PLAYLIST: Trans Pride 2023

Although we support and promote the queer community all year round at GIHE, we acknowledge Pride as a chance to celebrate LGBTQI+ joy and achievements, how far we’ve come, as well as a protest and the need to continue to push for acceptance. With this in mind, this year it felt more resonant than ever to highlight the Trans community. At a time when their rights are being further questioned and curtailed, we want to not only show our support and draw attention to the need for change, but to celebrate Trans Joy and creativity. Our co-founder Tash Walker expands:

We can’t ignore what is happening in the world right now when it comes to trans rights and inclusion, right the way down to our younger trans siblings. As public support for trans people feels ever questioned here in the UK, at Get In Her Ears we want to create a space that centres TRANS JOY in all its beauty, through the music we play. It can be so easy for our ears to focus on the hate and transphobia, but a moment to turn the volume up on the joy is so powerful and when you look for it, it’s everywhere. 

Only four months ago, when I was at the Brihanna Ghey vigil E J Scott a trans archivist was handing out packets of sweets, and saying “have a little bit of trans joy”. Recently I was interviewing Professor Stephen Whittle (co-founder of Press for Change who lobbied the Govt to bring about the Gender Recognition Act) – during that interview, I asked him what joy meant to him and he said “I feel trans joy, I really do” and it made us both smile so much. 

So let’s focus on and create the space to include trans voices because the global and UK negativity is so loud, but joy is always louder and lasts longer.  One of the biggest forms of ‘activism’ is to live your life as yourself (if you feel safe to do so), so we want to uplift and create a space for us to hear trans people and their joy. Hear that not only is there such a thing as trans joy but that if we all listen, as a society, push back to make that space bigger and bigger, until it becomes a part of all of our lives through acceptance and liberation, it will bring us all joy too. 

Remember the lengths the LGBTQIA+ communities have come, but more importantly, how far we still have to go. The LGBTQIA+ communities and their allies need to stand strong and united with each other, but especially the transgender and gender non-conforming communities. So wherever you are, at whatever Pride you are supporting this summer, spread the word and make it known – equality is for everyone, but most importantly, trans lives matter, trans kids deserve to be trans adults. No-one is equal until we are all equal.

Our 2023 Pride playlist includes tracks by some of our favourite trans, non binary and queer artists, as well as a few songs voicing support/rage on their behalf. Read about our choices below, and then hit play for the perfect soundtrack for London Trans Pride weekend!

 

Jackie Shane – ‘Any Other Way’
We’ve played Canadian soul-singer Jackie Shane multiple times on our GIHE radio show, included her on many a playlist and we’re certainly not stopping now. Jackie was a pioneer for transgender rights in the ’60s & ’70s, a time when being your true self was not always welcomed, or accepted. (Tash Walker)

Ma Rainey – ‘Prove It On Me Blues’
This 1928 song by Ma Rainey, who is unarguably the mother of blues, is possibly one of the first references to queer lesbian culture. Ma Rainey, a queer woman sings, “Went out last night with a crowd of my friends. They must’ve been women, ’cause I don’t like no men.” An essential to any LGBT+ playlist. (TW)

Shea Diamond – ‘I Am Her’
As early as transgender singer Shea Diamond can remember, she identified as a girl – and was punished for it. At age 20, she robbed a convenience store at gunpoint – desperate, she says, to fund her gender-affirming surgery. Behind bars (in a male prison), Diamond found her voice as a songwriter, and wrote this track ‘I Am Her’. I just love its poignant, soulful groove. (Mari Lane)

Beverly Glenn-Copeland – ‘Africa Calling‘
I have always loved Beverly’s music and I am so excited for their forthcoming album, this is the first new music we’ve had from them in 20 years. He is such an incredibly talented artist, a true icon. A Black trans electronic music pioneer! (TW)

Le Tigre – ‘Viz’
I can’t really put into words how life-affirmingly wonderful it was to see Le Tigre live at the Troxy last month, so I’ll leave my general gushing about that to another time. However, a particularly special moment of their set was JD Samson singing this – calling on queers of every kind to dance / march / rage in joyous unity to raise visibility, so that everyone can be free to live life as their true selves. (ML)

