INTERVIEW: Los Bitchos

Following the success of their 2022 debut Let The Festivities Begin, London based Los Bitchos are now ready to release their brand new album, Talkie Talkie, this Friday 30th August via City Slang. Known for their ability to fuse together layers of colourful instrumentation to create joyous cacophonies, the new album combines elements ranging from Turkish psych and Cumbian Guacharaca rhythms, to funk-fuelled hooks and the racing excitement of comic book-inspired storylines, to create a thrilling, fun-filled collection; oozing a rousing sonic euphoria throughout. 

Whilst Let The Festivities Begin very much did what it said on the tin, the new album picks up and develops its celebratory mood: “The first album was about getting the party started…”, synth and keytar player Agustina Ruiz reflects, “… and now (with Talkie Talkie) it’s more like, let’s continue the party!”. 

I catch up with Ruiz and lead guitarist Serra Petale a week before the new album is due for release, and they’re clearly very excited to finally share it with the world after touring and promoting their debut for the last few years. Centred around the concept of a club that the band are inviting you to – “… there’s something in there for everyone. Different rooms with different themes, and everything’s fabulous!” – Talkie Talkie showcases how Los Bitchos have honed and developed their sound. Discussing how the album differs from its predecessor, Petale explains: “I feel like we, as musicians, are probably a bit more experienced by this point; we went in knowing more about how we wanted to record the songs…” Reflecting on how the song ideas were clearer and more developed this time around, she continues, “Recording the first album, we were just kind of really starting out, and now we’ve got that under our belt, and we’ve had a lot more studio experience as well, which has been pretty helpful. Now (with Talkie Talkie), we just wanted to keep going and keep evolving. You don’t really want to make the same album twice.”

Whilst Petale does the majority of the songwriting, the process of recording and performing is always very much a collaborative process for the band: “I often start by writing all of the parts, because that’s how I can best form the song… ”, she reflects, “… then, of course, things might develop and change… But this is good because you want people to put their own touches onto their parts. And then sometimes that difference is what makes the song all the more rich.” Initially meeting roughly eight years ago, Petale and Ruiz, later joined by band mates Josefine Jonsson (bass) and Nic Crawshaw (drums), clearly work well as a team, and their closeness as friends is evident when listening to their joyous creations; this element of collaboration being something which they all really value. “It’s so important to make sure that everyone feels creatively expressive. We are very much a band, and everyone is so integral…”, Petale shares when asked about the recording process, “I mean I love songwriting, I think it’s my favourite part of being in a band, so I personally need that creative output. But it’s really interesting to see the development of the songs; like perhaps I’ve just put down an idea on my computer, and then when we go to play it, it’ll inevitably change again. And that’s the fun of it.”

With such a unique and eclectic range of sounds apparent throughout their songs, Los Bitchos find it hard to pick out any specific influences, but rather attribute what inspires them more to the mood that they aim to create through their music: “You just get so inspired by bands or songs that you love and that make you feel a certain way. And I think a lot of what inspires me comes from wanting to emulate those same feelings.” If their aim is to emulate feelings of pure ecstasy and blissful abandon, then Los Bitchos have certainly succeeded in what they set out to do; and this distinct sense of fun and carefree swirling energy particularly shines through in their videos: “We just really love making videos!”, Ruiz admits in response to me gushing over how much I love their recent visual for ‘Kiki, You Complete Me’, “We have all these ideas that just kind of come out of nowhere. Then we have Tom (Mitchell), and we’re just like ‘Tom, we want to do this’, and then he goes and makes it look really cool. But we all really enjoy the process. We’re super involved in everything.” Petale adds: “We just get to dress up and be the most ridiculous characters. I sometimes can’t believe this is my job – it’s so fun!”

