LISTEN: Ailsa Tully – ‘Parasite’

A personal rumination on the pernicious power dynamics that are prevalent within the UK music industry, Welsh-born songwriter Ailsa Tully has shared her latest single ‘Parasite’. Released via Dalliance Recordings, the track is a deceptively powerful observation on the toxic behaviour Tully has experienced first hand, and a subtle warning to those who think their actions will go un-noticed.

“’Parasite’ is a confrontational song written for a controlling and manipulative person,” Tully explains. “It explores the insidious manner in which sexism takes form, particularly within the inner workings of the music industry.” Through a blend of brooding guitar sounds, enveloping vocals and the faux allure of her lyrics, Tully takes considered shots at her antagonist, effortlessly dismantling the layers of expectation that were pushed upon her because of her gender. Her gracefully repeated threat of “I could break you down / you parasite” sends shivers down the spine.

No longer intimidated by these industry peers, Tully is free to deliver her poetic alt-folk sounds with a hard earned confidence, and ‘Parasite’ is a poignant example of this. The track is accompanied by a video directed by Finlay O’Hara, which shows parasitic plants twisting around vines in tandem with Tully’s music, personifying the struggles she sings of.

Watch the video for ‘Parasite’ below.

Follow Ailsa Tully on bandcampSpotifyFacebook & Instagram for more updates.

Photo Credit: Finn O’Hara

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

LISTEN: H A Z E – ‘King’

A cinematic soundscape about emotional independence, H A Z E (aka Hazel Smith) has shared her debut single ‘King’. The track, which was co-arranged by collaborator and guitarist Jamal Aggoun, blends acoustic guitars and electronic sounds to form a beguiling backdrop against which H A Z E explores the power dynamics that come with reaching for self autonomy.

Formerly the lead singer of rock band D’Haze, Smith now performs under the H A Z E moniker and has shifted to a dark-pop, electronic focused sound. On ‘King’, her clear vocals float above brooding guitars and hazy electronics, with her mantra-like lyrics encouraging empowerment and self-rule.

H A Z E will be releasing a video to accompany the single on 16th November, directed by Lawra EB. The visuals follow the narrative of a queen falling into madness. Listen to ‘King’ below and follow H A Z E on Spotify, FacebookInstagram for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut