PLAYLIST: June 2022

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another eclectic mix of guitar tunes, alternative gems & electronic sounds for your listening pleasure. Take some time to scroll through our track choices below and make sure you hit play on the Spotify playlist at the end of this post.

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

 

Petrol Girls – ‘Baby, I Had An Abortion’
The entirety of Petrol Girls’ new album Baby offers a totally necessary soundtrack for right now; each and every track a truly poignant reflection driven by a raging sense of urgency. I just wanted to highlight ‘Baby, I had An Abortion’ again, in the wake of the horrific overturning of Roe Vs Wade in the United States. An immense, empowering statement reflecting on vocalist Ren Aldridge’s own experiences of having an abortion in 2018 (having found out she was pregnant the morning that the Eighth Amendment was repealed in Ireland), ‘Baby, I Had An Abortion’ offers a stirring ode to bodily autonomy. A raging cacophony fuelled by a riotous catharsis; urging us to fight against the confines of this damaging patriarchal society and heinous pro-life laws.

At this time, it’s also important to remember that it’s not only in America that people are being denied access to safe abortions: with this release, Petrol Girls raise money for Abortion Without Borders – they’re a network of organisations that fund and support people in Poland to access abortion in neighbouring countries or at home with pills. Abortion laws were further tightened in Poland last year making it only legal in extremely limited circumstances. You can also donate to Abortion Support Network – helping people who need to access safe abortions in Ireland, Northern Ireland and other parts of Europe – here.
(Mari Lane)

Petrol Girls ft. Janey Starling – ‘Fight for Our Lives’
To echo what Mari has said, this track from Petrol Girls’ vital new album Baby, put a lump in my throat the first time I heard it. When Ren Aldridge screams “We’re on the streets again / another bed sheet painted with the blood of a sister” her rage is palpable, her fury undeniable. DIY punk and Kerrang-award-winning activist Janey Starling delivers an equally powerful guest vocal, and together their righteous anger acts as a call to arms to challenge the systems that try to deny women bodily autonomy and justice for the violence they continue to be subjected to. As well as the international organisations Mari has mentioned above, you can follow Level Up to find out more about how you can help achieve gender justice here in the UK.
(Kate Crudgington)

Deux Furieuses – ‘Bring Down The Government’
Having received acclaim from the likes of Radio X’s John Kennedy and currently members of Brix Smith (The Fall)’s band, punk duo Deux Furieuses have now shared a riotous new single. Raging with a fierce power and fervid sense of urgency, ‘Bring Down The Government’ is driven by a seething, blazing energy, building to an immense rallying cry to take a stand against Johnson’s government and the devastating effect it’s had on so many lives. (ML)

Agender – ‘Womb 2 Wound’
LA-based four piece Agender make “schizo, synthy, paranoid, post-punk with a dash of dysmorphic desire” and I am INTO IT. This track is taken from their recent album, No Nostalgia, and I’ve had the lyric “Fuck my biological clock / with my philosophical cock” ricocheting around my skull since I first heard it. The band are also due to release a remix EP in collaboration with JD Samson and Harvey Sutherland later this year! (KC)

Big Joanie – ‘Happier Still’
Big Joanie are BACK and we are THRILLED that they’ve shared this joyful new anthem. Released via Daydream Library Series/Kill Rock Stars, it’s a real rush of guitar-driven energy, inspired by the breakthrough that comes after a period of depression. Big Joanie have just played Glastonbury and performed as part of Grace Jones’ Meltdown festival at Southbank Centre, and we can’t wait to see what they do next. (KC)

Don Chi ft. Rosco Sauce – ‘Angry’
Mari & I had the pleasure of travelling over to Belfast to DJ at the Women’s Work Showcase in May (read our review here) and we were overwhelmed by the amount of music talent on the line-up (Problem Patterns, SPRINTS, Clara Tracey, Fraulein) and rapper Don Chi really impressed us with her effortless flow and hazy beats, which this track ‘Angry’ is full of. (KC)

Ghum – ‘Bitter’
Having been firm favourites here at GIHE for a number of years, London band GHUM have now released their much-awaited debut album, Bitter. Oozing a gritty, swirling energy as front person Laura’s vocals soar throughout, each track carries the band’s trademark ethereal allure and dark, hypnotic splendour, showcasing their ability to consistently hone their sound and bewitch listeners worldwide. Read our recent interview with Ghum here. (ML)

