PLAYLIST: August 2021

The GIHE team have unearthed some more new music gems for you to listen to on our August Playlist! There’s an eclectic mix of electronic bangers, swirling shoegaze tunes, gritty guitar tracks and alternative alt-pop 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.

Grandmas House – ‘Golden’
The GIHE team collectively ADORE this single from Bristol queer punk trio Grandmas House. Taken from their upcoming self-titled debut EP, which is set for release on 15th October via Brace Yourself Records, ‘Golden’ is a gritty, thundering reflection on the apathetic outlook of the organisations that profit from the suffering of others. (Kate Crudgington)

ARXX – ‘Not Alone But Not With You’
The latest single from our total faves, ‘Not Alone But Not With You’ continues to cement ARXX as consistently exciting and forever honing their sound to become even more amazing. A gritty, yet reflective, and unapologetically honest offering, I just love this track’s driving emotion and anthemic singalong energy. Another swirling slice of rousing power-pop from the impressive Brighton duo. There’s also a fab Comic Review of this track up now, courtesy of illustrator Sally-Anne Hickman. (Mari Lane)

HighSchool – ‘Sirens’
Full of moody vocals, buzzing bass lines and playful riffs, Melbourne trio HighSchool have shared this sultry lo-fi banger accompanied by a very cool music video. Check out their previous single ‘De Facto‘ too. (KC)

Basement Revolver – ‘Skin’
Inspired by guitarist & vocalist Chrisy Hurn-Morrison’s thoughts and struggles about her own body image, Basement Revolver’s ‘Skin’ is a swirling, reassuring ode to self-acceptance. The track is taken from the band’s upcoming album Embody, which is set for release later this year. (KC)

Slow Crush – ‘Hush’
Hazy guitars, lush vocals and heavy beats combine on this beaut new single from Belgian shoegaze outfit Slow Crush. ‘Hush’ is also the title of their upcoming album, which is set for release on 22nd October via Quiet Panic. (KC)

Lost In Your Mind – ‘Restless’
Dublin-based newcomers Lost In Your Mind have shared this new single today, along with an accompanying video. Inspired by their love of Riot Grrrl, post punk and dark wave, Aoife McMahon, Tracey McEvoy, Elisa Kuhl and Andrea Lambe make music that makes them feel good, and latest single ‘Restless’ does exactly that. (KC)

Berries – ‘The Expert’
The latest single from GIHE faves, London trio Berries, ‘The Expert’ takes down all those patronising know-it-alls with a spiky punk energy. Tackling imposter syndrome with a ferocious, grunge-fuelled drive, Holly Carter’s distinctive sweeping vocals ring out with a rippling power alongside frenzied riffs, showcasing the band’s trademark raw passion. (ML)

Barry – ‘Neolithic Homosex’
Following their eponymous 2019 album, South London based Barry have now shared a new double A-side release. First of the tracks, ‘Neolithic Homosex’, ponders the all-important issue of what gay sex was like in ancient times. Propelled by breezy beats and joyously jangly hooks, whirring keys flow alongside brazen vocals and added cheering hand claps, oozing an uplifting, sunny energy with a fizzing, playful charisma. ‘Neolithic Homosex’, alongside double a-side ‘No More Boys’, is out now. Download from bandcamp. (ML)

Beorma – ‘Her’
I love this track from Birmingham-based duo Beorma. Mixing R&B and indie pop sensibilities with a Prince inspired guitar solo, ‘Her’ is a smooth, melancholy-tinged reflection on absent love. (KC)

Sans Soucis – ‘On Time For Her’
London based artist and one of our faves Sans Soucis has released ‘On Time For Her’ as the lead single from their highly anticipated EP of the same name. Speaking of the track, Sans Soucis says it’s a life changing statement: “It means that I am finally here for myself and I’m ready to seek happiness in life rather than being stuck in my past trauma.” (Tash Walker)

Emma Bradley – ‘I’ll Be Outside’
22 year old Emma Bradley’s ‘I’ll Be Outside’ is a song I find incredibly calming, written about being the person who shows up for yourself. Of the track, she explains “I hope that when people hear my songs, they can feel less alone in their own experiences and also empowered in some way. I think sensitivity gets a bit of a bad reputation, but everything that we feel someone else somewhere has also felt.” (TW)

Bleach Lab – ‘Real Thing’
This Bleach Lab melts me every time I listen to it. Definitely check out their recent EP A Calm Sense Of Surrounding if ‘Real Thing’ makes you a big ball of feelings too. (KC)

