LIVE: Deer Shed Festival 2022 (Day 1: 29.07.22)

It’s been a while since I attended a festival… Obviously, there were so many cancellations throughout the last couple of years due the pandemic, and I missed out on 2019 as I was busy hosting my own (well, my wedding which I aimed to be as festival-like as possible). So, this year I was desperate to find one that was as lovely as possible and suited my needs of being perhaps a little older than the average festival-goer without missing out on any of the best new music. Sadly, the last festival I went to in 2018, and my favourite ever festival experience – Indie Tracks – did not survive Covid, and so I was looking for a replacement; something equally as inclusive, chilled-out, family friendly, and of course hosting plenty of amazing female and non-binary bands and artists. And then I came across Deer Shed… And it was just what I was after! Highlighting a real family-friendly focus, whilst hosting an incredible range of exciting new artists, the North Yorkshire based Deer Shed perfectly filled the festival-shaped-void I’d been feeling for the last few years.

Having settled into our pre-pitched tent (a revelation saving so much time and energy that I will be doing at every festival going forwards!), our first taste of live music of the weekend comes from Scottish artist Brooke Combe, oozing a soul-drenched groove and danceable energy.

Although sadly Lime Garden weren’t able to make their initial slot due to van troubles, we wander to the In The Dock stage to see what’s happening, and I couldn’t be happier to have happened upon an impromptu set from Leeds-based composer and producer Remy Enceladus, aka Straight Girl (“but I’m not straight and I’m not a girl!“). Delivering an incredible performance, oozing a fierce charisma and immense, vibrant energy, their unique electro-punk soundscapes and sparkling stage presence offer the perfect start to the weekend. And I’m evidently not the only one who thinks so; a child called George who can’t be more than twelve is head-banging in the front row – grasping the barriers and losing themselves in the throbbing beats, it’s really wonderful to see the positive, inspiring impact that role models like Straight Girl can have on young ones (this heartwarming sentiment is to become an ongoing theme throughout the weekend…).

After enjoying some delicious vegan delights from ‘Big Mouth Gyoza’, we head back to the main stage to enjoy the satirical indie-rock of the first of North Yorkshire’s Mercury nominees of the weekend, Yard Act. Despite not being in-keeping with the usual bands we’d feature on this site, I love their raw energy and witty social commentary; my admiration of them growing when James explains to the crowd that despite their “lad-like persona“, they’re not always cynical and can be quite nice, and that sometimes “people are alright” – an endearing introduction to their slower anthem ‘100% Endurance’.

And then back to the In The Dock Stage for the driving force of total faves The Lovely Eggs. Despite my view being somewhat obstructed by someone wearing some kind of Lowkey-inspired headpiece for the entirety of the set, it’s wonderful to see the packed tent dance along to the band’s colourful, buoyant energy and the brash, inspiring charisma and no-frills-yet-empowering presence of vocalist Holly Ross. As she takes a swig of her Thatchers (Strongbow is too weak these days), she challenges the youngsters to become the “youngest ever crowd surfer” and it strikes me that had this been anywhere else other than Deer Shed, I may have felt a bit uneasy with this suggestion – but the incredibly warm and child-friendly atmosphere just feels like one big happy family, and I have no fear that the willing participant is in safe hands (literally) as they’re propelled through the top of the crowd. However, whilst welcoming kids at gigs, Ross takes a moment in-between frenzied offerings to make her pro-abortion stance clear at a time when reproductive rights are being terrifyingly restricted across the world, stating that “it’s a woman’s choice“.

For our penultimate performance of the day, we return to the Main Stage for Bristol-based artist and someone I’ve been keen to see live for some time now – Billy Nomates. As she bounds across the stage with nothing but a laptop for company, I find myself completely immersed in her poignant spot-on lyricism and fierce, gritty energy. Delivering her stark social commentary to the backdrop of propulsive beats, she’s able to create an immense, stirring sense of urgency with a swirling, danceable allure, and I’m utterly captivated. My excitement about this set was most certainly justified.

Completing our first day at Deer Shed festival, it’s wonderful to see the return of Nadine Shah. Looking sharp in a tiger print suit, she exudes all the spellbinding charisma that I remember from seeing her at the last gig I attended before lockdown in 2019 (BBC 6Music’s International Women’s Day event at The Roundhouse). With an endearing modesty and gratitude for finally being able to headline the festival (after ten years), Shah and her band treat us to a stunningly majestic set; a sweeping orchestral musicality accompanied by her distinctive rich vocals. A truly enchanting performance creating a beautifully unified atmosphere (of “young ones and drunk parents“) to close Friday’s events in a blissfully joyous fashion.

