LISTEN: GIHE on Soho Radio – Tracks of 2025 (12.12.25)

Tash, Kate and Mari were back in the Soho Radio studio for their final GIHE show of 2025, playing highlights from some of their favourite female, non-binary and LGBTQIA+ artists who released new music this year. They spoke about their top tracks and albums, reflected on GIHE 10th birthday celebrations and shared memorable live music moments from the past 12 months too.

Huge thanks to everyone who has tuned in to listen to us this year!

If you’re in the mood for some more festive fun, you can still grab a ticket to our next gig on Tuesday 16th December at The Ivy House in South London – a Flinchmas extravaganza! To celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, we’re hosting Glasgow’s indie-emo pioneers Flinch, alongside London-based DIY pop-punk faves Fightmilk and grunge-tinged band Dogviolet. Tickets are available here.

Listen back to the show below:

 

We’ll be back on Soho Radio on Thursday 8th January 2026 from 16:00-18:00
Make sure you tune in via DAB or download the Soho Radio app.
You can also listen at www.sohoradio.com

Tracklist
The Big Moon – Carol Of The Bells
Scrounge – Buzz/Cut
Baby Rose – That’s All
Amulets ft. Midwife – Lifelike
Breakup Haircut – The Algorithm Is Trying To Kill Me
Problem Patterns – I’m Fine and I’m Doing Great
Tiiva – you and i
HAAi – Can’t Stand To Lose
Kae Tempest – Statue In The Square
james K – idea.2
Whitelands – Glance
nazire – junebug
Blonde Maze ft. Lizzy Land – To Love Again
Jessie Mac – Trans is Beautiful
Sijya – Do I Know
Smerz – You Got Time and I Got Money
Strange New Places – YATPYFL
Fightmilk – No Souvenirs
TRACEY – Sleazy
Tusks x I. JORDAN – adore (remix)
jasmine.4.t – Woman
otta – FULL OF YOU
Marina Yozora – Touché
Jouska – Season Of Dread
Dogviolet – Now
Poly Styrene & Celeste Bell – Black Christmas
Dream Phone – s***e xmas

LISTEN: GIHE on Soho Radio with Breakup Haircut (13.11.25)

Tash and Kate were back in the Soho Radio studio, bringing listeners their usual eclectic mix of new music tunes from some of their favourite female, non-binary and LGBTQIA+ artists. Mari offered some of her “musical musings” too!

Tash played tracks by trans artists who are much loved by GIHE to mark the upcoming Transgender Day of Remembrance (20th November) and Kate paid homage to Daphne Oram, a pioneer of electronic music. Oram’s centenary is currently being celebrated with performances across the UK on the oram/100 tour, a stunning compilation album titled vari/ations – Ode To Oram, and a special show at The Barbican on 4th December.

London-based DIY pop punk heroes Breakup Haircut also joined the team live in the studio to talk about their second album, No Worries If Not! – due on 28th November via INH Records. Ishani, Ripley and Jordan spoke about the friendship, humour and sheer determination that inspired the writing and recording process (R.I.P to the dead bird in Jordan’s shed/studio). Plus, they shared words of wisdom about how to survive as a DIY band in today’s chaotic world. Grab a ticket to Breakup Haircut’s album launch show at The Victoria in Dalston, East London, here. THWACK! and Jemma Freeman and the Cosmic Something are also on the bill!

Listen back to the show below:

 

We’ll be back on Soho Radio on Thursday 11th December from 16:00-18:00 – our last show of 2025! Make sure you tune in via DAB or download the Soho Radio app.
You can also listen at www.sohoradio.com

 