Anna B Savage – ‘Since We Broke Up’
Lifted from her upcoming EP These Dreams which is set for release on 24th September via City Slang, Anna B Savage’s latest single ‘Since We Broke Up’ tentatively celebrates the joy she experienced after an emotional break up. If you like the sound of this, you should definitely check out her debut album A Common Turn. (KC)

Aisha Badru – ‘The Way Back Home’
The latest single from Aisha Badru, ‘The Way Back Home’ offers an endearing reflection on relationships and the age-old realisation of “if you love something, set it free”. Propelled by a lilting energy and shimmering grace, it’s a beautifully stirring ballad, with a poignant lyricism swirling throughout. A simply exquisite, evocative creation that’ll soothe the ears with its resplendent, uplifting allure. The Way Back Home, the upcoming EP from Aisha Badru, is set for release on 3rd December. (ML)

Olivia Dean – ‘Slowly’
‘Slowly’ is a lovely piano ballad from Olivia Dean showcasing a different, more intimate side to the London artist. Taken from her recently released EP, Growth. (TW)

Siv Disa – ‘Toxic’ (Britney Spears Cover)
Having recently announced the release of her upcoming debut album, Siv Disa has now shared a wonderfully unique cover of a Britney Spears classic. Propelled by a shimmering musicality and chiming beats, Disa’s rendition of the 2001 anthem oozes its own majestic ethereal haze as the bewitching, sweeping allure of her vocals flows throughout. A beautifully captivating ode to our favourite pop queen. Siv Disa comments on her decision to release this cover: “Now that the abuse of Britney’s conservatorship has been exposed I hope we’re all taking a minute to think about how she was publicly judged ten years ago, and how that played into the nightmare she had to live in. I hope she gets back everything that was taken from her. We love you, Britney!!” (ML)

Alex Loveless – ‘Brixton’
East London based musician Alex Loveless’ new single ‘Brixton’ captures a moment of romantic indecision with its lo-fi beats and strung out vocals. This is Loveless’ first release that features a guitar, which they managed to borrow from a friend. (KC)

BEBELUNA – ‘Drunk’
BEBELUNA is an artist I’ve played before on our radio show and I’ve been following them ever since. This track ‘Drunk’ is a very enjoyable mash up of jungle and electroclash. My only criticism of is that it is TOO SHORT, but there’s nothing wrong with being left wanting for more. (TW)

CREATRX – ‘experience’
Non-binary, LA based rebel CREATRX declares they are “Not a boy / not a girl / baby I’m an experience” on this savage new single. “This song is a reflection of how I view my gender,” CREATRX explains. “I feel that my spirit (and many others) transcends the limited ideas of gender in Western society and this is a song celebrating that – encouraging us all to take up space, explore and push more.” This single is taken from their upcoming EP dirt. honey. glitter. water, which is an exploration of “what it means to be Black, young, ratchet and spiritual” in today’s world. (KC)

DROWND – ‘Sinner’ (KANGA Remix)
I’m a big fan of KANGA’s industrial, pop-tinged sounds and I am obsessed with her remix of DROWND’s new track ‘Sinner’. Full disclosure – DROWND is the new project of my older brother Joe – and I am thrilled that she’s remixed this track for him as he is also a big fan of her work. You can check out the slick visuals for the original track here. (KC)

Nilufer Yanya – ‘Day 7.05093’ (keiyaA Remix)
I can’t get enough of this track with its synthy sizzles, insect tapping beats and of course Nilufer Yanya’s dreamy vocals. So good. Check out their recently released Feeling Lucky? Remix EP out now. (TW)

John Glacier – ‘Icing’
This song comes in at under 2 minutes and leaves me gagging…gasping for more! It comes from elusive East London vocalist John Glacier, taken from her recently released 12-track project SHILOH: Lost For Words. You can all send me your thanks for the recommendation later, but for now enjoy ‘Icing’ because this track is over almost as soon as it starts. (TW)

BABii – ‘Shadow’
As is always my want, I’m going to slip a little bit of UK garage influenced music into this playlist. ‘Shadow’ from BABii nods to those club sounds we’re all desperate to be immersed in right now, with an edge of electronics. (TW)

