LIVE: Little Simz – Meltdown Festival, Royal Festival Hall (22.06.2025)

A balmy Sunday evening in June, and the closing night of the annual Meltdown festival at London’s Southbank Centre. This year’s eleven day event has been curated by innovative artist, and personal favourite, Little Simz, and has included performances from Tiwa Savage, Lola Young, Mahalia, The Streets and more; showcasing an eclectic range of talent and musical styles. And now, to mark the festival’s finale, Little Simz herself takes to the stage, not only accompanied by her trusted band, but by the 42 strong Chineke Orchestra – a collective predominantly consisting of black and ethnically diverse musicians.

Taking place inside the renowned Royal Festival Hall, it seems like the perfect setting for such a memorable event; and, as the orchestra starts to deliver the opening bars of ‘Introvert’, oozing a formidable sense of cinematic grandeur, excitement ripples from wall-to-wall of the jam-packed space, before Little Simz appears, glowing with a sparkling energy, as though she’s been waiting for this moment her whole life. And perhaps she has; the creator of six albums, winner of multiple awards, and often hailed as the country’s best rapper, in addition to being a respected actor, it feels only right that her journey has lead her here – performing to a sold out crowd of family, friends and fans of all genders, ages and backgrounds. A beautiful culmination of not only the past week’s events, but of her career’s achievements so far. 

Continuing to deliver tracks spanning this impressive career, from the gritty energy of this year’s ‘Thief’ and a soulful rendition of ‘Peace’ with collaborator and childhood friend Miraa May (“… we used to sing together in the park while she played guitar”), to songs from her previous albums like the passionate reflection of 2022’s ‘Heart On Fire’ (in which she flits throughout the aisles, greeting the crowd with an endearing warmth), and the catchy singalong refrain and angst-driven power of ‘I Love You, I Hate You’, from 2021’s Sometimes I Might Be Introvert.

Whether she’s delivering new or old tracks, however, Little Simz’s immense dedication to giving us the most enjoyable and entertaining performance possible remains consistent; fluctuating between a fierce raw emotion and sweeping euphoric energy, there isn’t a moment that she doesn’t seem fully immersed in sharing her innovative creations with us. 

Little Simz’s commitment to sharing and collaborating is evident in the many special guests that join her on stage throughout the night. In addition to Miraa May, frequent musical partner Obongjayar joins her in bounding across the stage with a buoyant energy for ‘Lion and Point’, whilst prominent grime artist Wretch 32 weaves throughout the crowd whilst interacting with Simz for the poignant to-and-fro dialogue of ‘Blood’ as Cashh intersperses with his reggaeton-inspired rhymes. She also seems intent on shining a light on her band, continually encouraging us to notice just how cool and talented they are, like in playful new album track ‘Young’, changing some lyrics to “Martha’s gonna play her bass here” as she highlights her bandmate’s fierce hooks.

As well as the band driving Little Simz’s trademark gritty energy, the addition of the Chineke Orchestra adds a perfect sweeping majestic splendour to the already powerful tracks. Providing a cinematic backdrop to the innovative artist’s stirring narrative, the grandeur of soaring strings and whirring woodwind rippling throughout the set at the hands of charismatic conductor Chris Cameron helps to create a wonderfully immersive, captivating atmosphere, adding to the epic memorable proportions of this very special performance. A particular highlight of the set being when Simz takes the reins from Cameron for the immense introduction of ‘Venom’, conducting the orchestra before turning to the crowd as she raps with stoic conviction: “Never givin’ credit where it’s due ’cause you don’t like pussy in power. Venom.”

Whilst many of Little Simz’ tracks, like ‘Venom’, stem from a sense of anger or injustice, which sizzles throughout the set, she’s also not afraid to share a more vulnerable, sensitive side – as she introduces the title track from her latest album, for example, she shares with the crowd that the album came to be after a period in which she’d struggled with her self-esteem and being able to create: “… it was a very, very challenging time: losing my self-confidence and feeling like I didn’t know how to find it again. I didn’t know how to make music; I didn’t know how to start a verse. I just felt very depleted, so I wrote a song about it.” Cue the soulful, heartfelt emotion and beautifully raw honesty of ‘Lotus’. 

Throughout the performance as a whole, an endearing sense of pride and gratitude emanates from Simz; you can really feel the emotion oozing from the stage. Whether that’s a fierce reflection on personal struggles, an impassioned push for change on a wider level, or a more nostalgic sentimentality, there’s no doubt that what she’s sharing is real; it’s honest, it’s empowering, and it’s inspiring. And I think this really reflects the meaning of the new album, of the Lotus, as Simz explained in a recent interview with Louis Theoroux: “… we can thrive in muddy waters, no matter what we’ve been through, we can use it to channel something beautiful.”  

Finally, after dedicating ‘Woman’ to “the girls dem“, Simz closes the set with the rousing energy of ‘Gorilla’ – with her perfectly intuitive, tongue-in-cheek lyrics accompanied by the full orchestra, this seems the perfect way to end the night; juxtaposing the searing raw power of Little Simz’s writing with the all-encompassing resplendent grandiosity of the instruments, contrasting elements all coming together as one in harmony.

