LISTEN: GIHE on Soho Radio: Great Escape Festival Special with SPIDER (01.05.23)

Tash and Kate were back on Soho Radio’s airwaves for a special show dedicated to women and non-binary artists who are playing at The Great Escape Festival this year! The pair enthused about the eclectic mix of artists on the line-up, and played tracks by Alice Longyu Gao, Witch Fever, JFDR, Brimheim, Seraphina Simone, Cristale, Delilah Holliday, HotWax, Coach Party, Problem Patterns, ARXX, Debby Friday, CLT DRP and more! Mari offered some of her suggestions too, including Whitelands, Lambrini Girls, Human Interest, King Hannah and Pool Kids.

Kate and Tash were also joined in the studio by alt-pop artist SPIDER. The Dublin-born, now London-based musician spoke about the inspirations behind her latest EP, HELL OR HIGH WATER, her anticipations for her hometown performance at Academy 2 in Dublin for Road To Great Escape on 8th May, and for her show at Green Door Store in Brighton as part of The Great Escape Festival on 11th May. She also spoke about the challenges she has faced as a young, female artist of colour sharing her music on the internet, and how it’s made her more determined to make her mark in alternative music scenes.

Listen back to the radio show below:

 

Grab your tickets for this year’s Great Escape Festival here

We’ll be back on Soho Radio on Monday 29 May at 12pm!

Tracklist
Arlo Parks – Weightless
JFDR – Life Man
CIEL – Baby Don’t You Know
Whitelands – Setting Sun
HotWax – A Thousand Times
Coach Party – Micro Aggression
Alice Longyu Gao – Come 2 Brazil
Moonchild Sanelly, Sad Night Dynamite – Demon
Cristale – Morgan
Seraphina Simone – Milk Teeth
Ruti – Luh Luh Love
Delilah Holliday, Baxter Dury – White Coats
Human Interest – Cool Cats
Hinako Omori – Spaceship Lament
CLT DRP – New Boy
DEBBY FRIDAY – Good Luck
SPIDER – GROWING INTO IT
**Interview with SPIDER**
Charlotte Plank – Lost Boys
ARXX – Ride Or Die
Pool Kids – That’s Physics, Baby
Phoebe Go – We Don’t Talk
King Hannah – Creme Brulee
Maeve – Hounds
Sans Soucis – Merchants
Witch Fever – At The Core
Problem Patterns – Who Do We Not Save
Lambrini Girls – Lads Lads Lads
Brimheim – This Week’s Laundry
Jessica Winter ft. Lynks – Clutter

PLAYLIST: March 2023

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another eclectic mix of indie & alternative anthems, alt-pop tunes and electronic sounds for your listening pleasure. We skipped February’s edition of the Playlist, so March is packed with loads of new music! Take some time to scroll through our track choices below and then press play at the end of this post.

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

Fraulein – ‘Pet’
Is it even a GIHE Playlist if we don’t include a Fraulein track? Since Mari first introduced Joni & Karsten to the GIHE team in 2020, we’ve been fans of everything the grunge duo have released, including this new track ‘Pet’. It was a pleasure to have them in the studio chatting about it on our February Soho Radio show, which you can listen back to here.
(Kate Crudgington)

Hot Wax – ‘Treasure’
Full of buzzing basslines, commanding beats and raucous guitar sounds, this track from Hastings trio HotWax flicks between melodic verses and riff-heavy breakdowns, providing listeners with a welcome rush of blood to the head. The band are gearing up for their own mini UK tour this month, before joining The Pearl Harts as main support in May. (KC)

Brix Smith – ‘Fast Net’
The awesome latest single from rock legend Brix Smith, ‘Fast Net’ is propelled by a fierce energy and gritty punk-fuelled spirit. Racing with pummelling hooks alongside Smith’s soaring honey-sweet vocals and immersive charisma, it offers a raging reflection on facing up to your vulnerabilities. ‘Fast Net’ is taken from Smith’s debut solo album, Valley Of The Dolls, out now. (Mari Lane)

