PLAYLIST: October 2021

The GIHE team have unearthed more new music gems for you to listen to on our October Playlist! There’s an eclectic mix of indie anthems, gritty guitar tunes, alt-pop tracks & immersive electronic sounds. 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.

Boy Harsher – ‘Tower’
It’s almost Halloween (aka Goth Christmas) so this shadowy electronic tune is a great way to kick off our October Playlist. Boy Harsher are fully leaning in to their cinematic tendencies on ‘Tower’ which is taken from their upcoming album The Runner. Set for release on 21st January, the record will be a “musical counterpart” to an accompanying short film written, produced & directed by the talented duo. (Kate Crudgington)

Brimheim – ‘poison fizzing on a tongue’
The recent single from Danish alt-pop artist Brimheim, ‘poison fizzing on a tongue’ oozes a glitchy, ethereal splendour. With its soaring, other-wordly allure, it reminds me of the dark majesty of Massive Attack, which is no bad thing! Brimheim releases her debut album Can’t Help Myself Into A Different Shape in January next year. (Mari Lane)

deep tan – ‘Tamu’s Yiffing Refuge’
Following the recent release of their stirring, and utterly unique EP creeping speedwells, East London trio deep tan return with a special one-off single, taken from the label Speedy Wunderground’s new compilation. As strangely kinky as the name would suggest, ‘tamu’s yiffing refuge’ is an explicit tale of furry hedonism. Maintaining all the immersive, seductive allure that we’ve come to know and love from the band, this latest offering oozes an added dark, psychedelic haze and frenzied post-punk drive reminiscent of the likes of legends The Slits. A truly mystical, compelling soundscape that’ll peculiarly entice you into its swirling, fur-filled cacophony. (ML)

New Pagans – ‘Find Fault With Me’
I am thrilled that Belfast’s New Pagans are BACK with this brilliant new single after the release of their debut album, The Seed, The Vessel, The Roots And All earlier this year. Vocalist Lyndsey McDougall says this track is about “checking in with each other and recognising when someone around you needs support.” (KC)

Death Valley Girls – ‘It’s All Really Kind Of Amazing’
A stand alone single from LA dystopian punk band Death Valley Girls, ‘It’s All Really Kind Of Amazing‘ offers a swift glimpse of positivity. As the raw, impassioned splendour of Bonnie Bloomgarden’s vocals soar throughout, it seems to be slightly less doom-laden in tone than previous offerings, but is no less stirring. Oozing a shimmering, trippy allure and swirling, vibrant energy reminiscent of The Kinks’ ‘Sunny Afternoon’, ‘it immerses the listener in its glistening euphoric haze, reminding us to relish those rare moments of beauty that can keep us going through challenging times. A mystically captivating retreat for the ears and mind. (ML)

Laura Lee & The Jettes – ‘Craigslist Boy’
I have drummer Eilis Frawley to thank for introducing me to this BANGER from German-based band Laura Lee & The Jettes. Eilis provides the beats for this playful anthem about vocalist Laura Lee’s experience of being pursued romantically by random men on the German version of eBay. Its relatability will make you laugh and eye roll in equal measure. Check out the accompanying video here. (KC)

Wet Leg – ‘Wet Dream’
Like everyone else with ears, I am OBSESSED with Isle of Wight duo Wet Leg. I caught them at their debut London show at Omeara last week and it was a JOY to listen to their infectious indie anthems. They also walked on stage to ‘Concerning Hobbits’ from The Lord Of The Rings soundtrack, which is an iconic move in itself. (KC)

Queen Cult – ‘Show & Tell’
The latest single from Cheshire band Queen Cult, ‘Show & Tell’ builds with a gritty, swirling energy to an empowered call to arms. I just can’t get enough of its relentless, searing force. (ML)

Nghtfall – ‘Evil Eye’
Following the heartfelt release of ‘I’ll Be Fine’ earlier this year, Toronto based non-binary artist Bradley Milosevic-Hill aka Nghtfall has recently shared ‘Evil Eye’. A sweeping slice of catchy anthemic pop, it oozes swirling feelings of anticipation and desire, creating a twinkling, emotion-strewn ballad. (ML)

girlhouse – ‘boundary issues’
I love this latest track from indie artist girlhouse, taken from her recent EP which is aptly titled, the second EP, quite simply lovely stuff. (Tash Walker)