Words: Mari Lane / @mari_getinherears
Photos: Pete Woodhead

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INTERVIEW: Moonchild Sanelly

Having released her incredible third album, Full Moon, at the beginning of this year, innovative South African artist Moonchild Sanelly has been making waves with her unique, empowering genre-defying creations and joyous live shows. Now, with collaborations with the likes of Self Esteem, Gorillaz and Little Simz under her belt, as well as wowing UK audiences at Glastonbury Festival and appearances on Later… With Jools Holland last year, she’s ready to take the world by storm with this latest trailblazing solo offering and her immense, fearless attitude. 

Ahead of a run of tour dates with Self Esteem in the autumn and an appearance at my most favourite festival, Deer Shed, this summer, I was lucky enough to chat to Moon just as she was getting her costumes together before jetting off to Dublin to headline the Grand Social earlier this week. Her styling and aesthetic are a big part of her performances and image as an artist, she tells me, as she explains that she designs and makes her own outfits – “Having the skill to see it, think it, sketch it, make it, advise on it, has been really useful. Having the power to just create my art… All these things contribute to me being a musician and independent artist.” Moon actually studied fashion before going on to become a songwriter, and she continues to put the skills she learned to use when going out on tour – “I know all the different shows I have coming up, and know all the different coloured costumes I want for the different days, and know all the different stage vibes that I want. It’s going to be a fun one!” And these skills can come in very handy when on the road, too, as she discovered on a recent trip to Germany when her sewing machine broke and one of her outfits was left unfinished – “I literally used safety pins to put it together. I come from doing stuff by hand when I didn’t have the money for the fastest machine, so I had to tap back into that and got my safety pins, and nobody knew – it was a great dress, I killed it! It’s something I do on the regular – I was able to save myself, even though my machine had broken.”

This notion of being able to ‘save herself’ seems incredibly important to Moon; whilst having always been supported in her love of music by her family, and particularly her brother who’s a producer, she prides herself on her independence and the power that comes with not having to rely on anyone else: “When you’re doing you, it’s just really effortless; no one can correct you or incorrect you. There’s no right formula. Not even your mum who fed you formula has a formula for you.” Discussing the sense of freedom that can come with being involved in all parts of the creative process, she tells me that she also likes not having a permanent full band, and decided very early on in her career that she did not want to have to rely on other people: “I didn’t want to depend on someone who wasn’t as hungry as me. I didn’t want them to slow me down.” So, she did it on her own, motivated by the liberation to just create whatever she wants, whenever she wants – “I don’t have to wait for anyone… I can literally just do it.”

Of course, this does not mean that Moon doesn’t value the creative input of other people. An example of someone she loves working with is Johan Hugo, the producer of Full Moon, who she had been determined to work with after being impressed by another of his artists at a festival in Europe that she was playing with Gorillaz. Her manager made contact, and – after discovering that Hugo had already wanted to work with Moon, had many mutual connections, and had previously worked with some of her favourite artists (M.I.A, Santigold) – the wheels were set in motion to work together: “We were meant for each other!”, Moon gushes. This feeling of things being ‘meant to be’ seems to be a key theme of the new album: “Full Moon symbolises a real full circle moment for how I have envisioned my art, and how it should be affecting the world. Everything just seems to have come together.” Working with Hugo, Moon was confident that he’d be able to sync the sound in the way that she wanted, to “connect the music with whatever the story is.” She goes on to describe how he was able to create a safe space for her to work, “away from the hustle and bustle”, so that she was really able to tap out and tune into her vulnerable side – “… it just allowed me to open up, without feeling naked or uncomfortable. I just let whatever emotions were evoked by the music come to life. I wasn’t scared of anything that was happening.” However, whilst Full Moon does offer “an insight into (my) sensitive side”, into the “roots” of Moonchild Sanelly, she is keen to emphasise that it still offers that liberating, empowering and danceable spirit that she has become known for: “I will never let it end in tears, because I will always liberate…”

Discussing the recording process, Moon tells me that there was no specific plan – “I just told stories and it was comfortable and I just let it happen… We didn’t have a manual, we just knew we wanted to make fire.” And I think this really shines through when listening to Full Moon; a real sense of freedom emanates throughout, an openness to being both vulnerable and powerful all at once. This stillness and contentment that Moon felt whilst recording the album differs from her experience with her last two records; recording her 2015 debut Rabulapha!, she was travelling around the world working with different people, whilst 2022’s Phases was recorded during lockdown, “…pretty much on my own, just being sent beats, and I hadn’t met half the people that were producing it.” So, she tells me, “…this one was different because I was with the one producer, making music together, and going with the feelings.” 

As well as the fantastic creative partnership she has with Hugo, Moon has enjoyed collaborating with many other artists over the years; with each different relationship unique in the way that they worked together. One of the people she’s worked with most recently is GIHE favourite Self Esteem: “I call my collaboration with Self Esteem like elite energy because it was so effortless. We were just having conversations, and then they were the song.” Going on to talk about their closeness and the cathartic nature of writing certain songs together, Moon elaborates: “We just have things in common – like being independent artists, and dealing with mother fuckers, and so that’s how ‘Big Man’ came to be.” Similarly, ‘Plain Sight’ (from Self Esteem’s recent album, A Complicated Woman) was inspired by negative press that Moon had been receiving that she did not feel able to write about: “So, when I was with Rebecca, I was able to write for her because we were going through the same thing but in different spaces and times, which was super emotional. We talked about all our shit, and then we cried.”

