GIHE: Personal Highlights Of 2023

We’ve already shared our Albums & EPs Of 2023, Tracks Of 2023 and our final Soho Radio show of the year, but now the GIHE team have put together a round up of some of their music related highlights from the past twelve months.

From the eclectic and brilliant lineups that Mari organised for our monthly GIHE gigs at The Shacklewell Arms and Sebright Arms, to the monthly Soho Radio shows that Kate & Tash produced and hosted; the GIHE team were grateful to feel connected – either through the internet or in real life – to our friends and followers, and that’s something our Personal Highlights of 2023 reflect.

Read below for a recap of some of our best bits of the year. Huge thanks to everyone who has supported GIHE. We’ll see you in 2024. x

GIHE Live with STRAIGHT GIRL at The Shacklewell Arms

Whilst I truly love all the gigs I host, and am so grateful to all the amazing bands who play for us, the lovely venues, and everyone who makes it out, there are sometimes gigs that do stand out as particularly memorable. This year, one such gig was when Leeds based artist STRAIGHT GIRL came to headline for us in July. With their immense swirling energy and magnetic tongue-in-cheek charisma, they spread all the fizzing queer joy we could ever desire; immersing themselves within the crowd (quite literally at times!), they created a wonderfully unifying exuberant euphoria. And, with support from the fierce raging power of band-on-the-rise, sister duo ALT BLK ERA, and the gritty, immersive allure of The Dead Zoo, it was a night we won’t be forgetting in a hurry. We were also able to raise money for vital charity London Trans Pride.

Thanks again to all the incredible bands who’ve played at our gigs this year, putting on these events is my most favourite thing to do and you always make it so worth it. Thanks too, in particular, to The Shacklewell Arms, where we’ve been lucky enough to host most of the gigs. A really lovely team of chilled out folk (including some of the best sound engineers like the legendary Sofia!) who seem dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive space.
(Mari Lane – GIHE Co-Founder)
(Photo Credit: Cassie Barnard)

GIHE Live with Problems Patterns at Sebright Arms

This year has been a pretty special one for Belfast punks Problem Patterns, with the release of their highly acclaimed album, Blouse Club, via Alcopop! Records (one of our albums of the year!) supporting total legends Le Tigre in Glasgow, and doing live sessions for the likes of Deb Grant and Tom Ravenscroft on BBC 6Music. So it was an extra special honour to have them return to play live for us again, following their headline set at Shacklewell Arms back in 2021. This time, they headed up a line-up of total dreams, with support from Fightmilk and Dogviolet, selling out Sebright Arms. As expected, they completely blew us away with their immense raw power and wonderful unique charisma; it’s always a fantastic experience seeing them live, and it’s particularly lovely to see a band who not only deliver stark political messages, but do so with a vibrant energy, their endearing closeness as friends and sparkling wit shining throughout.

It was also a real treat to have long-time faves Fightmilk deliver the most fun-filled set of sing-along punk-pop anthems new and old, whilst band-on-the-rise Dogviolet exuded a spellbinding majesty opening the night. An evening of all the best vibes, I seemed to switch between grinning from cheek-to-cheek and crying tears of joy throughout, and just feel so grateful to have hosted such a special event. As with all our gigs, we were also collecting donations for charity on the door, and this time managed to raise money for vital organisation Rainbow Migration. (ML)
(Photo Credit: Jojo Brown)

Contributing to Hope Lynes ‘A New Age Of Riot Grrrl’ Audio Doc

We love talking to people about what inspired us to launch Get In Her Ears, so when Kerrang Radio DJ Hope Lynes reached out and asked us to contribute to her Riot Grrrl audio documentary pitch, it was an instant yes from me. We spoke about the evolution of and lasting influence of Riot Grrrl culture, and how it’s been a gateway movement and sound for so many young women and non-binary folk into creating music today. Hope won an award for her hard work, and I’m not surprised. Featuring great contributions from GRRRL Music, Where Are The Girlbands?, Mia Hughes, Rachel Roberts, Venus Grrrls, Katja Macabre, Delilah Bon, Bambie Thug, Television Screams and Skint Knees; it’s well worth a listen. Link here.
(Kate Crudgington – GIHE Co-Founder)

GIHE Great Escape Special show with SPIDER on Soho Radio

We usually cover The Great Escape on GIHE, but this year, we dedicated our entire May Soho Radio show to artists who we were most looking forward to seeing live across multiple venues at the three day festival in Brighton. The playlist included tracks from JFDR, Seraphina Simone, Delilah Holliday, HotWax, Coach Party, Problem Patterns, ARXX, CLT DRP, Whitelands, Human Interest and more.