HAVVK – ‘Halfway Out’
Taken from total faves HAVVK’s epic new album Levelling, stirring single ‘Halfway Out’ oozes an ethereal splendour as the haunting, celestial power of Julie’s vocals immerses the listener instantly. The whole album intertwines this captivating, twinkling majesty with a grunge-tinged grit throughout, and I can’t stop listening to it. I had the pleasure of chatting to front person Julie about the album and more last week – have a read of the interview here. (ML)

Sprints – ‘Modern Job’
I first heard Dublin’s Sprints on The Irish Jam radio show and I’m super grateful to them for the introduction. ‘Modern Job’, which is also the title track on the band’s upcoming EP (due on 11th March) is a scathing “critique of modern existence” and “an exploration of growing up queer” according to vocalist Karla Chubb. I can’t wait to hear the record in full. (KC)

Nova Twins – ‘Antagonist’
GIHE faves Nova Twins have shared this MASSIVE anthem about believing in yourself, full of their trademark lethal riffs and powerhouse vocals. (KC)

Tiger Mimic – ‘Silence Of The Night’
Propelled by an eerie energy, ‘Silence Of The Night’ reflects on the grim reality that women have to navigate on a daily basis. As the rich, sleek vocals of front woman Jess soar with a soulful power, it builds with a stirring tension to an impassioned statement of intent. A poignant call for justice and accountability at a time when we so desperately need it. You can catch the band live at The Victoria in Dalston on 9th December. (ML)

Sister Lucy – ‘Big Kid’
The second single from her upcoming EP Big Girl Pants, Sister Lucy aka Abi Sinclair’s single ‘Big Kid’ is a lush, grunge-tinged reflection on growth and womanhood. She’ll be playing a gig at The Shacklewell Arms on the 10th November to celebrate the EP’s release. (KC)

Elodie Gervaise – ‘Free Babe’
I am so into this song! All its mixed beats, intricate synths and electronics, it’s such a visually evocative track, you can just imagine the light show watching this being performed live. French-Australian artist, Elodie Gervaise’s new EP, Syzygy – which just feels oh so good to say – is out now. (TW)

Errunhrd – ‘Ruminate (Meditate)’
Niagra Falls based artist Errunhrd has penned this buoyant new track which shifts away from her previously more melancholic sounds. ‘Ruminate (Meditate)’ is taken from her debut album You Can Be You, I Can Be Me, which is set for release on 19th November. (KC)

Blonde Maze – ‘One House’
The latest single from New York artist Blonde Maze, ‘One House’ revolves around the comfort of finding a home in someone, especially after a long time of feeling misplaced. Oozing a blissful, soulful splendour, it flows with an utterly dreamy allure as Amanda’s soothing vocals ripple alongside twinkling electro hooks. Lately, as I’ve been going through a bit of a tough time, I’ve had this pretty much on a loop, and its sweeping euphoric energy helps to calm my mind instantly. Thank you Blonde Maze for another perfectly cathartic creation. And I’m SO excited that Blonde Maze’s debut album Something Familiar is set for release next week, 3rd November – haven’t looked forward to an album this much for a long time! (ML)

Mai – ‘Control’
An evocative electronic gem that urges listeners to surrender to the inevitability of change, I love Essex-based musician & vocalist Mai’s has debut single ‘Control’. Released via Cool Thing Records, the track is a collaboration between Mai aka Rosie Gulliver of Petty Phase, and songwriter and producer Liam Watkins from A Cause In Distress. (KC)

BISHI ft. Nikesh Shukla – ‘Language Is an Ocean’
Multi-instrumentalist and GIHE fave BISHI released her third album Let My Country Awake earlier this month, which this single is taken from. The record explores dual identities and urges listeners to lean into compassion and empathy in a chaotic and disconnected world. (KC)

Desire Marea – ‘You Think I’m Horny’ (Planningtorock’s ‘Planningtobehorny’ Version)
Tash & I are still on a high after seeing Planningtorock at Scala earlier this month, so when their remix of Desire Marea’s track ‘You Think I’m Horny’ dropped into my inbox I knew it was going straight on to our playlist! A great collaboration from two fantastic, unique artists. (KC)

AZADI.mp3 – ‘NAZAR’
I’ve been listening to the We Are Lady Parts playlist on Spotify recently and the algorithms led me to AZADI.mp3 – aka Juliette Motamed who plays drummer Ayesha in the hit Channel 4 show. She has a great set of electronic tunes that I’ve been listening to ever since. (KC)