With other artists, however, the process has been very different. Whilst featuring on ‘My Power’ with legends like Beyoncé and Tierra Whack in 2019 merely involved sending over recordings of her music to someone she had not met, with artists like Little Simz “…it was just a really chilled vibe”. Having been something that Moon had always wanted to do, and having met Little Simz through her work with Gorillaz previously, finally getting to properly work together on a track (‘Flood’) was a dream come true. Whoever she’s working with, Moon tells me she has one goal – “… my approach is always to deliver”. She is determined to create her art freely, on her own terms, whether that’s solo or collaborating with others. 

This freedom of being able to create is something Moon feels passionately about, not just for herself but for others, and is something that can often be difficult for people living in South Africa. Reflecting on this and the way that things are gradually starting to change, she tells me that “social media’s definitely contributed to young people being able to share and create music without gatekeepers…” Young people being able to have more access to music without being attached to labels and managers enables a sense of freedom that has not always been possible, and this is something that Moon is grateful for: “You upload music, get lots of hits, are able to gig. That’s how it happens, and it’s beautiful to watch.” Although there’s still a long way to go, seeing more artists from South Africa being able to tour internationally, and with more opportunities being open to them, leaves Moon hopeful for the future. 

Touring internationally is thankfully something Moon has been able to do, and is going to be doing more of later this year, with appearances booked at various festivals including personal favourite Deer Shed in Yorkshire. She describes how she’s feeling about this with one word: “EXCITED!”. I share this excitement as I tentatively admit that I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing her live before and ask what fans can expect: “I KILL. We’re going to run out of body bags. The Freedom Demon shall be evoked.” You’ve been warned, Deer Shedders – prepare for a truly euphoric and empowering experience in which you’ll “own your body and your existence, and know who you are. You’ll just feel everything.” I can’t wait. Despite being excited about performing, however, Moon isn’t as much of a fan of the “whole hay and squatting thing” at UK festivals and tells me that her one requirement is “a flushing toilet, please and thank you.” I empathise with this sentiment and encourage Moon to book her camping in the lovely glamping of Tangerine Fields at the festival, where there are lovely flushing loos and even showers and hairdryers on offer. 

Moon is no stranger to UK festivals, however. Last year, she wowed crowds at Glastonbury with not one, not two, but ten live appearances there – “… it was the most shows we’ve ever done in one weekend”, she beams, “It was gorgeous. It was ridiculous. It was epic.” Not surprisingly, named as one of the highlights of the weekend, it seems like it stands out as a really special and memorable experience for Moon as she cheekily reflects: “We worked our butts off, and we shook them too!”

Being in the position to tour and perform to thousands of people is not something Moon takes for granted as she recognises the challenges that people from marginalised communities face in the industry, and the stigma that can so often be placed on certain groups – “Like, with femme presenting women who are queer, they think sex. And with butch presenting or more masculine people, they can’t be soft.” Discussing this further, Moon reflects on the evolution of Little Naz, how he was “palatable” for the homophobes, “…but then, when he came out, he lost a lot of followers, because you can’t be flamboyant”. This specific stigma surrounding gay men in music is something she has noticed is still not being commercially accepted, but “I feel like we, as women, have got more of an advantage, because we already know the formula of how to get the market.” However, Moon acknowledges that not everyone has her confidence – “I have a lot of famous friends that don’t want to share their sexuality… And this comes from a fear of rejection.” This fear is something that sadly seems to be prevalent amongst queer artists, and is absolutely justified considering the political climate at the moment; the hate speech, the way that the industry “seems open to abusers, to those violating other peoples’ rights, but not to homosexuality…” If we are to move forwards from marginalised communities being more than a “niche” and being more commercially accepted, Moon feels that representation is incredibly important: “With regards to my being queer. With regards to my being a successful black artist. With regards to whatever the world sees me as. I bring that magic. All the different faces that I represent. And I do it proudly and loudly. And fearlessly. Fuck fear.” Whilst others may have seen what Moon has achieved as impossible, she has succeeded and continues to move forwards with passion, determination and joy. “It takes people like us to shine the light”, she clarifies, and shine she does, as a beacon of what can be achieved. If aspiring artists were to be able to see more people like her, to see themselves represented, I feel this could really help to inspire, to motivate, and to reassure; to take away some of that fear that holds us back. I’m sure that when aspiring creatives see Moon being her truly authentic self up on stage, on TV, hear her on the radio, this will empower and ignite that spark in them.

As I thank Moon for her time, and for being such an inspiration and joyous presence in the industry, she assures me that she’s going to continue moving forwards and creating, innovating: “This shit is my life. I don’t want to be confined, I don’t want to be still. Every other job I’ve had, I’ve lost or quit. But now I’m in the right place.”


Huge thanks and love to Moonchild Sanelly for speaking with me. I cannot wait to be taken away in a body bag after the immense experience of seeing her live at Deer Shed festival in July! Tickets still available here.

Mari Lane
@mari_getinherears

Photo Credit: Grace Pickering

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GIHE: Albums & EPs Of 2021

After sharing our Tracks of 2021 last week, the GIHE team want to shine a light on some of the brilliant Albums & EPs that have been released during the last 12 months. These records kept us dancing around our bedrooms/living rooms/home offices, miming underneath our face-masks and distracted us momentarily from the uncertain world we’re currently all living in.