Tracklist
Jessie Mac – Trans Is Beautiful
NAVA – Poki
Babeheaven – Lost For Words
Lowli – Window In The Woods
PostLast – ‘Scavenge’ (Birthday Problem remix)
Nazire – junebug
Charlotte Day Wilson – Selfish
Romy – Love Who You Love
afromerm – swimming in my ❤
ROSALIA ft. Bjork & Yves Tumor – Berghain
Siselabonga – Halo
Queen Of Nothing – Heaven Is Hurting
Breakup Haircut – Spite! Spite! Spite!
**Interview with Breakup Haircut**
The Linda Lindas – Growing Up
Halina Rice – ENDLESS (Tash’s Track Of The Show)
Marina Yozora – Touché (Kate’s Track Of The Show)
ARXX – W.I.P (Mari’s Track Of The Show)
jasmine 4.t ft Jacob Alon – Find Ur Ppl
CHERMY ft. Uninvited – Sofa Bed
HAVVK – Happening Again
Sylvan Esso – WDID
Livia O – a moment to breathe
GENN – Reverberations
PLANNINGTOROCK x Bronski Beat – Smalltown Boy (rework)
Destiny’s Child – Girl

LIVE: SPIDER – Camden Assembly, London (20.03.24)

The last time we saw alt-pop polymath SPIDER play live, she was dominating the stage at The Green Door Store in 2023 at The Great Escape Festival in Brighton. Playfully taunting the “industry guys at the back” to move forward and dance along to her high energy anthems, the Irish songwriter and producer impressed us with her defiant attitude and eclectic mix of genre-blending songs. Fast forward ten months to her first London headline show at Camden Assembly and the effect is very much the same.

Celebrating the release of her new EP, an object of desire, SPIDER performed a set of riotous, angst-ridden tunes about coming of age in an antagonistic world that often tries to dictate this deeply personal process. Joined on stage by her drummer and guitarist, she launched into the title track from her new record, which instigated an impassioned response from those at the front of the crowd. Wearing a t-shirt adorned with the slogan “Who TF is Spider?” the Irish musician was quick to compliment her audience on how “hot” they all looked, before diving into tenacious renditions of ‘Straight Out The Oven’ and ‘Daisy Chains’.

From its inception, SPIDER’s set was a joyful, animated medley of pop punk and alt-pop noise with the occasional slower tempo tune – like the smouldering ‘Romeo’, lifted from her debut EP, C.O.A (Coming Of Age). Between songs, her natural quick wit and charisma shone through. She encouraged members of the crowd to shout out the names of exes treated them badly and took puerile delight in hearing them chant the lyrics to ‘Fuck You Fuck Everything’ from her second EP, HELL OR HIGH WATER, back at her.

SPIDER’s humour is underscored by a more urgent purpose though. Despite their vivacious delivery, her songs are underscored by themes of alienation and inequality. On tracks like ‘TRAUMA’ and ‘5678’, which she dubbed as a new “fan favourite”, she took an extended amount of time to contextualize why she creates her music. ‘TRAUMA’ was inspired by the entitled behaviour of a white boy who refused to pay for his shots when she was working behind a bar, whilst ‘5678’ focuses on the gendered double standards and the unacknowledged emotional labour of girls and women. Her reflections on the emotional resilience that’s required to endure and heal from these experiences is driven home by her direct lyrics, strong vocal performance and clear intonation.

SPIDER openly explained that as both a young woman and a young woman of colour, she routinely grapples with the contradictory ways in which her behaviour on and off-stage is analysed and interpreted by others. ‘5678’ is SPIDER’s way of navigating this chaos, rejecting false perceptions, and moving forward with the strength of her fans, who cheered along as she acknowledged these damaging and unfair projections.

The Irish musician is a passionate advocate for instigating change in a predominantly white, male music industry. This is reflected in her crowd – formed of majority female and gender-non-confirming fans who dance and sing without inhibition – and in her choice of support acts. She shared the bill with fellow emerging alternative artists of colour SAFESP8CE and BUKKY. This outlook is also epitomised during her corrosive closing track, ‘America’s Next Top Model’, which was penned as a response to the backlash and whitewashing she has experienced online. During the performance, she joined her crowd as they playfully pushed each other in the mosh pit, openly enjoying her moment in the spotlight at her first London headline.

Whilst SPIDER’s live set is ultimately a space for fans to cut loose and forget about the outside world, it also serves as a reminder that if we want artists like her to thrive, we need to start showing up for them; whether that’s physically at gigs, buying their music, or simply spreading the word about them online.