The fun that the band are having is something you’ll know all about if you’ve ever seen them perform live; seeing them at Deer Shed Festival this summer was pretty wonderful, and they’ve played many festivals over the last few years, but one experience will always stick in their minds: “Glastonbury!”, Petale and Ruiz exclaim in unison when asked to pick a highlight. Reflecting on their experience playing the legendary festival last year, Petale reminisces, “It was iconic. I remember that moment when we out onto the Park Stage, and we saw so many people there. I remember just being like, ‘Oh my God, is this what it’s like?!’… It was an incredible feeling. Incredible! And it was so nice to experience that together as a band.”

Los Bitchos’ enjoyment of live shows isn’t limited to festivals, however. Set to head out to the States soon to play a run of headline shows, ahead of embarking on a UK and European tour later this Autumn, they have fond memories of the last time the played North America: “It’s so much fun playing in the US. We have friends in almost every city, so it’s always a good time.”, Ruiz begins, before recalling a particularly lively night in Dallas. “Yeah…”, Petale agrees, “… whenever we’ve gone to the US, people are so friendly! Like, super willing to talk to you. It’s just really, really nice.” Despite their love of a good time, maintaining some downtime and self-care remains important to the band whilst out on tour. Agustina, for instance, always takes a book with her to read on the road – “It’s so important to me. Whatever kind of book I’m in the mood for – like, for this US tour, I’m going to take one about the Tudors.” For Serra, however, it’s all about skincare – “… You know when you come out of a gig and you’re so disgusting (which happens to me a lot, because I sweat so much), and then you come into your room, and you can just wash, and it’s like, it’s just a little bit of comfort. And I enjoy it.”

Having the opportunity to go out on tour and have fun on the road isn’t something that Los Bitchos take for granted, and they appreciate how different things may have been for them had they been a band a few decades ago: “Comparing now to, say, the ‘70s, when being a woman in the music industry must have been hell, I think things are definitely better now…” Ruiz muses, “There’s still more changing that needs to be done, but it has changed. It is more accepting…” Reflecting on how increased acceptance and visibility for women and queer artists, particularly over the last ten years, has improved the industry, Petale adds: “A lot of artistry is queer in itself… And I think something really positive now is that there is more of a push to accept yourself and for people to accept you as you are. And I think that it’s really wonderful to see so many queer artists. And I love that term because it brings a lot of people together… Giving visibility and housing a place of acceptance for queer artists is just absolutely essential. And I love that about music, and I love that about artistry.” She goes on to emphasise that at Los Bitchos gigs, they aim to create a safe and inclusive space for all: “We would always say that everyone is always welcome at our shows, and you should just feel that you can just be yourself. That’s paramount.” A band after our own hearts for sure!

Huge thanks to Serra and Agustina for making time to chat to me. I can’t wait for the new album, and very much hope to be able to be a part of the immensely joyous experience of seeing Los Bitchos live again soon! And, if you haven’t had the chance yet, you really must get down to one of the upcoming dates (or if you have before, you probably already have tickets as you’ll be aware of how much fun it is!). After their US tour next month, they’ll be travelling around the UK for a load of headline dates in October. Find all information and tickets here. And, if you can’t wait for then, they’ll be celebrating the release of Talkie, Talkie, with a special DJ set at Someday in Finsbury Park this Friday 30th August (nab a free ticket here), and then playing a one-off in-store show at Rough Trade East on 3rd September. 

Talkie, Talkie, the brand new album from Los Bitchos, is out this Friday 30th August via City Slang. Pre-order here.

Photo Credit: Tom Mitchell

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LIVE (Photos) Deer Shed Festival 2024 (Day 2, 27.07.2024)

Having fallen in love with Deer Shed when I attended for the first time back in 2022, and then going on to have another dreamy weekend at the North Yorkshire festival last year, I was very glad I got to go again this year. Highlighting a real family focus, whilst hosting a 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. Whilst providing a child-friendly environment, this does not take away from the quality and array of performances on offer for everyone to enjoy. Although I’d say I’m in the minority of attendees who does not have children (or isn’t a child themselves!), I in no way feel this to be hindrance – there’s still plenty of adult fun to be had, just in perhaps a slightly less intense, and more safe, environment than most other festivals. Which is no bad thing, in my opinion! 

