PLAYLIST: July 2026

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another eclectic mix of new music tunes for your listening pleasure! Our July Playlist features plenty of shoegaze, grunge & dream-pop riffs, punk anthems, indie musings, emotive ballads and some experimental and electronic soundscapes too. Make sure you scroll through and read all about our recommendations below. Happy listening!

As you already know, in order to best support the female, LGBTQIA+ and non-binary artists that we love here at GIHE, we’ve moved away from using Spotify. We now have an account on TIDAL, so please follow us on there. We’ve also included YouTube or bandcamp links for all of the tracks below, so there’s plenty of ways for you to get your new music fix.

You can still access our GIHE profile on Spotify (which we do not have a paid subscription for) but we urge you to use TIDAL, bandcamp or YouTube instead. 

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN (TIDAL)

 

Twat Union – ‘TV BIKINY’
Having been a big fan of ‘feminist-feral-theatre-punks’ Twat Union for a while now, finally getting to see their wonderfully chaotic energy live at The Great Escape this year was perhaps my highlight of the festival (along with hosting our very own stage that fellow Alcopop! signees Problem Patterns headlined!). Maintaining their trademark ability to combine resonant critique on patriarchal society with a playful tongue-in-cheek attitude, the band’s new single ‘TV Bikiny’ offers a perfectly empowering alternative summer anthem. A joyous ode to doing absolutely nothing, it’s propelled by all the swirling frenzied hooks and wry, relatable lyricism that we’ve come to know and love from the band – “I don’t want to go outside, I want to stay right here and sweat from my thighs”. Catch Twat Union live (an experience like no other!) for a special joint headline show with Problem Patterns at The Lexington on 10th October.
(Mari Lane – Managing Editor)

Perennial – ‘Modernism’
I remember being told by some friends who got to see New England’s Perennial live when they were last in the UK that it was one of the best shows they’d ever seen. The band’s chaotic frenzied energy was unmatched and the way they interacted with the crowd whilst delivering their immense mod-rock anthems was unlike anything they’d seen before. So, I am extremely excited that we’re going to have them playing for us in October! Come and experience this one-of-a-kind live show for yourself at A L P H A B E T in Brighton on 9th October, along with jangly indie-pop faves Sassyhiya and more TBA. Tickets are on DICE now and they’re cheaper in advance. In the meantime, listen to latest single ‘Modernism’ (and all their back catalogue from the last few years) and get your dancing shoes ready. (ML)

Cusk – ‘Dooms banjo’
Esmé Creed-Miles and Evie Hilyer-Ziegler formed their band Cusk right here in London shortly after meeting at an improv night at cult music venue The Shacklewell Arms. I’ve only just discovered them, but the pair have been busy gigging around the city for the past few years, supporting the likes of DIIV, Geordie Greep and Tiberius B. Now, they’re gearing up to release their new self-titled EP, which is due on the 14th of August via The Bird Records. ‘Dooms banjo’ features on the EP, and credit where credit is due, not only is it an excellent track name, it’s also an urgent rush of heavy riffs and intense, brooding vocals. Cusk will be playing a live show at The Shacklewell Arms on 27th August, where you can hear ‘Dooms banjo’ and more of their stirring sounds in the flesh.
(Kate Crudgington – Features Editor)

Slothrust – ‘Ring The Bell’
Having been a huge fan of Slothrust for years (I think seeing them live in New York back in 2022 may have been the best gig I’ve ever been to), I’ve been super excited to hear they’ve got a new album coming out in September. Ahead of the album, and following recent single ‘Burn The Deck’, ‘Ring The Bell’ showcases all the swirling, immersive allure and fierce scuzzy energy that I’ve come to love so much from the LA band, whilst oozing an underlying dark sense of urgency. Lyrically, it reflects the main theme of the album as a whole: what it means to be human and live in a system designed to exploit our perceived weaknesses by means of capitalism. A perfect slice of ‘Dystopian Theatre Rock’. What They Grow In The Garden, the new album from Slothrust, is set for release on 18th September via Equal Vision Records. (ML)