So, in alphabetical order, here are our top Albums & EPs of 2021 (with some honorable mentions at the end…)

ALBUMS

Adult Mom – Driver
Consistently my most listened-to artist over the last couple of years, Adult Mom aka Stevie Knipe creates the most beautifully heartfelt music. Although I had thought it would be hard to follow the perfect relatable emotion of their debut Momentary Lapse Of Happily, and 2018’s Soft Spots, this year’s Driver does not disappoint. With the lilting musicality and raw emotive splendour of each track, the album has been in my ears on literally a daily basis since it came out in March; I have sought comfort in the luscious depth of Knipe’s vocals and found myself fully immersed in the album’s twinkling grace. I’m sending extra love to Stevie at the moment, as they were diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year and are currently having to undergo treatment. I can’t wait to hear more gorgeous music from them when they’re ready. (Mari Lane – Co-Founder)

Blonde Maze – Something Familiar
I’m honestly not sure how I would have got through the last two years without the sound of Blonde Maze in my ears daily. Even before her debut album Something Familiar came out in Autumn, I had been completely addicted to her utterly dreamy creations – ever since she’d been a guest on our radio show about five years ago. To have a full LP filled with her exquisite soundscapes has been just what I’ve needed recently. Bathing the ears in shimmering ripples of dreamy reflection, each luscious track is a perfect cathartic tonic. My album of the year – it’s been the beautifully calming and delicately uplifting soundtrack I’ve so needed. (ML)

Divide & Dissolve – Gas Lit
Released via Invada Records in January, instrumental activists Divide and Dissolve’s second album Gas Lit continues their sonic mission to erode the foundations of colonialism and white supremacy. Produced by Ruban Nielson of Unknown Mortal Orchestra, the record is an aural purging of injustice, fuelled by the diversity of Takiaya Reed’s doom-ridden saxophone sounds and Sylvie Nehill’s phenomenal percussion. It flows with a unique gargantuan grace that unsettles and soothes my cells every time I hear it. I had the pleasure of interviewing Takiaya about the album earlier this year too, which you can read here.
(Kate Crudgington – Co-Founder)

Du Blonde – Homecoming
With Homecoming, Du Blonde gave us the DIY stadium rock record we didn’t know we needed. After becoming disillusioned with the music industry, they wrote, recorded and produced this album of swaggering, empowering anthems for outcasts. A bag of contradictions, it’s both silly and serious, wonderfully weird yet radio friendly. A powerful record, I love the way Homecoming embraces self-destruction and self-love. It has a proper punk energy and inspires you to get shit done on your own terms – after you’ve had a dance, of course.
(Victoria Conway – Contributor)

Fears – Oíche
An intuitive artist who has transformed her darkest moments into graceful electronic soundscapes, Fears aka Constance Keane shared her poignant debut album Oíche (meaning “night” in Irish) in May. Released via her own label TULLE, the Irish-born, London-based musician balances her intense ruminations on trauma alongside delicate synth loops and tentative beats to shine a light on a personal metamorphosis. Much like the coarse fabric she used to create her altruistic dress on the album’s artwork, Fears allows her lived experiences to take up space and permeate this record, which swells with unflinching honesty and elegance. Oíche is a collection of shadowy lullabies that span five years of emotional territory, and the result is a truly immersive and enlightening body of work. (KC)

Fightmilk – Contender
Following 2018’s Not With That Attitude, this year total faves Fightmilk released their second album Contender via Reckless Yes, and it was everything I could have hoped for. With new bassist Healey and a perhaps more ambitious musicality than previous releases, this year’s album marks a maturing in sound for the band, whilst maintaining their trademark anthemic power-pop energy. Filled with the perfect balance of jangling melodies, an endearing, refreshingly honest lyricism and shades of a raw tongue-in-cheek wit, the album covers themes from space travel and capitalism, to love, heartbreak and self-loathing, all the while oozing a raw emotion and the band’s distinctive, quirky charisma. With all the scuzzy musicality and shimmering energy we’ve come to know and love, Contender showcases a band that are continuously refining their sound and, in the process, consistently continuing to win my heart.
(ML)

Gazelle Twin & NYX – Deep England
Inspired by the tracks that formed Gazelle Twin aka Elizabeth Bernholz’s 2018 album Pastoral, Deep England is a dark fable that serves as a warning to listeners not to get swept up in national apathy. Whilst Bernholz’s unique vision of Britain’s past was brought vividly to life on her original record, with the support of the NYX drone choir her vitriol is able to take its fullest, most nerve-shredding form. Together, they present their altruistic vision of Britain in its “post-truth” sphere, embroidering a new tapestry of sound for these jarring and uncertain times. Deep England is a phenomenal artistic accomplishment; a shadowy, graceful collection of sounds that radiate with unease – truly unlike anything you’ve heard before. (KC)

LINGUA IGNOTA – SINNER GET READY
“And all that I’ve learned / is everything burns” laments Lingua Ignota aka Kristin Hayter on ‘Pennsylvania Furnace’, the fourth track on SINNER GET READY – an apt sentiment for a record that blazes with a unique orchestral agony. Released via Sargent House, Hayter’s fourth full length offering is an emotional exorcism inspired by the severe brand of Christianity in rural Pennsylvania where she currently lives. Its strictness permeates her vision to the core, with her sensational vocals remaining the lifeblood of SINNER GET READY. She uses her voice to devastating effect, harrowing up the soul with her effortless ability to switch from a soft, divine cry to a cord-ripping, desperate plea. A stunning record that I’ve returned to many times this year. (KC)