Amongst those performing, a fantastic amount of female, non binary and queer performers are represented, and. I was lucky enough to catch lots of these over the weekend – a good balance of artists I already knew and loved, and those who I had not had the chance to see before. Following our thoughts about Friday evening at the festival, find some words and photos about our highlights of Saturday below…

Waking up to the sound of children kayaking along the stream on Saturday morning at Deer Shed feels pretty idyllic; almost as idyllic as it does to sit in the sunshine whilst the glistening Geordie folk tunes of Frankie Archer float through the crowd at the Lodge Stage for our first music of the day. From songs endorsing lie-ins, to tales of peacocks showing respect to the hens in their lives, Archer treats us to her beautifully lilting offerings; seamlessly fusing together traditional folk melodies and storytelling with sparkling electronic soundscapes.

Having been scheduled to play earlier in the morning, London-based Blue Bendy now take the afternoon time slot of Chalk, who weren’t able to make it up to Topcliffe in the end – something that front person Arthur Nolan playfully draws attention to by introducing the band as the absentees they’ve replaced: “Hi, we’re Chalk”. This playful, somewhat whimsical, attitude remains apparent as the set goes on; as the swirling, shimmering cacophonies created by the other five band members interweave with the seething raw emotion of Nolan’s vocals, a subtle tongue-in-cheek air lingers throughout. Oozing a stark, poetic realism with a droll charm, each fuzzy soundscape immerses the ever-growing crowd, and – personally (no offence to Chalk) – I’m glad of the band’s later time slot; it’s meant I’ve been able to watch their full set, nicely lubricated by a half of Brass Castle Sunshine IPA, and discover a new favourite band.

I’ve heard a lot of good things about Picture Palour, and so am pretty excited to be able to catch them on the main stage whilst the sun continues to shine on this glorious Saturday afternoon. And they don’t disappoint. Oozing an alluring swagger as they take to the stage, the Manchester indie-rockers maintain this engaging confidence throughout the entirety of the set. Whilst front person Katherine Parlour’s vocals ripple with a smooth romanticism and crooner-level charm reminiscent of Tranquility Base era Alex Turner, with each offering they build with a soaring gritty splendour alongside fierce hooks from guitarist Ella Risi. One of the most charismatic stage presences I’ve witnessed for a long time, Parlour and co. deliver their epic, cinematic anthems to a captivated crowd, no doubt sparking adoration and inspiration in many young fans (and some old ones, like me).

I’m not sure why it’s taken me three years of coming to Deer Shed to visit to the Wilderwild stage, but I’m grateful to have discovered it in time to catch a gorgeous set from London-Cornwall songwriter Lily Lyons. With an endearing charm, each glistening offering flows with a lilting musicality as her soulful jazz-infued vocals resonate with an exquisite grace. With songs artfully inspired by Wendy Cope poems and Mark Rothko paintings, Lyons treats us to a blissfully uplifting thirty minutes.

After having a bit of a dance to the deep groove of Baba Ali as the duo emanate swathes of immense coolness, we stay under the cover of the In The Dock stage for Personal Trainer. Pretty much the opposite of the previous band, the seven members of the Dutch collective take to the stage in a flurry of frenzied energy. Complete with trumpet, saxophone and extra percussion, their quirky indie offerings combine twinkling harmonies with a gritty emo edge as front person Willem Smit writhes and bounces around the stage with a refreshing enthusiasm. With a vivacious spirit, the whole band ooze a swirling colourful chaos with each enlivening song, and I’m utterly transfixed by their jubilant charm.