Stay tuned for our review of Days 2 and 3 of Deer Shed festival!

Words: Mari Lane / @marimindles

Photo Credit: Paul Dawes / @paullikesrobots

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Video Premiere: Electric Pets – ‘That Way’

Having previously received acclaim for their debut single ‘Don’t Leave Me’ from the likes of BBC Introducing, Emma Buckley, Phil Wagg, Adam Grace and Pete Darrington – aka Electric Pets – have now announced that their debut EP is set for release later this month, and have shared a heartfelt new video.

With Buckley’s raw, impassioned vocals accompanied by a gritty scuzz-strewn musicality, ‘That Way‘ builds with a fierce emotion to an empowering anthem of self love and a two fingers up to society’s expectations of what we should be. Propelled by a jangly, lilting energy, an immersive, intimate tone soon gathers pace and intensity to create a catchy slice of garage-infused rock, oozing a bold swagger. Of the track, Buckley explains:

“You could say ‘That Way’ is my autobiographical f**k you to the music industry. I spent so long being too much of something to someone and not enough of the same thing for someone else. I needed to remind myself who I was. This song is for all the people that never quite fit in, the ones who never quite felt good enough. A reminder to unapologetically love yourself.“

‘That Way’ is accompanied by stirring new video, featuring artfully filmed footage of the band glistening with a sparkling allure. Watch it for the first time here:

Rhinoceros, the debut EP from Electric Pets, is set for release on 19th August via Reckless Yes.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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Track Of The Day: Alaskalaska – ‘Still Life’

Fresh after announcing their upcoming album Still Life, South London band ALASKALASKA have released the record’s title track in an exploratory and curious single. Arriving this Autumn, Still Life will embrace a free-form electronica disposition filled with digital sounds, rich melodies, drum machines and the sparse involvement of acoustic instrumentation. 

With the latest single of the same name, Alaskalaska grasp at a knot tangled by existential dread and the simplicity of life’s simple pleasures, painting an enchanting teaser for the album. Paired with an abstract music video, ‘Still Life’ builds a world with melodic, arpeggiated synths and circular lyrics. With a lyrical refrain building the tension, ALASKALASKA’s story feels interpersonal – oozing a profound immersive soundscape, spinning thoughts of uncertainty. 

Building with intensity, layers of sound are interwoven, building to a climax of fuzz emulating irritation. This distinct arrangement later comes to a burst as the tension of ‘Still Life’ peaks. Eerie reverbs and modulations shift the tone of ALASKALASKA from left to right, delving into a sonic chaos that pays off as stirring, ethereal vocals echo in the background.  

As the track settles, ‘Still Life’ remains in the back of listeners’ minds; swirling and dancing around our thoughts; creating a sparkling moment for reflection. ALASKALASKA has set the scene for a captivating ‘Still Life’ – one that is multidimensional and full of character.

Of the track, the band explain:

“‘Still Life’ asks is what is supposed to connect us on a worldwide scale being used more for vanity/ego, distraction or even surveillance/control? ‘Look at it breed, modern greed…’. It’s a bit of a cautionary tale, much like 1984…if you get my drift. Still though, there are glimmers of hope – ‘I’ve got the seed in my pocket….’ as in I’ve got seeds to sow, seeds to grow. Small gestures can make big changes.”

Watch the stirring new video for ‘Still Life’ here:


Still Life, the upcoming new album from ALASKALASKA, is set for release on 14th October via Marathon Artists.

Jill Goyeau
@jillybxxn

Photo Credit: Abi Sinclair

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PLAYLIST: July 2022

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another eclectic mix of guitar anthems, alternative tunes & electronic sounds for your listening pleasure. 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.

NOVA TWINS – ‘Cleopatra’
Nova Twins are the first black women in the Rock & Alt scene to be nominated for the Mercury Music Prize and we couldn’t be happier for them! They have worked so hard and pushed against an industry that has so much racism and sexism embedded in it. Turn up the volume on this track ‘Cleopatra’ taken from their second album Supernova – it’s about to get HEAVY!  (Tash Walker)

Brutus – ‘Liar’
Gritty vocals, powerhouse percussion and charged riffs punctuate this single from Belgian trio Brutus. Taken from their upcoming third album Unison Life, which is set for release on 21st October via Hassle Records/Sargent House, ‘Liar’ is a heavy lament that criticises the lies we tell ourselves in order to keep a false and temporary sense of calm. I can’t wait to see the band live at The Garage in November. (Kate Crudgington)