Atna – ‘Smile’
“Why why why why why” …give me bizarre warped repetitive vocals from German avant-pop duo Atna ANY DAY. (TW)

Little Simz – ‘Speed’
Little Simz has done it again, latest album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert (in my case it’s always) is a total, immense masterpiece. ‘Speed’ is my favourite track on the album, in the same vein as previous faves ‘Boss’ and ‘Offence’, it’s propelled by a gritty, driving energy and Simz’s spot on lyricism, with a touch of orchestral grandeur. The perfect motivational anthem I’ve needed lately to get me through the day. (ML)

Kay Young ft. JNR WILLIAMS – ‘I’ve Got You’
‘I’ve Got You’ by London based artist, rapper and producer Kay Young featuring JNR Williams is such a feel good song! It’s taken from her EP This Here Feels Good, released via Play It Again Sam. (TW)

Duval Timothy ft. Lil Silva & Melanie Faye – ‘Fall Again’
I am totally obsessed and in love with this song. Rhythmic piano to start, before it slowly layers and builds with hazy, gentle vocals sweeping over the top. Such a dreamy sonic soundscape that feels so good in my ears. (TW)

Anna Vincent – ‘Naxos’
Having previously charmed us fronting indie-pop outfit Heavy Heart, and as a touring member of Happyness, after two decades making music London based Anna Vincent has now launched her first solo venture. With her debut album, Under The Glass (out today on Max Bloom of Yuck’s new label Ultimate Blends), she has recently been charming our ears with a number of shimmering singles, like the beautifully heartfelt ‘Naxos’. Exuding a spellbinding majestic grace alongside the stirring heartfelt emotion of Anna’s exquisite sparkling vocals, each track offers a truly blissful, captivating soundscape. (ML)

CMAT -‘No More Virgos’
Born from her desire to “marry her love of 80’s Italo disco with her hatred of Virgos,” Irish pop sensation CMAT’s playful new tune is a wry nod to her compulsive romantic decisions. “My mental health is banking on my chastity / and you’re bad for me” she jests over buoyant melodies, gently resisting the urge to circle back and repeat the same pattern of behaviour in her previous relationships. I’m so excited to hear CMAT’s debut album, If My Wife New I’d Be Dead, which is set for release via AWAL Recordings on 25th February 2022 (KC)

 

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PLAYLIST: September 2021

The GIHE team have unearthed more new music gems for you to listen to on our September Playlist! There’s an eclectic mix of shadowy post punk anthems, wholesome emotional tunes, alt-pop tracks & immersive electronic sounds. 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.

LIINES – ‘Keep On Going’
The latest single from GIHE faves, Manchester trio LIINES ‘Keep On Going’ is an empowering call to arms. Propelled by a frenetic sense of urgency, I just love its fierce, unrelenting energy and Zoe McVeigh’s trademark seething, soaring vocals. (Mari Lane)

Fräulein – ‘Belly’
I’ve been obsessed with London based duo Joni Samuels and Karsten van der Tol aka Fräulein for over a year now, and their latest single does not disappoint. Propelled by sparse hooks and raw, loose beats, as Joni’s sweeping vocals take centre stage, ‘Belly’ showcases the band’s knack for creating gritty, grunge-fuelled offerings with a unique, brooding energy. Fräulein headline The Windmill in Brixton on 25th October. (ML)

Grandmas House – ‘Girl’
Taken from their upcoming self-titled debut EP, which is set for release on 15th October via Brace Yourself Records (JOHN, Nuha Ruby Ra, Laundromat, Peeping Drexels), the latest single from Bristol punk trio Grandmas House is a playful ode to the joys and frustrations of queer love. We can’t wait to see the band live at The Windmill in Brixton on 3rd November. (Kate Crudgington)

M(h)aol – ‘Gender Studies’
A rumbling cacophony of post-punk noise designed to dismantle the misconception that gender is binary, the latest single from Irish feminist post-punk band M(h)aol is a brief but powerful statement on the empowering feelings that come with challenging gender norms. It’s the title track from their debut EP, which is set for release via TULLE on 29th October (digitally) and 15th January (physically). (KC)