BC Camplight offers a nice accompaniment to our vegan hot dogs before we head back into the In The Dock stage for London-based international band (and GIHE faves) Los Bitchos – one of the bands I’ve been most looking forward to seeing all weekend. Making their entrance to ‘Heaven Is A Place On Earth’, they go on to create a pretty heavenly atmosphere inside the jam-packed tent; emanating a swirling joyous charm and colourful charisma throughout. Propelled by racing melodies, funk-fuelled hooks and jangling rhythms, they treat us to “some oldies and some newbies”, their playful eccentricity and effervescent energy illuminating the intricately woven layers of sound. From epic drum offs to dancing together in sync, and from songs about Tequila to “penguins fluttering around on a beach”, Los Bitchos take us on a thrilling fun-filled journey; leading us to discover a rousing sonic euphoria we didn’t know we needed. 

All in all, a beautiful day of live music was had. Stay tuned for photos of, and words about, of Day 3 at Deer Shed, plus some special thoughts about the kids’ activities at the festival from next generation GIHE gal Orla….

Words: Mari Lane / @marimindles
Photos: Paul Dawes / @GRNDglass

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PLAYLIST: July 2024

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another mix of eclectic electronic sounds, alternative & shoegaze anthems, punk bangers, indie-folk musings and alt pop tunes for your listening pleasure. Take some time to scroll through our track choices below, and make sure you press play on the playlist at the end of this post.

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

Whitelands – ‘Cheer’
This is one of my favourite songs, taken from one of my favourite albums of 2024, from London-based shoegaze band Whitelands. Their debut record, Night-bound Eyes Are Blind To The Day, is a heady rush of atmospheric reverb-heavy guitars, lush gauzy vocals and poetic lyricism, and I’ve been infatuated with it since its release via Sonic Cathedral. Watch the accompanying video for ‘Cheer’ here.
(Kate Crudgington – Features Editor)

Clinic Stars – ‘Only Hinting’
I am hooked on the shimmering guitars and ethereal vocals on this dreamy offering by Detroit-based duo Clinic Stars. ‘Only Hinting’ is the title track from their upcoming debut album, which is set for release on 20th September via Kranky. (KC)

Kynsy – ‘Stereo Games’
Described as “a wild ride through the chaos of love and self-destruction,” Dublin-raised, London-based artist Kynsy delivers another brooding indie anthem here. Released via Nice Swan Records, it’s full of her distinctive vocals and gritty riffs. (KC)

Hello Mary – ‘0%’
It took me about 10 seconds of listening to ‘0%’ for me to decide that I loved New York trio Hello Mary. It captures their dynamic blend of grungy riffs, considered instrumentation, unpredictable beats and direct vocals perfectly. The band will be releasing their second album, Emita Ox, on 13th September, and they’ll be making their London live debut at The Windmill in Brixton on 5th September. Grab a ticket here. (KC)

Loose Articles – ‘Are You A Welder?’
The new single from Manchester faves Loose Articles, ‘Are You A Welder?’ challenges society’s stereotypical gender roles centered on concepts of masculinity and femininity with a raw punk power and playful energy. Having recently supported Foo Fighters on tour, and being busy playing plenty of festivals this summer, have just released their debut album, Scream If You Wanna Go Faster, via Alcopop! Records too.
(Mari Lane – Managing Editor)

pink suits – ‘Are You Gay Yet?’
Taken from their recently released second album Dystopian Hellscape, Margate duo pink suits offer a seething celebration of queerness with ‘Are You Gay Yet?’. Reflecting on numerous interactions that guitarist and vocalist Lennie has had throughout their life when people have questioned or confronted them about their sexuality, it’s an uncompromising reclamation of being confident in who you are. As Lennie says, “People are gay. I am gay. We are gay. You might be gay too… and that is ok.” And pink suits have just shared a wonderfully empowering and joyous new video for the track – check it out here. (ML)

Destroy Boys – ‘Should’ve Been Me’
This raging new single from Sacramento punks Destroy Boys might be less than two minutes long, but it packs a proper punch. The track is taken from the band’s upcoming album, Funeral Soundtrack #4, which is set for release on 9th August via Hopeless Records. (KC)