Hannah Jadagu – ‘What You Did’
I love this hazy guitar tune from Texas-based musician Hannah Jadagu, who only recently appeared on my radar. Taken from her upcoming debut album Aperture, which is set for release on 19th May via Sub Pop, Jadagu’s bittersweet vocals and reverb-laden riffs are totally infectious. I can’t wait to hear the record in full. (KC)

Lunch Machine – ‘Pipedream Graveyard’
On ‘Pipedream Graveyard’, Belfast-based alt rockers Lunch Machine blend the angst of 90s grunge and melodic pop sensibilities to push past feelings of apathy. Marking their first piece of new music in five years, the track is a grunge-infused take on the futility of planning for the future whilst the planet is slowly collapsing around us. (KC)

Earthlung – ‘Joy¿’
Full of sardonic spoken-word style vocals, cutting lyrics and distorted riffs, this single from Brighton-based band Earthlung is a search for meaning and relief amidst the mind-numbing everyday tasks we undertake in order to keep living our best lives. (KC)

English Teacher – ‘Song About Love’
Out now via Speedy Wunderground, ‘Song About Love’ is the latest single from Leeds band English Teacher. As the sultry smooth vocals of front woman Lily Fontaine flow alongside chiming hooks and steady beats, it offers a wonderfully infectious exploration into the romance that can be found in the mundane; a whirring ode to “doing the chores, instead of doing someone else.” Watch the fantastic, Sims-inspired, video for ‘Song About Love’ here. (ML)

cruush – ‘Stick In The Mud’
“I guess you can say our music has the sweet elements of having a crush on someone, but the screeching of an industrial car crusher…” explains cruush’s vocalist Amber Warren. Say no more, Amber, I love it! This track is taken from the Manchester-based shoegaze band’s upcoming EP Wishful Thinker, which is set for release on 14th April via Heist Or Hit. (KC)

Red Sun Alert – ‘Huge’
Taken from their recent EP Assume Power, this track from Cork-based post-hardcore band Red Sun Alert is an angst-ridden banger. Their new record is full of raging riffs, relentless beats and anthemic vocals, so definitely check it out if you like the sound of this. (KC)

Problem Patterns – ‘Who Do We Not Save?’
The first piece of new music since their visceral 2022 anthem ‘Y.A.W‘ (Yes All Women), I’m a big fan of Belfast-based DIY punks Problem Patterns’ latest single. Released via Alcopop! Records who the band have recently signed to, ‘Who Do We Not Save?’ takes aim at the incompetent Tory government and their continued attempts to privatise the NHS. Giving their listeners a space to release their pent up frustrations, fears and disappointments is a core value of Problem Patterns’ music, and with this track the band have provided another cathartic aural antidote to offset the anxiety of the uncertain times we’re currently living through. (KC)

SPIDER – ‘America’s Next Top Model’
Written in response to the backlash she received and the whitewashing she witnessed on popular online platforms, SPIDER chooses to thrive in the face of adversity on her new track, ‘America’s Next Top Model’. Taking aim at her critics via abrasive riffs and candid lyrics, the London-based, Irish musician & producer has channelled her vitriolic energy into another empowering anthem and accompanying video, which acts as a defiant cry for better black representation in alternative music scenes. (KC)

Momma – ‘Bang Bang’
New York City four-piece Momma are back – with a bang – on their latest single. This track was co-written by band members Etta Friedman and Allegra Weingarten when they both caught Covid-19 last year. Making the most of their time in isolation, the pair got drunk together and ended up writing a fun song about great sex, with ‘Bang Bang’ being the result. All of Momma’s songs are mega catchy and this one is no exception. (KC)

Lilies In My Brain – ‘Blue Sky’
Inspired by everyone from Alkaline Trio, to Angel Olsen and Wet Leg, South London-based four-piece Lilies In My Brain create shimmering indie-pop anthems. This track is taken from their album, 21 = 2a + 7, which the band released back in 2021. They’re currently working on their second album, which they’re planning to release later this year. (KC)

Perlee – ‘Lampshade’
Inspired by everything from the nature of unconditional love to the banality of capitalist society, Berlin-based Irish band Perlee are preparing to release their debut album, Speaking from Other Rooms on 21st April. This track is lifted from the record, and its full of glistening guitars and dreamy vocals. (KC)