Hercules & Love Affair – ‘Blind’
Taken from their self-titled album released in 2008, the same year I attended London Pride for the first time, this is without a doubt the theme tune to me fully embracing my sexuality, feeling proud of who I was and strong enough to come out happily in all aspects of my life. (TW)

Planningtorock – ‘Transome’
I have Tash to thank for introducing me to the sounds of Planningtorock. Watching them perform songs from their Powerhouse album at Southbank Centre back in 2019 was such a joyful and moving affair. Tash & I even joined in the stage invasion! This track ‘Transome’ is a total bop. It’s a sultry, playful celebration of what it’s like to truly be feeling yourself, and that’s what Pride is all about. (Kate Crudgington)

SOPHIE – ‘Immaterial’
This track is taken from SOPHIE’s debut album and I love it. A pioneer of experimental music, often the producer behind so many other amazing tracks, remixes and artists. Described as disorientating latex pop which I think sums up my first experience of seeing SOPHIE live – intense at its best. (TW)

Mykki Blanco – ‘Free Ride’
This is a song from an artist who I feel needs no introduction, a queer pioneer who is doing amazing things for LGBTQ+ rights as well as being open about their positive HIV status. Mykki Blanco is also such an incredible artist and their music is just oh so gooooood. (TW)

HUSK – ‘Let’s Get Married’
The latest single from Manchester based trans masculine non-binary artist Husk, ‘Let’s Get Married’ offers a synth-soaked anthem, oozing a joyous groove and colourful uplifting allure. In HUSK’s own words, it’s a “sickly sweet, tongue-in-cheek tale ripped straight from a rom-com storyline of being hopelessly, head over heels in obsession after ‘all of 3 days’ of meeting your new one-true-love.” Donate to their top surgery revision fundraiser here.(ML)

Tokky Horror – ‘Toilet’
Electro punks Tokky Horror have a reputation for being a TOTAL force of nature when they perform live, and they’re dedicated to creating safe spaces to mosh for women and LGBTQ+ folks at their gigs. This track ‘Toilet’ is a blend of drum & bass beats, manic riffs and surprisingly vulnerable lyrics, inspired by producer Zee’s own experiences of finding their feet within queer activist scenes in music and further afield. (KC)

The Crystal Furs – ‘Gay Bar’
A catchy rendition of the Electric Six classic by Pacific Northwest queer indie poppers The Crystal Furs. Described by the band as a ‘sapphic tale of lust’, it’s the perfect addition to any dancefloor! (ML)

Touch Excellent – ‘Record’
This tenacious anthem from Touch Excellent takes aim at the failures of the healthcare system when it comes to treating women, non-binary and transgender folks. Fuelled by the Dublin-based band’s collective anger and own experiences, the track is a brief but powerful blast of attention-grabbing pop punk noise. Playfully self-describing themselves as “Ireland’s most transgender band (surely)”, Touch Excellent create raw, frenzied, politically-driven cacophonies that are designed to dismantle the systems that oppress us. (KC)

Chroma – ‘Woman To Woman’
An impassioned call to arms in support of all people of minority genders, I can’t get enough of Welsh rockers Chroma’s immense, fierce energy. Calling out those who call themselves feminists whilst actively oppressing others, it blasts out the poignant message that “Trans Women Are Women” with a searing urgency. I can’t wait for Chroma to headline for us on 8th September at Shacklewell Arms – catch them live before they hit the stadium opening for Foo Fighters next year! Tickets here. (ML)

Problem Patterns – ‘Terfs Out’
“LGB is nothing if not for the T / So show up with some real solidarity” – Belfast Riot Grrrls Problem Patterns hitting the nail on the head with this total punk banger. We love everything that the band represent and how vocal they are about supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Their most recent single ‘Letter Of Resignation‘ is all about celebrating queer joy and ally-ship, too. I can’t wait to hear both these tracks live again when Problem Patterns headline for us on Friday 17th November at the Sebright Arms. Grab a ticket here (KC)

