LISTEN: GIHE on Soho Radio with Estella from Big Joanie (18.09.25)

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

They were joined by DIY punk icon Estella from Big Joanie to talk about her solo work as ellaments, her new music ventures with “supergroup” Widget, her future recording plans with Big Joanie and her plans to DJ at our SOLD OUT all-day GIHE 10th birthday gig at The Cavendish Arms on Saturday 27th September (join the waiting list on DICE here)

As if that wasn’t enough, Estella is also an advocate for so many incredible organisations. She spoke about her work with DIY punk festival Decolonise Fest, youth-based music initiative Spark The Noise (formerly Girls Rock London), her upcoming panel appearance for Perfect Pitch at Brixton Hill Studios and her ongoing work with Good Night Out, who campaign for safer nightlife. Make sure you check them all out!

Listen back below:

 

We’ll be back on Soho Radio on Thursday 23rd October from 22:00-00:00 (GMT)
 Make sure you tune in via DAB or the new Soho Radio app!
You can also listen at www.sohoradiolondon.com

Tracklist
Donna Summer – Autumn Changes
james K – idea.2
Weakened Friends – Tough Luck (Bleed Me Out)
TTSSFU – forever
Lōwli – What’s It All For?
Jouska – Season Of Dread
DEBBY FRIDAY – Bet On Me
Tusks – Adore (I. JORDAN Remix)
Sijya – I Only Want To Crash
Klein – rich dad poor dad
TRACEY – Sleazy
Lucky Iris – I just wanna dance
ellaments – Remedy
**Interview with Estella**
Hayley Williams – Parachute
LOBSTERBOMB – Falling
Jessie Mac – Trans is Beautiful (Tash’s Track Of The Show)
Blue Loop – Luxury Chords (Kate’s Track Of The Show)
jasmine 4.t – I Can’t Believe I Did This Without You (Mari’s Track Of The Show)
adults – patterns
Tyler Holmes – Copy
Cormorant Tree Oh – The Wrong Kind
MUMMY – They Who Knew
Problem Patterns – Classic Rock Has Become My Prison

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment

PLAYLIST: August 2025

We’re publishing our August Playlist slightly later than planned, but we hope our eclectic mix of punk anthems; indie and alt-folk gems, evocative beats, emotive electronic soundscapes & instrumentals will still provide the perfect soundtrack for your eager ears! Make sure you take some time to scroll through our recommendations below.

In order to best support the female, LGBTQIA+ and non-binary artists that we love here at GIHE, we are moving away from using Spotify as our main playlisting platform, so we have included YouTube and/or bandcamp links for all of the tracks on this playlist. You can still access our GIHE profile on Spotify (which we do not have a paid subscription for) but we are in the process of choosing a different platform to share new music with you.

As always, we encourage you to follow the artists below on their social media, sign up to their mailing lists, go to their gigs and buy their records from bandcamp.

 

Breakup Haircut – ‘The Algorithm’s Trying To Kill Me’
We’re so so excited to see the return of DIY faves and First Timers alumni Breakup Haircut! Following 2022’s fantastic debut, Punk Dancing For Self Defence, they’ve now released the first in a string of new singles ahead of a second album – due for release this autumn via INH Records. A deeply relatable anti-capitalist anthem, ‘The Algorithm’s Trying To Kill Me’ showcases the band’s trademark playful sardonic wit and scuzzy punk-pop energy whilst angst-driven undercurrents and fierce hooks indicate a more honed, sharper sound for Breakup Haircut. I’m very much looking forward to hearing more from them soon, which we all can when they join us at New River Studios on 10th October, supporting Strange New Places with Junk Whale. Nab tickets on DICE now! (Mari Lane – Managing Editor)


Problem Patterns – ‘Classic Rock Has Become My Prison’
Ahead of their upcoming new EP, Boring Songs For Boring People, due via Alcopop! Records on 12th September, and following recent release ‘I’m Fine and I’m Doing Great’ (which was on the BBC 6Music playlist for four weeks!) Belfast queer punk pals Problem Patterns have now shared this immense new single. Offering a wonderful parody on the sexist ideals of many classic rock heroes, ‘Classic Rock Has Become My Prison’ was initially inspired by Bev feeling imprisoned by her neighbour’s daily blasting out of certain bands at an obnoxiously loud volume, and has developed into a fiercely raging ‘cock-rock’ anthem.

Of the track, Bev explains: “the more I thought about classic rock tunes, the more I thought about the sexism and misogyny rampant in the lyrics of even the most popular songs. Musically, we took on classic rock alter-egos, ripping solos, chugging riffs, hitting the drum fills just right, before letting loose that patented PP anger.” Prizes for anyone who can identify any of the twenty five cocky lyrical references patchworked into the song – I think I can name a few, which I might run by the band when THEY HEADLINE OUR 10TH BIRTHDAY ALL DAYER ON 27TH SEPTEMBER! We cannot wait. Tickets are now officially sold out, but feel free to join the waiting list on DICE in case anyone has to return theirs. If you have a ticket, we’ll see you at The Cavendish Arms on the 27th, along with so many other faves like Fightmilk, The Baby Seals, Ray Aggs, Jemma Freeman and The Cosmic Something and more!
(ML)

Madame So – ‘Sick Of It All’
Indie art-punk artist Madame So is back with an aptly named new single ‘Sick Of It All’, a cathartic anthem inspired by the need to stand in solidarity with oppressed nations and victims of war crimes. It was originally written in 2024, but Madame So’s anger and lyricism remain just as relevant a year on. She wants to be clear that the song is not about exploiting suffering, but about “using music as a tool to open eyes and spark conversations that matter.” (Kate Crudgington – Features Editor)

CARNE – ‘VAST’
This is the second single from Brighton-based grunge four-piece CARNE, who are fronted by vocalist and guitarist Carmen Mellino. ‘VAST’ is both a “tribute” to a niche band of the same name that Carmen admires, as well as an exploration of the complexities of human connection and how this can be affected by the intensity of touring as a band. It’s full of crushing riffs and lush melodic vocals, inspired by iconic ’90s grunge icons like The Smashing Pumpkins and Hole. (KC)