That Old Quiet Lighthouse – ‘Hands Up’
Featuring Phoenix Rousiamani (Lucy Dacus, Jasmine.4.T), ‘Hands Up’ is the latest single from Manchester-based ‘indie-emo-folk’ band That Old Quiet Lighthouse. An instantly catchy anthem, it combines philosophical musings with a more tongue-in-cheek chorus; fusing together the raw honesty of early noughties American emo with a very British sense of humour and playful energy. Of the meaning behind some of the lyrics, Rousiamani explains: “… I underline the anxiety that comes with striving for conforming beauty, that is rooted in eugenics, homogeneity and smoothness. Instead I try to find a rawer and deeper beauty that is more accepting of our humanity.” (ML)

Roomer – ‘Good On My Own’
A slow-burning offering from Berlin-based dream-rock outfit Roomer here. ‘Good On My Own’ is taken from the band’s upcoming second album, Staircase Made of Rope, set for release on 18th September via Squama Recordings. The track gently explores an emotional inner conflict, through soft vocals, earnest lyricism and evocative use of reverb. “[It’s] a reflection of outgrowing the words that once felt like certainty, and the ones that prolonged goodbye,” Roomer explain. “It’s about learning to be at peace with yourself, even while feeling the quiet pull of something that might be missing.” (KC)

Celeste Madden – ‘Millennium’
A recent discovery of mine who I’m not quite sure how I hadn’t come across before, South London’s Celeste Madden creates heartfelt indie-pop soaked in a gloriously scuzzy haze – my favourite. A breakup song for people too stubborn to let go, ‘Millenium’ showcases Madden’s beautifully glistening raw emotion perfectly. I can’t wait for them to play for us at The Cavendish Arms on 10th September, supporting Gabi Garbutt with The JuOh. Tickets are on DICE now and they’re cheaper in advance! (ML)

atmos bloom – ‘It’s Enough’
I remember being impressed by the lush sounds of atmos bloom when I saw them play live at Brixton’s Hootananny, sharing a bill with faves Whitelands back in 2025. I’m a sucker for dream-pop riffs and floaty vocals, which the duo are well versed in. This track ‘It’s Enough’ is lifted from their new album, Everythingness, which they recently released via Spirit Goth records. It explores “themes of soft power and being enough for other’s demands and expectations”. (KC)

Grandmas House – ‘Blue Oblivion’
Not only is this single from GIHE faves Grandmas House one of their strongest tracks to date, it’s also accompanied by an beautifully shot, atmospheric video. ‘Blue Oblivion’ is lifted from the Bristol band’s debut album, Baby You’re A Winner, which is due on 21st August via Brace Yourself Records. It’s a disarming offering, showcasing the strength and development of the band’s songwriting, perfectly executing the quiet-to-loud dynamic which reflect the themes of “light and dark” that inspired both the conception of ‘Blue Oblivion’ and the entire upcoming album. Alongside the release, Grandmas House have also shared details of a tour of UK record stores this year, kicking off in London at Kingston’s Banquet Records on the 21st of August, and culminating in a hometown in-store at Rough Trade in Bristol on the 27th. The band have also announced a free entry listening party on July 31st at Bristol Beer Factory, which will feature limited edition Grandmas House beer cans, Grandmas House x Pizzarova specials, ‘Spin the Wheel’ prizes and the chance to meet the band’s mascot, The Headless Man from the ‘Blue Oblivion’ video, in person. RSVP here. (KC)

The Big Moon – ‘Gravity’
I was chuffed to see The Big Moon are back with brand new music, having been a fan since I caught them playing live at The Great Escape Festival all the way back in 2016! The four-piece are now gearing up for the release of their new album, Forever, which is due on 30th October via Fiction Records, and for their UK tour later this year, including their biggest headline show to date at the iconic O2 Academy Brixton on Friday 27th November. This single ‘Gravity’ is a buoyant, thoughtful offering from The Big Moon, who are masters at harnessing the joy of life’s meaningful moments (whether they’re big or small) and turning them into indie-pop earworms. Songwriter Juliette Jackson shares more about the track’s inception: “At the time I wrote this song, every time I collected my son from nursery he would run and slam into me and give me the biggest hug. I knew it wouldn’t last forever, and I savoured every one, and this song ended up commemorating that feeling. It’s about a love that you’re never really separated from, just elasticated, ready to snap back together.” (KC)