Follow SPIDER on SpotifyInstagramTwitter & Facebook

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

PLAYLIST: February 2024

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another eclectic mix of alternative anthems, grunge & shoegaze tunes, electronic sounds and indie & folk musings 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’
GIHE fave London shoegazers Whitelands came into the Soho Radio studio earlier this month to chat to us about their debut album, Night-bound Eyes Are Blind To The Day, and I have been listening to the record on a loop since its release. I saw them live supporting Slowdive at Hammersmith Apollo, and it was wonderful to hear their magnetic sounds ring out around the walls of such a prestigious venue. The GIHE team are so excited to see them again at their London album launch gig at Rough Trade on 5th March.
(Features Editor -Kate Crudgington)

Hypsoline – ‘Disposable Girl’
Firm favourites who we’ve been lucky enough to have play for us a couple of times now, Brighton’s Hypsoline have now shared new single ‘Disposable Girl’. Written from the viewpoint of a heartbroken teenage girl, the track oozes the band’s scuzzy power and versatility of front person Trilby’s rich vocals. Building with a hazy allure, it showcases the band’s ability to create instantly catchy rock anthems, and I can’t wait to hear more from them this year. (Managing Editor – Mari Lane)

HAVVK – ‘Take It From Me’
We’re extremely excited to have Irish trio HAVVK return to play live for us at our next gig on 28th March at Shacklewell Arms. Having headlined the first ever gig we hosted back in 2016, it feels pretty special to be hosting them again, and – with support from lovely bands like Athabaska and Rats-Tails – it promises to be a dreamy night! This latest single showcases all the gritty, grunge-fuelled energy and celestial splendour we’ve come to know and love from the band. To Fall Asleep, the new album from HAVVK, is set for release on 15th March. Come and celebrate its release with us at The Shacklewell Arms! Tickets here. (ML)

Projector – ‘Don’t Give Anything Up For Love’
Congratulations to Brighton trio Projector on the release of their debut album, Now When We Talk It’s Violence. Unsurprisingly, it’s a superb record that showcases the band’s evolution in sound, full of grinding riffs, intense vocals and propulsive beats. This is my favourite track from the record. (KC)

Wisp – ‘Once Then We’ll Be Free’
19 year-old San Francisco-based musician Wisp has been on my radar for a while now. I’ve been soaking up her lush shoegaze sounds, and this single ‘Once Then We’ll Be Free’ is another potent blend of her hushed vocals, swirling riffs and driving beats. (KC)

Nightbus – ‘Average Boy’
Released via So Young Records, ‘Average Boy’ is the dreamy new release from Northern trio Nightbus. Speaking about the track, the band explain: “‘Average Boy’ is a narrative I’m sure many of us can relate to. The feeling of inadequacy, dysphoria, a longing for something that might never materialise. Those small moments that feel like destiny are reduced to bittersweet memories. We all search for something, we get caught in cycles, we lose our way, half the time we don’t even know what we’re looking for. Gender, perspective, culture, we are all in some way the average boy.” (KC)

Brimheim – ‘Normies’
I’m a big fan of Danish-Faroese artist Brimheim, and this single has been swirling around my head all month. Taken from her upcoming second album, RATKING, which is set for release on 22nd March, her new record explores shame, self-deception and tragic love. I adored her debut album, can’t hate myself into a different shape, and think her new offering will be equally as excellent. She’ll be playing The Lexington on Weds 22nd May. (KC)

Baby In Vain – ‘Afterlife’
This is the title track from Danish trio and longtime GIHE favourites Baby In Vain’s latest album. The record showcases a softer, more shoegazey approach to the band’s songwriting, compared to earlier heavier releases, but it still retains the slow-burning tenderness that makes all of their music so compelling. (KC)

total tommy – ‘microdose’
This is the debut single from Australian songwriter total tommy, who has recently singed to [PIAS] Recordings. A lovely hit of lo-fi indie-grunge, ‘microdose’ was written in total tommy’s bedroom studio in Sydney on a stormy night, and reflects on an addictive, all-consuming crush. (KC)

Tusks – ‘Strangers’
Another affecting, evocative offering from London-based electronic artist Tusks here. ‘Strangers’ is lifted from her upcoming album, Gold, which is set for release on 12th April via One Little Independent Records. She will be playing at Rough Trade East on 13th April to celebrate the release of the album. (KC)