Trap Girl – ‘Diva’s Inferno’ 
Fresh from signing to Kill Rock Stars, LA punks Trap Girl have just announced the release of their upcoming new EP, Diva’s Inferno – out on 14th July. Intent on bringing “visibility to what it is to be trans, big, brown and glamorous” (Candace Hanson, Razorcake Magazine), Trap Girl offer perfectly powerful raging anthems with an impassioned queer energy. Listen to the EP’s title track here (it’s only on Bandcamp, so we’ve included 2020 single ‘Transwomen and Chokeholds’ on our Spotify playlist). (ML)

Petrol Girls – ‘Fight For Our Lives’
Featuring inspirational activist and DIY punk Janey Starling, ‘Fight For Our Lives’ offers a resonant call to arms to reclaim control over our own bodies and unite in coming together to fight against the confines and dangers of this damaging patriarchal society and create a safer world for all marginalised groups. A raging cacophony fuelled by a riotous catharsis – as with every track on last year’s Baby album, it’s an utterly necessary listen from Petrol Girls. (ML)

Jemma Freeman & The Cosmic Something – ‘Huge’
Channelling the mindset of a child with ADHD, trying to make sense of a locked down world, ‘Huge’ is propelled by a chaotic energy, rippling with fizzing hooks as the swirling power of Jemma’s truly distinctive vocals soars. Building with a sparkling psychedelic allure to an immense, colourful cacophony, it showcases the raw emotive majesty that this innovative artist is able to create. (ML)

Ezra Furman – ‘Forever Sunset’
Taken from last year’s All Of Us In Flames album, this track exudes such a delicate grace and beautifully raw emotion that it gives me goosebumps on each listen. Coming out as a trans woman in 2021, Ezra Furman shared a picture of herself with her child, with the accompanying message: “I’m telling you I’m a mom now for a specific reason. Because one problem with being trans is that we have so few visions of what it can look like to have an adult life, to grow up and be happy and not die young. When our baby was born I had approximately zero examples that I had seen of trans women raising children. So here’s one for anyone who wants to see one. I’m a trans woman and a mom. This is possible.” (ML)

Bitch Hunt – ‘Identity Clinic’
It’s no secret that I’ve been a super fan girl of First Timers alumni Bitch Hunt for a few years now – I just can’t get enough of their gently empowering, cathartic energy and scuzzy punk-pop. This track seems particularly poignant right now, as trans youth are faced with increasingly long waiting times to access the healthcare and support that they urgently need. (ML)

Um Jennifer? – ‘Girl Class’
The brand new single from NYC duo (and fantastically named) Um Jennifer?, ‘Girl Class’ is a perfect slice of fuzzy lo-fi punk-pop. Of the track, they explain: “‘Girl Class’ was born out of craving community within trans girlhood. It’s about unbecoming and becoming; being molded by expectations of femininity. Ultimately, it’s the realisation that despite the noise, there is no one way to be a girl.” (ML)

Ethel Cain – ‘American Teenager’
This euphoric pop gem from Ethel Cain sits in contrast with her darker, more cinematic sounds, but I still love it. She’s such a sophisticated, altruistic storyteller, something which is perfectly showcased on her debut album Preacher’s Daughter. Everyone needs a bit of Ethel Cain in their lives. (KC)

Nina Keith – ‘Blow Up Yr Life (U Need To)’
A comforting, gentle reminder to let go of negativity and doubt, I love this soundscape from LA-based trans artist, producer and composer Nina Keith. Featuring the vocals of indie pop artist Barrie and composer and musician Qur’an Shaheed,  ‘Blow Up Yr Life (U Need To)’ is a considered, delicate blend of lilting electronics, fragmented voices and crisp production, all of which melt together to create an exquisite, emotive listening experience. “Lately the more I wear the turmoil of my life on my sleeve the more often I find myself in conversations with strangers and loved ones that reach a similar end,” Keith explains about the context of her track. “This song is sort of a small prayer in lieu of words I can never seem to speak in those moments. Divorce your husband, start an onlyfans, borrow friend’s hormones, take them for fun, sell your stuff, buy rare beanie babies with the money, whatever you have to do. There is only so much time left.” Love it! (KC)

Chuck SJ – ‘F2shapeless’ 
Chuck SJ and their full band The Rose Quartz Rebellion played for us supporting pink suits at The Shacklewell Arms last month, and it really was such an honour to host them. Uniting the crowd in a sense of euphoric queer joy, the set reflected on themes of Transness and finding your place in the world with a deep cathartic energy. This track stood out as particularly poignant – just listen to it for yourself and you’ll see what I mean. Truly heart achingly beautiful. (ML)

