breezy & fresh. I always find myself attracted to that in music. Music tends to have a big effect on my mood for the day, this song always makes me feel sunny and chill.  

Ms. White – ‘Fuck Men’ 
… because Fuck Men. Haha.  

Kojaque – ‘Town’s Dead‘
Some local talent representation with Kojaque. The lyrics are so well written, a deep sense of humour but making a bunch of decent points too. There is a big punk energy to this one – it sounds like it would be unreal live (hit me up for a support slot Kojaque… Or a date, whatever’s easiest for ya!).

Massive thanks to Dan for sharing their Five Favourites!

F.R.U.I.T.Y, the eponymous debut EP, is set for release on 5th August. Listen to new single ‘U.P.S’ now:

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