Catherine Moan – ‘Fabric’
Congratulations to LA-based artist Catherine Moan on the release of her lush new album, CM Ultra. Released via Born Losers Records earlier this month, it’s a heady collection of emotive synth-pop gems, including this latest single ‘Fabric’, a song about “clothing & heartbreak” as well as a desire for change and acceptance on a deeper level. Catherine explains these concepts in more detail: “Love and happiness can recede slowly like a sweater shrinking in the dryer or a hole in a shirt turning into a tear. And as we grow and change like a shirt too small, some things just won’t fit anymore. And fighting change, and trying to force yourself into clothing that doesn’t fit will only damage the model or attire. Existing outside of the gender binary makes it extremely difficult to know where you fit romantically and physically in society, and clothing and outward expression becomes highly significant. To most people the fabric they wear daily is trivial, but to me clothing is political, it signifies your role and place in society.” (KC)

Lido Pimienta – ‘Marea’
I vividly remember interviewing the marvellous Lido Pimienta back in 2020 about her superb album, Miss Colombia. The award-winning Colombian-born artist was such an inspiring and bright presence, so I’m excited to see that she’s now shared her fourth album, Caribenya, with the world. The record’s title is a combination of the words “Caribe” – a nod to Pimienta’s love of the Caribbean and her anti-colonial concerns – and “Enya” – a nod to the Irish singer who Pimienta listens to in order to concentrate while writing. It’s an album that addresses both the political and the personal, but it is also a joyful form of resistance, in which she provides listeners with dancing beats and pop-inspired melodies to counteract the harsh reality and injustices she sees in everyday life. On this track ‘Marea’, Pimienta explores themes of desire, love, and money from the perspective of a young woman who must hustle and sell herself to provide for her family. (KC)

MARiMARi – ‘POP SHUVIT!’
Last month I featured Maripool and now I’m featuring MARiMARi – very different artists, both with a name that really grabbed my attention… No idea why! My narcissistic fondness for her name aside, Liverpool-based hyper-pop artist MARiMARi creates danceably uplifting anthems propelled by a zestful colourful energy and glitchy beats. ‘POP SHUVIT!’ is taken from the (also brilliantly named) debut mini album, MARi Go Round. If you’re at Y Not Festival this weekend, be sure to catch MARiMARi live, I get the feeling it will be a lot of fun! (ML)

Gay Animal – ‘I’m a Gay Animal’
A defiant and incredibly catchy dance anthem that gleefully celebrates queer identity, I couldn’t resist adding this track from Austrian-born, non-binary artist Gay Animal to our July Playlist. Through their music and performance, they “engage with the theme of Queer Ecology”, using their creative processes to “open up conversations about gender and queerness from a more-than-human perspective.” Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, you can easily indulge yourself in the big beats and vibes of Gay Animal! (KC)

Black Bananas – ‘Turkey Burgers’
‘Turkey Burgers’ is the latest single from cult art-rockers Black Bananas and their first release in over 10 years! It’s taken from the band’s new album, Bad Bunch, which is set for release on 4th September via Fire Records. It’s a trippy, groove-infused blend of synths, riffs and vocals that drifts beautifully between the ears for five whole minutes. (KC)

Void Queen – ‘Power Sip’
Newly signed to Duchess Box Records (Grandmas House, Agatha is Dead!), Berlin punks Void Queen have shared this cathartic new single ‘Power Sip’. With their heavy riffs and direct lyricism, the band try to capture “the urge to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary, even at the cost of losing yourself in the process”, exploring the grey area between illusion and reality in the process. (KC)

Superfriends – ‘Moths’
Set to release their debut album, King Of The Moths, on 28th August, Brighton indie-punks Superfriends have now shared new single ‘Moths’. Showcasing the band’s tendency to wear their feelings on their sleeve, it offers a perfect example of their scuzzy, emo-tinged anthems about the chaos of everyday life, and both the anxiety and joy that can result from this. We can’t wait for Superfriends to support Fightmilk at The Pipeline in Brighton on 14th August. Tickets are on DICE now and they’re cheaper in advance! (ML)