Visibly Choked – ‘Mother Tongue’
When I read that Canadian punks Visibly Choked describe themselves as “A hardcore Kate Bush” or “five people having a panic attack,” I knew I’d found a new favourite band. This track ‘Mother Tongue’ is taken from their debut self-titled EP, which is set for release via Mothland on November 5th. (KC)

th’sheridans – ‘I Don’t Wanna Be Dismembered’
Following a decade on the scene, indie pop duo th’sheridans have recently released an epic, career-spanning compilation, Pieces Of General, combining both old favourites and some newer treats. Taken from the album, ‘I Don’t Wanna Be Dismembered’ showcases the band’s knack for creating sparkling calls to arms – poignant creations, unsubtle in conveying their anti-fascist, anti-racist and anti-sexist values, whilst oozing a quirky, colourful spirit. Read more about the duo in our recent interview. Pieces Of General is out now via Reckless Yes. (ML)

ĠENN – ‘Catalyst’
Taken from their recent EP Liminal, ĠENN’s latest single ‘Catalyst’ offers a perfect slice of high-energy post-punk. Having been long term faves here at GIHE, wowing us with their explosive live show at our gig nights more than once, ĠENN’s latest offering delivers a rousing sonic rush with a fizzing energy. An empowering rallying cry to fight against those seeking to oppress your true spirit. (ML)

Mumble Tide – ‘On My Deathbed There’s A Full Page (You Don’t Get To Read It)’
The context of this shiny new track by Bristol-based duo Mumble Tide is an introverts DREAM. “This song is about reflecting on years of unrequited love, about the light that can shine out of a void,” explains vocalist Gina. “It’s about how chasing something that isn’t real requires creativity and resilience, but also ignorance.” Mumble Tide will be releasing a mini-album titled Everything Ugly via Nothing Fancy on 3rd December. (KC)

Francis of Delirium – ‘Come Out and Play’
Inspired by coulrophobia (the fear of clowns), I love this shadowy, atmospheric single from Luxembourg-based, Canadian born artist Jana Bahrich aka Francis of Delirium. The single is accompanied by an amazing monochrome animated video that Bahrich created herself, which you can watch here. (KC)

Softcult – ‘House Of Mirrors’
I am such a sucker for Softcult’s melancholy, grunge-tinged sounds and this latest single is no exception. “We wrote ‘House Of Mirrors’ about wanting to make the people in our lives proud, but feeling as though we’ve failed them by not living up to our potential,” explain sisters Phoenix and Mercedes Arn Horn. You can watch the accompanying video here. (KC)

Cherym – ‘We’re Just Friends’
Ahead of the release of their upcoming new EP Hey Tori, Derry trio Cherym recently shared vibrant single ‘We’re Just Friends’. A heartfelt reflection on life and love, particularly from the perspective of non-heteronormative couples, it oozes a swirling energy and all the honey-sweet punk-pop vibes you could ever desire. Hey Tori is out 1st October via Alcopop! Records and I cannot wait to be launched back into the world of gigs seeing them live at Paper Dress Vintage, next Wednesday 6th October! (ML)

Sleigh Bells – ‘True Seekers’
I just can’t get enough of the immense new album from long term favourites Sleigh Bells. Taken from Texis, ‘True Seekers’ may be a step away from the usual explosive, exuberant sounds Sleigh Bells are known for, but loses none of the duo’s searing power and emotion-filled anthemic splendour. I was lucky enough to have a chat with Alexis Krauss from Sleigh Bells a few weeks ago. We talked about the new album, the formation of Sleigh Bells and her involvement with Young Women Who Crush – an amazing sounding organisation that she co-founded for young women and gender expansive youth, inspiring them to discover the outdoors and develop their leadership skills. Have a read here. (ML)

Lunar Vacation – ‘Gears’
The latest single from Atlanta based band Lunar Vacation, ‘Gears’ oozes a dreamy, shimmering allure as it reflects on the deterioration of a relationship. Against the backdrop of a scuzzy, whirring musicality, Grace Repasky’s honey-sweet crystalline vocals float seamlessly with an ethereal splendour. A heartfelt slice of irresistibly effervescent indie-pop. (ML)

SPIDER – ‘I’m Fine, I’m Good, I’m Perfect!’
A brooding, dark-pop tune that reflects on the grey area between feeling emotionally overwhelmed and totally apathetic, I love this tune from London-based, Irish born musician & producer SPIDER. ‘I’m Fine, I’m Good, I’m Perfect!’ playfully embraces and dismisses life’s darker moments with its catchy chorus and smooth vocals. (KC)