Yuppie Supper – ‘Neocanine’
A new favourite band for sure, Leeds based DIY trio Yuppie Supper are set to release their second EP, The Mondegreen, on 10th October, and our first taste of that comes in the form of recent single ‘Neocanine’. Voicing their frustration at being forced to choose between the far right and more of the neoliberalism of the last 40 years, the band offer trans-lead, grunge-fuelled anthems, and I can’t get enough of their fiercely angst-driven energy. (ML)

Vanelle – ‘Blue Curls’
‘Blue Curls’ is an angst-ridden reflection on adolescence from Berlin-based trio Vanelle. Released via Beans On Toast Records, the newly launched sub-label of Duchess Box Records, the track is taken from the band’s upcoming self-titled EP, which is set for release on 3rd October. Through heartfelt lyrics and brooding guitar riffs, the band explore what it’s like to feel left out and like you don’t fit in when you’re growing up. (KC)

steel. – ‘DFTTM’
I was lucky enough to attend a day of Decolonise Fest at Signature Brew – a fantastic event promoting punks of colour and their community. Starting off with an incredibly inspiring and informative panel from YWMP, Good Night Out Campaign, Spark The Noise and Off Shoot Tours about creating safer spaces for marginalised groups to enjoy live music, the day and evening was filled with so much incredible live music, including the playful, jazz-tinged energy of Coventry’s The Genes, post-punk legends Bona Rays and the driving frenzied indie anthems of Liverpool’s ones to watch, steel. (ML)

adults – ‘patterns’
Set to release their second full-length album next month, South London indie-punks adults have now shared the first taste of what to expect. A nostalgic ode to London’s DIY scene, offering a wistful reflection on how the city’s changed and the deep sense of loss that has come with this, ‘patterns’ flows with the band’s trademark jangly energy and fuzzy hooks. As twinkling harmonies ripple with a gentle raw emotion, it builds with an anthemic sense of hope as sparkling synths conjure memories of dancing into the night at beloved venues like Moth Club and Power Lunches. I can’t wait to hear more of the band’s beautifully heartstring-tugging, head-bopping creations when they play the Divine Schism all-dayer at New River Studios next Saturday 13th September. the seeds we sow are sprouting buds nonetheless, the upcoming new album from adults, is set for release on 31st October via Fika Records. (ML)

Jessie Mac – ‘Trans Is Beautiful’
This is a powerful (and incredibly catchy) “sonic statement” from South East London trans DJ, producer and label owner Jessie Mac. By sampling the words of American actress and LGBTQ advocate Laverne Cox and combining them with her own shape-shifting club beats and electronics, Jessie has created an LGBTQIA anthem that is equal parts poignant, political and playful. (KC)

Tusks – ‘Adore’ remix by I.JORDAN
I loved the evocative, original version of ‘Adore’ by London-based artist Tusks (released back in 2024), lifted from her third album, Gold. This re-imagining by Doncaster-born, London-based DJ I.JORDAN is completely different – fueled by an infectious dance beat – but it still retains the emotive pull of Tusks’ original release. This track will feature on Tusks’ upcoming EP, Gold – The Remixes, due on 1st October via One Little Independent Records. (KC)

Stealing Sheep – ‘Take Me Back’
The latest single from Liverpool’s Stealing Sheep, ‘Take Me Back’ is propelled by glitchy immersive beats as euphoric, swirling synth-driven hooks create a “rave-drenched fever dream”. A playful, ‘80s-inspired ode to surrealist art-pop and the joyous glow of nights spent on dancefloors into the early hours. ‘Take Me Back’ is our first taste of GLO, the band’s upcoming new album. (ML)

Ho99o9 ft. Nova Twins, Pink Siifu, Yung Skrrt – ‘Incline’
A DREAM collaboration here from two personal favourites: rap-punk duo Ho99o9 and alt-heavy icons Nova Twins. The girls’ incendiary riffs perfectly underscore Ho99o9’s visceral verses. The track features on the Ho99o9’s upcoming album, Tomorrow We Escape, which is set for release on 9th September. The record will also feature a contribution from Chelsea Wolfe – I can’t wait to listen to it in full. (KC)

Pets and Doom and Gloom – ‘Mina’
This track from London-based dark electronic duo Pets and Doom and Gloom is peak “Gloomy Grrrl” territory. ‘Mina’ is lifted from the band’s debut EP, Lone and Level, which was released on 5th August to coincide with oil giant BP’s quarterly earnings announcement. The band’s apocalyptic sounds and haunting vocals are their way of pushing back against a damaged world; something that’s epitomised on ‘Mina’ which they describe as “a trip hop tale of vengeance.” (KC)

Tyler Holmes – ‘Copy’
Having first fallen in love with innovative artist Tyler Holmes’ poignant electronic soundscapes back in 2021 when they released their album, Nightmare In Paradise, I was excited to see their name crop up in my inbox again last week. Set to release an experimental new album at the end of the month, over the last few years Holmes has experienced a great deal of change in their life – including the death of a parent and heartbreak – though the new record focuses more on the theme of the natural world and how we accept our place in it. Beautifully interweaving stark reflections into textured soundscapes that evoke both the serene and brutal side of nature, the album is built on the bones of ‘The Southern Reach Trilogy’ by Jeff Vandermeer and ‘No.44, The Mysterious Stranger’ by Mark Twain. Patience, the upcoming new album from Tyler Holmes, is set for release on 26th September via Ratskin Records. (ML)