JOON – ‘Just Can’t Get Enough’ (Depeche Mode Cover)
A cover of the Depeche Mode classic, JOON’s rendition of ‘Just Can’t Get Enough’ offers a playful, twinkling soundscape, whilst maintaining all the colourful energy of the original. Joon is Yasmin Kuymizakis, a Maltese musician and producer who ten years ago survived a life-changing car accident, and since then has seen making music as a necessary part of recovery. She’s recently released her beautiful album Dream Again and is also co-founder of the Maltese Sound Women’s Network – an organisation connecting, supporting, mentoring, promoting and educating women and girls in electronic music and sound. Find out more about her in a recent interview we had with her. (ML)

YAY MARIA ft. Franx – ‘Template’
Having previously captivated our ears as the front person of Grawl!x, Trans and queer artist YAY MARIA has now announced the release of her debut solo album, Oyez. The first of three tracks to be shared from the album, ‘Template’ is an empowering slice of poignant power-pop. Made in collaboration with Nottingham based queer artist and musician Franx, it’s a blissfully euphoric anthem celebrating being your true self in the face of adversity. You can buy ‘Template’ on bandcamp now – and all proceeds are going to the QTIBIPOC Therapy Fund; an initiative of the Radical Therapist Network, to create access for Queer & Trans People of Colour to safe therapeutic spaces & services. (ML)

Jenny Moore’s Mystic Business – ‘He Earns Enough’
Featuring members of Trash Kit, F*Choir and Bamboo, six-piece choral punk ensemble Jenny Moore’s Mystic Business have been captivating our ears for some time. Latest single ‘He Earns Enough’ reflects on shamelessly money-grabbing men who increased their fortunes to the tune of billions during the pandemic, while millions around the world struggled and suffered. As the swirling layers of vocals trickle alongside each other and grow with an empowering energy, a sweeping, celestial splendour is created. And, ending with a sea of voices exclaiming “Enough!” in unison, it perfectly captures the rage and sense of hopelessness of living with the continuing injustices of a patriarchal capitalist society. He Earns Enough, the upcoming new EP from Jenny Moore’s Mystic Business, is set for release 8th October via Lost Map Records. (ML)

Bas Jan – ‘You Have Bewitched Me’
Formed of songwriter, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Serafina Steer, alongside Rachel Horwood (Trash Kit, Bamboo, Jenny Moore’s Mystic Business), Emma Smith (the Elysian Quartet, Jarv Is, Seamus Fogarty) and Charlie Stock, London experimental collective Bas Jan have now shared their first music in three years. Propelled a swirling ethereal majesty, ‘You Have Bewitched Me‘ offers an effervescent reflection on the mesmerising power of first attraction and new love. With the delicate grace of its sparkling harmonies, ‘You Have Bewitched Me’ showcases the subtle power of crystalline voices coming together in unity to create a truly euphoric soundscape. (ML)

MEI – ‘Let Dusk Welcome Me’
Taken from London artist MEI’s latest EP, ‘Let Dusk Welcome Me’ provides a welcome pool of tranquility. Reflecting on a refreshing evening walk she took after having been ill with COVID, it interweaves a lilting jazz-infused groove and funk-fused beats, rippling with the smooth allure of MEI’s lush, soulful vocals and a gently empowering spirit. The Hard Way Around The Sun, the new EP from MEI, was created with an all-female team and is out now. (ML)

Blonde Maze – ‘Being Pulled’
The latest single from total favourite, New York based artist Blonde Maze, ‘Being Pulled’ is inspired by “the conflicting feelings of wanting to move forward while being pulled backwards by your memories”. Bathing the ears in shimmering ripples of dreamy reflection and oozing a woozy, hypnotic splendour, Amanda’s vocals flow with a blissful haze, creating the perfect soothing tonic. A beautifully calming and delicately uplifting soundtrack that I so desperately need right now. (ML)

Get In Her EarsLeave a comment

Track Of The Day: Siv Disa – ‘Toxic’ (Britney Spears Cover)

Having previously charmed our ears with poignant singles such as last year’s ‘Fear’ and ‘Music In the Streets’, New York artist Siv Disa is currently based in Iceland and has now announced her upcoming debut album, Dreamhouse. Ahead of the album’s release, Disa has shared a wonderfully unique rendition of ‘Toxic‘ by the legendary Britney Spears.