Soot Sprite – ‘I Went Swimming’
South England-based indie-shoegazers Soot Sprite dropped this tune a back in June via Specialist Subject Records. Full of swirling riffs and urgent vocals, ‘I Went Swimming’ is about proactively ditching a toxic relationship before it drags you down further. (KC)

EFÉ – ‘2000SEVEN’
Irish artist EFÉ is back with this banger of a single. Written when she was 19 but developed over several years, ‘2000SEVEN’ is an homage to 00s rock, but also an ode to recovering from a tough time and finding new friends in the process. (KC)

Lemonade Sin – ‘Keep It Up’
Consisting of members you may recognise from other bands such as BCOS RSNS and Umbrella Heaven, London-via-Devon Lemonade Sin have just released their new album, Deadly Sins. Taken from the album, latest single ‘Keep It Up’ offers a blissful rumination on lust; combining jangly guitar pop with a classic disco groove and lush synth sounds reminiscent of the dreamy soundscapes of Stereolab. (ML)

Los Bitchos – ‘Kiki, You Complete Me’
Based in London, international band Los Bitchos include members from Australia, Uruguay, Sweden and Britain, and are united by a distinct sense of fun. This definitely comes through in their latest, comic-book-inspired new track, ‘Kiki, You Complete Me’. Racing with a swirling energy and colourful rhythms, it’s described by the band as “Batman meets Los Bitchos”. (ML)

The Go! Team – ‘Ladyflash’
Having been a big fan of The Go! Team’s 2004 album, Thunder Lightening Strike, when it came out all of twenty years ago, I then saw them live at Electric Ballroom in 2018, and it was one of the most fun live shows I’ve ever been to – such immense energy and colourful charisma. So, I was very excited to see them again at Deer Shed Festival. I chatted to the band recently about live shows, kids on tour and the challenges of the industry today – have a read here. (ML)

CATBEAR – ‘Rush’
Having previously supported indie legends The Subways and just played Bristol Pride alongside the likes of Ladytron and Human League, synth-pop duo CATBEAR take influence from queer icons like Robyn and Tegan and Sara. New single ‘Rush’ swirls with a colourful, euphoric energy of this track, creating a perfectly danceable summer anthem. (ML)

Julia-Sophie – ‘wishful thinking’
This lush glitch-pop offering from Julia-Sophie is one of many gems on her debut album, forgive too slow. Released via Ba Da Bing Records, the record is a bittersweet reflection on past love, heartbreak and recovery, all tinged with the Anglo-French artist’s distinctive melancholic edge. (KC)

Maria Uzor – ‘What U Need’
The new single from GIHE fave Maria Uzor, ‘What U Need’ showcases all there is to love about the Norwich artist. Propelled by fierce beats as a glitchy electronic soundscape provides the backdrop for Uzor’s soaring vocals, the track pulsates with a deep immersive groove and sparkling playful allure. Reflecting on her recent time away from social media, she says of the track: “(It’s) about how you can lose a sense of who you are if you spend too much on there…” ‘What U Need’ is accompanied by a fun, homemade video in which Uzor has dressed up as characters from some of her previous videos in order to convey a sense of identity being in flux. (ML)

Palindrones – ‘Lemuria’
A dark, hypnotic blend of electronics and glitchy beats, ‘Lemuria’ is the latest single from South London industrial synth-pop duo Palindrones. Taken from their album Chapter One, which they released last year, the single is accompanied by a new music video, which you can watch here. (KC)

Sister Ghost – ‘Dark Matter’
Northern Irish artist Sister Ghost has shared this evocative track, which is lifted from her upcoming debut album, Beyond The Water. Set for release on 31st October via Third Bar Records, ‘Dark Matter’ was inspired by the French film, Portrait of a Lady on Fire. Sister Ghost explains further: “I really felt it echoed some of my own queer experiences. That’s also why there’s some French in the bridge section of the song, which translates to ‘my love, she glows in the fire’.” (KC)