Sijya – ‘I Only Want To Crash’
Another idiosyncratic, atmospheric soundscape here from South Asian composer, producer and graphic artist Sijya. ‘I Only Want To Crash’ is lifted from Sijya’s upcoming EP, Leather & Brass, which is set for release via One Little Independent Records on 12th September. The track evolved from an instrumental to include her ambiguous lyrical motifs, affording Sijya the emotional release she craves. (KC)

feeo – ‘The Mountain’
London experimental artist feeo is new to me, but I was transfixed by her calm voice and ambient drone sounds on this single ‘The Mountain’. Released via label AD 93, the track is inspired by the “dualities of the natural world” and how it can be both brutal and beautiful. (KC)

VERA SACRA – ‘Burning’
I found listening to this soundscape from experimental cellist, vocalist and producer VERA SACRA strangely soothing. Lifted from her debut EP, sacred spring, released via EMI North & Launchpad+, ‘Burning’ is a beautiful reflection on the artist’s “fractured yet vivid inner world.” She wrote and recorded her EP whilst travelling between Latvia, Estonia, London, & Sheffield, whilst also struggling with psychosis at the time. The result is a glitchy but captivating collection of tracks that showcase her immense talent. (KC)

The New Eves – ‘Astrolabe’
Congratulations to Brighton-based four-piece The New Eves who released their debut album, The New Eve Is Rising, earlier this month! The band blew us away with their unique live performance of what they have coined as “Hagstone Rock” when we saw them at The Great Escape Festival earlier this year and we can’t wait to catch them again at their headline show at London’s Hoxton Hall on 7th October. (KC)

Daffo – ‘Dagger Song’
Set to release their debut album later this month, Gabi Gamberg – aka Daffo – has shared stirring new single ‘Dagger Song’. I’m such a big fan of the LA based artist and the sparkling, heartfelt emotion that seeps through all they create; even more so since seeing them live at The Great Escape this year. Watching them alongside Hanni and Clara from ARXX and Rach from Comic Sans was a big highlight of the weekend for me! Their debut album, Where The Earth Bends, is out on 26th September via Concord Records, and they will be playing a few dates in the UK in October, including The Lower Third in London on 31st October – a nice Halloween gig. (ML)

The Cords – ‘I’m Not Sad’
The latest single from Scottish duo The Cords, ‘I’m Not Sad’ offers a perfectly upbeat, short and sweet blast of joyous energy. Propelled by a lilting surf-pop energy and singalong refrains, it’s a gloriously glistening slice of indie-pop with shades of the likes of fellow Scots Camera Obscura or Belle and Sebastian. I can’t wait for the release of their debut album on 26th September via Skep Wax Records. (ML)

The Schla La Las – ‘1234’
A supergroup of sorts, lead by Piney Gir, The Schla La Las built up a reputation for their joyous live shows within the indie-rock scene of the early noughties. Now, after being away from our ears for eighteen years, they have returned with a wonderfully uplifting new single. Showcasing their punky, poppy energy and sugar-sweet allure perfectly, ‘1234’ is accompanied by a super cute, strangely empowering, lego-stop motion video for the song. Find out more on our premiere feature here. You can witness the sparkling allure of The Schla La Las live at Dream Bags Jaguar Shows on 15th November. (ML)

jasmine.4.t – ‘Woman’
GIHE favourite jasmine.4.t has recently shared a heartfelt fan film to accompany her song ‘Woman’. Of the song and video, she explains: “We wanted to show the world this queer love and solidarity, to show the world that trans people are loved, to show the world all of the beautiful responses we have to trans art. So we put out a call for video clips from fans of them responding to ‘Woman’, singing, playing, dancing. We edited the clips into this, a fan video for the song and I can’t believe how beautifully it has turned out.”

Watch the incredibly beautiful video and please have a look at the information shared by Not A Phase about the recent EHRC proposals for the mandatory exclusion of trans people from gendered spaces, the terrifying consequences this could have and next steps that we can take to stop it being put into effect. You could also donate to The Good Law Project who run loads of great campaigns and are challenging the Supreme Court’s ruling to overturn the Equality Act, as it seeks to take away further rights of trans people – breaking actual Human Rights Laws. (ML)

Ailsa Tully – ‘Choosing’
Following recent releases ‘Self Soothing’ and ‘Womb Room’, Welsh artist Ailsa Tully has now shared stirring new single ‘Choosing’. Written shortly after her father passed away, it offers a poignant reflection on moving and feeling unsettled; a plea for some stability. As a dark ethereal splendour shimmers alongside its lilting folk-strewn musicality, the heartfelt grace and twinkling delicate emotion of Ailsa’s celestial vocals shines throughout. A truly beautiful new offering, that I’m pleased to say is being shared with the world at a time when Ailsa is feeling more settled and has found somewhere – with someone she loves – that she feels able to call home. (ML)

Madison Cunningham – ‘My Full Name’
Ahead of the release of her new album next month, LA songwriter Madison Cunningham has shared ‘My Full Name’. A vulnerable reflection on heartbreak and loss, her sweeping crystalline vocals float alongside twinkling keys with a soaring delicate emotion. Ace, the upcoming album from Madison Cunningham, is set for release on 10th October. (ML)

Hand Habits – ‘Bluebird Of Happiness’
Having recently released their poignant new album, Meg Duffy – aka Hand Habits’ – latest single ‘Bluebird Of Happiness’ interweaves their distinctive rich vocals with fuzzy layers of sound amidst a shimmering subtle optimism. Of the track, they comment: “One day my partner asked what birdsong we were hearing through the window and I was like, ‘well that’s the bluebird of happiness obviously,’ and it became a joke song I would sing around the house, but then it grew wings… I also got curious about the history of the bluebird of happiness, and found that it has mythological significance.” Blue Reminder, the new album from Hand Habits, is out now via Fat Possum. (ML)

