LISTEN: Emerson – ‘A Longing And Needing’

‘A Longing And Needing’ is the first single from new North London artist Emerson, whose creative spirit is inspired by poetry and rooted in collaboration. Emerson works closely with producers, choreographers, photographers, videographers and artists to bridge the worlds of art and pop together. The single features her soulful vocals against expressive electronic beats, which do not overpower the song.

It has a slow, soft start, introducing a breezy vocal, implying that this is a love song, but it isn’t… “God knows I tried, you didn’t see her lies, it’s plain to see that the Devil has meddled between you and me.” The song is about two friends who have betrayed her trust, and how she deals with the feelings. These range from nostalgia – “I like to think to think that you think of me”, to passionate and confused, where the tempo is increased and some distortion creeps into the sound. The song ends with a self-imposed acceptance, “It’s fine,” but it also draws you in and leaves you wondering if acceptance is the better half of loneliness, and if the ‘friend’ ever cared.

A very promising start from this innovative artist, and I look forward to hearing more.

Listen to ‘A Longing And Needing’ on Spotify now :

 

Fi Ni Aicead
@gotnomoniker

Photo Credit: Jemima Marriott

Track Of The Day: Hilary Woods – ‘Orange Tree’

A tentative exploration of inner fears, Hilary Woods‘ latest single ‘Orange Tree’ is an atmospheric, brooding affair. Taken from her upcoming second album Birthmarks, set for release on 13th March via Sacred Bones, the Irish musician has crafted another dark, beguiling soundscape that smoulders with quiet intensity.

“For me, ‘Orange Tree’ is a personal song acknowledging an inner fear of the unknown,” Woods explains. “It’s an exercise in overcoming, becoming more planted and rooted in the earth and in the body.” Woods’ thoughts are reflected in the accompanying visuals for the track, which she created and directed with Joshua Wright.

Written & recorded over the course of two years between Galway and Oslo, whilst Woods was heavily pregnant, Birthmarks looks set to be her most personal and powerful record to date. Inspired by the works of Norwegian experimental noise producer & filmmaker Lasse Marhaug, the images from post-war Japanese and wet-plate photography, to the secret life of trees; Woods’ far-reaching influences are what make her art so mesmerising and transcendent.

Watch the video for ‘Orange Tree’ below, and follow Hilary Woods on Facebook & Spotify for more updates.

Hilary Woods EU/UK Live Dates 2020
April 19, Tilberg, NL @ Roadburn Festival
May 18, London, UK @ Cafe Oto

Photo credit: Joshua Wright

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

LISTEN: LegPuppy – ‘Secret Friend’ (feat. Josefin Öhrn)

A slow-burning, atmospheric new offering; South London band LegPuppy have collaborated with award-winning Swedish musician Josefin Öhrn on their latest track, ‘Secret Friend’. Independently released on Valentine’s Day, the new song is a smoldering four minutes of electro-psych sound.

When LegPuppy first heard Josefin Öhrn + the Liberation’s album Mirage, they described it as “like discovering the Velvet Underground for the first time.” The band instantly knew they wanted to collaborate with Swedish Grammy nominated Öhrn, and ‘Secret Friend’ was the result. Öhrn’s exquisite French accent floats above the band’s moody music, and contrasts well with the accompanying male vocal.

LegPuppy are set the release their new album There’s No Rock Stars later this year, and will be announcing tour, and festival dates in the near future. For now, listen to ‘Secret Friend’ below, and follow LegPuppy on Facebook & Spotify for more updates.

Secret Friend feat Josefin Öhrn (radio edit) by Leg Puppy

Follow Josefin Öhrn on Facebook and Spotify too.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Five Favourites: DRAMA

Following a recent sold-out show at London’s Heaven, Chicago duo DRAMA have just released their debut album and are fast becoming firm favourites here at Get In Her Ears.

Fusing together an eclectic mix of house production, jazz-infused hooks and catchy hip-hop beats, DRAMA create poignant offerings reflecting on every day emotion, propelled by the captivating soulful power of Via Rosa’s vocals.

We think one of the best ways to get to know an artist is by asking what music inspires them or influences their writing. We caught up with Via Rosa, who has shared her “Five Favourites” – five albums that particularly resonate with her. Check out her choices below, and make sure you watch their new video for ‘Years’ at the bottom of this post.

Brandy – Brandy
I remember the day my mom took me to Waterloo Records in Austin, Texas. She asked this guy “My daughter wants to listen to hip-hop/RnB can you help me find something for her?” He sent us into the little listening room in the record store and played this album. The minute the first track dropped I looked at my mom like “Yes! I want this!” I played that tape front to back ’til it didn’t play anymore. I just loved it. Looking back, I think it had a lot to do with it being the first album I was allowed to have a say in owning. Before that I was only allowed to listen to what my parents listened to.

N SYNC – *NSYNC
This is obviously me rebelling. I spent so many years listening to my parent’s reggae and mo-town collection that I wanted something completely different. I fell hard for N Sync, later to find out I really fell for Max Martin who was writing everyone’s hits in the ’90s. I mean, how could a young girl not love those catchy heartbreak songs? I had never even been in a relationship and I still somehow felt that shit! Every song was like an open wound. I defended’s honour for many years, and for my 9th birthday my dad bought me tickets to their concert! That changed my life 100% because that show was flawless.

Sade – Live
My mom played a lot of Sade’s music. We would stay up together and watch her live shows on VHS, sometime even dance ’til the sun came up, listening to and watching this album and video. I memorised the set list and all the transitions. I memorised her outfit changes and what she would say between songs and the band solos. Not because I had plans of being on stage, but just ’cause I absolutely loved them. People have compared our sounds and while it wasn’t on purpose, it’s definitely not a coincidence either. If I had to pinpoint a moment and album in life that sparked the fan girl in me, it would definitely be this one.

Ludacris – Word Of Mouf 
This was the first rap album I bought with my own money. I thought the album cover was fantastic because it made me laugh. I’m pretty sure that’s why I bought it, because I definitely didn’t know who he was beforehand. It probably wasn’t the smartest purchase considering I was only about twelve or thirteen at the time. I felt like the coolest kid ever with that album in my collection. He was so animated and funny while still being honest, real and entertaining. It took my parents a long time to let me listen to mainstream rap music, but Ludacris was my introduction to that world, so I’ll forever be grateful for that album. I still think it’s one of the best ever made.

Weezer – Pinkerton 
I had a crush on a boy and he asked me if I had heard of Weezer. I instantly replied “Oh yeah, of course. I love them”, knowing damn well all I only really was NSYNC and Backstreet Boys. I guess I lied because I knew it would make me look cool. I must have been about eight years old or something. But then when I actually did listen to that album I liked it A LOT. The songs are amazingly written! The music is perfect! The cover!? AMAZING. Then there I was, a Weezer fan. The boy crush didn’t last, of course, but I went on to cherish this album for many years. I just think it’s really well put together from start to finish, which is not an easy thing to do.

Massive thanks to Via Rosa for sharing her Five Favourites! 

DRAMA’s debut album Dance Without Me is out now. Watch the video for new single ‘Years’ below:

Photo Credit: Zoe Rain