PostLast – ‘Hollywood Ending’
Another dreamy offering from Irish duo PostLast here, released via VETA Records. Formed of Julie Hough (HAVVK) and Stephen McHale (BARQ), PostLast’s brand of off kilter indie-pop always makes for an charming listen. (KC)

Happy Accidents – ‘Infinite Possibilities’
Their first new music since 2018, ‘Infinite Possibilities’ is the new single from South London duo Happy Accidents. Reflecting on how our brains can play tricks on us, and how there could be infinite ways to interpret what is happening to us, it flows with jangly hooks and emotion-rich twinkling harmonies. The single comes ahead of a new album Edit Undo, due for release on 27th September via Alcopop! Records, and – in the meantime – the band are inviting fans into a load of secret new music and stories behind the songs, as well as access to the album a month early. This can all be accessed by pre-ordering the record here. (ML)

Squirrel Flower – ‘Finally Rain’
One of my most listened to artists over the last couple of years, I was lucky enough to catch Squirrel Flower live at The Lexington last week. From the start, she instantly immersed the sold out venue in a soaring splendour as the raw emotion of her crystalline vocals flowed throughout. Treating us to a set spanning all five of her albums, live she was even more spellbinding than I could have imagined; combining a celestial majesty with a gritty musicality, Squirrel Flower and her band succeed in completely captivating me with each truly exquisite offering. Ending the set with a solo rendition of this closing track from her latest album, Tomorrow’s Fire, ‘Finally Rain’ brings the evening to a close with a perfect heartbreaking grace, evoking in me the kind of emotion that is normally only reserved for Bruce Springsteen. (ML)

Seaker – ‘Lately’
North London-based independent musician Seaker self-produced this track in her home studio. She describes it as “a love song of sorts” that is designed to feel like “a comforting word from a friend”. Her tender vocals and earnest lyricism combine with gentle beats and keys to help soothe the pangs of heartbreak. (KC)

Midwife – ‘Rock N Roll Never Forgets’
The latest single from the elusive Midwife is a bittersweet rumination on memory, and a gentle ode to the transcendent power of music. It’s taken from her upcoming album, No Depression in Heaven, which is set for release on 6th September via The Flenser. I’m a big fan of her “heaven metal” sounds and I can’t wait to hear the record in full. (KC)

Gracie Gray – ‘Burden’
Taken from her new released second album, Magnet, this track by LA born, New York based artist Gracie Gray showcases her innately raw, self-soothing qualities as a songwriter. I had a really lovely chat with Gracie for The Line Of Best Fit, in which we spoke about the importance of solitude, the joy of listening to music in your bedroom, and limiting your time on the internet. Read it here. (KC)

⁠Breymer – ‘Darkness’
Minnesota born artist Breymer is set to release their new album in October; a collection exploring their relationship with gender and identity, they recently changed their artist name – from Sarah Walk to the more androgynous Breymer – to reflect how they feel about themselves after their recent top surgery. ‘Darkness’ was written to comfort their wife when she was going through a tough time, and its rich stirring emotion and lilting musicality is a thing of pure beauty. When I Get Through, the upcoming new album from Breymer, is set for release on 18th October via One Little Independent Records. (ML)

Katie Malco ft. Laura Stevenson – ‘Fatal Attraction’
A disarming reflection on connection, loneliness and infatuation, I love this new track from Katie Malco, featuring American songwriter Laura Stevenson. ‘Fatal Attraction’ is inspired by the classic 90s erotic thriller that it’s named after. Katie comments: “Strangely, I realised that Fatal Attraction might be one of the most relatable movies I’ve ever seen. The scariest and most gripping parts are in the intense rage felt at the hands of selfish and careless behaviour and the self-loathing that comes with it. It almost becomes an analogy of society at large, where the men always seem to get away with it, and nobody else does. Boiling bunnies and stalking aside, you could liken Glen Close’s character to the entire non-male population, fighting to be heard and to be equal.” (KC)