Kate Stables, Jesca Hoop, Lail Arad – ‘Raised On Robbery’
Having been lucky enough to attend a special Songs Of Joni Mitchell event at The Roundhouse last year, I was excited to hear that organiser Lail Arad, along with fellow artists Kate Stables (This Is The Kit) and Jesca Hoop, are set to release an EP of Joni covers this week to accompany their tour this autumn, continuing their heartwarming ode to the music of one of the world’s most inspirational artists. As a life-long fan of Joni, and a many-years-fan of these three artists, it’s such a joy to hear them celebrating her work, and creating their own sparkling renditions of some of my most favourite songs. They will be playing Shepherd’s Bush Empire on 13th November, along with a big run of UK dates throughout the autumn. The Songs Of Joni Mitchell Vol 1, the upcoming EP, is out on Friday 12th September. (ML)

Get In Her EarsLeave a comment

INTERVIEW: Lisa Meyer (Supersonic Festival)

(Photo: Lisa Meyer)

Championing alternative music and celebrating experimental art-forms is the lifeblood of Birmingham’s Supersonic Festival. Founded in 2003, the multi-venue event has become renowned for showcasing a unique array of musical and artistic talent from heavy and alternative genres. Get In Her Ears were lucky enough to attend the festival for the first time in 2024, where we saw Gazelle Twin, THE NONE, Emma Ruth Rundle, Tristwch Y Fenywod and many more (read our highlights feature here.)

The line-up for this year’s edition of Supersonic – which runs from 29th-31st of August – is equally as impressive. GIHE favourite Penelope Trappes brings her stunning album A Requiem to the festival for the first time. Aussie instrumental-doom project Divide and Dissolve will return to pulverize eardrums with their gargantuan-yet-graceful noises and inimitable Zambian-Canadian rapper BACKXWASH will also return to share her corrosive beats and scathing lyrics with festival goers.

“I think of heaviness not necessarily as an amplification, but as music that is reflective of our world that we’re living in, and we’re living in really heavy times,” shares Artistic Director Lisa Meyer, deftly articulating why Supersonic Festival resonates so strongly with its loyal attendees. She is the creative force leading the dedicated team who have been curating this eclectic event for over twenty years. As the CEO of Capsule and the founder of the Home Of Metal project too, Lisa has dedicated her life to following and championing alternative culture.

“I think because we’re in Birmingham; the DNA of Birmingham is Black Sabbath, Godflesh and Napalm Death, but [Supersonic] is not, as I would call it, a ‘dude fest’ or a straight-forward metal fest,” she explains. “It’s about exploring heaviness across genres. There is a darkness to a lot of folk or electronic music and sometimes the most gentle, beautiful music has a sadness and a heaviness [to it],” she continues, citing Irish experimental doom-folk band ØXN as a great example. “There are heavy drones within their music, but Radie Peat’s voice cuts through you in a way that I think is as full-on as a metal band. It’s more about the feeling that [the music] creates within you.”

This emotional connection is something we were struck by at our first experience of Supersonic in 2024. It made us want to dig deeper and find out what goes on behind the scenes in order to bring this eclectic community-based festival to life. When we speak to Lisa over Zoom, it’s just three weeks until the next edition of Supersonic. Despite mentioning several setbacks throughout our conversation (which we’ll get into in more detail later), Lisa’s aura is equally as calm as it is enthusiastic. She clearly relishes talking about artists, past and present, who have shaped her personal tastes and who ultimately lead her to start Supersonic.

Originally from London where she felt “spoiled” in terms of her exposure to alternative music and culture, Lisa moved to Birmingham in 1994 to gain independence and to study a fine art degree. As a young teen, she says she frequented the weekly Feet First indie club night at the Camden Palace (now KOKO), which she considers to be her “grounding” for getting into music. “Looking back on it, it was probably dodgy as hell,” she smiles, “but I was 14 and me and my friend Lisa – we were called ‘The Two Lisas’ – got to see so many live indie bands; from Doctor and The Medics through to Lawn Mower Death and Meat Beat Manifesto.”

Lisa also recalls her parents playing Black Sabbath and Jethro Toll on the stereo on car journeys as a child, hearing the Songs of Leonard Cohen and The Velvet Underground around the house, and obsessively playing the 7” vinyl of Kate Bush’s iconic ‘80s hit ‘Babooshka’ from her Dad’s record collection. She also cites the Pixies, The Cure and Sisters of Mercy as big influences during her teens. This exposure to so many varied and contrasting musical genres seems to have been the catalyst for everything that she did next.

When she moved to the midlands, she remembers being “shocked” at the lack of cultural spaces in Birmingham compared to London, where she had constant access to gigs and art exhibitions. “But when there isn’t anything there, you [can] create from nothing,” she adds wisely. “It’s the perfect environment to create something yourself.” She began frequenting DIY punk all-dayers in places like Bradford, Leeds and Nottingham, before she started hosting gigs herself in the basement of the student house that she shared with 11 other people. “It sounds glamorous, but it was a very rundown house, and because of that, it gave us absolute freedom,” she comments. She quickly gained a solid reputation in the DIY scene for being a great promoter; always paying bands fairly and making sure they were fed and looked after, something she states was a rarity on the local scene at the time.

From these early experiences, Lisa gained the essential knowledge which led her to start up her own official arts organisation. In 1999, alongside friend Jenny Moore, she co-founded Capsule, a platform dedicated to producing events and exhibitions for curious audiences in Birmingham. As well as championing new and exciting alternative art, Capsule serves a more personal purpose for Lisa. “Although I’d studied fine art, my passion was music and being a music fan, but I was also incredibly, painfully shy,” she reveals. “I wasn’t someone that stood at the front of a gig or wrote a zine. I didn’t feel like I had a voice particularly. I think putting on gigs gives you a purpose. It gives you a reason to be sociable, but kind of on your own terms.”

This new found confidence, combined with an eye-opening trip to Barcelona’s Sonar Festival in 2001, laid the foundations for Supersonic. “I was absolutely blown away by the fact that the festival happened at the MACBA, which is the Museum of Contemporary Art in Barcelona,” she recalls about the galvanizing live music experience. “At that time, Jenny was doing a photography degree and I had done a fine art degree, so we wanted to bring together that sort of visual aesthetic [too]”. Seeing UK experimental-noise artist V/Vm (aka Leyland James Kirby) play inside a beautiful Gothic church seemed to blend these two things together for Lisa.