 

Amelia & The Housewives – ‘Narcissist’
A perfect slice of jangly indie-pop, ‘Narcissist’ is the new single from Brighton ones to watch Amelia & The Housewives. Juxtaposing honey-sweet sparkling melodies with a dry, relatable lyricism, it flows with hints of uptempo ‘60s pop whilst maintaining a gloriously fresh energy. The eponymous debut album from Amelia & The Housewives is out on 2nd October via INH Records (who fast seem to be signing all our favourite bands!) (ML)

Run Remedy – ‘Dissent’
Manchester-based, New Jersey-born Run Remedy’s a brand new favourite of mine who I recently came across through a mutual acquaintance and then we both came to the conclusion that we should have already been pals. Always a nice realisation to have, and even nicer when you realise they have a gorgeous new song coming out. Flowing with delicate strummed hooks and rich melancholic vocals, ‘Dissent’ offers a reflection on those moments where being right outweighs the need to be kind, building with intricate sonic layers and a rippling emotional intensity to a subtly scathing dedication to someone you disagree with. Not At The Table, the new EP from Run Remedy, is out on 11th September. (ML)

Weather Happy – ‘It Leaks Out’
The brand new project from Holly from Berries, Weather Happy is the new rock duo you’ve been waiting for. Formed of Holly on guitar and vocals and childhood friend Harry on drums, they played their debut live show a couple of weeks back to a huge, adoring crowd at The Grace and instantly cemented themselves firmly as here to stay. Platforming Holly’s distinctive songwriting style and seemingly effortless mega riff-creating with Harry’s fierce spiky beats, ‘It Leaks Out’ combines a subtle vulnerability in openly discussing mental health struggles whilst offering a striking, empowering energy. (ML)

Skint Knees – ‘Honey Badger’
Self-described as “your favourite Sheffield girl gang best friends tearing down the patriarchy with riffs, riots and fun facts”, Riot Grrrl trio Skint Knees are a sonic force to be reckoned with. They channel their “anger, joy and defiance” into their politically charged punk anthems, with this track ‘Honey Badger’ tackling themes of stalking and misogyny from “nice guys”. The song is accompanied by a music video which perfectly showcases the band’s raw live energy and playful sense of humour too. (KC)

GRAVE GOODS – ‘REMAINS’
I remember having a great chat with post-punks GRAVE GOODS for our GIHE radio show back in 2020 (listen here), so I was pleased to see their name pop up in my inbox again sharing new music. Following on from their 2022 debut album, Tuesday. Nothing Exists., they’ve now returned as a duo – Lois Macdonald (Guitar/vocals) and Sarah Grimes (drums/vocals) – with this distinctive new single ‘REMAINS’. The multi-instrumentalists embraced their experimental tendencies during the writing and recording of this track, which explores the constant unease of contemporary existence. The single is also accompanied by a sci-fi inspired video, directed and designed by Lois, complimenting the track’s themes of surrealism. (KC)

POMELO – ‘Nasty Sauce’
This is an evocative soundscape from Amsterdam-based art-pop duo POMELO, lifted from their debut album, LORELESS. Described as a record that urges listeners to pay attention to “where you are and not where you will be”, it’s a captivating listen that showcases the band’s poignant and relatable reflections on the complexities of human existence, and this track ‘Nasty Sauce’ provides a soothing moment for you to do just that. (KC)

LADYBUG 1 ft. Dis Fig – ‘Vanishing’
Long-time musical allies The Bug (Kevin Richard Martin) and Dis Fig (Felicia Chen) have teamed up once again to share this cell-tingling, bass-heavy new offering. Under the moniker of LADYBUG, The Bug has launched a new collaborative series via his own imprint PRESSURE, through which he will work alongside different female vocalists to explore new sonic territory. He kicks off this body of work with LADYBUG 1 and ‘Vanishing’, an immersive, heady track that smoulders with emotional urgency. The track also has four accompanying “alternate” versions that you can sink your teeth into on bandcamp now. (KC)