Lunar Vacation – ‘Only You’
Following the release of their debut album in 2021, ‘Only You’ is the latest single from Atlanta-based Lunar Vacation. Rippling with beautifully lilting melodies, it shimmers with a stirring emotion and sparkling, cinematic grace, offering an irresistibly effervescent slice of indie-pop with shades of the likes of Alvvays and Best Coast. (ML)

Lusa Morena – ‘Where’s The Spark (If Not In You)’
Having wowed us with the fierce charisma of their live show at The Shacklewell Arms last year, London-based five piece Lusa Morena have recently released a twinkling new single. Reflecting on society’s frequent dismissal of – and stigma around – feelings of depression or mental health struggles, ‘Where’s The Spark’ is a beautifully moving ballad, oozing sweeping, glossy riffs alongside front woman Bárbara’s rich, luscious vocals. (ML)

Aisha Badru – ‘Lazy River’
Flowing with a lilting energy, ‘Lazy River’ reflects on the journey of emotional healing and the time that this can take. Rippling with the shimmering grace of Badru’s vocals and a twinkling folk-strewn musicality, it oozes an exquisite stirring splendour. Learning To Love Again, the upcoming new EP from Aisha Badru, is set for release in June. (ML)

JFDR – ‘Spectator’
I notice something different each time I listen to this beautiful track by Icelandic experimental songwriter JFDR. Her tender voice and concise, gentle lyrics compliment the glimmering synths perfectly. ‘Spectator’ is lifted from her upcoming album Museum, which is set for release on 28th April via Houndstooth Records. Speaking about the track, JFDR explains “‘Spectator’ is an anthem for the codependent, a lullaby for the ones slightly codependent and for those who have never felt it; a mirror into the raw thought process of someone deep in the trenches of it.” (KC)

Midwife & Vyva Melinkolya – ‘NMP’
I never tire of listening to Midwife’s melancholy sounds, and this new collaborative effort with Vyva Melinkolya is no exception. ‘NMP’ is taken from the duo’s upcoming 5-song album, Orbweaving, which will be released on 12th May via The Flenser. The record is described as “a web like structure – a gauze of sorrow and visceral connective thread” that combines their experiences of hopelessness, calling on a higher power, being alone, and the sublime horror of the natural world. I can’t wait to hear it. (KC)

LANA DEL RABIES – ‘Prayers of Consequence’
The opening track to her recent album STREGA BEATA – which loosely translates as “Blessed Witch” – I love this gloomy, evocative track from Lana Del Rabies. A creator of corrosive, brooding experimental sounds, the Phoenix-based producer and multimedia artist’s new record is a cathartic medium for her innermost thoughts on the human condition, grief and navigating tragedy. You can listen to the album and read about some of the music that inspired her to write it in our Five Favourites feature here. (KC)

MANDY, INDIANA – ‘Pinking Shears’
A brittle, abrasive blend of beats, noise and bittersweet French vocals, this track from Manchester-based four-piece MANDY, INDIANA seethes with a palpable frustration. The track is taken from their upcoming debut album, i’ve seen a way, which is set for release on 19th May via Fire Talk Records. (KC)

DEBBY FRIDAY – ‘Hot Love’
Taken from her upcoming debut album, GOOD LUCK, which is set for release via Sub Pop on 24th March, ‘Hot Love’ is another industrial-tinged, explosive electronic banger from DEBBY FRIDAY. The Nigerian-born, Toronto-based artist continues to provide the soundtrack for messy nights on the dancefloor, and the impact that the intoxicating and toxic people we meet in the hedonistic process. (KC)

ARXX – ‘God Knows’
The latest single from absolute faves, Brighton’s ARXX, ‘God Knows’ offers a perfectly heartfelt and instantly catchy anthem. Embracing their love of all things pop, it veers away from the more gritty sound of previous offerings whilst maintaining the duo’s distinctive emotion-strewn power. Of the track, they explain: “We really pushed ourselves to step into Dua Lipa’s shoes. We were able to live our Cher dreams and dive into the world of auto tune and swoopy synths.” ARXX’s upcoming debut album, Ride or Die, is out on 31st March – pre-order here. Catch ARXX live on tour over the next couple of months (I can’t wait to catch them at Rough Trade East on my birthday!) (ML)