“V/Vm were dressed as a chicken and a love heart. They had those big Spanish hams and they were on turntables with cabbages and meat juice was flying out into the audience,” she shares. Fast forward two years later to 2003, and Lisa and Jenny had booked V/Vm to play the first ever Supersonic Festival at The Custard Factory in Digbeth, alongside Coil, Pram, The Bug with The Warrior Queen, LCD Soundsystem and metal bands from the local scene.

“It was a really eclectic mix and I guess at that time, no one else was really doing that,” Lisa comments. She acknowledges that festival line-ups were generally geared towards a single genre, and that the electronic music scene in particular felt inaccessible to lots of fans. “It was very boy-sy…you had to be an ‘expert’ to be into electronic music at that time, it just felt really hostile,” she shares. Lisa wanted to create a “welcoming space” with no rigid genre barriers and no gate-keeping – something that GIHE felt was one of the most impressive and coherent elements of last year’s Supersonic festival.

Creating and sustaining something as original as Supersonic has been equally as life-affirming as it has been challenging for Lisa, for numerous reasons. In 2012, her creative business partner Jenny took a step back from Capsule and Supersonic in order to focus on her young family, which was an eye-opening experience for Lisa, who became the sole Director, Artistic Director and CEO. “I think because we ran it together, we were almost oblivious to risk, because we had each other, so we just made stuff happen,” she shares. “Jenny was absolutely brilliant at fundraising and the budgets and as I used to call it ‘the adult stuff’. So suddenly, I had to inherit this weight of responsibility and it was also at a time when the Arts Council really didn’t understand the value of experimental music or adventurous music.”

Lisa explains that Supersonic received “tremendous pushback” from Arts Council England in the early days of applying for funding. She tried to make it clear in her applications that at its core, Supersonic was about supporting an ecosystem that was not too dissimilar to theatre. Theatre brings in ticket income, but this is subsidised to support the production and the making of it – whether that’s a West End musical or an obscure performance piece. She had to lobby hard to make sure that the festival was not misinterpreted as a purely commercial venture.

“I started to understand the role I can play in terms of supporting more emergent artists and making sure that the line-up is diverse,” Lisa extrapolates. “I think in the early days, just making the thing happen was an act of resistance. Being two young women in that male-dominated field was enough of a thing. Whereas now, I wouldn’t say we’re in a comfortable position, but there’s an inner confidence to be able to kind of make sure that that’s part of our mission and our goal with Supersonic.”

This year’s edition of the festival continues that vital mission. Between BACKXWASH, Divide and Dissolve, Zahra Haji Fath Ali Tehrani, BUÑUEL and Penelope Trappes (to name just a few), Supersonic’s line-up seamlessly sets an exciting and necessary precedent for diversity in all its forms. Lisa has always been meticulous with her curation though, and this is something that’s developed over time. “Because we’re really limited in our budgets, that makes me have to be extremely creative and really careful in terms of who I’m programming, so there’s no filler and it means that everyone’s there for a reason,” she shares. “There’s an un-said relationship between each artist and the journey that I’m trying to create within a day or over the weekend.”

Despite this dedication and attention to detail, Lisa confesses that she is not immune to imposter syndrome. She has always felt that her relationship to music has been based on gut feeling, obsessive listening and intuition, rather than technicalities like being an “expert” producer or a music-maker herself. When asked if she has ever seriously considered giving up Capsule and Supersonic because of this, she humbly replies that despite the numerous sleepless nights, it doesn’t really feel like a “job” to her – it’s more of a calling.

“I think probably now I’m unemployable,” she laughs. “I’ve done this for 20+ years, I don’t know anything different. When it actually comes together and you have that weekend where there’s that sense of community and you’ve been able to create a sort of critical mass for relatively unknown artists, and your audience feels part of something that feels really important, like we’re part of this global community – that spurs us on for the next year.”

It’s not just imposter syndrome that Lisa has had to battle. In recent years, the gentrification of the Digbeth area where Supersonic is held has caused her immense stress. In the inaugural days of the festival, Lisa remembers Digbeth feeling a bit like the “Wild West” as it had minimal infrastructure in terms of proper street lighting or cash points. This allowed her and her team to build their own infrastructures within the warehouse spaces they rented and to create the “blueprint” for Supersonic, but it’s a different story today.

“As the years have gone on, developers have come in and taken those spaces, and developers are not supportive of culture, especially outsider or counterculture,” she comments. Lisa has had to compromise to keep Supersonic alive. In 2024, for the first time ever, they had to switch to using a commercial venue – The O2 Institute – due to developers making it too difficult to use their original, formerly independent space. This year, Lisa has shared the news that Supersonic’s Marketplace – the festival’s hub for food, selling records, socialising and DJ sets – will have to relocate to Zellig Building for similar reasons.

These changes are not just inconvenient logistically, they incur costs that Lisa is desperately trying not to pass on to the festival’s loyal attendees, but this is becoming increasingly difficult. “Supersonic is meant to be a celebration of the underground, but if it’s too expensive, people can’t attend,” she states, but she is battling hard to make sure this doesn’t happen. “We have started a solidarity ticket scheme where people who can afford to pay a bit more, buy a more expensive ticket and that means that we can work with partners like O121 Queercore and Decolonise Fest to do massively subsidised tickets to their networks. So we’re trying, but it sort of feels now like Supersonic happens against all odds, which is quite exhausting. I’d say this year, I’ve never known it as hard as ever before, in every element of putting a festival together. It feels like this year may well be the nail in the coffin of it being in Birmingham,” Lisa sighs, “unless something really radically changes in terms of whether the council starts to intervene in some way.”

Lisa’s determination in the face of such adversity isn’t just admirable – it’s vital. She has invested time and money creating a platform where artists and fans feel truly valued, and in today’s climate of grassroots music venues closing on a fortnightly basis according to The Music Venue Trust, that cannot be underestimated. She has spent time nurturing authentic relationships with the artists who play Supersonic, leading them to not only return to play, but to also become fans of the festival themselves.