Tolü Makay – ‘Mind & Body’
Nigerian-Irish artist Tolü Makay has returned with this wonderful new single about the importance of being present in the moment, with her emotive voice guiding listeners through this process. Speaking about the track, Tolü explains: “’Mind & Body’ explores the anxiety we feel when our body is numb to the moment while our mind is drowning in senses, screaming for us to be present in the here and now. It’s about allowing ourselves to breathe, about taking care of our bodies, about being present even when everything is moving so rapidly. In this cultural moment we are so concerned and cornered by our thoughts, our appearance, our voices and narratives that we tell ourselves. It is so hard to simply just be. ‘Mind & Body’ is a reminder to be present. To come together. Not just with yourself, but with each other. In Mind and Body.” (KC)

Elsa Hewitt – ‘Citrinitas’
I saw Elsa Hewitt play live again recently at Loki in Brixton, and I was hypnotised by her lo-fi, but very intricate synth loops and vocal improvisations. This wonderful soundscape ‘Citrinitas’, is taken from her upcoming eighth album, Chaos Emeralds, which is set for release on 12th April. Chaos Emeralds is the result of an intense few years of personal change and growth for the artist, full of field recordings and poetry extracts, all underscored by her trademark magnetic electronica. (KC)

Sheherazaad – ‘Dhund Lo Mujhe’
Following last year’s completely spellbinding debut single, ‘Mashoor’, Brooklyn-based composer and vocalist Sheherazaad has now shared the second taste of her upcoming album. As stirring waves of sound intertwine with a somewhat buoyant energy, ‘Dhund Lo Mujhe’s celebratory tone is at once juxtaposed with a disconcerting undercurrent. Building to a swirling rich cacophony, it offers a stark reminder to embrace our own unique joy in the face of damaging stereotypes. Qasr, the upcoming debut album from Sheherazaad, is set for release on 1st March via Erased Tapes. (ML)

M(h)aol – ‘Pursuit’
Irish post punks M(h)aol have returned as a four piece with this cutting new single ‘Pursuit’. Drummer and vocalist Constance Keane explains more about the pent up frustration and fear that underscored the track’s conception: “’Pursuit’ is about the experience of being followed home. Sadly, I think it’s something most women have experienced, and something that makes you change your behaviour on a very practical level. It first happened to me when I was 12, and it stayed with me for a long time. The experience of choosing your outfit based on how quickly it could help you get out of a dangerous situation is something I don’t even notice I’m doing sometimes, and that in itself scares me. What am I doing choosing shoes I know I can run fast in, rather than the ones that would go better with my outfit? As a whole, the song is built out of frustration that has accumulated over the past 30 years of being a woman in public.” (KC)

Lambrini Girls – ‘God’s Country’
Currently taking the world by storm, Lambrini Girls are not afraid to call out the government and those complicit in the deterioration of society. Offering a brutal condemnation of ‘Great’ Britain, latest single ‘God’s Country’ seethes with an immense energy and angst-driven power, emanating a raging sense of urgency throughout, cementing Lambrini Girls once again as a truly formidable force that we need now more than ever. Of the track, the band clarify: ““God’s Country is our long, overdue call-out of the government and rise of the far right… Great Britain. Think colonial, shit-hole, chunk of land. Thriving off unhinged nationalism, fed to us by the right red hand of unelected prime ministers… We could deep dive into inspirations and influences- but the song’s about politics, not us. We hope the song speaks for itself. Rishi, Cameron, Cummings, Starmer – you’re all on our shit list.” (ML)

CLT DRP – ‘Until You Showed Me’
Described as a “gender-fluid love sing”, this is the first new material from Brighton-based art punks CLT DRP since they released their second album, Nothing Clever, Just Feelings, via Venn records last year. Speaking about the track, powerhouse vocalist Annie Dorrett explains: “Femininity is a word that has haunted me my whole life, whereas Masculinity is something that I’ve longed for. ‘Until You Showed Me’ is a love song to my current partner for making my gender fluidity something that they nourish and make room for rather than dismiss or ignore. It’s no secret that a lot of people feel the need to lean into a gender role in order to gain respect or normalcy and if they mess with anything outside the binary it can seem threatening. Funnily enough I’ve found myself playing with my femininity a lot more now that I’ve found comfort in my skin again. This song is a little ode to the queers and anyone who strays from the binary in any way small or large. Break the wall from either side, that’s how we get ‘em to listen.” (KC)