Recorded with her long-term collaborator Sam and the Sea, Disa says of the decision to record this cover:

“I really liked the idea of doing a slowed-down, psychedelic/alternative rendition of ‘Toxic’ that paid tribute to the original without trying to recreate it. It’s not like we could make ‘Toxic’ a better pop song, it’s already the perfect pop song. We were just trying to play with it I think- there’s so much material in it...”

Propelled by a shimmering musicality and chiming beats, Disa’s rendition of the 2001 anthem oozes its own majestic ethereal haze as the bewitching, sweeping allure of her vocals flows throughout. Adding a unique, spellbinding splendour and haunting mysticism to the original, it’s a beautifully captivating ode to our favourite pop queen.

And it couldn’t come at a better a time; after years of abuse and control from the media, her own loved ones and patriarchal society as a whole, it looks like Britney Spears is finally on track to being granted the independence and freedom she deserves as both a woman and an artist. As Disa explains:

“Now that the abuse of Britney’s conservatorship has been exposed I hope we’re all taking a minute to think about how she was publicly judged ten years ago, and how that played into the nightmare she had to live in. I hope she gets back everything that was taken from her. We love you, Britney!!“

So, celebrate Britney by immersing yourself in this exquisite rendition of a timeless pop classic. #FreeBritney

Siv Disa will also be releasing a cover of The Shins’ ‘Those To Come’, which is out tomorrow, 26th August.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

mariangelicalaneLeave a comment

Five Favourites: Siv Disa

Set to release her debut album this autumn, New York (currently Iceland-based) artist Siv Disa has been beguiling our ears for some time now, since first hearing 2019’s captivating ‘moths’.

Ahead of her upcoming album, she has now shared a brand new single. Produced by long-time collaborator Sam and The Sea, ‘Music In The Streets’ offers a dreamy, ethereal soundscape, oozing a majestic grace and glitchy spellbinding splendour. A beautifully hypnotic insight into how Siv Disa is continuing to hone and develop her sound.

We think one of the best ways to get to know an artist is by asking what music inspired them to write in the first place. We caught up with Siv Disa to ask about her “Five Favourites” – five albums that have shaped her as a musician. Check out her choices below and scroll down to watch the recent video for ‘Music In The Streets’ at the end of the feature.

Fiona Apple – When The Pawn
Oh where to start with Queen Fiona?! I found her music after seeing the ‘Criminal’ video on one of those MTV ’90s rewind’ shows when I was about thirteen, and got into her first album Tidal shortly thereafter. Every subsequent album of hers has meant the most to me at different points of my life, but When The Pawn remains my favourite. I’ve listened to it straight through literally hundreds of times, so I’m sure Fiona has affected my songwriting style, but I was never consciously pursuing that. Influential albums for me are more about the role they’ve had in my life than anything directly “artistic”. Her lyricism is tied so close to her core that the feelings she expresses become universal; you can’t listen without connecting when something is that earnest. Ages fourteen to sixteen was a difficult time for me as I’m sure it was for others, I had headphones in my ears all the time like a horse has blinders to keep from falling off course. Usually I was listening to Fiona. When The Pawn is a no-skips album, but some important tracks: ‘I Know’ (I can’t think of a song more beautiful), ‘Love Ridden’ (the first song I ever learned to cover on the piano; my crash course in figuring out chords ), and ‘Paper Bag’ (I mean, if you know you know).

Radiohead – Pablo Honey
I was driving somewhere with my dad, going through his CDs when I first put this on. I heard ‘Creep’ for the first time in his truck in 2002 and my eight year old brain was overcome. I remember thinking “wow, this is a good song, why don’t more people know about it?” at the time, which I think is funny. It’s not like I’ve heard it at every open mic I’ve been to since or anything. It got put into rotation as one of “Siv’s car CDs’ (along with ’90s classics from Natalie Merchant, Seal, and Jewel) when I was a kid. I’ve liked Radiohead ever since. My favourite album of theirs is probably OK Computer, but I think Pablo Honey has been more influential. It’s funny, even though I make fairly electronic music, my favourite albums by my favourite bands are often their most acoustic. Apart from the obvious, other favourite tracks include: ‘Thinking About You’ (excellent breakup track) and ‘Prove Yourself’ (fuel for my nascent angst).