Maria Uzor – ‘Donuts’
Having been massive fans of Norwich duo Sink Ya Teeth for a number of years now, we’re super excited to hear that vocalist and songwriter Maria Uzor has now released her debut solo EP, Innocence and Worldliness. To celebrate the EP’s release, Maria shared a brand new video for ‘Donuts‘. Propelled by a swirling, glitchy energy and whirring, otherworldly allure, it’s a wonderfully immersive sonic fusion. A perfectly blissful cacophony that will take you on a rainbow-tinted trip into space. So, grab some pastries, sit back, and immerse yourself in the trippy, colourful haze of ‘Donuts’ now. And watch the euphoric video here. (ML)

Elsa Hewitt – ‘Inhaler’
Taken from her album LUPA which she self-released on her own imprint ERH earlier this year, I’ve enjoyed delving into the soundscapes of Elsa Hewitt and letting her music envelop me. She’s going to be playing the Pickle Factory on 1st October and I cannot encourage you enough to go check her out, when she played for us at Notting Hill Arts Club it was mesmerising. (Tash Walker)

Julia-Sophie – ‘And You Know It’
A total fave of mine, Julia-Sophie has nearly finished her third EP which is set to be released very soon. Plus, she’s going to be playing The Windmill in Brixton on the 5th October and I for one cannot wait to see her live for the first time. A date for all your diaries. Hope to see you there. (TW)

Liyv – ‘Let Me Know’
Occasionally the world sends you a signal that you should listen to a song, and I had that with this one. Not only did it pop up on my Spotify, but Liyv the artist who created it popped into my inbox too. Based in Portland Oregon, this is their new single which is just beautiful. Taken from the upcoming album Matriach, this single is a message to their younger self, which builds and builds with the intense emotion Liyv is unpacking throughout the song. (TW)

Dear Laika – ‘Black Moon, Lilith’
I’m loving this creation from 23-year-old UK-based musician Isabelle “Izzy” Thorn, aka Dear Laika. They’re set to release their new album Pluperfect Mind on 29th October via Memorials of Distinction (UK) & NNA Tapes (ROW) and I can’t wait to hear the record in full. (KC)

Okay Kaya – ‘If I Can Help Somebody’
Coming in at only 1.44, this is the latest release by a total love of mine, Okay Kaya, the last person I saw before lockdown at SET in Dalston. ‘If I can Help Somebody’ is the lead single from her forthcoming mixtape, The Incompatible Okay Kaya, set for release on 22nd October via Jagjaguwar. This cover strips back the song we normally hear performed with a gospel choir and if you listen really closely, you can almost here the emotion about to break in her voice. What a voice, what gentleness. (TW)

Hand Habits – ‘No Difference’
Hand Habits is the moniker of Los Angeles-based non binary musician Meg Duffy, and I just love the shimmering emotion and lilting energy of that track; they just seem to have a special knack for creating beautifully heartfelt indie-pop. A perfectly soothing treat for the ears. ‘No Difference’ is taken from Hand Habits’ upcoming new album Fun House, which is set for release on 22nd October via Saddle Creek Records. (ML)

Girlhood – ‘4AM’
We have so much love for London duo Girlhood here at GIHE! ‘4AM’ is full of more of Tessa’s distinctive, beautiful vocals, poignant lyrics and Christian’s smooth instrumentation. Check out their debut album here. (KC)

Lilith Ai – ‘Bare Radical’
I had such a lovely chat with songwriter Lilith Ai ahead of her performance at Loud Women Festival a few weeks ago (read the full thing here.) This track ‘Bare Radical’ is taken from her Hercury Prize winning album Folk You Hard, which you can listen to here. (KC)

Toni Sancho – ‘Survive!’ 
Raised in North Greenwich with strong family ties to Trinidad, ‘Survive!’ is songwriter & musician Toni Sancho’s debut single. It’s a raw, charming offering that, as Toni explains, “is about recognising when a situation isn’t good for you and having the wisdom to walk away.” (KC)

Bestfriend – ‘Hannah In The City’
DIY duo Stacy Kim and Kaelen Geoffrey aka Bestfriend with their latest confessional slice of ‘bedroom electro pop’, ‘Hannah In The City’. Despite being written by them both via email, you’d never guess the physical distance between them; their emotional connection and harmonious vocals shine perfectly through in this sparkling soundscape. Bestfriend’s upcoming EP Places I’ve Lived, is set for release on 1st October. (ML)

