Fresh from performing alongside Coach Party and Bedroom High Club at London’s Omeara, Hackney-based alt-rock trio House Of Women are reflecting on a productive year. From playing knockout sets at All Points East and 2000trees festivals in the summer, to self-releasing their debut EP, People Printing, in November; together, Elsa Malazogu (guitar), Poppy Miller (guitar) and Kyla Lanai (vocals, piano) have created a compelling sound and statement that hints at a band with truly exciting potential.
We caught up with the trio to talk about their roots, their inspirations, and the pros and cons that come with independently releasing your own music…
Hello Poppy, Kyla and Elsa! For anyone who doesn’t already know, can you tell us how you first met and formed House Of Women?
Poppy: Me and Kyla met at a music collage in East London, we started writing some songs together and came up with the name. We saw Elsa at a college rehearsal and I remember seeing this tiny girl on stage, but she stood out so well. We asked her if she was in a band already, she said she was, however never mentioned this mystery band ever again. Here we are…
Kyla: Poppy and I were in the same year in college and became friends because of it. I remember us talking about how we both had always wanted to start a band and decided to start writing some music together over the summer. Elsa was the year below us and we met her while we were watching one of her project rehearsals in college. We saw her playing and thought we’d ask her to come and try a rehearsal with us.
Elsa: From the first industry lesson I took joining music college, I picked House of Women as one of the artists on the list to listen to in class – having no idea ‘what’ it was. After having a listen and instantly loving the demo, I then surprisingly saw the two piece (Kyla and Poppy) live which sparked a memory for me back to that industry lesson. Couple days later, whilst rehearsing for my first project at school, I was approached by Kyla and Poppy after hearing some good reviews about my playing, where they asked the special question “do you want to jam sometime?” The rest was history… although they may say I was ‘playing hard to get’, I was definitely in a casual band before!
Sometimes playing hard to get (even if you actually aren’t) is the way to go! Congratulations on releasing your debut EP, People Printing, back in November. What are you most proud of about this record?
Poppy: Thank you! I’m most proud of the sound we have curated so far and the songwriting. I also love the seamlessness from ‘Elsa’s Lullaby’ going into ‘The Arc’.
Kyla: Personally, I’m proud of the songwriter that I have become by writing with House of Women. I think that we have started to really develop our own sound and that’s something that you can hear on the EP.
Elsa: This EP release has been our biggest project yet! The thing I’m most proud about is the structure of the EP. I strongly feel that it has a good flow from start to end, and thought deeply about the journey we wanted [people to have] whilst listening to 27 minutes of House of Women. Like our songs, we jump from soft verses/instrumentals to belting vocals and heavy distorted guitars; you get a strong sense of what House of Women is from People Printing.
Your sound is informed by lots of seminal 90s bands: Alice in Chains, Mazzy Star, PJ Harvey, Sonic Youth, Nick Cave and Jeff Buckley. Can you tell us what it is about these artists that inspired you to write your own music?
Poppy: I love the chords Jeff Buckley uses. They can be so bright and beautiful, matching his voice, but also heavy and dark at times. I love the rotations and progressions he writes; it all feels very cyclical.
Kyla: I always focus on vocalists and how different people add their vocals to instrumentals. I think that Alice in Chains, Mazzy Star and Jeff Buckley are my biggest inspirations because they all have vocals that really compliment the songs and add something relevant to them rather than take over.
Elsa: From my perspective of writing, I am a hard Alice in Chains’= fan, in all elements. Jerry Cantrell’s melodies and original grunge sound is very inspiring to me. We fit in with them as they have an equal share of rhythm and lead guitars as well as a large vocal range that Lane Stayley has. Or, I just love them to be honest…
You self-released your EP, People Printing. What are the pros and cons of this independent process? What advice would you give to bands or artists who are contemplating doing the same?
Poppy: It’s scary just putting stuff into the world hoping it gets noticed, but also very freeing. We just went into the studio and did what we wanted. Highly recommend.
Kyla: I think that it’s definitely scary to put yourself out there alone and release music for everyone to hear, but I would say take all of the opportunities that you can get and start as soon as you can.
Elsa: We went through EMU bands for our distribution process which was quite straightforward and a quick process. Originally we tried CD Baby, however there was difficulty with the American tax system therefore we had to switch to avoid complications and potentially paying more – that’s up to you to decide of course. Personally, I think it gets difficult when connecting your PRS account (which I should complete actually…) and knowing when the best time is to apply for playlists.
Do you have a favourite track on the EP? If so, why?
Poppy: I love ‘Elsa’s Lullaby’, It’s just so cool. ‘Hypocrite’ is a tune though.
Kyla: I think that ‘Few Too Many Times’ will always hold a special place in my heart, but ‘Hypocrite’ is one that I am proudest of both lyrically and vocally.
Elsa: I could easily say ‘Elsa’s Lullaby’ but I’m going to think further away than just my name. Even though it presents a dark, atmospheric feel with a dissonant melody that will keep you on edge, I have to say that I love ‘Hypocrite’. Our longest song YET. Especially our 2 minute long bridge that returns back to the headbanging riff that everyone loves! Mmmmhh It’s a good end to the EP.
You’ve played some great gigs this year, including a headline show at Notting Hill Arts Club and festival slots at All Points East and 2000trees. Tell us some of the highlights from these performances?
Poppy: I loved our Notting Hill Arts Club EP release. The room had so much energy and sweat it was beautiful. I left my guitar feeding back on the stage floor before coming back for an encore, It definitely felt pretty rockstar.
Kyla: I think that 2000 Trees was a big highlight of the year for me, because of how beautiful the stage was and the festival overall had an amazing atmosphere. I loved Notting Hill Arts club because it was one of the best crowds we’ve ever had with so much interaction from the audience.
Elsa: I’m very grateful for opportunities such as All Points East and 2000 Trees. The feeling of being backstage with other artists and playing your own songs on a massive stage is a great accomplishment. Oh, Also having my brother sent to the hospital at the end of 2000 Trees was a highlight! Maybe crowd surfing isn’t for everyone…
That sounds intense. He’s clearly your most dedicated fan.
We know you’ve been busy releasing your own music, but is there an EP or album that you have loved listening to from another band/artist this year?
Poppy: I’m gonna have to say LoggerHead by Wu-Lu. I’m late to it though, it was released in 2022. But definitely been one of my faves I’ve been listening to this year.
Kyla: I’ve really been enjoying Volcano by Jungle and although it was actually release in 2018 I have just discovered and have really been enjoying Errorzone by Vein.fm.
Elsa: Apart from the one and only EP People Printing, next in line has to be GLOW ON by Turnstile in 2021. I absolutely love their nasty breakdowns with a touch of percussion and catchy melodies. You will catch me headbanging at a Turnstile concert for sure with our manager Danny. I’m forcing you
Finally, can you tell us any plans House Of Women might have for new music in 2024?
Poppy: We’ve been writing loads and loads and we’re hoping to get back in the studio ASAP.
Kyla: We have some new songs that I would love for us to record…
Elsa: New music New music New music! Definitely coming your way. Although, nothing ready to release just yet, we have plans set, might even surprise you…
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