The Supremes – Where Did Our Love Go?
Another group I discovered through my parents’ CD collection! I have a tendency to find artists I like, then absorb their entire discography before moving on to listening to anything else; I know a lot about a handful of bands and absolutely nothing about anyone else. Thinking back on these albums, I realise the first band I did that with was The Supremes. My favourite Supremes track, ‘I Hear A Symphony’, isn’t on Where Did Our Love Go, but everything that is on this record is stellar. The songs weren’t too hard to sing along with as a kid, which is what first hooked me. Their dreamy ’60s glamour and vocal harmonies sealed the deal. The warmth of all their recording equipment, too, you can’t find on modern recordings. Listening now, I focus on that warmth. I like Motown in general, but the songs written by Holland-Dozier-Holland for The Supremes and The Four Tops are the best. Where Did Our Love Go is my go-to happy music. As you can probably tell from the rest of this list, I don’t really do a lot of happy music. But catch ‘Baby Love’ on? I’m in a good mood. Top Tracks: ‘When The Lovelight Starts To Shine’ (The backing band! The exuberance! Just try not to sing along) and ‘Baby Love’ (Diana Ross’ lead vocals are stellar, and a little softer than some of the other songs on this album. I like her voice the most when it’s softer and you get to hear a little more of its texture). 

The National – Trouble Will Find Me 
An ex got me into The National, actually (wishin’ you nothing but the best, C). I vaguely knew of them but hadn’t dived in until then; their band name made them blend into miscellaneous sad-boy rock in my head. I used to teach in-home piano lessons and had a lot of time driving from house to house, so I’d pick up CDs and audiobooks from the library – Trouble Will Find Me was one of those. I have bands for all my feelings and The National is great for a numb sulk. The songwriting is impeccable, Matt Behringer’s voice is equal parts miserable and pacifying and that’s really what I look for in singing. Getting into The National helped my songwriting by showing me how beautiful simple, well executed ideas could be. Being a classically trained pianist, I erroneously looked down on structurally simple music earlier on. I’ve tried to go the other direction though, which I’m hoping comes through on the upcoming album. Trouble Will Find Me and Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers are tied as far as favoruite The National album goes, but I think I’ve listened to Trouble more overall. The lyrics are a little more cutting, they’re a little more polished. Top tracks: ‘This Is The Last Time’ (the coda gets me every time) and ‘Don’t Swallow The Cap’ (the entire thing is a bit stream of consciousness, it’s almost like a conversation you get sucked into).

Ex:re – Ex:re
A musician friend of mine, Brett Gleason, turned me on to Ex:re a couple years ago when this album first came out. It’s fantastically beautiful, heartbreaking, and intimate. For what it’s worth: the rest of the songs on this list I’ve known about for years and years, this one is the only new addition that makes the cut. Albums get tied to different times for me – re-listening to Ex:re makes me think of living in New York, crying about one thing while listening to Elena Tonra cry about something else. It’s more of a “stick around and face your problems” album than an “escape” album, which suits me better now than it might have a few years ago. Each of the songs is so well-crafted lyrically, and often touch upon difficult topics. ‘Romance’, for example, I believe is about assault and the aftermath of living with it in our society. It’s an unfortunately relatable topic for many, but not one often given that treatment in music which is frustrating. It’s refreshing to hear a song about love and betrayal from such a difficult perspective, it’s an achievement to be able to relay that. Favourite tracks: ‘The Dazzler’ (a languid, sharp-tongued dream), and the aforementioned ‘Romance’ (but only if you’re ready to be emotionally devastated). 

Massive thanks to Siv Disa for sharing her Five Favourites with us! Watch her brand new video for ‘Music In The Streets’ below:

Dreamhouse, the debut album from Siv Disa, is set for release this Autumn via Trapped Animal Records.

mariangelicalaneLeave a comment

WATCH: Siv Disa – ‘Fear’

New York based singer-songwriter Siv Disa has now shared her latest single, ‘Fear’ – an escape artist’s ponderings on intimacy.

Disa sings confidentially in laid-back vocals about her aversion to intimacy, both revealing and repelling us. She likes things just a little bit out of reach, a little bit undecided otherwise she’d have to take a risk; asking “is that fear?” in the chorus, telling us she doesn’t like to think about that too much.

The up-close-and-personal lyrics are accompanied by mellow analog synths and beats that lull you into a false sense of security, creating a glistening majestic soundscape. 

In the video, Disa is literally running away from us in barren, snow-driven fields. We never see her face except in overexposed over-the-shoulder glances towards a car’s high beams.

‘Fear’ is out now via Trapped Animal Records.

Aisha Kasmir
@aisha_vocal

Get In Her EarsLeave a comment