It was a privilege to have Dublin-born, London-based alt-pop artist SPIDER join us in the studio for a chat about her upcoming performance at the festival. She was such a vibrant and charismatic force and we really enjoyed chatting to her about her EP, HELL OR HIGH WATER, and listening to 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 show here. Read our overall review of The Great Escape here. (KC)

Deershed Festival

With Deer Shed festival included in this list after I’d been for the first time last year, I’m afraid I’m a creature of habit and can’t not include it here again after having the opportunity to go this summer. Promoting a real family focus, whilst hosting an incredible range of exciting new artists, it oozes the warmest of vibes and – being smaller in size than most other festivals – creates a space that feels comfortingly intimate; an inclusive safe haven for artists and fans of all genres and ages. This year, I had another dreamy time. Whilst Friday evening was brought to a close by the joyous, empowering energy of Dream Wife (with GIHE fave Straight Girl even making an appearance!), on Saturday highlights included the riotous power and playful allure of Panic Shack, the compelling fierce energy of Sprints and the blissful groove of All Day Breakfast Cafe. And, on Sunday, I fell in love with Pet Snake, immersed myself in the cutting post-punk power of English Teacher and cried my way through the searing twinkling emotion of The Big Moon. Despite the rain, another beautiful weekend at Deer Shed, which I hope to replicate for a third time next year (with CMAT and The Go! Team on the line-up, I’m sure it won’t disappoint!) (ML)

GIHE x Morning Glory Live Takeover on Soho Radio with NYX

It was so much fun covering Soho Radio’s Morning Glory show in September, presenting live from the studio! Tash and I had a blast playing tracks from some of our GIHE “spotlight” artists, and Tash had a chat with Glasgow newcomer Litty, who fronts indie band Brenda. In the second half of the show, we were joined in the studio by Alicia and Philippa from the NYX electronic drone choir. We spoke to them about their collaborative album with Gazelle Twin, Deep England, their contribution to the Diablo IV video game soundtrack, and the instinctive ways in which they use technology to enhance the power of the human voice. We also set some time aside to fangirl over afromerm/CIL too, who has recently joined their ranks. I’ve been following NYX’s work for a long time, so it was a privilege to be able to have them as guests on our show.

Listen back to the show in full here. (KC)

Le Tigre Live at The Troxy

Having been lucky enough to previously catch Bikini Kill and The Julie Ruin live over the last few years, I didn’t think there’d be another opportunity for me to see Kathleen Hanna live, but I’m extremely pleased to have been wrong. The holy trinity of inspirational bands was completed for me when I got to see Le Tigre live in June, along with GIHE pals Tash, Kate and Paul, and it was just as wonderful as expected. Anyone who knows me will know how much Kathleen means to me, and it felt extra special to see Le Tigre; you could say they were my ‘gateway’ into all things riot grrrl. I have so many memories of being a teen, and dancing to ‘Deceptacon’ at the local indie night, which then lead to me discovering Kathleen Hanna’s other work. Since then, their music has continued to soothe and motivate with its cathartic joy, their fizzing politically-charged energy often being a lifeline for me. And yes, many tears were shed seeing ‘Keep On Livin’ live. (ML)

Lingua Ignota Live at Islington Assembly Hall

Witnessing one of Lingua Ignota’s final UK shows under her old moniker was a truly breathtaking experience. I’ve been privileged to see her live in London three times before, but this performance felt like unlike any other. Sat at her piano, clothed in a red mesh dress, she performed songs from her impressive back catalogue, unleashing her immense, dynamic vocals on to a crowd of devoutly silent listeners. Truly one of the most intense shows I have ever attended. Lingua Ignota may be “dead”, but long live Reverend Kristin Michael Hayter, who has risen from the ashes and become an entity all of her own. You can listen to a live recording of Lingua Ignota’s final performance via bandcamp here. You can also listen to Reverend Kristin Michael Hayter’s debut album, SAVED!, here. (KC)

YAKKIE Live at The Victoria, Dalston

It’s hard to pin-point much ‘good’ news to have come from 2023, but one thing that was undeniably great to happen was the formation of brand new super group YAKKIE. Fronted by interminable force of nature Janey, plus phenomenal musicians Robin (Petrol Girls, Personal Best), and Ankles and Jodie (both of Colour Me Wednesday), it’s been amazing to see this absolute epic collective of faves come together in all their punk-rock glory for this special project. It was a real honour to be at The Victoria for their first ever proper gig this autumn; a truly empowering night of rage, joy and unity. And it really was particularly wonderful to see Janey back on stage, in her element; she really does have a sparkling charisma and immense presence that is unlike anyone else I’ve ever seen. So, thank you YAKKIE for coming into existence just when we needed you the most; at the moment, it’s more important than ever to have bands like them, not afraid to speak up for what’s right and use their platform as a real force for change. (ML)