Gabi Garbutt and Du Blonde – ‘Panic’
A perfect collaboration between Gabi Garbutt and acclaimed artist Du Blonde, ‘Panic’ is propelled by a swirling post-punk energy alongside sugar-sweet pop melodies as the two vocals fuse together with a shimmering charm, creating a truly blissful, instantly infectious, indie-pop anthem. Watch the wonderful DIY video for ‘Panic’ here. (ML)

Tiiva – ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ (Wheatus Cover)
Taking a classic 00s anthem and putting their own euphoric spin on it, London-based producer Tiiva’s cover of Wheatus’ ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ is a celebration of queer love. Full of quirky synths and dreamy vocals, the track reflects Tiiva’s own feelings about coming-of-age as a queer person. “I wanted to cover something that I could sing about and be like, ‘yeah that’s me, that’s how I feel’,” Tiiva explains. “The lyrics feel hyper real, my first crush on a girl, feeling invisible in my queerness and wanting to be accepted, to be cool. I feel like this song is such an anthem but also so fun, celebrating how to just be yourself and enjoy it, that’s what the song means to me, and I wanted to share that.” (KC)

Panic Pocket – ‘Mad Half Hour’
The first taste of their upcoming album of the same name, Panic Pocket’s latest single ‘Mad Half Hour’ offers a joyous ode to Spice Girls legend Geri Haliwell, oozing all the playful tongue-in-cheek energy that we’ve come to know and love from the London duo. An instantly catchy slice of fizzing punk-pop, it will have you singing along on first listen; so, don your thigh high boots, scream ‘Girl Power!’ and relish in the nostalgic bliss of this witty anthem. (ML)

Jen Cloher – ‘Mana Takatāpui’
This poignant single from Australian artist Jen Cloher, ‘Mana Takatāpui’ offers a blissful celebration of the indigenous Polynesian people of Aotearoa, New Zealand, the Māori LGBTQ+ community. Showcasing Jen’s trademark luscious soothing vocals alongside a shimmering musicality, it builds with an uplifting energy to a truly joyous unifying anthem. I Am The River, The River Is Me, the upcoming new album from Jen Cloher, is out now via Milk! Records / Marathon Artists (ML)

Girl Ray – ‘Everybody’s Saying That’
Reflecting on themes of new love and self-doubt, ‘Everybody’s Saying That‘ is the latest single from London trio Girl Ray. Swirling with a disco-inspired energy, oozing the band’s colourful charisma and uplifting charm, I just love its funk-fuelled hooks and sparkling danceable allure – a perfect uplifting anthem, that will elevate your spirits, leaving you ready to hit the dancefloor/roller-disco/bedroom with a revived sense of optimism. (ML)

LIVE: Rolo Tomassi & Holy Fawn – Electric Ballroom, Camden 15.02.23

“If you keep buying the tickets, we’ll keep coming back!” – a simple statement, but one that rang true for a room full of loyal Rolo Tomassi fans at Camden’s Electric Ballroom on Wednesday night. Playing their biggest headline show to date at the London venue, the Sheffield-based five-piece spent the final night of their recent European tour in front of an appreciative and energised crowd.

Formed back in 2005, the band – comprised of Eva Korman, James Spence, Chris Cayford, Nathan Fairweather and Al Pott – have enjoyed the type of hard earned, admirable longevity that is rarely afforded to bands in any music scene, especially those in alternative spheres. After Wednesday night’s performance however, it’s easy to see why Rolo Tomassi have kept their fans coming back to shows after almost two decades of playing together.

Opening their set with atmospheric anthem ‘Almost Always’, the all-encompassing, swelling guitar sounds and Korman’s measured vocals were enhanced by an impressive light show. It set the precedent for a night of nuanced, commanding sound that was executed with tenacious, distinctive Rolo Tomassi flair. Korman’s elastic vocal range was unsurprisingly, hugely impressive. Her cord-ripping screams were contrasted with softer moments throughout the set, and made all the more potent by the crystalline, visceral walls of sound her bandmates conjured.