Million Moths – ‘INNER PIECE’
I love this distinctive, kinetic soundscape from Portland-based dark electronic artist Erica von Trapp aka Million Moths. ‘INNER PIECE’ is lifted from her debut album, spun, and it’s a bewitching blend of acoustic and electronic instrumentation and her clear, intense vocals. The accompanying visuals are just as captivating as the track itself too. Check them out below. (KC)

R Loomes – ‘Passerine’
The magnetic pull of Sheffield-based musician R Loomes’ dark-folk sounds is undeniable. This track ‘Passerine’ showcases her ability to transform her inner musings on the transience of love, time and memory into a beguiling blend of rich vocals and atmospheric riffs. It’s taken from her upcoming debut album, Another Sip, which is set for release on 30th September via Divine Specific. (KC)

Freyja Elsy – ‘Control’
A cinematic, enigmatic offering from Cardiff-based electro-pop artist Freyja Elsy here. ‘Control’ is her rumination on intrusive thoughts, anxiety and emotional overwhelm, which she explores through her questioning lyricism, emotive vocals and tentative, echoing beats. (KC)

Ayanna Witter-Johnson – ‘Pioneers’
“Itʼs an album about finding centre — personally, culturally, and cosmically — and about learning that new roots can be grown even in unfamiliar or fractured ground,” shares acclaimed composer and MOBO-nominee Ayanna Witter-Johnson about her upcoming album, New Roots. Set for release on own imprint Hill and Gully Records on 18th September, the LP is inspired by a plethora of personal and historical influences, including Ayanna’s reflections on her British-Caribbean identity and the inheritance of Windrush-era wisdom, grief and remembrance. This track ‘Pioneers’ is lifted from the album, and it showcases her remarkable talent for pairing infectious melodies alongside her poignant lyrics and considered instrumentation. (KC)

Chelsea Wolfe – ‘Cold’
The inimitable Chelsea Wolfe returns with this deeply emotive new dark ballad ‘Cold’. It’s lifted from her upcoming ninth album, aptly titled The Dark, which is due on August 21st via Loma Vista Recordings. Alongside new co-writer Jennifer Decilveo, Wolfe has created an album that centers around the notion of entering the deepest woods and evolving into the the thing that you fear most to ultimately obtain the bravery and resilience needed to move forwards. ‘Cold’ embodies this process, led by Wolfe’s uniquely powerful voice and stripped-back, compelling blend of keys and guitar. She continues to be a real favourite of mine and her commitment to shape-shifting – both emotionally and sonically – is always deeply impressive. (KC)

Georgia Gets By – ‘Dream For You’
This is a gorgeous, hazy offering from New Zealand-born artist Georgia Nott aka Georgia Gets By. I loved her track ‘Split Lip’ which featured on her 2024 EP of the same name, but this latest offering is lifted from her recently self-released album, Heavy Meadow. Her beautiful voice floats over delicate guitar, slowly developing into a fuller band sound as the track approaches its dreamy conclusion. What a talent. (KC)

Black Bordello – ‘Fugue’
Having previously shared stages with the likes of The Libertines and Goat Girl, London-based international art-rockers Black Bordello are set to release their new EP in September. Ahead of the EP’s release, new single ‘Fugue’ oozes a dark anthemic energy and mystical psychedelic allure. In the band’s words, it’s “a joyful stab into the cardboard cutouts on the set of society’s stage. It’s our gift to music nerds, inspired by Bach.” Midheaven Tempest, the upcoming new EP from Black Bordello, is set for release on 18th September. (ML)

The Schla La Las – ‘Hawaiian’
Having been queens of the indie-tease scene in the mid-2000s, The Schla La Las remain a vital force of high-octane energy, inspiring a new generation of girls to pick up a guitar, bass, or pair of drumsticks, grab a microphone and let out a rebel yell all in perfect(ish) three-part harmony. Consisting of original line-up Piney Gir, George Terry, Katrin Geilhausen, Vee Churchill and Delia Dansette, they’ve just released a wonderfully uplifting new EP filled with ‘pop and roll’ anthems which you really need to soundtrack the rest of your summer. The Schla La Las Go Wild is out now – go listen! (ML)

 

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE OUR JULY PLAYLIST

LISTEN: GIHE on Soho Radio (10.06.26)

Tash hosted the GIHE show on Soho Radio solo this month, bringing listeners another eclectic mix of new music tunes from some of their favourite female, non-binary & LGBTQ+ artists. They also focused on the theme of water throughout the show, exploring what the element represents and means to them and indulging in the fluid, soothing vibes of the tracks they specially selected.