Brutus – ‘Dust’
Belgian trio Brutus are back with this new single ‘Dust’, born from the frustration caused by a demanding and unbalanced friendship. Stefanie Mannaerts’ defiant vocal leads the way, complimenting her powerhouse percussion and the charged, thundering riffs of guitarist Stijn Vanhoegaerden and bassist Peter Mulders’. The band have just announced a string of UK tour dates this November, including The Garage in London on the 22nd. Grab a ticket here. (KC)

Nova Twins – ‘Choose Your Fighter’
We’ve been big fans of Nova Twins here are GIHE for a few years and we’re thrilled to see them taking over the world with their uniquely heavy sound. This track is taken from their second album, Supernova, and it’s a blisteringly loud mix of Georgia’s deliciously distorted basslines and Amy’s visceral vocals. I had the privilege of writing the script for their Kerrang TV show ‘Nova Twins Presents The Anthems’ – a proper dream come true for someone who loves new music and who watched the channel as a teenager! (KC)

ARXX – ‘Couldn’t Help Myself’
The latest single from total faves ARXX offers a swirling slice of honey-sweet pop. A positive reflection on the freedom that can come from a break-up, it builds with a fizzing energy and the sassy allure of Hanni’s vocals to a colossal pure-pop banger, oozing a danceable, empowering drive. We cannot wait for ARXX to headline The Shacklewell Arms for us on 22nd July, with support from Fraulein and Lusa Morena. Tickets selling fast, so grab one here! (ML)

Ailbhe Reddy – ‘A Mess’
A lighthearted reflection on an early, chaotic relationship, ‘A Mess’ is the latest single from Irish-born, London-based alt-folk artist Ailbhe Reddy. Full of energetic guitar riffs, relatable lyrics and Reddy’s clear vocals, the track is a buoyant rumination on the cyclical nature of bad habits, the lasting effect of a seemingly throwaway comment and a lively effort to move past it. (KC)

ADDIE – ‘Crush Me’
This is a great tune from 19 year old singer-songwriter-producer-bassist Adeline Vamenta aka ADDIE. She’s just released her debut album, Crater Lake, which this single ‘Crush Me’ is taken from. Every instrument on the record was played by a woman or non-binary musician, which is probably why it sounds so good… (KC)

Planningtorock – ‘Gay Dreams They Do Come True’
June is Pride month, and as our friend & co-founder Tash Walker reminds us each year, it’s a time to celebrate our LGBTQIA+ siblings, commemorate important milestones and to call out the systems and the people in power who are trying to restrict the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. Tash inspires us everyday, but their work on The Log Books Podcast and as a Co-Chair for Switchboard truly marks them out as an incredible force for change in both the LGBTQIA+ and wider spheres. I know Tash is a big fan of Planningtorock, so I thought I’d sneak this banger on to our playlist to celebrate all that they do. Big love to Tash and to all of our LGBTQIA+ followers this Pride month & all year round. x (KC)

GLITTERMXXTH – ‘HIM’
Inspired by everything from Grimes and Pussy Riot to matcha tea and hairless cats, ‘HIM’ is the latest single from producer & multi-instrumentalist GLITTERMXXTH. Their cyber-punk sounds are inspired by “the dirty, different and delicious alternative.” (KC)

Tiiva ft. Hellikisto – ‘IDORU’ (Grimes Cover)
I love this dreamy cover of Grimes’ 2020 single ‘IDORU’ by wonderfully talented producer and artist Tiiva. It’s a perfect tune for the (hopefully) warm summer evenings ahead. (KC)

all cats are beautiful – ‘Heartbeats’
With their rendition of The Knife’s ‘Heartbeats‘, all cats are beautiful (acab) offer a truly enchanting dreamscape. Flowing with delicate, twinkling hooks alongside the duo’s luscious harmonies, it’s a stripped back, yet instantly immersive, version of the original, adding the duo’s own unique resplendent grace and spellbinding allure. (ML)

Nikki & The Waves – ‘E.L.C.’
Manchester band Nikki & The Waves are fast becoming new faves, and have just released their new EP, Songs To Play Tennis To. Taken from the EP, latest single ‘E.L.C.’ (exceptionally lovely corduroy) offers a celebration of every indie kid’s favourite fabric. Propelled by the band’s trademark vibrant funk-fuelled groove and fizzing, blissful allure, it’s a perfectly danceable summer anthem. We can’t wait for Nikki & The Waves to headline for us at The Victoria on 12th August (with support from BAXTR and Panic Pocket) – get your tickets here. (ML)