Little Simz – Sometimes I Might Be Introvert
Sometimes I Might Be Introvert is an outstanding album, ambitious and sprawling while maintaining the punchy immediacy of expression synonymous with Little Simz’ earlier work. She confidently glides between styles, from epic Scott Walker-style arrangements to afrobeat grooves, which form mere backdrops to the artist’s lyrical acrobatics. Simz enumerates the anxieties, troubles and triumphs of her life and career throughout the album’s 19 tracks – this album already has an undeniably classic quality. It is a singular expansion of the possibilities of hip-hop, of pop music more generally, and an unrepentantly fantastic album of Baroque ambition and fabulous execution. (Lloyd Bolton – Contributor)

Lunar Vacation – Inside Every Fig Is A Dead Wasp
The latest album from Atlanta-based Lunar Vacation, Inside Every Fig Is A Dead Wasp oozes a shimmering allure throughout. As each track treats the ears to whirring hooks and a sparkling musicality, I just fall more in love with Grace Repasky’s honey-sweet crystalline vocals on each listen. Floating seamlessly with an ethereal splendour, a stirring melancholy ripples on a seemingly serene surface, creating a perfectly dreamy collection. With shades of Alvvays or Best Coast, Lunar Vacation have fast become one of my most favourite bands of 2021. (ML)

New Pagans – The Seed, The Vessel, The Roots and All
An intuitive rumination on the personal and the political, New Pagans’ debut album The Seed, The Vessel, The Roots and All is a gritty, deeply poetic consideration of inequality and social injustice. Released via Big Scary Monsters, the Belfast band’s first full length record dives into the paraphernalia surrounding religion, romance and women’s pain, and resurfaces having transformed these tired archetypes into aural talismans of strength and defiance. I’m such a big fan of everything they’ve released so far and I’m hoping to hear these songs live at some point in 2022. (KC)

Noga Erez – KIDS
The GIHE team collectively adore Tel-Aviv producer & pop renegade Noga Erez’s second album, KIDS. It’s a stylish, swaggering collection of songs that explore personal growth, morality and what it means to disconnect and reconnect with the world around you. Erez has worked closely alongside her collaborative & life partner Ori Rousso to create a razor sharp, intensely catchy record that proves she’s got the musical mileage she sings of. Through her witty lyrics, slick production and commanding beats, she blazes a unique musical trail that pulses with authentic energy, spotlighting her talent as a producer, vocalist, MC and performer. What a star. (KC)

Nova Twins Presents: Voices For The Unheard
Driven by their desire to spotlight the work of underrepresented artists of colour in the heavy music scene, Nova Twins aka Amy Love and Georgia South put together this blistering collection of alternative anthems with the help of Dr Martens to showcase this eclectic range of talent. Featuring tracks by Big Joanie, Khx05, Loathe, Oxymorrons & LutSickPuppy, the record is a fun, furious blur of noise from a group of artists who have been galvanized by their individual experiences of discrimination, but who are now united in their attempts to create the music they wish they had heard growing up. A proper gem of a record that’s introduced me to some brilliant artists this year. (KC)

pink suits – political child
Having completely blown us away with their riotous, seething energy at our first gig at The Shacklewell Arms earlier this month, queer Margate duo pink suits released their debut album political child, in the Spring. With just drums, a guitar and the riotous force of their voices, Lennie and Ray offer an inclusive feminist rebellion to bring about radical change – with each powerful track on the collection, they deliver a seething, all-too-poignant social commentary on the increasingly terrifying state of the UK right now. Throughout political child, pink suits offer a perfect riotous catharsis; an immense formidable force, coated in a rousing cacophony. The duo have provided an utterly necessary soundtrack for these times; a rallying cry to make our voices heard and fight for an upheaval of a neoliberal society. (ML)

Wolf Alice – Blue Weekend
Each time I’ve tried to write about Wolf Alice’s third album, Blue Weekend, I’ve fallen short of the words to describe how profoundly comforting I find it. Emotional, but with a few grunge ragers thrown in there too – plus a lyric that everyone should adopt as a mantra “I am what I am and I’m good at it / and you don’t like me? Well that isn’t fucking relevant” – Ellie Rowsell’s magnificent, elastic vocals and poignant lyrics effortlessly stretch across the record. I listened to Blue Weekend twice a day for over a month, discovering something new every time I let its cinematic sounds wash over me. Pure musical escapism that’s rooted in real fucking feelings. Properly sublime stuff. (KC)

EPs

Ailsa Tully – Holy Isle
Long term favourite of GIHE, Welsh artist Ailsa Tully released her EP in Autumn this year. Offering four exquisite slices of stirring folk-strewn indie, Holy Isle showcases Tully’s ability to reflect on feelings of vulnerability and loss with a gently uplifting, sparkling grace. As the collection flows with a shimmering, stripped-back musicality, the juxtaposition of Tully’s crystalline, honey-sweet vocals and the gentle lilting melodies creates a delicate, captivating majesty. As the beautifully rippling instrumentation glistens with a heartfelt splendour, I can’t help but become utterly immersed in the raw emotion and poignant, resplendent charm of Holy Isle in its entirety. (ML)