Foxgluvv – ‘Fever Dream’
Taken from her new EP Deep Dive, ‘Fever Dream’ is a lush slice of electro-pop that showcases Foxgluvv’s dreamy vocals perfectly. Created alongside her producer Scott Colcombe, we’re all big fans of Foxgluvv’s hungover-pop sounds here at GIHE. (KC)

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LISTEN: Grandmas House – ‘Girl’

A playful ode to the joys and frustrations of queer love, Bristol punk trio Grandmas House have shared their latest single ‘Girl’. Taken from their upcoming self-titled debut EP, which is set for release on 15th October via Brace Yourself Records (JOHN, Nuha Ruby Ra, Laundromat, Peeping Drexels), the track is a headrush of rumbling bass lines, surf-pop melodies and gritty vocals.

Formed of Yasmin Berndt (vocals, guitar), Poppy Dodgson (vocals, drums) and Zoë Zinsmeister (bass), Grandmas House formed in late 2018 and were busy cutting their teeth on the UK gig circuit before Covid-19 put an abrupt stop to live music. The trio decided to use their time in the following lockdowns constructively, quickly writing and recording new material, including their upcoming EP. Balancing their thoughts on capitalism and gender inequality alongside everyday annoyances and joys, the band have crafted a playful yet passionate collection of anthems that provide intense moments of catharsis.

Their latest single ‘Girl’ captures a slightly softer moment, mirrored in the track’s upbeat tempo and witty call and response vocals. Grandmas House are now gearing up for their forthcoming UK tour, which includes opening slots with IDLES, Katy J Pearson, TV Priest and a own headline show at The Windmill in Brixton on 3rd November.

Listen to ‘Girl’ below.

Follow Grandmas House on bandcamp, Spotify, Instagram, Twitter & Facebook

Photo Credit: Rosie Carne

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Introducing Interview: th’sheridans

Following a decade on the scene, indie pop duo th’sheridans have recently released an epic, career-spanning compilation – Pieces Of General – combining both old favourites and some newer treats. Showcasing their knack for creating scuzzy hooks, jangly beats and a swirling energy, the album offers reflections on poignant issues whilst oozing an uplifting effervescent euphoria. Whilst harking back to old favourites with a shimmering sense of nostalgia, the duo have managed to evoke a stirring resonance for right now; a sparkling call to arms, oozing a quirky, colourful spirit.

We were lucky enough to chat to the band to find out more… Have a read!

Hi th’sheridans! Are you able to tell us a bit about how you initially started creating music together?
We met at Bongos?! World Music Society in 2010 where we played “international folk” covers that ended up sounding more like a big indie band. The first thing the two of us really played together was an arrangement of the Italian partisan song ‘Bella Ciao’ (which may some day emerge as a b-side). And after trying out a batch of original sheridans songs, everybody agreed to do band.

I love your scuzzy, sparkling sounds but who would you say are your main musical influences?
Thank you so much! We put a lotta thought into the sounds and textures we use, so it’s lovely whenever that resonates with someone. Our songwriting really comes out of the Ramones playbook in that the songs can usually be broken down to a set of chords and a pop/R&B melody. As well as the broader ‘70s New York scene, ‘90s Riot Grrrl is a huge influence – especially Ladies, Women and Girls, Bratmobile’s second record. It’s key in terms of figuring out how to express and own our values in the songs, while keeping the hooks as tasty as possible! Klezmer music, Papa T. (Julia’s dad), and The Velvet Underground’s drone all play a big part in our arrangements, especially with the viola. Lastly (although this could easily spin out into a whole encyclopaedia…), artists like Hundred Waters, Beth Orton and Metric have really helped us hone how we incorporate electronic elements like drum machines and synthesisers.

You’ve just released your new career-spanning compilation album – ‘Pieces Of General’ which is super exciting! Are you able to tell us a bit about this? What made you decide to put together this collection of songs new and old?
This album really came out of conversations we had with Reckless Yes after signing with them in 2020. We were thinking about how we could best introduce ourselves to their audience while also capping off the DIY phase of our work. So Pieces Of General is basically greatest hits for a band that’s had… no hits, with some new tracks mixed in. The key thing for us was to sequence it as a coherent album, which only really became possible through Livio Beroggi’s incredible remastering work. Getting the chance to present these songs in this way has been truly wonderful, and having the label stand by and co-sign our work has meant so much to us personally.