The setlist was comprised predominantly of tracks from the band’s recent album, Where Myth Becomes Memory, including ‘Closer’, ‘To Resist Forgetting’, ‘Labyrinthine’, ‘Mutual Ruin’, ‘Prescience’ and an encore of ‘Drip’. These were balanced alongside offerings from 2018’s Time Will Die and Love Will Bury It, (‘Aftermath’, ‘Rituals’, ‘A Flood of Light’, ‘Contretemps’) and interspersed with a handful of songs from 2015’s Grievances (‘Opalescent’ and ‘Stage Knives’). All received enthusiastic reactions from the crowd, with hands and horns in the air throughout the show.

Before Rolo Tomassi took to the stage however, their fans turned up early for sets from hotly tipped support acts Heriot and Holy Fawn. The latter, who were playing their second ever UK show, expressed a heartfelt gratitude to the headliners and the spectators for giving them such a warm welcome. The Phoenix-based four-piece delivered a genre-defying set packed with sounds that captivated and obliterated in equal measure.

Formed of Ryan Osterman, Evan Phelps, Alexander Rieth, and Austin Reinholz, Holy Fawn have a collective intuition for balancing perfectly timed, blissfully noisy drop ins alongside more shadowy, majestic sounds. This state of emotional flux is something the band captured on their recent album Dimensional Bleed, and it’s one that translates beautifully in a live setting.

Whilst the gentler, more ethereal elements of Osterman’s vocals were occasionally lost in the mix, his screams cut through perfectly. From the bruising nature of heavier tracks like ‘Death Is A Relief’, ‘Blood Pact’ and ‘Dark Stone’, through to their more melodic offerings ‘Arrows’ and ‘Seer’, Holy Fawn’s magnetic sound resonates long after listening.

Together, Rolo Tomassi, Holy Fawn and Heriot provided a welcome headrush of visceral, raw, intricately delivered noise to an attentive fanbase who will no doubt return in their droves when future tour dates are announced.

Follow Rolo Tomassi on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Facebook & Instagram

Follow Holy Fawn on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Facebook & Instagram

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

 

LISTEN: GIHE on Soho Radio Highlights Of 2022 (13.12.22)

Tash and Kate were back on Soho Radio’s airwaves for one final time this year, playing some of their favourite tracks that were released in 2022 by female, non-binary and LGBTQIA+ artists! They enthused about the eclectic mix of tracks on the playlist, spoke about their favourite gigs of the year and named their No.1 album of 2022 at the end of the show. Mari also offered some of her end of year “musical musings” including tracks by ARXX, Fraulein, Petrol Girls and Blonde Maze. There’s a few alternative Christmas tracks thrown in for fun, ’tis the season after all!

Huge love to everyone who’s tuned into our shows this year. Thank you for your support. We’ll be back on air in January 2023. Take it easy until then! x

Listen back below:

 

Tracklist
Poly Styrene – Black Christmas
Alien Chicks – Woodlouse
Jadu Heart – Freedom
Sudan Archives – Selfish Soul
Tomberlin – happy accident
Brimheim – Favorite Day Of The Week
Charlotte Adigery, Bolis Pupil – ceci n’est pas un cliché
Jockstrap – Greatest Hits
O Hell – I Watch The Women
AGAAMA – Blackbox Oracle
Maria Uzor – Cockstrutter
Nilufer Yanya – Midnight Sun (Sampha remix)
Noga Erez – Nails
meet me in brooklyn – Yaya Bey
Brutus – Victoria
Big Joanie – Happier Still
Problem Patterns – YAW
Porridge Radio – Back To The Radio
Jenny Moore’s Mystic Business – Woman Is A Word (Please tag f__choir insta)
Joe Goddard – Gabriel
Trills – Feels Good
Ethel Cain – Gibson Girl
Phoebe Troup – says the thought to the feeling
Ailbhe Reddy – Shitshow
Petrol Girls – Baby, I Had An Abortion
Fraulein – Drag Behind
ARXX – The Last Time
Blonde Maze – Forever Sun
NAMELESS TWIN – My Eyes Went Black
The Joy Formidable – My Beerdrunk Soul Is Sadder Than A Hundred Dead Christmas Trees