Aisha Badru – The Way Back Home
Having previously charmed our ears with the soothing sounds of last year’s ‘Soil’s Daughter’ and 2018’s poignant debut album Pendulum, singer-songwriter Aisha Badru released her EP The Way Back Home earlier this month. Flowing with twinkling, folk-inspired hooks alongside Badru’s rich, soulful vocals, each track oozes an immersive, heartfelt emotion. With a gentle, lilting energy and shimmering grace, a sweeping majestic splendour soars throughout this beautifully stirring collection as it soothes the mind with its gently uplifting allure. (ML)

Bitch Hunt – Shapeshifter
Having formed at First Timers Fest in 2017, London based non-binary band Bitch Hunt have since played live for us and been lovely guests on our show on Soho Radio. This year they released their debut EP Shapeshifter, via Reckless Yes. A shimmering collection of five lo-fi, yet heartfelt, offerings, it reflects on themes ranging from nostalgia and relationships, to gender and identity, delivered with a wonderfully scuzzy musicality and twinkling energy. Treating us to their effervescent, stirring brand of unique punk-pop, Bitch Hunt have crafted a collection that is beautifully poignant, whilst offering a welcome glimmer of optimism and solidarity. (ML)

BLAB – Word of Mouth
Formed of three previously released singles and a brand new track, Southend-based BLAB‘s debut EP is the sound of a songwriter fully embracing their own choices and leaning into the raw power of each moment. Released via Cool Thing Records, BLAB aka Frances Murray combines direct lyrics with infectious guitar riffs to push past personal and political frustrations, providing her listeners with sharply observed judgements on both. (KC)

Deep Tan – Creeping Speedwells
With acclaim from the likes of NME, So Young and BBC 6Music, Hackney-based trio deep tan have been favourites here at GIHE for some time now, and we’ve been very much enjoying their debut EP Creeping Speedwells, which was released this summer. Propelled by glitchy beats and whirring, twinkling hooks, each track captivates the ears with the trio’s compelling seductive allure. Flowing with fuzzed-out shades of ’90s trip-hop, whilst maintaining a unique sparkling edge and gently haunting majesty, the whole collection offers a spellbinding, rousing splendour that’ll immerse you in its dark, psychedelic haze. (ML)

Hilary Woods – Feral Hymns
I saw the title of this EP, listened to 30 seconds of it and downloaded it IMMEDIATELY. Released via Sacred Bones, Feral Hymns by Irish multi-instrumentalist Hilary Woods captures a relatable sense of gloom across five instrumentals that she worked on with collaborator Lasse Marhaug. Woods describes her ambiguous sounds as “A collection of hymns set at dusk…Unspoken bonds, primal pain, cyclical patterns, unsent love letters.” I find her melancholy, fleshy sounds intensely moving and I can’t wait to hear the new full length record she’s currently working on. (KC)

Jenny Moore’s Mystic Business – He Earns Enough
Featuring members of Trash Kit, F*Choir and Bamboo, Jenny Moore’s Mystic Business are a six-piece choral punk ensemble who released their debut EP in October. A poignant collection covering themes such as the struggles of living in a patriarchal, capitalist society and the fears women and gender minority people face when walking home alone, He Earns Enough showcases the soaring, harmonious power of voices coming together in unity. With each track propelled by an anthemic, mystical energy, the collection offers a simple, yet stirring, message, oozing a sweeping, celestial splendour that’ll bewitch the listener instantly with its eerily enchanting allure. (ML)

M(h)aol – Gender Studies
I was blown away by the power of Irish post punks M(h)aol when I saw them perform their debut EP live at The Shacklewell Arms in November. The brooding, shadowy sounds on Gender Studies vehemently reject outdated attitudes and social constraints concerning gender, identity and equality. It’s a vital, much needed antidote to toxic patriarchal standards, providing listeners with a cathartic exhale of fury and freedom. (KC)

TOKKY HORROR – I Found The Answers And Now I Want More
GIHE writer Jay Mitra penned a great review of dance-punk trio TOKKY HORROR’s debut EP earlier this year, branding it “a cyber goth masterpiece that hits you as hard as MDMA” – and they’re not wrong. Packed full of manic electronics and pounding beats, I Found The Answers And Now I Want More is a whirlwind of EDM energy that’s impossible to sit still to. (KC)

Honourable Mentions

Alex Loveless – Phone Keys & Wallet (EP)
Arlo Parks – Collapsed In Sunbeams
BISHI –Let My Country Awake
CHERYM – Hey Tori (EP)
Elodie Gervaise – Syzergy (EP)
Elsa Hewitt – LUPA
Grace Petrie – Connectivity
Halsey –If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power
Maria Uzor – Innocence and Worldliness (EP)
Me Rex – Megabear
Naoko Sakata – Dancing Spirits
Nun Habit – Hedge Fun (EP)
Okay Kaya – The Incompatible
Penelope Trappes – Penelope Three
SPELLLING – The Turning Wheel
Tirzah – Colourgrade
YAY MARIA – OYEZ
WILLOW – Lately I Feel Everything

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PLAYLIST: October 2021

The GIHE team have unearthed more new music gems for you to listen to on our October Playlist! There’s an eclectic mix of indie anthems, gritty guitar 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.