Anohni – It Must Change
‘It Must Change’, the beautiful first single from ANOHNI’s sixth studio album – a statement that we all should listen to in light of what is happening in the world, but specifically here in the UK when it comes to trans rights. Anohni has released this song under Anohni and the Johnsons, a nod to the origins of her music, the band named after LGBTQ+ rights activist and pioneer Marsha P Johnson. ‘It Must Change’ is a song with hope embedded for a better future. (TW)

Listen to our Pride Playlist below!

Follow GIHE on Spotify to hear all of our previous playlists too

 

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NEW TRACK: Problem Patterns – ‘Letter of Resignation’

Fresh from supporting electro-punk icons Le Tigre on their Manchester and Glasgow UK tour dates, GIHE favourites Problem Patterns have shared their tenacious new single ‘Letter of Resignation’. The Belfast-based Riot Grrrls have also announced the title of their upcoming debut album, Blouse Club, which will be released later this year via Alcopop! Records.

A live highlight when they played it during their set at Brighton’s Great Escape festival earlier this year, ‘Letter of Resignation’ sees guitarist Beverley Boal step forward on vocals – and what a force she is. Not defined by traditional band structures, Problem Patterns routinely switch up instruments and mic duties for their songs and it always makes for a refreshing take on the subject they’re singing about.

This time, the band are celebrating queer joy and ally-ship as they tear down those who discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community, specifically in places of employment. “I’m standing up for who I believe in / you can’t fire me, I’m leaving!” chants Bev in gleeful defiance, as her band mates create a joyful cacophony of punk noise around her.

Bev explains the context of the new track eloquently: “‘Letter of Resignation’ is for anyone who has left a job, space or situation because people there were judgmental of, or discriminated against them or others for being different, and they stood up for who they believe in. For me, I grew up hearing the phrase ‘hate the sin, love the sinner’ in churches (always in the same context, as if being gay was the ultimate sin) and it still feels like an attack when I hear the preachers in the street.

Genuine love does not force us to become what we are not. Genuine love extends beyond those who look, act and think like yourself. Genuine love doesn’t inspire violence. Two thirds of queer people have experienced violence or abuse due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. More than half of Northern Irish queer youth say they are not fully accepted by their family. Mental health struggles including self-harm are far more prevalent in the LGBTQ+ community. Those perpetuating ‘traditional’ views have a lot to answer for. And, after so many sexual abuse scandals in the church, it seems like they would be better off trying to keep themselves right.”

‘Letter of Resignation’ is accompanied by a super fun, Pride inspired video, which the band shot in Holywood just outside of Belfast. Directed and edited by Brendan Seamus with input from Bev, the visuals show Problem Patterns unapologetically marching and dancing around the Northern Irish town, featuring vocalist & guitarist Alanah playing a briefcase like it’s a guitar, bassist Ciara throwing some serious shapes by the seaside and drummer Beth acting as a cranky old man.

“Brendy also did our ‘Day & Age’ and ‘Y.A.W’ music videos,” Bev explains. “He always does an amazing job of capturing our fun chaotic energy. Fuelled by Nutmeg’s vegan café and baffled by the amount of churches on the main street, we got ice cream at the beach even though it was a bitter cold Sunday. In the face of hatred, we stand for queer joy. I think that’s the duality of our band and this music video. On one hand, we’re protesting the powers that want to tear us down, but on the other hand, we’re celebrating and proud of who we are and what we believe in. And you can tell we mean business when we’re in our suits, even if we’re having a dance at the seaside.”

Kathleen Hanna (Le Tigre/Bikini Kill) described Problem Patterns as her “new favourite band” and after watching the visuals for their new single, we can totally see why. They’re fun, furious and full of energy, and we can’t wait to have them headline for GIHE again at the Sebright Arms in Hackney later this year on 17th November. Support comes from indie-pop band Fightmilk and the shoegazey sounds of Dogviolet. Tickets are cheaper in advance, so make sure you grab one from DICE.

Watch the video for ‘Letter of Resignation’ below.