Gemma Cullingford – ‘Tongue Tied’
With a new album set for release in September, Gemma Cullingford (of Sink Ya Teeth) has recently shared title track ‘Tongue Tied’. A reflection on feeling shy and being lost for words, it offers a danceable vibrant soundscape. Building with a frenzied drive, it interweaves zesty electronic hooks with Gemma’s distinctive sensuous vocals. We can’t wait for Gemma Cullingford to headline for us at The Shacklewell Arms on 10th September – a joint headline show with Alice Hubble, support will come from Yay Maria! Tickets here. (ML)

Helen Ganya – ‘Beautiful Country’
Taken from her recent EP, Heart Mirage, this poignant single from Helen Ganya (previously known as Dog In The Snow) is described as “a little tongue-in-cheek heartbreak on the illusion of meritocracy.” Underscored by Ganya’s reflections on the anti-Asian hate that resurfaced during the pandemic, the track is a an upbeat musing on what it means to be judged by the society you live in. (KC)

Katie Malco – ‘Animal’ (Alternate Version)
I was a bit late to the “Katie Malco is great party” but I remember thinking “this is a bit of me” the first time I heard her song ‘Animal’. She’s recently released this alternative version, and it’s just as good as the original. Check out her album Failures (2020) if you like the sound of this. (KC)

Rat Tally – ‘Spinning Wheel’
I love the soft anger that permeates Chicago-based Addy Harris aka Rat Tally’s latest single ‘Spinning Wheel’. Taken from her upcoming album In My Car, which is set for release on 12th August, the track is a hazy blend of atmospheric riffs, bittersweet vocals and introspective lyrics. (KC)

SASAMI ft. J Mascis – ‘Tried To Understand’
I have been obsessed with LA-based SASAMI’s album SQUEEZE since it was released earlier this year. It’s a mad, thrilling mix of metal, folk and grunge; something which is encapsulated on this superb remix of ‘Tried To Understand’, featuring J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr. (KC)

Bonnie Trash – ‘Teeth’
Bonnie Trash is the new “drone-rock” project of Canadian-Italian twin sisters Emmalia and Sarafina Bortolon-Vettor. Their latest single ‘Teeth’ is a delicious blend of distorted guitars and beguiling vocals, lamenting an ambiguous toxic love story. The band are due to release their debut album later this year via Hand Drawn Dracula. (KC)

A.A. Williams – ‘Evaporate’
A heavy, graceful musing on the darker side of the emotional spectrum, I love this track from London-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist A.A. Williams. Taken from her upcoming second album, As The Moon Rests, which is set for release on 7th October via Bella Union, ‘Evaporate’ is a brooding blend of dramatic volume fluctuations and Williams’ effortless vocals, which mirror the raw sensitivity of her introspective lyrics. (KC)

Junk Whale – ‘Pilebox’
Oxford band Junk Whale have now announced the release of their new EP, Caught In The Act Of Looking Weird, next month. Taken from the EP, latest single ‘Pilebox’ pays homage to being yourself in the face of adversity. Propelled by a fuzzy, emo-tinged energy, raw impassioned vocals flow throughout as the track builds with a jangly allure to an anthemic blast of angst-driven splendour. Watch the new video for ‘Pilebox’ here. (ML)

Slagheap – ‘Destination Boyfriend’
Having just treated us to their wonderfully quirky charisma live, headlining our night at The Victoria last Friday, Bristol’s Slagheap have recently shared new single ‘Destination Boyfriend’. A joyously discordant yet euphoric celebration of femininity and feeling comfortable in your own skin, regardless of how far from the ‘norm’ you may stray, it reflects on the different paths that bisexuality may take you on, racing with a scrappy, jangly energy as clashing beats sizzle alongside swirling, scuzzy hooks. Appetites, the upcoming new EP from Slagheap, is set for release on 5th August. (ML)

YINYANG – ‘Happy Money’
The latest single from Irish artist Lauren Hannan, aka YINYANG, ‘Happy Money’ offers a poignant reflection on the struggles of depression and the frustration felt that happiness can often be dependent on expensive over-the-counter medication. Propelled by glitchy hooks and Hannan’s soaring rich vocals, it oozes a fierce impassioned drive and deep blistering beats with shades of GIHE fave Noga Erez. (ML)

J. Zunz – ‘Cruce’
Despite my overall positive, sunny disposition – I am a gloomy girl at heart – and that’s why I enjoy listening to the dark electronic sounds of Mexican artist J. Zunz so much. This track is taken from her recent album Del Aire. She’ll be playing alongside some amazing artists (Divide & Dissolve, No Home, A.A. Williams, Grove, Rachel Aggs, NYX Drone Choir) at this year’s Supersonic Festival. Full details here.