Sunflower Thieves – ‘How Was America’
This is the latest single from Leeds alt-pop duo Sunflower Thieves, taken from their upcoming EP, Same Blood, which is set for release on 30th October via Kartel. ‘How Was America’ is a deceptively soft sounding song that’s underscored by the sharp, lingering pain of being ghosted by a friend. (KC)

Jasmine.4.t – ‘Skin On Skin’
Based in Manchester, trans artist Jasmine.4.t is the first signee to Phoebe Bridgers’ new label Saddest Factory Records and has now shared exquisite new single ‘Skin On Skin’. Produced by Bridgers alongside fellow Boygenius members Julian Baker and Lucy Dacus, it’s as beautifully perfect as you’d expect. Reflecting on both the camaraderie and isolation that can be a part of transfeminine life, it flows with a stirring glistening emotion and twinkling hooks. If you, too, fall in love listening to this track, you can catch Jasmine live at The Waiting Room in Stoke Newington on 31st July – nab tickets here. (ML)

Bria Salmena – ‘Bending Over Backwards’
Loving this sultry, upbeat offering from Canadian artist Bria Salmena, released via Sub Pop. Salmena describes this track as “a manic conversation with myself,” with her lush vocals and hazy riffs helping to calm those chaotic thoughts. (KC)

Yaz León – ‘GULLY’
Spanish-Iraqi songwriter Yaz León has just released her new EP, BLEACH, which she produced by herself. It’s a record that documents the songwriters “internal monologue” over the past year, and this track ‘GULLY’ is a tender, slow-building testament to that. (KC)

Lex Amor – ‘A7X’
Having previously played on Later… With Jools Holland and collaborated with the likes of Kojey Radical, North London artist Lex Amor has now worked alongside Luton based rapper BXKS on latest single ‘A7X’. Fusing together genres to create a blissful reflection on everyday life, it oozes a stirring soulful groove. I’m a big fan. (ML)

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Introducing Interview: Lindsay Ell

Having been wowing crowds playing guitar live with the legendary Shania Twain in the UK over the last couple of months, singer-songwriter Lindsay Ell is also a renowned artist in her own right. Not only did she win ‘Single Of The Year’ at the Canadian Country Music Awards last year for the twinkling emotion of last year’s catchy ‘Right On Time’, but – following playing with Shania’s band at BST Hyde Park a couple of weeks ago – she also sold out Omeara in London the following day for her own show.

We caught up with Lindsay to find out more about the experience of playing with her hero, what inspires her, being a woman in the music industry today, and more. Have a read and then listen to the awesome playlist that Lindsay has put together for us, of some of her favourite contemporary country artists!

Are you able to tell us a little bit about what initially got you into music, and playing the guitar?
I grew up in a really musical family – my parents and grandparents all played instruments, and my brother and I started playing piano when we were six years old. By the time I was eight years old, I thought the guitar was a lot cooler, so I asked my dad to start showing me a few things on it. The first guitar riff he taught me was ‘Stairway to Heaven’. After that, I never looked back! 

I just saw you playing with the legendary Shania Twain at BST Hyde Park on Sunday – you were incredible! And it was so lovely to see all the band members so in sync with each other and having such a great time on stage! It must have been such an amazing experience – how was it for you?
BST Hyde Park was one of the most memorable shows I’ve ever played, and also my favourite with Shania so far; Hyde Park seemed like the perfect ending to such a legendary run (getting to play Glastonbury as well!). There is something about that stage that makes a show feel larger than life and the energy in the heart of London is something that’s hard to describe in words. Shania has been the most wonderful human, welcoming me so brilliantly on her stage each night. I’m honoured to have been a part of her world this year. 