Real Big Sky – ‘The Same Thing’
Happy debut album release day to Gothenburg-based band Real Big Sky! Their self-titled record is now up on Spotify for you to listen to. It might be too soon to call it, but I think this might be one of my favourite albums of 2022. Cinematic, Shoegazey, melancholy bliss. Listen to it here. (KC)

Ethel Cain – ‘Family Tree (Intro)’
I know I add Ethel Cain to all of our GIHE playlists, but her sultry, cinematic tunes are so good I can’t resist. I can’t wait to see her perform them live at Heaven in December. (KC)

Miya Folick – ‘Nothing To See’
Emotional, raw and beautifully resilient, Miya Folick’s ‘Nothing To See’ is a tender ode to rediscovering yourself in the aftermath of a painful breakup. Taken from her new EP 2007, which is set for release on 9th September via Nettwerk, through her clear vocals, candid lyrics and considered instrumentation, Folick accepts that love makes fools of us all, and gracefully reclaims the time she spent changing herself to suit the needs of an unappreciative lover. (KC)

Forever Honey – ‘Singing To Let England Shake’
A bittersweet guitar tune about the uncertainty of not knowing where you stand with someone you’re close to, I love this single from Brooklyn indie band Forever Honey. Taken from their upcoming EP, Could I Come Here Alone, which is set for release on 30th August, it’s a gentle, hazy lament to the frustrated hours spent wondering what went wrong, and the more hopeful moments that follow those sometimes uncomfortable realisations. (KC)

Breakup Haircut – ‘I’d Say Yes’
Having wowed us live with their scuzzy, joyous punk-pop at our January gig at The Victoria, First Timers Fest alumni Breakup Haircut have just released their debut album, Punk Dancing For Self Defence, a collection of joyously lo-fi pop punk offerings reflecting on themes ranging from social anxiety and break-ups to bi-erasure and existing in a Capitalist society. Whether you need cheering up with some buoyant danceable anthems, or simply want to immerse yourself in the band’s raw emotion and relatable, resonant reflections on life, the album will provide you with all the aural comfort you need right now. (Mari Lane)

Currls – ‘Honey’
The latest single from Brighton based Currls, ‘Honey’ is a colourful ode to female friendship and owning your own unique individuality. I love this track’s empowering energy and unifying, singalong refrains. A truly energising and compelling anthem of self-love that’ll motivate and inspire on first listen. Hello, My Name Is, the upcoming debut album from Currls, is set for release on 11th November. (ML)

Murman – ‘Falling Down’
Propelled by swirling, scuzzy hooks and an anthemic, emotion-filled drive, ‘Falling Down‘ oozes a gritty energy in the vein of rock greats such as Bruce Springsteen and The Killers, with an added unique colourful pizazz and impassioned swooning vocals. If you’re in need of an instantly catchy, joyously jangly slice of Americana-tinged garage-rock, then look no further… ‘Falling Down’ offers a perfectly danceable antidote to all of life’s worries. (ML)

Hanya – ‘Amateur Professional’
I am loving this latest song from friends of the show Brighton dream pop duo Hanya, a marrying up of their raucous onstage energy with their hazy studio sound. They worked with Theo Verney on this one, who has also produced some of my favs Porridge Radio. The track is about “attempting to be a full-time professional in whatever it is you want, even if you feel like a lousy amateur a lot of the time. It’s a fighting song, for when you’re feeling like giving up.” Check out their socials for upcoming tour dates across the UK. (TW)

Alien Chicks – ’27 Stitches’
I’m really loving this new one from South London band Alien Chicks. Combining danceable rhythms with a riotous energy, ’27 Stitches’ blasts into the eardrums with a fierce power. (ML)

M(h)aol – ‘Bored Of Men’
I said on our recent Soho Radio show that this single from Irish post punks M(h)aol should be the new intro song for Love Island, and I stand by it. Vocalist Roisin’s frustration is palpable as she delivers her candid lyrics, underscored by a cacophony of abrasive riffs and thumping beats. I’m looking forward to hearing this live when the band play at The Grace in Islington on 29th August. (KC)

Self Esteem – ‘I Do This All The Time’
I just wanted to pay homage to Sheffield based Self Esteem as I am finally seeing her live this weekend at Deershed Festival and I CANNOT WAIT! Having been pretty addicted to her empowering and poignant album Prioritise Pleasure, and watched her incredible set from Glastonbury on iPlayer, I am massively excited. I also wanted to dedicate this track to my awesome GIHE team mates and leave you with Self Esteem’s inspiring lyrics: “Be very careful out there / Stop trying to have so many friends / Don’t be intimated by all the babies they’ve had / Don’t be embarrassed that all you’ve had is fun. Prioritise Pleasure.” (ML)