Huge thanks to the bands and artists who have played live for GIHE, been a guest on our Soho Radio shows. Huge love to everyone who has listened in, read our reviews or attended one of our gigs this year. Take care of yourselves and we’ll see you all in 2024. x

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GIHE: Personal Highlights Of 2020

2020 has been a year unlike any other and we’ll be glad to see the back of it, but before we wave goodbye, the GIHE team would like to share some of their personal highlights. Thanks to everyone who has been following, reading or listening to GIHE this year. It really does mean the world to us and we couldn’t do this without you.

Shared Highlights

Seeing the GIHE name appear in a PHYSICAL BOOK was a landmark moment for the team this year. Music journalist Lucy O’Brien mentioned us in her 25th anniversary edition of She Bop, a fantastic book that explores the role of female artists and how they’ve helped to shape the music industry. You can buy your copy here.

Fellow GIHE Co-Founder Tash Walker was super busy recording & producing series 2 of The Log Books throughout 2020, a podcast which explores the history of the LGBTQ community via the phone archives of LGBT+ charity Switchboard. Tash is a co-chair at Switchboard and she is dedicated to celebrating and supporting the LGBTQ community through her work with them, and through her work with GIHE. She is one of the most resilient, informed and hilarious people we know and it’s a privilege to work alongside her and call her a friend. The Log Books are a truly necessary listen for all.

Now for some personal highlights…

Kate Crudgington (Features Editor)

GIHE usually takes up a big part of my life, but it was a lifeline for me during March of this year when the government text me (lol) telling me to shield for 12 weeks. Thanks to the magic of the internet, I was able to talk to the people who were making the music that was distracting me from the panic-inducing headlines, reminding me what a huge privilege it is to have access to this amazing platform.

As our followers already know, Lockdown 1.0 instantly put a stop to our weekly GIHE new music shows on Hoxton Radio. We had 16 weeks off air, so when it was “safe” for me to go back in to the studio in July I was buzzing with excitement (which you can hear in my voice if you listen back to the show here.)

Like most platforms during the pandemic, we embraced technology and started interviewing artists over Zoom instead of inviting them in to the studio for the usual chat and live session. We managed to get time with Jessica Winter, BISHI, Lucy O’Brien, Tessa from Girlhood, Julia-Sophie, Lizzie from Bitch Falcon, Grave Goods, Problem Patterns, ZAND, Hannah from PELA, Seraphina-Simone & Penelope Trappes. It was so lovely to see Tash in person in the studio most weeks, and while we both missed seeing Mari a great deal, her weekly track contributions to the show still made it feel like a GIHE team effort.

At the beginning of the year, I was invited by Niall Jackson, one of the hosts of Riverside Radio’s The Irish Jam, to be a contributor to their New Music Sunday section. Co-hosted by Kealan, Mel and Rob, The Irish Jam is a London based radio show that celebrates and promotes music from Irish artists. The crossover of favourite bands between GIHE & the Jam is huge and something I’ve enjoyed chatting to the team about both on and off air. They’ve introduced me to the likes of CMAT, fears, Denise Chaila, Silverbacks and Celaviedmai, whilst I’ve shared tracks by Kynsy, Party Fears and CAMI with them. Listening to their show on a Sunday evening continues to be a wonderful distraction from life.

Who could’ve predicted that bandcamp would become the musical hero of 2020? When the streaming platform announced that on the first Friday of every month they’d be waiving their fees so that 100% of profits would be going directly to artists, my newsfeeds were awash with new music recommendations. Moving home to Essex from London in March meant I actually had some expendable income to buy new records, so I was furiously typing bespoke recommendation threads on Twitter every time the date rolled around. bandcamps’ generosity meant you were able to genuinely support your friends (and the artists you secretly wish you were friends with) during a truly depressing year for music.

Normally, we’d be picking our live music highlights too, but for obvious reasons, we’ve hardly been to any gigs this year. Mari had to cancel half of the gigs GIHE she had booked pre-pandemic and it’s fucking depressing to not know when it will be (properly) safe for her to book more. That’s why I feel incredibly fortunate to have wedged in one last GIHE gig before Lockdown 1.0. GIHE worked together with Sofar Sounds to put together a special International Women’s Day gig at their Hackney HQ in March, with Beckie Margaret, Amahla and Indian Queens on the bill. It was so exciting (and nerve-racking) to host the evening with fellow GIHE pal Tash too. Even if I’d had a year full of gigs, this one still would’ve made my highlights list.