Matthew Herbert, Mykki Blanco, james k, Kloyd, Dogviolet, Planningtorock, ALT BLK ERA, Feeo, Trash Kit, Milkweed and many, many more artists are featured on the genre-spanning playlist!

Listen back below:

 

We’ll be back on Soho Radio on Wednesday 8th July from 20:00-22:00
Listen via DAB, the Soho Radio app or www.sohoradio.com

Tracklist
Matthew Herbert, Momoko Gill Herbert – Calm Water
Jessica Pratt – Mother Big River
Milkweed – Tête Brec, The Twinkling Hoard
Aldous Harding – I Ate The Most
Angie McMahon – Exploding
Snail Mail – Let’s Find an Out
Ellie O’Neill – Silent Water
Dogviolet – Daughter
Trash Kit – Horizon
Kat Five – Emergency Start
Smerz – Spring Summer
Vera Ellen – Gayfever
Kloyd – New Love
Planningtorock, Romy – The One
Hercules and Love Affair – I Get High
Vistoso Bosses – Delirious
Mykki Blanco – Little Feet
james k – Doom Bikini
ALT BLK ERA – Our World
Feeo – The Hammer Strikes the Bell
Fred again… ft. Soak – Just Stand There
HNNY – I Let Go

LISTEN: GIHE on Soho Radio x The Great Escape Special & WIDGET (13.05.26)

Tash, Kate and Mari were back on Soho Radio this month with a special playlist celebrating the female, non-binary & LGBTQ+ artists who are playing The Great Escape this year! They dedicated an entire section of the show to the artists who are performing as part of the GIHE showcase at the festival on The Soundwaves Stage on Brighton Beach on Saturday 16th May – so listen out for tracks from Problem Patterns, The Baby Seals, YAKKIE, steel. and Jessie Mac…

The team were also joined in the studio by Ky & Estella from East London queer disco-punk band WIDGET. They spoke about the joys of being in a DIY band, the amazing people they’ve met through their various DIY communities and shared stories about the tracks on their self-released debut album, CLASSY HITS VOL.2. If you can’t make our GIHE showcase at The Great Escape this Saturday 16th May, you should head to The Pie House in Deptford to watch WIDGET play a special fundraiser gig instead! Grab a ticket here.

Listen back below:

 

We’ll be back on Soho Radio on Wednesday 10th June from 20:00-22:00
Listen via the Soho Radio app or www.sohoradio.com

Tracklist
Peaches – Boys Wanna Be Her
Lauren Auder, Celeste – Unseen
Jessie Mac – Trans Is Beautiful
The Baby Seals – Tamoo Trance
YAKKIE – Kill The Cop Inside Your Head
Problem Patterns – I’m Fine and I’m Doing Great
steel. – DFTTM
Ngaiire ft. Nai Palm – Dirty Hercules
Lumi – Once In A Blue Moon
Tanzana – Pulse, Pose, Position
Roomer – Written By
SISTRA – Things I really Mean
ARXX – We Don’t Talk About It Enough
Cowboy Hunters – Money For Drugs
congratulations – This Life
WIDGET – WHAT IF PHONES BUT TOO MUCH
**Interview with Ky & Estella from WIDGET**
Track chosen by WIDGET: Mia Musa – Knew You Before
Not Richard & Her Majesty – A Song About Being A Parasite
Twat Union – Tiny Shorts
Bonnie Trash – Hellmouth
Fraulein (Jonique) – Wait and See
Afternoon Bike Ride – Sunday Sketch
Neve Cariad – Burdens
Yaz – Father Nature
Jamaica Moana – CYA
Meduulla – Vibe Nice
Kimmortal – This Dyke
Tom Rasmussen – There’s A Lot To Be Happy About

GIHE Highlights: Supersonic Festival 2026

Get In Her Ears happily returned to Digbeth in Birmingham and immersed ourselves in the idiosyncratic delights of Supersonic Festival again this year! We were thrilled to be invited back to experience this special Limited Edition event, after having such a great time when we first attended the festival in 2024.