Follow Problem Patterns on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Problem Patterns UK Live Dates 2023
15.07.23 – Berlin, My People Fest (w/ FAIM, Dying For It)
22.07.23 – Liverpool, Crapfest (w/ Crapsons, Piss Kitti)
19.08.23 – Glasgow, Core Festival
26.08.23 – Kettering, Greenbelt Festival
17.11.23 – London, Sebright Arms (headlining for Get In Her Ears)

Photo Credit: Carrie Davenport

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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GIHE Turns Three: The Music Getting Us Through 2020

Though we’d already been hosting our own radio show and gig nights at The Finsbury for some time before, last week marked three years since we started this little website; a sanctuary dedicated to promoting and supporting women and non binary people in new music. A place for us to spread the word about the bands and artists so deserving of your ears; a place to indulge ourselves in writing about just how truly necessary their art is to our wellbeing. And how prevalent this has been over the last few months. For the government to pass off musicians as a surplus profession that doesn’t deserve any funding in these hard times seems utterly ludicrous; their work is a total lifeline for us, something we need in order to survive, now more than ever. 

So, to celebrate our birthday, we pay tribute to the bands and artists who we’ve sought refuge in throughout these trying times. Some old favourites who may have cropped up on the website/at our gigs/on our radio show more than once over the last three years; and some new discoveries who we have happened upon and fallen in love with whilst in the depths of lockdown… 

Read about our choices below, and make sure you have a listen to our special Birthday playlist! 

Mari Lane:

Whilst the last seven months haven’t been easy – in addition to the general anxieties I’m sure everyone has been feeling, continuing my day job of supporting students with mental health difficulties has certainly taken its toll on my own wellbeing – the situation has also given me a chance to reflect on the things I treasure most. Not only am I extremely lucky to live with a loving partner (our very own GIHE art director, Paul) and still have a job I feel passionately about, but being part of Get In Her Ears and the feeling of unity and togetherness (despite being physically apart) I feel with co-founders Tash and Kate is something I’m grateful for every day. That, and the abundance of incredible new music I’m being constantly sent, plus the many memories I have of incredible gigs at The Finsbury, is definitely something that has got me through recently. So, a huge thank you to all the bands and artists who have been a part of the Get In Her Ears journey, and have been continuing to create wonderful offerings of catharsis this year.

Little Simz – Grey Area
Whenever I need an uplift, a shot of motivation – which has been quite frequently lately – I listen to Little Simz’ Grey Area. The perfect soundtrack to the current anxieties and injustices rife in society, it gives me a little bit of hope. It makes me feel like there’s power in being a woman; it leaves me feeling momentarily inspired and indestructible – as she asserts in album track ‘Offence’, “I’m a boss in a fucking dress”.

Eilis Frawley – ‘Stats’
Having been left utterly spellbound by classically trained drummer and percussionist Eilis Frawley’s set for us at Notting Hill Arts Club last year, her recent singles have been perfectly affecting and resonant right now. ‘Stats’, for example, highlights the everyday injustices facing women today. Tackling issues such as period poverty, FGM, domestic violence and other vital issues, it’s a beautifully striking and necessary listen. 

Screaming Toenail – Growth 
Screaming Toenail headlined one of the last gigs we hosted in December last year – the night after the fateful election result; a night when a sense of impending doom lingered, but who could have foreseen just how horrific things would get. With us all feeling emotionally drained, the band managed to bring a comforting sense of unity and cathartic joy to the venue, as like-minded people came together to dance and sing in solidarity. And their recent album Growth is truly a soundtrack to our times; a necessary listen right now. Starkly reminding us that on returning to ‘normality’, we need to create a new normal. One in which voices like Screaming Toenail’s can be amplified to the max; one in which we prioritise creating safe, queer, intersectional communities and spaces for people to share their art together. One in which we are all continually fighting for change and feel able to grow bigger and louder in the face of challenges.

Diet Cig – Do You Wonder About Me?
Having been pretty obsessed with their 2017 album Swear I’m Good At This since it came out, the return of Alex Luciano and Noah Bowman – aka Diet Cig – to my ears could not have been more welcome. Their latest album Do You Wonder About Me? is filled with Luciano’s luscious honey-sweet vocals, infectious jangly melodies and all the twinkling energy I need now more than ever. A shimmering collection; perfectly uplifting isolation listening. 