And how did the opportunity to play with Shania come up for you? Had you previously been a fan?
To say I’ve been a fan of Shania would probably be the understatement of the century. Shania is the reason I started singing when I was a little girl. It’s crazy to think the song that made me fall in love with Shania, ‘No One Needs To Know’, is now a song I get to play on stage with her every night. Life is truly wild and surprising in those full circle moments. I toured with Shania last year on the Queen Of Me tour, which was so incredible! Then, at the beginning of this year, when I got the call to see if I wanted to come out and play guitar for her, the offer was one I couldn’t resist!

As well as playing with legends like Shania Twain and artists like Maren Morris, you’re also a solo artist in your own right and write fantastic country-pop anthems – I love the catchy hooks and emotion-strewn power of songs like ‘How Good’! What are the main things you tend to draw inspiration from when writing songs?
I want to write songs from an honest place, because I think the more honest a song is, the better chance it has to connecting with someone else. I feel that we’re all fighting similar battles on opposites sides of the same war sometimes, so usually I tend to pull inspiration from my own life, or from stories I’ve heard friends tell me. As long as I can connect to it in some way, I can write a song about it. 

And you’ve also just played a sold-out show at London’s Omeara, which I was sorry to miss! How was that for you? Was it the first time you’ve played in London?
My sold out show at the Omeara was so incredible. This is probably the tenth time I’ve played London, but I’m always so happy to be back and see the best fans on the planet! I felt so loved as they sang all the words to b-sides off my last couple records, and I was able to preview some brand new songs for them. Overall, it was such a great night. 

You won ‘single of the year’ at the CCMAs last year for your song ‘Right On Time’, which is so fantastic – big congratulations! How does it feel being classed as a ‘country’ artist, and how much would you say you’re influenced by and fit into the genre generally?
Winning ‘single of the year’ at the CCMAs for ‘Right On Time’ was such an incredible night. Most of the time I don’t really see myself as country, and to be honest have been told so many times that I’m “not country enough” for the genre. I grew up loving songwriters like Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Shania, and since I started writing music, my goal has been to create the most honest songs I can. When I moved to Nashville fifteen years ago, and got offered a deal from a country record label, I just figured that my music could cross over to many genres, and – because of the messages in my songs – I felt like country fans could relate. I’m so grateful for all of the amazing fans that I’ve met through country music, but if I were being honest, I don’t know if I’ve ever truly ‘fit’ into the genre. At the end of the day though, I don’t think fans care if they’re listening to a “country” song or a “pop” song, or a “rock” song, I think people just like to listen to the music they like to listen to. So at this point in my career, I see myself as more of a singer-songwriter than classified as a country artist, and truly, I just hope that I can keep making music that feels honest; that people want to listen to. 

Are there any other contemporary country artists that you’d recommend we check out?
I am very excited for the genre of country music, and the wider tent it’s casting with artists like Noah Kahan and Zach Bryan. It’s really inspiring to see artists like Kacey Musgraves being true to herself and her sound, and letting it evolve compared to letting a genre tell her where she needs to go. I’m a huge fan of her latest record, Deeper Well. 

As we’re an organisation that focuses on promoting women and queer folk in new music, how would you say the industry is for them at the moment? And how has your experience been in what can often seem like a male dominated environment?
Thank you so much for all you do for women and the queer community! I will say that I think the industry is better now than it’s ever been in supporting these minorities. However, we still have a long way to go. The ratios are still very uneven, and although there doesn’t seem to be a linear solution to the problem, I think the best thing that women and queer artists can do is keep releasing great music. 

And do you have any advice for young women who might want to get into making music right now?
If you’re wanting to make music right now, I think the most important thing to figure out is who you are and what you want to say: why now? Anyone can sit in their bedroom today, write a song, and release it hours later… But you have to think, why should anyone care? When you can distill what you want to do down to a few sentences, I think the path on what you need to do and where you need to focus becomes really clear. It should all revert back to your reasons why. 

Massive thanks to Lindsay for answering our questions! Have a listen the awesome playlist that she put together of some of her favourite contemporary country artists here.

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