Despite being smaller in scale (spanning two days instead of the usual three), Supersonic 2026 still resolutely championed a plethora of experimental and genre-defying sounds from a multitude of new and established artists. It’s hardwired into the event’s DNA to provide festival-goers with the opportunity to experience an eclectic array of performances, which were delivered by OXN, Prostitute, MilkweedThorn Wych, Bong II, Lucifer Sky, Traidora, Feeo, Guttersnipe, Greet, Peiriant, Hang Linton, Amretat, as well as special debut presentations from collectives MMM and Microplastics and a DJ set from GIHE faves, Decolonise Fest!

Alongside the musical programming, as usual, Supersonic offered a host of complimentary workshops and activities, which included keyring making with crafting collective Shelanu, a block-printing protest banner workshop with artist Natasha Taheem, a sound bath session, the return of the infamously difficult Freak Zone Quiz and an opportunity to join and perform with the pop-up Supersonic Choir. The festival also accommodated the curiosities of both attendees and the general public with it’s own unique Marketplace, which we took full advantage of this time around.

We could wax lyrical about the power of Supersonic all day long, but we’ve compressed our thoughts and feelings about the festival into six highlights, which you can read below

 

The Marketplace is a hub for like-minded creatives

Whether you want to buy a pendant necklace with a real preserved spider-web from The Voodoo Doctor, spend time perusing multiple vinyl collections or indulge in some gothic-inspired cakes and sweet treats, the Supersonic Marketplace was the perfect place to get involved in artistic chats and endeavours. Hosted in the Zellig building, the space also included a special Supersonic flash session at resident tattoo shop House Of Thieves, which also sits next to the excellently named The Goth’s Playground, which was full of wonderfully unusual paraphernalia.

Within the Marketplace, we particularly enjoyed the wares on the Boulderdash stall. Described as purveyors of “stones, drones and noise”, Boulderdash are an independent zine and collective based in Cornwall. They were selling copies of their latest issue, cassette tapes and prints from musicians & artists they’ve worked with, plus, a unique limited edition Boulderdash guitar pedal. We exchanged stickers and stories and recommend that everyone checks them out!

(Photo Credit: Robert Barrett) 

(Photo Credit: Joe Singh)

Traidora are a force to be reckoned with

Joking that they were more accustomed to playing their punk anthems about “being gay” in sweaty pub basements, compared to being on Supersonic’s much larger stage, London-based trans anti-fascist band Traidora brought their riotous rhetoric to this year’s festival. The trio, fronted by Venezuelan-born artist Eva Leblanc and with the marvellous Maeve Westall on drums (itoldyouiwouldeatyou, YAKKIE, Gordian Stimm), Traidora ripped through a setlist that was loaded with righteous anger against ongoing genocide, transphobia and social inequality.

Performing in front of a backdrop of photographs of queer and female pioneers and activists – including LGBTQ trailblazer Marsha P Johnson – Traidora’s set felt like a hardcore homage to the queer and indigenous communities that they have been inspired by and are part of. Eva also took the time to thank everyone at Supersonic for their diligence and the care she and her bandmates had experienced on every level, which reminded her that “human kindness” is alive and well in the alternative music scene.

(Traidora – Photo Credit: Robert Barrett) 

(Traidora – Photo Credit: Joe Singh)

MMM & Milkweed brought the ancient past firmly into the future

With a sound as immense as the stones that they were inspired by, collaborative audio-visual project MMM opened Supersonic with a transcendental performance. Together, multi-instrumentalists Gayle Brogan, Nick Jonah Davis and Elizabeth Still created a unique work with filmmaker Ian Nesbitt, based on their travels to the Isle Of Lewis in Scotland during the rare Lunar Standstill at the ancient Calanais Stones, which occurs every 18.6 years. They documented their response to this natural phenomenon through a cell-tingling mix of thunderous guitars, intense drones, heavy harmonium and intermittent high pitched screams paired with diaphanous vocals. Grounded in ritual, resonance and reverb, MMM pulled back the veil of the past and captivated their audience in the process.