Get In Her Ears w/ Big Joanie 27.06.19

Tash & Kate were back in the Hoxton Radio studio this week playing loads of new music from some of their favourite female, non-binary and LGBTQIA+ artists, including tunes from the likes of People Club, Gauche, Polar Youth, deep tan, Drab Majesty, MBG and Millie Turner.

Steph & Estella from DIY punk band Big Joanie also joined them live in the studio for a chat about their recent support slots playing with Bikini Kill at Brixton Academy, the release of the band’s debut album Sistahs, and the upcoming third annual Decolonise Fest at DIY Space for London, a festival run by punks of colour, for punks of colour.

Listen back here:

 

@maudeandtrevor
@KCBobCut
@Big_Joanie
@getinherears

PLAYLIST: Pride 2018

Pride. What is Pride?  

Pride is a day to celebrate but it’s also a day to remember. Remember the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1967, the Stonewall riots of 1969. Remember the first official Pride in London in 1972 and remember it increasing in size during the ’80s to protest Section 28. Remember the first European Trans Pride in Brighton in 2014, and last year Sadiq Khan being the first London Mayor to lead the Pride parade.

Here in the UK we have come so far as a society but still on the streets of London I am shouted at when I kiss my girlfriend. LGBTQ+ people should not be victimised, they should not be judged, they should not be isolated. People should be free to live without fear of judgment or discrimination. LGBTQ+ people should not have to fear for their lives because of their sexuality or gender identity.

Throughout the years so many people have stood up for LGBTQ+ rights and achieved so much in the name of equality and this should be celebrated.

So wherever you are, at whatever Pride you are supporting, spread the word and make it known – equality is for everyone.

Here at GIHE we are supporting Pride Month and will be out supporting Pride in London on 7th July, and because we think everything deserves a soundtrack, here is ours for Pride Month and for all of you, whichever Pride you are supporting across the world.

Hercules & Love Affair – ‘Blind’
Their self-titled album released in 2008 was 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. (Tash Walker)

J.D.Samson / MEN – ‘Who Am I To Feel So Free
As part of my favourite trio Le Tigre, and later MEN, LGBTQ+ activist J.D.Samson holds a pretty special place in my heart. Last year I had the honour of being able to dance the night away to tunes that she hand-picked at M.I.A’s Meltdown Festival. It was a blissfully euphoric experience filled with an immense joy and sense of unity, proving that it’s more important than ever to make time to come together, dance, love, and be united against those who seek to divide us. (Mari Lane)

Peaches – ‘I U She’
Throughout history many people who are bisexual have been criticised by both the LGBTQ+ communities and the non-LGBTQ+ communities. I don’t think people realise how ingrained biphobia is within our society, which makes songs like ‘I U She’ soooo powerful and sooo important. (TW)

Fever Ray – ‘To The Moon and Back’
After seeing Fever Ray live at The Troxy this year – which was breath-taking – the memory of her fans joyfully echoing her explicit lyrics on this track still makes me smile. (Kate Crudgington)

Mykki Blacno – ‘Loner’ 
Rapper and queer pioneer Mykki Blanco delivers powerfully honest and thought-provoking social commentaries with a ferocious, fun-filled spirit. Seeing them live at M.I.A’s Meltdown Festival last year was like witnessing a colourful whirlwind, a beautifully buoyant ray of light. (ML)

Janelle Monae (feat Grimes) – ‘Pynk’
A perfect pop song from Janelle Monae – who spoke about her pansexuality in a recent Rolling Stone interview – which champions female pleasure. What’s not to like? (KC)

Shamir – ‘On The Regular’ 
The frenzied joy of Shamir’s ‘On The Regular’ is a must-have for any celebration, particularly one for Pride. His uptempo, playful pop puts a smile on my face without fail, and a hug from him at Visions Festival a few years ago was a definite life highlight. (ML)

King Princess – ‘1950’
The latest generation of LGBTQ+ people continually amaze me with their openness and their acceptance of how others identify in their sexuality and gender identity. King Princess’ ‘1950’ is an excellent example of the progression we have made throughout the last 60 years.(TW)