“Last year, we had Bonnie Prince Billy headlining, but he came because he was interested in seeing ØXN and Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe,” Lisa shares. “This year, we’ve got Poor Creature performing, who is Cormac from Lankum [who played last year], and Ian Lynch and Maxine Peake are coming back to DJ too. They want to come as punters, which is really lovely. We’ve built up relationships with people like Stuart Braithwaite (Mogwai) and Elizabeth Bernholz (Gazelle Twin) over the years, so they feel that if they’ve got a new project, Supersonic’s the place for them to try that out, which is great.”

Connecting curious minds and cultivating pure, primal connection to music is what the festival is all about. Unfortunately, we can’t attend Supersonic this year, but we urge you to buy a ticket and immerse yourself in all of the weird and wonderful creations that the festival has to offer. You won’t be disappointed.

Photo Credit: Cat Dineley

Kate Crudgington
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Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment

PLAYLIST: June 2025

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another eclectic mix of indie musings, alt-folk tunes, punk bangers, immersive electronics and some grunge & shoegaze anthems for your listening pleasure. Take some time to scroll through our recommendations below.

In order to best support the female, LGBTQIA+ and non-binary artists that we love here at GIHE, we will be moving away from using Spotify as a streaming platform in the near future. You’ll see that we’ve included YouTube or bandcamp links for all of the tracks in this feature. We have included the link to our GIHE profile on Spotify this time too – but next month, we’ll be using a different platform to share new music with you.

As always, we encourage you to follow the artists below on social media, sign up to their mailing lists, go to their gigs and buy their records from bandcamp.

Whitelands – ‘Heat Of The Summer’
Despite its buoyant, dream-pop sound, this single from London-based shoegazers & GIHE faves Whitelands is inspired by a range of unsettling pieces of media that vocalist Etienne was affected by last year; including Trump coming back into power, the shooting of a CEO by Luigi Mangione and Spike Lee’s film, Do The Right Thing. ‘Heat Of The Summer’ is his reflection on rising tensions and how community and coming together can help to overthrow tyrants. Whitelands will be playing a headline show at London’s Corsica Studios on 20th November – tickets are on sale now.
(Kate Crudgington – Features Editor)

Starling – ‘I Can Be Convinced’
Having recently released their new EP, Forgive Me, Los Angeles based Starling’s latest single offers a fizzing ode to all-consuming love. As Kasha Souter Willett’s sugar-sweet sumptuous vocals flow alongside fuzzy hook, ‘I Can Be Convinced’ builds with an anthemic energy and twinkling allure. Watch the ballerina-filled new video for ‘I Can Be Convinced’ here and make sure you treat your ears to a listen of the full EP.
(Mari Lane – Managing Editor)

Daffo – ‘Habit’
I’ve been a fan of Daffo since their 2023 EP Pest, and was so pleased to be able to catch the beautiful energy of their live set at The Great Escape last month – standing in the crowd alongside faves like ARXX and Comic Sans was a definite highlight of the festival. Now, I’m super excited to hear that the LA based artist will be releasing their debut album in September, and has released a new single to celebrate. Propelled by scuzzy reverb-soaked hooks, ‘Habit’ reflects on songwriter Gabi Gamberg’s struggle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder with a sparkling heartfelt emotion. Where The Earth Bends, the upcoming debut album from Daffo, is set for release on 26th September via Concord Records.
(ML)

Lipstick Teef – ‘Sink Or Swim’
Not only do I love the name of Liverpool-bred, London-based alt-rock band Lipstick Teef, I also love the angst-ridden sound of their debut single ‘Sink Or Swim’. Formed in 2021 by vocalist Lucy Pengelly and guitarist Jennifer Hall, Lipstick Teef are “on a mission to deliver surf inspired grunge from across the cosmos, straight to your eardrums.” Inspired by the Riot Grrrl movement and their love of psych-punk, the band have now fleshed out their own fuzz-fuelled sound on their debut offering. (KC)

The Dead Zoo – ‘Bruise’
Ahead of releasing their debut album next month, post-punk faves (and guests on our latest radio show) have shared a blistering new single. Reflecting on both the pain and triumph of transformation, ‘Bruise’ combines swirling atmospherics with ‘80s-inspired dark basslines to create the sonic equivalent of a nocturnal drive through a Lynchian landscape. As the resonant fierce power of front woman Kaoru Sato’s vocals glistens throughout, it showcases The Dead Zoo’s ability to create pulsating, multi-layered soundscapes that will immerse your senses on first listen. We’re super excited to be hosting The Dead Zoo’s album launch this Friday, 4th July, at New River Studios with support from shoegaze supergroup Water Deer and mother-daughter punk duo (coming all the way from Texas!), The Mothermold – tickets on Dice now and cheaper in advance. (ML)


SPRINTS – ‘Descartes’
Dublin four-piece SPRINTS are back with a BANG with new single ‘Descartes’. Along with this incendiary new track, the band have shared the news that they’ll be releasing their second album, All That Is Over, on 26th September via City Slang and Sub Pop – the first Irish band to be signed to the iconic American label! ‘Descartes’ is inspired by the ideas of the French philosopher of the same name. I was lucky enough to attend SPRINTS’ album-listening party a few weeks ago, where I heard this track and others from their upcoming record for the first time. No spoilers – but you’re in for an absolute treat. (KC)

Problem Patterns – ‘I’m Fine and I’m Doing Great’
It’s always an exciting time for us here at GIHE when Belfast punks and total faves Problem Patterns release new music. So, to hear that a new EP is on the way later this year, is very welcome news, and a angst-driven new single is just what we need right now. A seething reflection on burnout, ‘I’m Fine and I’m Doing Great’ races with a fierce, fizzing energy, oozing the band’s trademark perfect fusion of righteous impassioned energy with a searing tongue-in-cheek wit. Of the track, bassist Ciara King explains: “This song is an ode to every single burnout episode that any creative has ever had… I wanted to contrast that with how grateful we are for all of our achievements. I do feel like I’m well and truly living the dream… This song is addressing that feeling of the love/hate relationship involved in doing music full time and still working full time. This one goes out to all our burnt out pals. Keep going.”