Chorusgirl – ‘Don’t Go Back To ’89’
Having announced the much-anticipated (by me in particular!) release of her third album this Autumn, Silvi Wersing – aka Chorusgirl – has now shared her first new single in a few years, and I couldn’t be happier about it. Flowing with a majestic, swirling grace, ‘Don’t Go Back To ’89‘ poignantly reflects on feelings of nostalgia and hopelessness. Propelled by a shimmering splendour and glistening celestial charm, it’s a beautiful slice of jangly dream-pop, sparkling with a glowing summer haze, whilst tinged with stirring undertones of darkness. (ML)

Nikki & The Waves – ‘E.L.C’
Manchester band Nikki & The Waves will be headlining our next gig at The Victoria on 12th August and I can’t wait! With their trademark funk-fuelled groove and vibrant energy, this track – paying ode to ‘exceptionally lovely courduroy’ – showcases all there is to love about the band. Supporting Nikki & The Waves on 12th August will be First Frontier and Panic Pocket – get your tickets on DICE here.  (ML)

TU3SDAY – ‘Evil Eye’
Utilising their experiences as a black, queer, non-binary and disabled musician into their own brand of electronic sounds, Jae Tallawah aka TU3SDAY is committed to breaking boundaries in music. This track ‘Evil Eye’ is a superb example of their altruistic energy. (KC)

Charlotte Adigéry & Bolis Pupul – ‘Cliché’ (Soulwax Remix)
Absolutely love these two, and it was a total pleasure interviewing Charlotte earlier this year about their album Topical Dancer. This week they unveiled this epic remix of Cliché by Soulwax! If you get the chance to watch them live, grab it with both hands – it is a night to remember. (TW)

Lynks – ‘Hey Joe (Relax)’
This single came out in March this year but I’ve been playing this over and over these last couple of months, as a staple on one of my summer playlists called Buzzzzzy. Which I think is a perfect way to describe that song, from an artist who consistently brings us tongue-in-cheek queer bangers for the ‘others’. (TW)

Bonnie Banane – ‘CDA’
‘CDA’ was my Track of the Show on this month’s Get In Her Ears show on Soho Radio, it comes from French alt pop singer Bonnie Banane. I’m going to let the track do the talking. All you need to know from me is that I love it. (TW)

Gemma Cullingford – ‘New Day’
Gemma Cullingford (of GIHE faves Sink Ya Teeth) has now shared a brand new offering ahead of her upcoming album release in September. Reflecting on night terrors that we can all experience even as adults, and the optimism that the morning can bring, ‘New Day’ delivers a blissfully shimmering soundscape evoking a nostalgic energy. A truly euphoric summer anthem. I can’t wait for Gemma to play a joint headline show for us with Alice Hubble at Shackewell Arms on 10th September, with support from Yay Maria. Tickets here. (ML)

Maria Uzor – ‘Winner’ (feat. Emily Winng)
Featuring vocals from Emily Winng, I can’t get enough of this track’s propulsive, immersive beats and frenzied, whirring splendour. An alluring summer anthem for all those who like a bit of electro scuzz with their sunshine. (ML)

AGAAMA – ‘Which Way’
Birmingham-based artist, composer, vocalist and producer AGAAMA blends elements of industrial pop, jazz and rave on this beguiling, fluid track. She studied classical trombone as a teenager, sang in Church on Sundays and spent her Saturday nights raving to UK bass music or in the middle of a mosh pit at a metal gig. These experiences have shaped her eclectic sounds, and I’m looking forward to hearing more from her in the future. (KC)

Hannah Schneider – ‘It’s The Season’
The new single from Danish artist, and one half of duo AyOwA, Hannah Schneider, ‘It’s The Season’ offers a perfectly celestial soundscape, reflecting on the high expectations of summer and the disappointment this can sometimes bring. I just love it’s dreamy, ethereal haze and soothing euphoric grace. if you want more blissful summer tunes, check out the guest Sedated Summer Sounds Playlist that Hannah put together for us on the website now – I’ve had it on repeat over the last couple of weeks, it’s just perfect for this weather! (ML)

Damsel Elysium – ‘Echoes of Lalia’
One for the headphones! Experimental sound composer Damsel Elysium created this track to try and express what it’s like to be a neurodivergent artist existing in a hectic world. ‘Echoes of Lalia’ is made up of voice, double bass, violin, piano and original field recordings taken from Damsel’s day in the city. It might not be to everyone’s taste, but I’m always impressed by artists who manipulate and mutate sounds to reflect their inner thoughts, and that’s exactly what Damsel does here. (KC)

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