And how have you found recording and promoting an album during these strange times?
Day to day, it’s honestly felt quite abstract, which is tough. But it’s also been a blessing to have this project to work on, especially with such wonderful collaborators. Having the remastered tracks coming in from Livio, or seeing Nestan Mghebrishvili’s artwork and design take shape – those were moments of total joy. Promotion’s been an unusual vibe (when is it not?), and at times it’s felt like folks have had more energy to get down and engage with something – and at times less. And that’s okay, we’re all trying to survive right now. But we’re grateful for where our work’s been given space or shared, and we’re particularly appreciative of Reckless Yes’s efforts to get our stuff further out there.

How have you been connecting with your audience and other musicians during the pandemic?
It’s been v. v. difficult. We’ve definitely missed the energy of a scene, of seeing friends do their thing and being inspired by that. The divisiveness of the UK government’s “it’s all up to you now, so fight amongst yourselves!” policies has been especially painful. We haven’t been rehearsing or taking bookings in the pandemic, because that hasn’t been right for us, and that’s still where we’re at. Bitch Hunt put it so well in a recent interview, where they pointed out that “it’s just less visible when people are not-doing-stuff.” Meanwhile, virtual connection has definitely felt more meaningful, whether that’s social media or ZOOM calls.

And has there been anything/anyone specific that has been inspiring you, or helping to motivate you, over the last couple of years?
Absolutely! In terms of craft or artistic practice, artists working in other media have been an increasingly big deal for us in how we approach our work as a band. Over the last few years, that’s included Frida Kahlo, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Diane Arbus. Exploring how someone develops, refines, unpacks, diverges from, expands on the themes in their work is just endlessly interesting – and where you find connection in that, it’s such a precious, beautiful experience. Same goes for how an artist lives their values – lately that’s been writers like Cecil Castellucci, artists like Bianca Xunise, and the folks over at wildly rad UK record label Amateur Pop Incorporated. And on that level of inner work, cultural workers like adrienne maree brown, Layla F. Saad, and Prentis Hemphill offer invaluable insights and pointed, necessary challenges. All their podcasts come highly recommended by yr local sheridans.

As a band keen to call out sexism and racism, how do you feel the industry is for new artists at the moment? Do you feel much has changed over the last few years?
There’s always values at work in any piece of art, the same way there’s always values at work in any conversation. And because of the overt and more transparent experience of fascism in recent years, we’ve felt the need to be increasingly direct and open about our values, as in songs like ‘I Don’t Wanna Be Dismembered‘. It’s also important to pair that kind of projection with practice and embodiment. And, while we name and explore the things we can speak to, we’re also trying to do the work around the things we don’t directly experience. As far as what we’ve seen lately, it’s a mixed bag(uette). Something we’ve noticed is a kind of values drift, particularly when it comes to specific intersections of marginalised identity (eg. white bands only paying attention to gender as a lens). And it’s hard to know how much it’s just the predictable co-option of whatever’s on-trend, or something else. Dr. Angela Y. Davis reminds us that even if it is just co-option, it means we’re getting somewhere. And at the same time, one of the biggest shifts has been witnessing the start of mainstream conversations that were previously totally off the table, specifically with regards to structural racism. And, as so many of those who have spoken truth to power have always underscored, one of the things that keeps us going is the idea that folks younger than us won’t have to go through the same things we have over the last decade or so.

And, as we’re a new music focused site, are there any other upcoming artists or bands that you’d recommend we check out?
A list! Shilpa Ray (‘70s New York vibes for the modern day, best scream outside of metal), Naz & Ella (grunge + indie + folk), Breakup Haircut (spooky pop-punk), Jemma Freeman and The Cosmic Something (cutting edge post-punk), Whitelands (shoegaze lives!), sweetbellechobaby (radical atmospheric pop), Bitch Hunt (emotionally real indie punk).

(Great choices – all GIHE faves!)

Finally, in addition to the release of your album, what does the rest of 2021 have in store for th’sheridans?
Anxiety and hibernation! We do have our next release already in the can though (a li’l late ‘80s throwback), and we’re currently figuring out which thematic batch of songs to get into next.

Massive thanks to th’sheridans for answering our questions!

Pieces Of General, the new compilation album from th’sheridans, is out now via Reckless Yes. Buy it on bandcamp now.

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