Boring Songs For Boring People, the upcoming new EP from Problem Patterns, is set for release on 12th September via Alcopop! Records and we CANNOT WAIT to celebrate the new release with them when they headline our special 10th birthday all-dayer event at The Cavendish Arms on 27th September, along with other faves Fightmilk, The Baby Seals, Ray Aggs, Jemma Freeman and The Cosmic Something and more! Very limited tickets left here.
(ML)

Shallow Honey – ‘What You Made Me Do’
Having been lucky enough to catch Brighton-based Shallow Honey’s immersive set at Cro Cro Land earlier this year, I was very happy to hear that they’ve been releasing new music. Reflecting on the frustration around not being heard, ‘What You Made Me Do’ seethes with a fierce energy as the impassioned vocals of front woman Rai blast out alongside gritty, grunge-inspired hooks. (ML)

Porcelain Doll – ‘Self Destruct’
Another Brighton-based band, Porcelain Doll blew us away playing live for us at The Cavendish Arms earlier this year, and since been busy releasing new music. Recent single ‘Self Destruct’ showcases the band’s ability to create swirling rock anthems with a raw emotion. Speaking about the track, front woman Freja explains: “I wrote the song while struggling with chronic pain and depression, it’s about feeling as if my body and mind are both working against me.” (ML)

STRANGE WOMAN – ‘FAKE VALENTINE’
‘FAKE VALENTINE’ is the raucous debut single from Scottish-born, Manchester-based queer hard rock artist STRANGE WOMAN. Described as “an ode to failed love” and “an expression of frustration in trying to navigate romance as a queer, gender non-conforming, young person,” STRANGE WOMAN’s sound is inspired by the fiery sounds of Måneskin, Yungblud and Cassyette. (KC)

Your Heterosexual Violence – ‘House Outside The World’
‘80s cult punks Your Heterosexual Violence are back – after imploding in 1988, they reformed just before the pandemic, with the addition of GIHE fave, Jemma Freeman, on bass and vocals. Marking their re-entry into the world, they’ve announced a new album and have shared a catchy new single. Propelled by a driving punk energy, ‘House Outside The World’ reflects on themes of loneliness, alienation alongside the sparkling power-chords and a singalong chorus; an instant earworm set to cement this established band as firm favourites once more. Some People Have Too Much To Say, the upcoming new album from Your Heterosexual Violence, is set for release on 26th September via Trapped Animal / Ferocious Doge records. (ML)

Twin Rains – ‘Magic Mountain’
I was thrilled to see another email from Toronto dream-pop duo Twin Rains in my GIHE inbox earlier this month. I’ve really enjoyed listening to the band’s heady electronic creations and this new single is no exception. Described as “their most pop and dance orientated song yet” ‘Magic Mountain’ is full of intoxicating riffs, dreamy vocals and driving beats. (KC)

Tiiva – ‘you and i’
‘you and i’ is the title track from Tiiva’s debut album, which they released via Moth Day Records last month. We’re big fans of Tiiva’s idiosyncratic electronica here at GIHE and this track showcases Tiiva’s talent for seamlessly blending pulsing beats, soft vocals and ambient electronics to create their immersive and emotive sonics. Congratulations on crafting such a superb album Tiiva! (KC)

Aether Speaker – ‘That’s For The Nosebleed’
This is the dreamy second single from London-based four piece Aether Speaker. Recorded on the Summer Solstice last year at Strongroom Studios – where the Spice Girls recorded their iconic single ‘Wannabe’ – ‘That’s For The Nosebleed’ is about “going after what you want, even if it’s bad for you”. I love the band’s blend of lush vocals, ambient riffs and gentle percussion on this track. (KC)

Bleach Lab – ‘Close To The Flame’
“I was heavily inspired by bands like slowdive and my bloody valentine when writing the lyrics and melody for ‘Close To The Flame’,” shares Bleach Lab’s vocalist Jenna Kyle. “I wanted it to feel like the end scene of a coming-of-age romance film…it’s about an all consuming relationship, where you’re so obsessed with someone you almost want to merge into one and become them.” Full of Kyle’s lush vocals and the band’s fuzzy, dream-pop riffs, ‘Close To The Flame’ is the title track from Bleach Lab’s upcoming EP, which is set for release on Friday 18th July. (KC)

Midwife – ‘Signs’
Another gauzy piece of ambient shoegaze here from GIHE fave Colorado-based multi-instrumentalist & producer Midwife. ‘Signs’ was a b-side from her album No Depression In Heaven, which I’ve had on repeat since it was released in 2024. (KC)

SOFIA ISELLA – ‘DOG’S DINNER’
The music of 20-year-old violinist, songwriter, producer and poet Sofia Isella is inspired by a myriad of dystopian influences. The L.A-based artist cites Trent Reznor, Ethel Cain and Beck, as well as Sylvia Plath, Margaret Atwood, Mona Awad and Anne Sexton as her inspirations. The result is an eclectic, beguiling sound steeped in theatricality. This track ‘DOG’S DINNER’ is lifted from her recent EP, I’m camera., which she released in May. SOFIA will be playing live in the UK this summer, including a show at Camden’s Electric Ballroom on 26th August, as well as slots at Reading and Leeds Festivals. (KC)

Lydia Night – ‘Gutter’
Having founded LA punk-rockers The Regrettes at the age of fifteen, Lydia Night is now branching out on her own. Ahead of the release of her debut solo album in August, she has now shared a brand new single. Fizzing with a sultry allure with shades of the electro-clash energy of Peaches, ‘Gutter’ offers a playful, synth-driven slice of art-pop reflecting on feelings of lust and longing. Parody Of Pleasure, the debut solo album from Lydia Night, is set for release on 8th August via Warner Records. (ML)