One last gloat – I published some of my all-time favourite features on our website this year. My Zoom interviews with the wonderful A.A Williams, the hilarious CMAT and the ultra talented Lido Pimienta are well worth a read.

Mari Lane (Managing Editor)

It goes without saying, most of the highlights I’d normally mention at this time of year were not able to go ahead in the void of 2020. They would normally consist of the monthly gigs that I host at The Finsbury, whereas this year I was only able to put on two before Covid hit. And, in addition to having to cancel at least seven of our regular gigs, we were pretty heartbroken to cancel what would have been our very first festival, due to take place in July. However, I did manage to fit in a couple of memorable live experiences before being confined to being permanently pyjama clad; my only weekly highlight being our regular beer delivery from Croydon’s Art & Craft bar.

The first gig I hosted this year felt particularly special. Personal Best headlined a night filled with all the best vibes. Drawing the night to a memorable close, front person Katie Gatt dedicated their set closer to the queer community. As a sea of buoyant voices joined in with “I wanna kiss you in the street / where everyone can see / ’cause this is what we look like,” the poignancy of the lyrics was overwhelming and an empowering sense of unity took hold. The night also included the shimmering folk-strewn offerings of Athabaska, the quirky energy and sparkling charisma of Nun Habit and the sun-drenched swirling anthems of Hurtling. There is nothing quite like that joyous sense of togetherness that comes from hosting gigs filled with like-minded wonderful people.

I was also lucky enough to fit in seeing one of my all time favourite bands with a few of my all time favourite people. The last time that Tash, Kate, Paul and I were all together pre-Covid was for Sleater Kinney at Brixton Academy – a pretty special night. Not only did I get to see the legendary Carrie Brownstein deliver her distinctive gritty, scuzz-filled riffs alongside Corin Tucker’s unmistakable swooning vocals in the flesh, conjuring up massive feelings of awe and nostalgia, but they were supported by one of our favourite current bands. The second time we’d seen Big Joanie on the Brixton Academy stage (the first being opening for Bikini Kill last year!), they showcased just how deserving they are of their rising success; with their unique, raw, post-punk soundscapes and poignant lyricism, they delivered an absolutely incredible set. A truly memorable night.

My last ‘outing’ before lockdown was to the BBC 6Music festival for International Women’s Day at The Roundhouse. An epic line-up consisting of some incredible women and non-binary folk that I’m incredibly grateful I got to witness before everything fell apart. In addition to the immense poignant power of Jehnny Beth, the utterly beguiling splendour of Nadine Shah (who I fell in love with there and then), and the completely mind-blowing presence of hero Kim Gordon, Kae Tempest delivered a fiercely moving, truly breath-taking headline set.

And then gigs were gone. To be replaced by online streamed “events” which I think have had mixed reviews over the last few months – they’re of course no replacement for the “real thing” and it’s hard to feel motivated to “attend” things when you’ve been on the sofa in your pjs for weeks. However, I have managed to organise a few GIHE Instagram ‘Takeovers’, featuring some of our favourite bands and artists. From ARXX’s drum and guitar lessons, LibraLibra’s quirky tele-sales style feature and Tiger Mimic’s interviews with others on the scene, to inspiring chats with Amaroun, Eckoes, Foundlings and Husk, beaut “live” sessions from Gold Baby, Scrounge and KIN, and King Hannah’s EP run through, I feel grateful that so many creatives have wanted to be involved.

It’s a strange time, no doubt, but one which is made that much better by a sense of togetherness within the community. One positive from all this really has been the mutual support and genuine care that I’ve seen musicians and those within the industry show for each other.

John McGovern (Contributor)

On the one hand, there’s been almost no gigs, no festivals, much fewer physical releases and closed record shops. On the other, BBC 6Music’s response helped me stay indoors and make the most of my furlough life. Lauren Laverne‘s show was extended to cover the late morning, running to nearly double the length of most of the other shows on the station and basically saw her appointed as chief mood-lifter for the BBC’s flagship alternative music station. Amongst the days of uncertainty, where even leaving the house offered the risk of serious illness, with no guarantee of a job at the end of the summer, having Lauren there to soundtrack breakfast/brunch made a world of difference. It produced a kind of odd stasis: the background radiation of a pandemic, but an excellent range of music, usually featuring a smattering of classics, new music and obscure gems. The only disappointment was when the schedule reverted back to usual come the end of lockdown. Hopefully, that same semblance of normality will be back for us all, soon.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to read our highlights!

You can read about our GIHE Albums of 2020 here and our GIHE Tracks Of 2020 here.

Keep an eye out for our Ones To Watch in 2021 feature next week!

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