Loose Articles – ‘I’d Rather Have A Beer’
Having recently announced the release of their debut album later this year, Manchester’s Loose Articles bring all the racing, roaring energy in latest single ‘I’d Rather Have A Beer’. Offering a warning about those toxic people who won’t make the same effort for you that they expect from you, it’s a perfect, post-punk ode to prioritising your own self worth, having fun with with your pals (over a nice pint) and moving on with your life. (ML)

Bridget. – ‘Take Me Down’
Taken from her debut EP, Damage Reversal, ‘Take Me Down’ is an anthemic offering from Essex-based grunge punk artist Bridget. She will be playing a gig at Luna in Leytonstone on 16th March as part of her EP tour, so if you like what you hear, make sure you grab a ticket to go and see her. (KC)

SPIDER – ‘an object of desire’
‘object of desire’ is the title track from Irish-born, London-based alt-pop artist SPIDER’s brand new EP. The record is a gritty, candid offering, exploring “the unholy trinity of young adulthood” and the web of sex, objectification and self-worth. We interviewed SPIDER on our Soho Radio show for our Great Escape Festival special last year, and she was a breath of fresh air. We’re so excited to see her getting the attention she deserves. SPIDER will play her first ever London headline show at London’s Camden Assembly on March 20th. (KC)

Gouge Away – ‘Dallas’
I was hooked on ‘Stuck In A Dream’, the powerhouse previous single from Florida-based alternative five piece Gouge Away. ‘Dallas’ marks a gear change in sound for the band, but it’s still a heady, corrosive sonic dive into what it feels like to hit rock bottom. It’s taken from Gouge Away’s upcoming third album, Deep Sage, which is set for release on 15th March via Deathwish Inc. (KC)

Heave Blood & Die – ‘Men Like You’
I love this intense offering from Norwegian post-punk collective Heave Blood & Die. It’s lifted from their fourth album, Burnout Codes, which they released back in January. Dedicated to bassist Eivind Imingen, who decided to end his life just following the recordings of the album, Burnout Codes shows the Norwegian collective offering their most textured and innovative album to date, acting as a tender tribute to the talent of their bandmate. (KC)

Dissolved Girl – ‘Silt’
This London-based four piece are named after one of my favourite Massive Attack songs. Dissolved Girl have been meticulously crafting their debut album over the past four years, and this track ‘Silt’ is the second hint at what’s to come. Brooding riffs, trip-hop style beats and a potent vocal all blend together to create a captivating, grunge-infused soundscape. (KC)

CHERYM – ‘Alpha Beta Sigma’
Having just released their debut album, Take It Or Leave It, this month via Alcopop! Records, Northern Irish trio Cherym have been big faves of ours since I first fell in love with them playing Paper Dress Vintage back in 2021. And I was lucky enough to re-live this experience last Saturday as they returned to the venue, delivering an even more wonderful set to an even bigger and adoring crowd. Fizzing with all the colourful punk-pop energy we’ve come to know and love, ‘Alpha Beta Stigma’ offers a fierce reflection on the immense gender inequality and violence against women that still permeates Irish society. One of the most exciting bands around at the moment, I fully expect to be seeing and hearing lots more of Cherym throughout 2024. (ML)

Laura Jane Grace – ‘Birds Talk Too’
Having just released their new album, Hole In My Head, earlier this month, legendary Against Me! Front-person, author and transgender activist Laura Jane Grace offers an uptempo ode to the city of Amsterdam in latest single ‘Birds Talk Too’. I love how its fuzzy punk energy propels the distinctive resonant power of Laura’s vocals, creating a fiercely fun-filled anthem. (ML)