St Vincent – ‘Birth In Reverse’
A believer in gender fluidity, Annie Clark seems incapable of creating a song that isn’t completely wonderful. A particular favourite of mine, ‘Birth In Reverse’ is a vibrant example of her ability to make even the most mundane of subjects utterly intoxicating. (ML)

Partner – ‘Woman Of Dreams’ 
Canadian duo Partner are queens of jangly guitar fuzz, sparkling harmonies and witty lyrics. Seeing them live at The Victoria (with Suggested Friends and Charmpit) recently was a night of pure queer-pop perfection. (ML)

Ms Mohammed – ‘Pandora’
As a champion of cross-cultural tolerance and an out queer artist who advocates for LGBT rights and visibility, Ms Mohammed challenges prejudice through her music. Her video for ‘Pandora’ is another superb example of this. (KC)

Suggested Friends – ‘I Don’t Want To Be A Horcrux For Your Soul’
I just can’t get enough of the perfect, immensely infectious ‘tweemo’ punk-pop of Suggested Friends. Filled with racing, catchy hooks and luscious harmonies, Faith Taylor’s witty charm and exquisite vocals fill me with joy on each listen. (ML)

Bikini Kill – ‘Rebel Girl’
A personal choice for me, this song made me feel a lot less isolated when I was growing up, not quite knowing who I was or where I fitted in. (TW)

Dream Nails – ‘Bully Girl’ 
An uplifting queer anthem from our favourite Punk Witches. Yet another sparkling creation from the formidable force that is Dream Nails. (ML)

Gossip – ‘Where The Girls Are’ 
Beth Ditto, what a legend. (TW)

Sleater Kinney – ‘Dig Me Out’
Sleater Kinney’s third album Dig Me Out is filled with explosive emotion. Following the break up of Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein (and Brownstein then being famously outed by Spin Magazine), it’s a defiant and important collection – with anger and frustration used to fuel something wonderful. A necessary and motivating listen. (ML)

Madonna – ‘Vogue’
Inspired by the iconic Paris Is Burning documentary and recorded at the height of America’s AIDS crisis, this song has become an essential to any LGBTQ+ playlist. (TW)

Bronski Beat – ‘Smalltown Boy’ 
Released in 1984 at the height of the AIDS crisis by openly gay Bronski Beat, Smalltown Boy is a heartbreaking story given an empowering beat. (TW)

Princess Nokia – ‘Tomboy’ 
A feel-good body image anthem and general all-round banger, Princess Nokia’s ‘Tomboy’ asserts that we should be proud of our bodies (“my little titties and my fat belly”) whatever shape they may be. A snarling ode to her small frame and ‘masculine’ ways, it’s a perfect celebratory playlist must-have. (ML)

Kim Ann Foxman – ‘Creature’
Growing up I don’t remember any out famous LGBT+ women in music, so when I discovered Kim Ann Foxman who was so confident in her sexuality, it made the biggest of impressions on me. The music isn’t bad either. (TW)

Ultra Nate – ‘Free’
This song’s chorus speaks for itself, “Cause you’re free to do what you want to do / You’ve go to live your life / Do what you want to do.” (TW)

Perfume Genius – ‘Queen’
I don’t really have the words to describe my love of Perfume Genius. The first time I saw the video for ‘Queen’ it broke me. Filled with the emotion-filled power of Mike Hadreas’ heartbreaking vocals alongside luscious pop melodies, it’s a song inspired by “gay panic”, and the power one can derive from knowing their mere being is making everyone around them extremely uncomfortable. A powerfully poignant offering from this unique and truly beautiful artist. (ML)

Antony and the Johnsons – ‘For Today I Am A Boy’ 
A stirring and powerful ode to the journey of transitioning. With the immense passion of Anohni’s distinctive, soulful vocals, ‘For Today I Am A Boy’ is a simply exquisite creation. (ML)

Listen to our ‘Pride 2018’ playlist here:

If you have any questions or would like to discuss issues around sexuality and/or gender identity Switchboard – the LGBT+ Helpine is available to listen and support.

You can contact Switchboard via the telephone, instant messenger and email.

Open from 10am to 10pm, 365 days a year.

0300 330 0630

 

Tash Walker / @maudeandtrevor
Mari Lane / @marimindles
Kate Crudgington / @kcbobcut