LISTEN: Anna Pancaldi – ‘Where Do I Lay All The Love I Have Left?’

London based singer-songwriter, Anna Pancaldi, has now shared new single, ‘Where Do I Lay All The Love I Have Left?‘. The first of a string of singles to come, it marks Anna’s thought-provoking, affecting vocals and musicality evolving into a new chapter. 

A versatile artist, Pancaldi also co-writes on a variety of outside projects (singles, synch, top-lining/features). For example, in April her music was used for the brand new Grey’s Anatomy trailer and has featured on hit US TV shows such as ‘Pretty Little Liars’, ‘Famous in Love’ and the 2022 Paramount film ‘The In Between’ (featured under the pseudonym Beò).

‘Where Do I Lay All The Love I Have Left?’ is a soulful ballad, reflecting on opening up to one’s feelings. It begins quietly with a stirring piano intro, building up to the bridge with an impassioned grace, where synths are added, echoing the emotional turmoil of the lyrics – ‘”I admit I am frightened, scared of being misled…” Although uncertain, the song allows growth with a beautiful catharsis, before paring back to the final question – “Where do I lay all the love I have left?”. A perfectly poignant soundtrack to the uncertainty of falling in love again.

Catch Anna Pancaldi live at Folklore in Hackney tomorrow, 18th May – tickets here.

Fi Ni Aicead
@gotnomoniker

Photo Credit: Curious Rose Photography

Track Of The Day: Rookes – ‘Consent’

Following the lavish storm of two critically acclaimed EPs, London artist Rookes gears up for their first full-length, POPNOTPOP, with a spunky first single, ‘Consent‘. 

Set for a November release, POPNOTPOP was self-produced while Rookes experienced the height of the London lockdown. However, this wasn’t all that the Tottenham artist was facing, and ‘Consent’ shines a light on just that. Laced in a sharp, alt-pop casing the captivating track swims through a pool of all the weighted revelations that come with processing a relationship breakdown. As the whirlpools of knowing begin to surface, Rookes showcases a musical maturity reminiscent of St Vincent to share their swirling story. 

With string-like synth pads, angelic background vocals and thumping drum beats, ‘Consent’ never lets up – keeping a catharitically strong energy for its entirety. As it builds in power with each section, Rookes pays off the past with each new dabble. By the track’s climax, layers of chorus and confident lyrics soar through sweeping, soulful vocals, feeling as though they have gone back and answered the call of “I have to turn the light on” from the track’s start. By the track’s anthemic finale, Rookes releases a euphoric, optimistic mix which can only be compared to turning on the lights after a power outage.

 Rookes’ ‘Consent’ is both the revelation and reward after an internal storm.

Jill Goyeau
@jillybxxn

Track Of The Day: Husk – ‘Crush’

Having been named as one of Gaydio’s ‘One To Watch’ and with support from the likes of BBC 6Music, Manchester based queer artist HUSK has been one of our faves here at GIHE for a while now, and so we couldn’t be happier to share their uplifting new single.

A catchy, danceable ‘tranthem’ of self-love, ‘Crush‘ is a call to go against society’s expectations and love yourself. Propelled by vibrant beats and a colourful, ’80s-reminiscent groove, it’s a glistening offering oozing all the uplifting vibes and shimmering energy needed to dance together in unity.

Of the track, HUSK explains:

“As a trans person, and I think literally every other person in society, especially marginalised groups, we’re taught to hate our bodies, and I was like, f*ck that! ‘Crush’ is 3 minutes where I have full permission to confess my love for my trans body, and I want others to love themselves too!

Yet again, HUSK has managed uplift our spirits and energise our souls with another euphoric pop hit.

.

Mari Lane
@marimindles



Track Of The Day: Aderyn – ‘Playground’

‘Playground‘ is the latest single from South Wales indie-pop artist Aderyn, recent ‘Artist Of The Week’ on BBC Radio Wales. It’s a fun, summery and infectious pop song with a rock edge, recorded in LA with Bobby Bloomfield (who’s previously worked with the likes of 50 Cent and Linkin Park). 

The production is clean and polished with many engaging pop hooks and a cool, fizzing musicality propelled by the tight and energetic rhythm section. Aderyn sings blunt and playful lyrics following a recent breakup, delivered full of attitude and sass; sometimes sung so fast she’s almost rapping. She’s mastered immersive lyrical storytelling, allowing you to picture the scene in your mind – a story that many will relate to and cathartically sing along with in the chorus.

Musically, the song is built around fuzzy, slightly distorted riffs giving it a rocky edge, bringing to mind artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Soccer Mommy and Pale Waves, whilst incorporating swirling guitar chops, synth hooks and vocal harmonies.

Of the track, Aderyn explains:

“Playground was written just after a break-up. I was definitely in the ‘anger’ state of mourning the relationship when I wrote this song. I often joke at my gigs that singing this song live is a form of free therapy for me”. 

‘Playground’ is accompanied by a vibrant music video, showcasing Aderyn’s cheeky charisma and colourful energy as she sings directly into the camera at a sunny seaside theme park, at one point holding a pink smoke flare to amp up the attitude and fun. Watch here:

You can catch Aderyn live at  Sŵn Festival, Cardiff on the 22nd October. Find info about this and other tour dates via her Instagram .

Ella Patenall
@ellapatenall

Photo Credit: Hannah Tottle