The Empty Page – ‘Cock Of The Fifth Year’
The new single from Manchester’s The Empty Page, ‘Cock Of The Fifth Year’ offers a raging reflection on those ‘jock-type’ guys who often use their size and gender as a means of intimidating others. Of the track, front person Kel explains: “Unfortunately, there are still a lot of blokes like that I encounter when walking around my home city of Manchester. Swaggering, mouthy bellends who can be pretty intimidating when you’re a woman just trying to get from a to b.” I love its gritty energy and the raw power of Kel’s vocals, and can’t wait for the release of The Empty Page’s new album, Imploding, on 24th May. (ML)

Bleach Brain – ‘Crack’
Bleach Brain are a Liverpool-based punk/grunge trio who create anthems filled with heavy riffs and distorted vocals. This track ‘Crack’ is lifted from their excellently named EP, EAT SHIT, which they released at the beginning of the month. The band describe their new record as “a rebellious, angry, energetic EP with songs about violence, abuse, and capitalism.” (KC)

Charley Stone – ‘A Scream’
If you live in London and go to gigs, you probably already know Charley Stone. With a musical CV too long to list, and currently a gigging guitarist in bands such as Sleeper and Desperate Journalist, she has now announced the release of her debut solo album. The first song that Stone ever wrote on electric guitar (back in the last century!), it offers an insight into her creative process and artistic license. With scuzzy hooks that ripple alongside distinctive vocals oozing luscious delayed tones, it builds with a whirring energy to a colourful cacophony. Here Comes The Actual Band, the debut album from Charley Stone, is set for release on 29th May. (ML)

NEXT TO NADA – ‘Whine, Lips’
This track is lifted from London-based noise makers NEXT TO NADA’s upcoming EP, WHINE // MOTHS, which they will be self-releasing on the 15th March. It’s a grinding, punk-infused reflection on pent up frustrations, which vocalist, guitarist and lyricist Georgie explains further: “‘Whine, Lips’ is a self-lament/piss-take that I wrote whilst in a particularly lengthy period of self-destructive behaviour. Dissociation, jealousy, unease, apprehension and defeatism were all running amok in the closed quarters of a brain – leading to (what feels like) a tiresome, vicious circle of poor coping mechanisms and pessimism.” NEXT TO NADA will be playing live at the Dublin Castle on 30th May. (KC)

Um Jennifer? – ‘Glamour Girl’
Having first fallen in love with New York trans duo Um Jennifer last year when I couldn’t get enough of their single ‘Girl Class’, I’m now equally obsessed with latest offering ‘Glamour Girl’. With its playful energy and catchy hooks, it reflects on the pros and cons of recurring patterns in relationships. It’s a fuzzy lo-fi slice of punk-pop perfection that leaves me excited to hear the entirety of Um Jennifer’s new EP, The Girl Class EP, which will be out on my birthday (5th April, for those who don’t know). (ML)

Parsnip – ‘The Light’
A new discovery for me, Melbourne band Parsnip have just announced details of their upcoming album, Behold, which will be released on 26th April via Upset The Rhythm. New single ‘The Light’ fizzes with jangly hooks and an uptempo Raincoats-esque energy; the perfect uplifting antidote to our dreary British weather. (ML)

Lilith Ai ft. Kimya Dawson – ‘Fawn’
Taken from her upcoming album, Serial Killers Prefer Blondes, which is set for release on 13th September via Cruisin Records, this track from London-based indie-rock artist Lilith Ai is an affecting blend of confessional lyrics, atmospheric guitars and rousing beats. (KC)

Emily Magpie – ‘Sunflowers’
Long time favourite, Bristol’s Emily Magpie, has announced that her new album, There Are Other Forms Of Strength, will be released on 19th April. Our first taster of the album comes in the form of glistening new single, ‘Sunflowers’. Flowing with a shimmering energy as Emily’s soulful vocals ripple alongside an uptempo funk-fused allure. (ML)

KIN – ‘Party Anthem’
The new single from London’s KIN, ‘Party Anthem’ offers a poignant reflection on women’s safety. Written back in 2020, inspired by the Reclaim The Streets movement, it oozes a captivating dark allure. Flowing with Grace Strickland De Souza’s crystalline vocals and a swirling instrumentation, a stirring melancholic soundscape is created. (ML)