Fightmilk – ‘If You Had A Sister’
They’ve headlined for us at The Finsbury not once, but twice, over the last four years and Fightmilk remain one of my complete favourites. Latest release ‘If You Had A Sister’ may be more sombre in tone than previous releases, but loses none of the band’s trademark catchy, emo-tinged indie-pop goodness. A band that are continuously refining their sound and, in the process, consistently continuing to win my heart – a much needed combination right now. 

Emma Kupa – It Will Come Easier
Having been a big fan of Mammoth Penguins for some time now, especially since they delivered a total dream of a set for us at The Finsbury last year, front person Emma Kupa releasing her debut solo album It Will Come Easier has been a definite high point of the last few months.  It’s impossible not to become utterly immersed in each song’s subtle passion and heartfelt lyrical storytelling; listening to Kupa’s stirring indie-pop calms my mind on each listen. 

Amaroun – ‘Rise’
Having released a stream of singles each month for the first half of this year, Jay Brown aka Amaroun’s stirring creations have succeeded in blissing me out whilst giving pause for reflection through some trying times. Flowing with shimmering hooks and glitchy beats alongside Brown’s rich, emotion-strewn vocals, each track has focused on the theme of being a queer woman: each a poignant, effervescent reflection on love, life and rising up against oppression. Jay has also hosted two of of Instagram Live Takeovers recently – talking about the meaning behind her songs and promoting her new book of poetry, Black, Queer and No Idea. 

LibraLibra – ‘Listerine’
From the riotous colossal cacophony of the all-too-poignant ‘Panic Buy’, to the spellbinding melancholic grandeur of most recent single ‘Listerine’, total faves LibraLibra have provided a powerful and eclectic lockdown soundtrack. With each track, whatever the mood, they offer a perfect, impassioned catharsis. And LibraLibra completely blew us away at one of my most favourite gigs that we’ve hosted over the last four years, when they played for us live last December… I miss organising gigs so much – such a huge void in my life – and I cannot wait for when it is safe to witness the raging charisma of LibraLibra live once more. 

Blonde Maze – ‘Not All Flowers Bloom’
Having been a huge fan of New York artist and previous guest on our radio show Blonde Maze for a long while now, I’ve been super grateful for her latest releases ‘Not All Flowers Bloom’ and ‘To The Moon’ over the last few months. Complete with chiming beats and twinkling hooks, they’re further testimony to the truly euphoric electro-pop soundscapes she’s capable of creating. I could listen to her exquisite offerings on a loop forever – I just find her music so completely calming and blissfully cathartic. Essential listening for these anxiety-inducing times. 

HNNY – Sunday
I came across HNNY through one of my Spotify ‘Daily Mix’ playlists – something I have frequently been relying on in my indecisive, distracted state throughout lockdown. I’d never heard HNNY before, but one listen of Sunday and I was completely hooked. I still don’t really know anything about the artist, but have found myself listening to their back catalogue on repeat – their utterly luscious, other-worldy dreamscapes the perfect working from home accompaniment.

Additional shout outs to: Bikini Kill – we all know how much they mean to me, so treated myself to their special 20th Anniversary edition EP last Bandcamp day; Bandcamp – for supporting artists so consistently and waiving their fees once a month since the start of lockdown; and Bugeye – they’ve hosted an epic weekly podcast ‘Rock, Pop, Rambles‘, providing uplifting chat and tunes, and even had yours truly on as a guest back in May. 

Kate Crudgington:

When I received a text from the government on the 9th of April telling me to shield and not to leave the house for 12 weeks, I thought I’d have a pretty easy lockdown. Little did I know that staying inside for 24 hours a day, only interacting with people via Zoom would be quite detrimental to my mood, I’d become slightly agoraphobic, and I’d have to do a course of CBT over the phone because I was obsessing about things that had happened to me a year ago. Still, I think my lockdown experience was easier than most, and it was certainly made easier by the constant flow of good music that kept my GIHE inbox full.