Boy Harsher – ‘Tower’
It’s almost Halloween (aka Goth Christmas) so this shadowy electronic tune is a great way to kick off our October Playlist. Boy Harsher are fully leaning in to their cinematic tendencies on ‘Tower’ which is taken from their upcoming album The Runner. Set for release on 21st January, the record will be a “musical counterpart” to an accompanying short film written, produced & directed by the talented duo. (Kate Crudgington)

Brimheim – ‘poison fizzing on a tongue’
The recent single from Danish alt-pop artist Brimheim, ‘poison fizzing on a tongue’ oozes a glitchy, ethereal splendour. With its soaring, other-wordly allure, it reminds me of the dark majesty of Massive Attack, which is no bad thing! Brimheim releases her debut album Can’t Help Myself Into A Different Shape in January next year. (Mari Lane)

deep tan – ‘Tamu’s Yiffing Refuge’
Following the recent release of their stirring, and utterly unique EP creeping speedwells, East London trio deep tan return with a special one-off single, taken from the label Speedy Wunderground’s new compilation. As strangely kinky as the name would suggest, ‘tamu’s yiffing refuge’ is an explicit tale of furry hedonism. Maintaining all the immersive, seductive allure that we’ve come to know and love from the band, this latest offering oozes an added dark, psychedelic haze and frenzied post-punk drive reminiscent of the likes of legends The Slits. A truly mystical, compelling soundscape that’ll peculiarly entice you into its swirling, fur-filled cacophony. (ML)

New Pagans – ‘Find Fault With Me’
I am thrilled that Belfast’s New Pagans are BACK with this brilliant new single after the release of their debut album, The Seed, The Vessel, The Roots And All earlier this year. Vocalist Lyndsey McDougall says this track is about “checking in with each other and recognising when someone around you needs support.” (KC)

Death Valley Girls – ‘It’s All Really Kind Of Amazing’
A stand alone single from LA dystopian punk band Death Valley Girls, ‘It’s All Really Kind Of Amazing‘ offers a swift glimpse of positivity. As the raw, impassioned splendour of Bonnie Bloomgarden’s vocals soar throughout, it seems to be slightly less doom-laden in tone than previous offerings, but is no less stirring. Oozing a shimmering, trippy allure and swirling, vibrant energy reminiscent of The Kinks’ ‘Sunny Afternoon’, ‘it immerses the listener in its glistening euphoric haze, reminding us to relish those rare moments of beauty that can keep us going through challenging times. A mystically captivating retreat for the ears and mind. (ML)

Laura Lee & The Jettes – ‘Craigslist Boy’
I have drummer Eilis Frawley to thank for introducing me to this BANGER from German-based band Laura Lee & The Jettes. Eilis provides the beats for this playful anthem about vocalist Laura Lee’s experience of being pursued romantically by random men on the German version of eBay. Its relatability will make you laugh and eye roll in equal measure. Check out the accompanying video here. (KC)

Wet Leg – ‘Wet Dream’
Like everyone else with ears, I am OBSESSED with Isle of Wight duo Wet Leg. I caught them at their debut London show at Omeara last week and it was a JOY to listen to their infectious indie anthems. They also walked on stage to ‘Concerning Hobbits’ from The Lord Of The Rings soundtrack, which is an iconic move in itself. (KC)

Queen Cult – ‘Show & Tell’
The latest single from Cheshire band Queen Cult, ‘Show & Tell’ builds with a gritty, swirling energy to an empowered call to arms. I just can’t get enough of its relentless, searing force. (ML)

Nghtfall – ‘Evil Eye’
Following the heartfelt release of ‘I’ll Be Fine’ earlier this year, Toronto based non-binary artist Bradley Milosevic-Hill aka Nghtfall has recently shared ‘Evil Eye’. A sweeping slice of catchy anthemic pop, it oozes swirling feelings of anticipation and desire, creating a twinkling, emotion-strewn ballad. (ML)

girlhouse – ‘boundary issues’
I love this latest track from indie artist girlhouse, taken from her recent EP which is aptly titled, the second EP, quite simply lovely stuff. (Tash Walker)

HAVVK – ‘Halfway Out’
Taken from total faves HAVVK’s epic new album Levelling, stirring single ‘Halfway Out’ oozes an ethereal splendour as the haunting, celestial power of Julie’s vocals immerses the listener instantly. The whole album intertwines this captivating, twinkling majesty with a grunge-tinged grit throughout, and I can’t stop listening to it. I had the pleasure of chatting to front person Julie about the album and more last week – have a read of the interview here. (ML)

Sprints – ‘Modern Job’
I first heard Dublin’s Sprints on The Irish Jam radio show and I’m super grateful to them for the introduction. ‘Modern Job’, which is also the title track on the band’s upcoming EP (due on 11th March) is a scathing “critique of modern existence” and “an exploration of growing up queer” according to vocalist Karla Chubb. I can’t wait to hear the record in full. (KC)

Nova Twins – ‘Antagonist’
GIHE faves Nova Twins have shared this MASSIVE anthem about believing in yourself, full of their trademark lethal riffs and powerhouse vocals. (KC)

Tiger Mimic – ‘Silence Of The Night’
Propelled by an eerie energy, ‘Silence Of The Night’ reflects on the grim reality that women have to navigate on a daily basis. As the rich, sleek vocals of front woman Jess soar with a soulful power, it builds with a stirring tension to an impassioned statement of intent. A poignant call for justice and accountability at a time when we so desperately need it. You can catch the band live at The Victoria in Dalston on 9th December. (ML)