The Noisy – ‘Twos’
Founded by award-winning poet Sara Mae, Philadelphia-based synth-poppers The Noisy have shared a sparkling new single. Flowing with a glistening, cinematic soundscape, ‘Twos’ offers a perfect fusion of honey-sweet pop sentiment with scuzzy grunge-inspired hooks. The track is accompanied by a wonderfully queer, silent movie-esque new video – Sara Mae explains: “The music video literalizes the too much-ness of the story, Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Grey Gardens meets two dates to the prom.” (ML)

Automatic – ‘Is It Now?’
Returning to our ears after forming nine years ago, LA trio Automatic have announced the release of a brand new album, which is due for release this autumn, and have now shared the lead title track. Shimmering with synth-driven hooks and a glitchy energy, the playful call-and-response refrains ooze shades of the party-punk vibes of Le Tigre whilst maintaining a unique celestial splendour. Drawing on the conflict between being rebellious and engaging in mass culture, the track raises the question: “how do you have a sense of joy while the world seems to be collapsing, and you feel so powerless?” (ML)

Little Simz – ‘Venom’
I was lucky enough to catch the legend Little Simz live at Royal Festival Hall last week in the closing performance of the annual Meltdown Festival that she had curated. Accompanied by the Chineke Orchestra, it seemed to be a beautiful culmination of not only the past week’s events, but of her career’s achievements so far. With the orchestra’s sweeping majestic splendour accompanying the innovative artist’s gritty energy and stirring narrative, it was a pretty epic experience to be a part of. And a particular highlight of the set was the immense introduction of ‘Venom’ – Little Simz conducting the orchestra before turning to the crowd as she rapped with stoic conviction: “Never givin’ credit where it’s due ’cause you don’t like pussy in power. Venom.” Read our full review of the night here. (ML)

Blue Loop – ‘The Knife’
I’m so pleased that I unearthed this shape-shifting gem of a track from London-based electronic producer Emma Hall aka Blue Loop in my GIHE inbox. Emma has recently recovered from breast cancer (and is now thankfully in remission) and she’s ready to share new music with her loyal followers. She describes her shadowy single ‘The Knife’ as “an imagined letter to my surgeon written in the lead-up to my mastectomy. It’s a visceral scream from an impossible situation and has a darkness to it in the vein of Massive Attack/Warpaint.” The track is lifted from her upcoming debut album, Cycles, which she describes as “a miniature-epic song cycle about resilience, grief and defiant joy, weaving together unflinching, intimate vocals, analogue synth-scapes and diverse musical collaborations” including guitarist Karin Grönkvist (Junodef), bassist Alex Malseed (About Bunny) and strings composer Amy Chalmers (Bill Ryder-Jones). (KC)

Sontag Shogun x Lau Nau – ‘Tropic Movements’ (Amulets Rework)
I’m so glad I found this collaboration between Finnish musician Lau Nau and Brooklyn-based trio Sontag Shogun buried in my GIHE inbox! It’s taken from their recent album, Päiväkahvit, which is a follow-up to their critically-acclaimed record, Valo Siroutuu (2022). The new project includes 9 tracks that the artists worked on during their sessions together in Finland back in 2019, as well as four interpretive reworks including this one by Amulets – who I am a big fan of! Incorporating field recordings, tape, as well as acoustic and electronic instruments, ‘Tropic Movements’ is just one captivating example of the immersive body of work these talented collaborators have managed to create. (KC)

The New Eves – ‘Cow Song’
The GIHE team have been waxing lyrical about Brighton folk-punk four piece The New Eves since we caught them at The Great Escape Festival in May. Their dynamic blend of classical instrumentation and punk spirit is a fascinating live phenomenon. This track ‘Cow Song’ features on their debut album, The New Eve Is Rising, which is set for release on 1st August via Transgressive Records. We’ll definitely be at their London headline show at Hoxton Hall on 7th October. (KC)

Goat Girl – ‘Sleep Talk’ (chamber ensemble)
Another band I was lucky enough to catch at this year’s Cro Cro Land, longtime South London faves Goat Girl are now sharing something quite different from what we may be used to. A year on from the release of their latest album, Below The Waste, they are now sharing four reimagined renditions of its tracks. Scored and arranged by the band, these classical compositions were played live in the room with a DIY chamber ensemble made up of rising young musicians and artists in their own right, Aga Ujma & Slow Cooked. Flowing with sweeping strings, ‘Sleep Talk (chamber ensemble)’ showcases Goat Girl’s beautifully resplendent harmonies in a newly majestic light. (ML)

Jacob Alon – ‘Fairy In A Bottle’
I’ve actually been pretty late to discover Jacob Alon, or ‘Cob’ as I think they prefer to be known. I’d been hearing the name for a while, but recently listened to an episode of the Sidetracked podcast with Annie Macmanus and Nick Grimshaw where they spoke to them, and Cob just seemed like such a thoughtful, sensitive soul and wonderful creator. So, I immediately listened to their album In Limerence and was completely spellbound. And since then I’ve not stopped listening, the whole collection is just exquisite – really beautiful. Having recently supported Yeah Yeah Yeahs at Royal Albert Hall, and played Glasto this weekend, I  can’t wait to finally see them live at Deer Shed festival next month! (ML)

Kathryn Williams – ‘Personal Paradise’
Set to release her fifteenth (!) album in September, Kathryn Williams has now shared the first taste from the collection. Inspired by a poet-led writing session, ‘Personal Paradise’ twinkles with delicate, folk-strewn melodies and Williams’ distinctive luscious vocals, offering a heartfelt reflection on her old dog and its perceptions of what might constitute heaven. A beautiful insight into the vulnerability and personal reflection that shimmers throughout the upcoming album, Mystery Park, which is set for release on 26th September via One Little Independent Records. (ML)

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