(MMM – Photo Credit: Robert Barrett) 

(MMM – Photo Credit: Joe Singh)

Milkweed also transported Supersonic fans to a bygone era with their acute, alluring storytelling. Reviving ancient folklore narratives and oral histories by weaving them into their experimental “slacker-trad” sounds, the four players sat opposite each other across a table littered with cassette players and wires; sonic vessels which enhanced the intensity of the songs lifted from their 2025 album, Remscéla. Inspired by The Táin saga, which is an aged collection of epic Irish “pre-tales” translated by Thomas Kinsella, the record dives deep into the lore of multiple legendary characters, which Milkweed brought vividly to life throughout their theatrical set. Working together in perfect harmony, they mixed string instrumentation with spoken word, stunningly clear vocals and brittle tape distortion to resurrect the past. It was a performance of mythical proportions, which clearly resonated with the resolutely attentive crowd.

(Milkweed – Photo Credit: Joe Singh)

(Milkweed – Photo Credit: Robert Barrett) 

The Supersonic samosas are legendary (as is the Tea Bar)

Whilst the music line-up for Supersonic Festival is always impressive, the line-up of snacks and drinks at the resident Tea Bar is just as noteworthy. In between pints of Supersonic IPA supplied by Attic Brewery, we indulged in some sustaining cups of tea and finally sampled a Supersonic staple which totally lived up to the hype: the iconic samosas! We were also tempted by the muffins which were as big as our heads and the delightful addition of Bloody Marys on the second day of the festival. Hats off to all the chefs who created these divine treats, they really were a highlight of the weekend.

(Photo Credit: Robert Barrett)

Thorn Wych’s set was a fascinating, noisy spectacle 

With a name that perfectly encapsulates her sound, Lancashire-based musician Thorn Wych performed a truly strange and striking set with her bespoke handmade instruments and pedal board on the first day of Supersonic. Despite experiencing a few sound difficulties, she embraced the chaos and stayed rooted to her cause; sat on the stage with her long hair obscuring her face, switching between an assortment of string instruments, drums and flutes whilst singing in tongues and channelling distortion by twisting the nodules on her pedals with her bare toes. Her performance was primal and instinctive and evoked a powerful sense of pagan folklore ritual. We’ll be thinking about it for many weeks to come.

(Thorn Wych – Photo Credit: Joe Singh)

(Thorn Wych – Photo Credit: Robert Barrett)

On all levels, Supersonic truly commits to the craft…

Whatever that craft may be, one thing is for sure: artists at Supersonic commit themselves 100% to their performances. We strongly believe that even if they were alone in an empty room, they would still be performing with the same tenacity. From the absolutely unhinged riffs and manic beats of mutant-noise-rock duo Guttersnipe, through to the beautiful understated soundscapes of experimental artist Feeo, we witnessed an abundance of wonderful and endearingly weird forms of self-expression across the weekend.

We mentioned this in our 2024 review, so at the risk of sounding like a broken record, we just want to reiterate how much we appreciate the effort, care and dedication that goes into planning a unique event like Supersonic, right down to the amazing festival-inspired nail art that one of the bar staff had! Get In Her Ears are a small DIY community based in London and we value connection and resistance through music, coming together to experience these things in a room with other like-minded people; something that Supersonic achieves on a scale that is deeply inspiring to us. We can’t wait to return to the festival again next year to have our minds blown by another immense array of experimental music (and to eat more samosas…)

(Feeo – Photo Credit: Joe Singh)

(Guttersnipe – Photo Credit: Joe Singh)

(Decolonise DJ set – Photo Credit: Robert Barrett)

(Supersonic IPA & nail art! Photo Credit: Sam Frank Wood)

 

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Words: Kate Crudgington