Sister Lucy – ‘Big Kid’
The second single from her upcoming EP Big Girl Pants, Sister Lucy aka Abi Sinclair’s single ‘Big Kid’ is a lush, grunge-tinged reflection on growth and womanhood. She’ll be playing a gig at The Shacklewell Arms on the 10th November to celebrate the EP’s release. (KC)

Elodie Gervaise – ‘Free Babe’
I am so into this song! All its mixed beats, intricate synths and electronics, it’s such a visually evocative track, you can just imagine the light show watching this being performed live. French-Australian artist, Elodie Gervaise’s new EP, Syzygy – which just feels oh so good to say – is out now. (TW)

Errunhrd – ‘Ruminate (Meditate)’
Niagra Falls based artist Errunhrd has penned this buoyant new track which shifts away from her previously more melancholic sounds. ‘Ruminate (Meditate)’ is taken from her debut album You Can Be You, I Can Be Me, which is set for release on 19th November. (KC)

Blonde Maze – ‘One House’
The latest single from New York artist Blonde Maze, ‘One House’ revolves around the comfort of finding a home in someone, especially after a long time of feeling misplaced. Oozing a blissful, soulful splendour, it flows with an utterly dreamy allure as Amanda’s soothing vocals ripple alongside twinkling electro hooks. Lately, as I’ve been going through a bit of a tough time, I’ve had this pretty much on a loop, and its sweeping euphoric energy helps to calm my mind instantly. Thank you Blonde Maze for another perfectly cathartic creation. And I’m SO excited that Blonde Maze’s debut album Something Familiar is set for release next week, 3rd November – haven’t looked forward to an album this much for a long time! (ML)

Mai – ‘Control’
An evocative electronic gem that urges listeners to surrender to the inevitability of change, I love Essex-based musician & vocalist Mai’s has debut single ‘Control’. Released via Cool Thing Records, the track is a collaboration between Mai aka Rosie Gulliver of Petty Phase, and songwriter and producer Liam Watkins from A Cause In Distress. (KC)

BISHI ft. Nikesh Shukla – ‘Language Is an Ocean’
Multi-instrumentalist and GIHE fave BISHI released her third album Let My Country Awake earlier this month, which this single is taken from. The record explores dual identities and urges listeners to lean into compassion and empathy in a chaotic and disconnected world. (KC)

Desire Marea – ‘You Think I’m Horny’ (Planningtorock’s ‘Planningtobehorny’ Version)
Tash & I are still on a high after seeing Planningtorock at Scala earlier this month, so when their remix of Desire Marea’s track ‘You Think I’m Horny’ dropped into my inbox I knew it was going straight on to our playlist! A great collaboration from two fantastic, unique artists. (KC)

AZADI.mp3 – ‘NAZAR’
I’ve been listening to the We Are Lady Parts playlist on Spotify recently and the algorithms led me to AZADI.mp3 – aka Juliette Motamed who plays drummer Ayesha in the hit Channel 4 show. She has a great set of electronic tunes that I’ve been listening to ever since. (KC)

Atna – ‘Smile’
“Why why why why why” …give me bizarre warped repetitive vocals from German avant-pop duo Atna ANY DAY. (TW)

Little Simz – ‘Speed’
Little Simz has done it again, latest album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert (in my case it’s always) is a total, immense masterpiece. ‘Speed’ is my favourite track on the album, in the same vein as previous faves ‘Boss’ and ‘Offence’, it’s propelled by a gritty, driving energy and Simz’s spot on lyricism, with a touch of orchestral grandeur. The perfect motivational anthem I’ve needed lately to get me through the day. (ML)

Kay Young ft. JNR WILLIAMS – ‘I’ve Got You’
‘I’ve Got You’ by London based artist, rapper and producer Kay Young featuring JNR Williams is such a feel good song! It’s taken from her EP This Here Feels Good, released via Play It Again Sam. (TW)

Duval Timothy ft. Lil Silva & Melanie Faye – ‘Fall Again’
I am totally obsessed and in love with this song. Rhythmic piano to start, before it slowly layers and builds with hazy, gentle vocals sweeping over the top. Such a dreamy sonic soundscape that feels so good in my ears. (TW)

Anna Vincent – ‘Naxos’
Having previously charmed us fronting indie-pop outfit Heavy Heart, and as a touring member of Happyness, after two decades making music London based Anna Vincent has now launched her first solo venture. With her debut album, Under The Glass (out today on Max Bloom of Yuck’s new label Ultimate Blends), she has recently been charming our ears with a number of shimmering singles, like the beautifully heartfelt ‘Naxos’. Exuding a spellbinding majestic grace alongside the stirring heartfelt emotion of Anna’s exquisite sparkling vocals, each track offers a truly blissful, captivating soundscape. (ML)

CMAT -‘No More Virgos’
Born from her desire to “marry her love of 80’s Italo disco with her hatred of Virgos,” Irish pop sensation CMAT’s playful new tune is a wry nod to her compulsive romantic decisions. “My mental health is banking on my chastity / and you’re bad for me” she jests over buoyant melodies, gently resisting the urge to circle back and repeat the same pattern of behaviour in her previous relationships. I’m so excited to hear CMAT’s debut album, If My Wife New I’d Be Dead, which is set for release via AWAL Recordings on 25th February 2022 (KC)

 

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