WATCH: Sheherazaad – ‘Mashoor’

Having grown in up in San Francisco in a second generation immigrant household, Brooklyn based artist Sheherazaad fuses influences from both Western classical and her own South Asian sonic lineage through her exquisite interwoven soundscapes.

Drawing on themes of displacement and nostalgia with a contemporary, genre-defying spirit, Sheherazaad’s debut single ‘Mashoor’ showcases her ability to blend a stirring alternative folk musicality with experimental techniques, exuding a contemporary, genre-defying spirit. With a spellbinding rippling allure, her sumptuous vocals flow throughout, allowing ‘Mashoor’ to immerse the listener in its soaring splendour on first listen.

‘Mashoor’ is accompanied by a moving video. Filmed throughout New York in extreme weather, it is a beautiful representation of worlds colliding; combining a South Asian immigrant story with America’s historical fabric. Watch now:

‘Mashoor’ is out now via Erased Tapes. It was recorded at The Glass Wall in Brooklyn, produced by Arooj Aftab, mixed by J. Valleau, and mastered by Heba Kadry. It features performances by Ria Modak on classical guitar, Gilbert Mansour on percussion, and additional vocal mixing by Runar Blesvik.

Photo Credit: Zayira Ray

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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WATCH: deep tan – ‘xenomorph queen’

Having been a big fan of London’s deep tan for a few years now, I’m excited to see that – following last year’s diamond horsetail EP – they’re back with a brand new single, and new line-up, ahead of their live shows supporting QOTSA on tour next month.

Reflecting on themes of matriarchy, queer parenting and sapphic love, ‘xenomorph queen’ oozes all the discordant immersive allure that we’ve come to know and love from the trio. Instantly captivating the senses with its mystical ethereal majesty, it showcases deep tan’s ability to create their own truly unique brand of other-worldly angular post-punk.

Of the track, the band expand:

“‘xenomorph queen’ witnesses the real star of the alien franchise in a new context: in the throes of a lesbian romance. a sensual – but still punk – track about matriarchy, queer parenting and sapphic love, this close encounter offers a new, intergalactic perspective on #hotmilfsinyourarea #xenomilf”

‘xenomorph queen’ is accompanied by an animated new video; in equal parts playful and enthralling. Watch it now:

‘xenomorph queen‘ is out now via Practise Music.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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WATCH: Grrrl Gang – ‘Cool Girl’

Plunging you immediately into the fray, Indonesian rising stars Grrrl Gang’s new video for ‘Cool Girl‘ takes place in the throbbing crowd of a gig. Both track and video capture the tragically relatable feeling of isolation despite being surrounded by people, in all respects, should be your community. 

The song kicks off bouncy and energetic, with a pounding drum beat and screaming guitars. Aggressive vocals are juxtaposed against vulnerable lyrics as the camera narrows in on the one person in the audience not quite smiling. She drains her drink and threads her way through the broiling crowd, as the dim lighting combined with the glare of spotlights creates a foggy atmosphere. The closeness of everyone jostling and roaring along with the song makes the whole scene feel somewhat claustrophobic, and her evident discomfort is punctuated by quick cuts to the band and to the people around her, and the repeated “I wish I was a cool girl”.

The lyrics offer a snatch of insight into the girl’s headspace. Delivered with a rage that is amplified by the vulnerability in the words, the song craves such unattainable attributes as being comfortable in your own head – “I can be alright when I get with myself”. The track then drops to a much slower tempo; with a spiralling shriek of guitars, the camera focuses again on the girl, who has finally let go and allowed herself to become one with the crowd. She dances and jumps effortlessly along with them, smiling in a way that seems genuine. The bodies and hands around her no longer feel like they are trapping her, but are a safe, protective comfort. The repeated lyrics continue – “I wanna tear my skin apart/It never glows in the dark” – but they are softer. The insecurities haven’t gone entirely, but they’re no longer strong enough to stop her enjoying herself and embrace the joy of the moment, until eventually they fade away altogether.

Watch the wonderfully uplifting, yet subtly poignant, new video now:


Spunky, the debut album from Grrrl Gang, is out now via Trapped Animal, and via legendary label Kill Rock Stars in America.

Kirstie Summers
@ActuallyKurt

Photo Credit: Tiny Studio

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WATCH: Yay Maria – ‘L’Appel Du Vide’

Derby’s Yay Maria is back with ‘L’Appel Du Vide’ – a sunny bubblegum bop that fizzes with energy. While the song packs a proper electro pop punch, the lyrics are at odds with this lightness. Exploring themes of addiction and trauma, they are unafraid to discuss darker and more challenging issues. And, at a time when the trans and non-binary communities are subject to such hostility in the UK, it’s more important than ever to draw attention to these realities.  

While it doesn’t shy away from darkness, you’d be mistaken if you thought ‘L’Appel Du Vide’ was a sad song. Joyous and defiant, this is an anthem to empower and excite people. It’s accompanied by a fully animated music video, which brings together beautiful psychedelic colours, unexpected mythical guests, and a healthy dollop of northern deadpan humour! The effect is irresistible.

Along with the rest of her upcoming EP, Maria says that ‘L’Appel Du Vide’ is something of a love letter to the Queer community. She says: “I made this EP for Queer people in the sense that I feel there is a lot of negative coverage of the trans & queer community currently. So I wanted something that was just for us. Something that is audibly enjoyable whilst talking about real stuff.” 

The result is a real gift to anyone who might need it. It’s a song that’s going to mean the world to people. And this is a musician that’s going to mean the world to people too. In Yay Maria, we have a figurehead; a cheerleader who encourages the community and its allies to keep fighting and have fun. 

‘L’Appel Du Vide’ is taken from Yay Maria’s upcoming EP, Superbia, which will be released on 20th October via I’m Not From London records. Pre-order here.

Vic Conway
@thepicsofvic

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