Lido Pimienta – Miss Colombia
When I Skyped Lido Pimienta back in April and asked her what she was up to during lockdown, she replied: “Staying indoors, but being fabulous,” as she gestured to her colourful make-up and red hair accessories that matched her dress. Her joyful perspective, and her passion for her upcoming album Miss Colombia transcended the screen. “My biggest pride is having put Afro-Colombian music – that we recorded in Colombia with traditional roots – right in the mix of electronic and orchestral music.” she explained, and what an achievement that is. (you can read the full interview here.)

Lady Gaga – Chromatica
I was one of millions of Gaga fans who spent Chromatica release day prancing around their bedrooms, dramatically miming the lyrics to ‘Stupid Love’ into the mirror. The album is full of sweeping instrumentals and wall-to-wall dance BANGERS. ‘Rain On Me’ may have been written pre-pandemic, but a song about uncontrollably bawling your eyes out slotted perfectly into my psyche during my lockdown blues, so I was able to ride out my coronacoaster of emotions in true Gaga style. Listening to this album and talking about it with friends really cheered me up, and soothed the sting of missing out on seeing her live again (for the third time…)

Jessica Winter – Sad Music
Sad Music, the debut EP from Brixton-based Queen of sad bangers Jessica Winter was such a tonic for my ears during April and May. It’s full of edgy, electro-pop bangers designed to provide relief during life’s more hectic moments. She was also one of the first guests we interviewed via Zoom for our GIHE radio show when it returned after 16 weeks off air, which was an even bigger mood booster for me! (you can listen back to that here.)

Noga Erez – ‘NO News ON TV’
“I don’t wanna look at my phone anymore,” muses Noga Erez at the beginning of this track, and I felt that with every fibre of my being during summertime. I get so fatigued staring at screens all day, and while it’s important not to disconnect from social media and world events entirely, it is important to put this song on and give yourself a 3 minute dance break from it all at least four times a day. Noga Erez is yet to release something we don’t all collectively love here at GIHE, and I’m just so glad she’s keeping up the momentum and releasing incredible singles, and beautifully shot videos like this one.

Beckie Margaret – ‘God’
If you’d like to read 200+ words about how emotional Beckie Margaret’s music makes me, click here. I think she has a flawless voice and her lyrics bruise me in the best kind of way. She releases through Cool Thing Records, whose roster I cannot recommend enough. They’re a proper DIY collective run by people who absolutely love the music they’re making and promoting, and it’s always a good day when an email about one of their artists appears at the top of my GIHE inbox.

Slightly off topic for GIHE – but I also listened to Rage Against The Machine’s The Battle Of Los Angeles, and Run The Jewels new album regularly throughout lockdown. I also got a bit obsessed with series 3 of an amazing podcast called ‘Slow Burn’ which is in depth discussion about the lives and deaths of Tupac & Biggie Smalls.

Tash Walker:

2020 has been a year unlike any other. Everyone’s lives have been impacted in one way or another, in varying degrees and complications, and I am at the privileged end of that spectrum. But it wasn’t until several months into the lockdown that things started to hit for me, maybe because all my energy went into keeping the LGBT+ helpline I run going, maybe because I filled every hour I had with zooms, or maybe because I, like so many others was in shock. One thing I missed the most was doing our weekly radio shows, going to our monthly Get In Her Ears gig nights and just live music in general. Which is why I delved into my memories and looked to all the fantastic artists that we have had the opportunity to interview, play on our radio show or see at one of our gigs – thank you to all of you! Get In Her Ears is for you. 

Scrounge – ‘Etch’ 
I included this particular song on an earlier playlist this year in the midst of lockdown after having a rather dramatic moment running in torrential rain with it, thrashing my frustration out in air drums. On a more serious note, this band and their music got me through one of my lowest moments during this lockdown. The infectious drums, catchy chorus and memories of seeing them live dragged me out of my cloud and reminded me of the importance of music in dealing with life’s challenges. Thank you Scrounge – I owe you.

Julia-Sophie – ‘Breathe’
I discovered Julia-Sophie’s music at the beginning of 2020 and with the release of her EP Y? in the midst of the pandemic, I cannot be more thankful. The record draws you in from the outset, with this lead track ‘Breathe’ enveloping you with its sound as the pulsating title lyric repeats, leaving it reverberating around your head after only the second listen. It’s been a staple on speakers throughout this year and still is. Being given the opportunity to go back to Hoxton Radio studios and restart our Get In Her Ears radio show couldn’t have come at a better time, not only because it is a highlight of my week picking and choosing the music to spin for you all but also because we get to stay connected with amazing artists such as Julia-Sophie. You can check out our Julia-Sophie radio interview here and also Julia-Sophie’s Five Favourites giving you an insight into what is getting into her ears. 

Balraj Singh Samrai, Pandit G Gavsborg, Farah Amad Khan, Shanique Marie, Tunde Adekoya, Vikaash – ‘I Should Have Hugged You Tighter When We Last Met (Oh What A Joy)’
This piece was made in June of this year with help from Opera North’s artist development programme, Resonance: The Lockdown Edition. Combining  music and spoken word to document life  during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on  communities of colour, Samrai initially produced an instrumental which tabla player Vikaahsh Sankadecha added South Asian percussion rhythms to. Equiknoxx member Gavsborg then penned a poem for the track, and Farah Ahmad Khan added her own spoken word contribution. The accompanying video is so powerful and was made by the Rainbow Collective, go check it out and raise the profile of this track. This is documentary art at its best. 

Seraphina Simone – ‘Hollywood $$$’
One of the things that I will always be thankful for are the artists and the music that continued to be released throughout 2020 against a backdrop of chaos, and Seraphina was one of those artists. ‘Hollywood’ was one of those songs shining the spotlight on the glitzy, gritty, ghastly Hollywood. Now with the slow reopeninig of the world we got to talk to Seraphina about life, music and LA on our radio show, which you can listen back to here. Big love to Seraphina and go check her out now if you haven’t already! 

Skunk Anansie – ‘Weak’
I couldn’t contribute to this feature without mentioning a definite highlight for me in 2020 and that was interviewing Skin! I had an amazing chat with Skin and Lucy O’Brien to talk about the fresh off the shelves memoir “It Takes Blood and Guts” which they have co-written together. If you want to hear a little snippet of some wise words that Skin said when it comes to dealing with all the racism, sexism, homophobia and general inequality that so often reverberates around the world (especially now) then listen back to our 01.10.20 Radio Show. The interview is available for you to cast your eyes over here in all its fangirl glory (I couldn’t help myself). 

GIRLHOOD – ‘The Love I Need’
London duo Girlhood returned with their banging single ‘The Love I Need’ earlier this. year. The first taster from their debut album which is set for release this October. I have played this track and all their subsequent releases consistently on repeat since, samples mixed with Tessa’s lyrics, nods to 90s neo-soul and songs that just fill you with so much joy – exactly what we all need right now. You can listen back to our radio interview on GET IN HER EARS W/ GIRLHOOD 08.10.20 here.

Playlist: Pride 2020
My last choice is a bit of a cheat but this is one thing that has definitely helped me get through this year, get through all the negativity that has been thrown at the LGBTQIA+ communities, specifically transgender and gender non-conforming folks. Music brings us together, it challenges and it changes, but most importantly it helps us to survive. 

To copy Kate and give a shout out to a podcast I would strongly recommend Ecstacy: The Battle of Rave series which is all about the history of Acid House in the UK, it’s really great and probably the closest thing to an actual rave right now.

Thanks to all who’ve supported us over the last three years. Listen to our special birthday playlist below!

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LISTEN: Husk – ‘Heal With Time’

Having caught our attention with their last uptempo pop gem ‘Below The Neck’, trans non-binary artist HUSK has now shared their new single ‘Heal With Time’.

Following Pride month, and the need to celebrate/protest in different, more distanced ways from usual, ”Heal With Time’ oozes a celebratory sound juxtaposed with a poignant, reflective lyricism: “Some things never heal with time” referencing the heartbreak of a damaged love affair.

Propelled by ’80s-inspired glistening hooks and synth-soaked uplifting summer vibes, it’s a vibrant, danceable anthem, shimmering with a sparkling empowering energy. Despite its melancholy reflection, ‘Heal With Time’ seems to be the perfect antidote to all that’s happening at the moment; we can get through this and come out stronger!

 

‘Heal With Time’ will be released tomorrow, 3rd July.

 

Mari Lane 
@marimindles

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