PLAYLIST: August 2023

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

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

Human Interest – ‘Step On’
Following the success of previous singles ‘Mixing Paint’ and ‘Cool Cats’, and with recent acclaim from the likes of Steve LaMacq on BBC 6Music, East-London band Human Interest have now announced the release of an upcoming EP later this year. Combining a fierce post-punk drive with a fuzzy, lilting energy, lead single ‘Step On’ reflects on “appreciating the duality of yourself and your friends” and builds with an anthemic power to a swirling slice of infectious indie-pop. ‘Step On’ is out now via Nice Swan records.
(Mari Lane)

CLT DRP – ‘I See My Body Through You’
Following on from their incendiary anthems ‘New Boy‘ and ‘Nothing Clever, Just Feelings‘, this is the latest banger from Brighton feminist electro-punks CLT DRP. Taken from their upcoming second album, Nothing Clever, Just Feelings, which is set for release on 8th September via Venn Records, the track is a dynamic, corrosive rumination on objectification and how it can affect our own identity and self worth. By combining quieter verses with a blistering chorus, CLT DRP reflect the tumultuous emotions and lack of control that can come from feeling exposed and viewed through a skewed and restricting lens.
(Kate Crudgington)

Chroma – ‘Don’t Wanna Go Out’
Having just announced the release of their debut album, and with news of an exciting support slot with (my most watched band in the world) Foo Fighters next year, Welsh band Chroma are definite ones to watch right now, and so we couldn’t be more thrilled that they’ll be headlining our night at Shacklewell Arms next Friday! (8th September). To celebrate the news, they’ve shared ‘Don’t Wanna Go Out’, a fierce new single reflecting on feelings of FOMO and propelled by the band’s distinctive raw, relentless energy. An instant earworm that I can’t wait for East London to mosh along to very soon! Ask For Angela, the debut album from Chroma, is set for release on 20th October via Alcopop! Records. Nab tickets to see them live on 8th September along with wormboys and UrgentSea here. (ML)

Duvet – ‘Girlcow’
‘Girlcow’ is the latest single from Manchester post punks Duvet, who are gearing up to to release their split 7″ ‘Girlcow/Sweaty Dog’ on 29th September via Fear of Missing Out Records. I love their sleazy, chaotic sound on this track, which the band say is “a bit of fictional story telling about a confident cowboy pursuing a play girl bunny type character,” explored from both perspectives. (KC)

Gender Chores – ‘Dysphurious’
A reflection on coming out as non-binary – a subject that’s very close to Northern Irish punks Gender Chores’ hearts – ‘Dysphurious’ offers a truly uplifting dose of punk-pop, oozing a fierce colourful spirit. Filled with scuzzy hooks and a refreshingly honest lyricism, it’s an empowering ode to freeing yourself from the constrictions of conventional gender ‘norms’; an energising boost of confidence to be your true self in the face of adversity. (ML)

Femegades – ‘Depleted’
Following their debut EP Pornsick and last year’s ironically entitled Not All Men, punk-rockers Femegades are back with a gloriously riotous new single. Reflecting on society’s expectation on women to be – and want to be – perfect, happy mothers, ‘Depleted’ rages with a snarling energy and fierce, raw power. (ML)

ALT BLK ERA – ‘Misfits: SOLAR’
Combining jagged electronics and racing beats with their raging lyrics, genre-defying sister duo ALT BLK ERA have created another alternative statement of self autonomy on ‘Misfits: SOLAR’. Taken from their upcoming EP, Freak Show, which is set for release on 1st September, the track is a frenzied anthem fuelled by their antagonistic, youthful spirit. (KC)

The Dead Zoo – ‘Hoover Damned’
Having recently wowed us live at our last gig at Shacklewell Arms in July, London-based The Dead Zoo have now shared an uplifting new single. Propelled by a scuzzy energy reminiscent of brit-pop bands of the ‘90s, ‘Hoover Damned’ oozes catchy hooks and swirling harmonies, accompanying the sultry allure of front woman Kaoru’s gritty vocals. Of the track, Kaoru explains: “I wanted to write about a world where women are as free to make mistakes and walk away as men traditionally have…” Produced by James Aparicio, ‘Hoover Damned’ is out now via Rock Noir Recordings. Watch the new video here. (ML)

Deerhoof – ‘My Lovely Cat!’
Following the release of their 19th album earlier this year, I was lucky enough to experience the utter magic of legendary avant-garde sound creators Deerhoof last week. And when I say ‘magic’, I’m not exaggerating… The pure immense cacophonies they’re able to create are a spectacle to behold; their frenzied colourful energy like nothing I’ve ever seen. ‘My Lovely Cat!’ is probably my favourite track taken from the latest album (which is sung entirely in Satomi’s native Japanese), not only because of its cute, relatable title, but I just love its swirling sonic brilliance and joyous drive. Miracle Level, the latest album from Deerhoof, is out now via Joyful Noise. (ML)

HAVVK – ‘Expiry’
The new single from Irish based trio, and GIHE faves, HAVVK, ‘Expiry’ channels a seething raging energy, ‘Expiry’ reflects on society’s expectations of women to ‘age gracefully’, whilst giving a middle finger to these restrictions on how you should dress or behave. I just love how its fierce sense of urgency is propelled by the raw power of lead singer Julie’s distinctive celestial vocals. (ML)

Shaene – ‘june’
This melancholy song from Leeds-based songwriter shaene is lifted from her self-produced debut album, time lost / time regained, which is set for release on 1st September. The track is a reflection on her fluctuating relationship with their Dad, which she is reminded of on Father’s Day each year during June. As with her previous single ‘sad’, shaene filters these conflicting feelings through a soft, shoegazey lens, which makes for sad-yet-sweet listening. (KC)

GENN – ‘Calypso’
GIHE favourites GENN are gearing up to release their debut album, unum, on the 6th October, and this track ‘Calypso’ is lifted from it. The track showcases the truly versatile sound of the Brighton-via-Malta art-punk quartet, who totally blew us away with their live performances at The Great Escape Festival earlier this year. (KC)

Ideal Host – ‘The Resolution’
A tender, synth-led rumination that showcases the evolving nature of their sound, this is the third single from Ideal Host. Led by Heather Perkins and Sean Hughes – who are both former members of the band Slowcoaches – Ideal Host are dedicated to making music on their own terms. ‘The Resolution’ acts as a bookend to the band’s previous single ‘The Conflict‘, exploring the softer side of their brooding, intuitive songwriting. Ideal Host are currently writing and recording their full length album, which they plan to release and tour next year. (KC)

O Hell – ‘hard times’
The chorus to this O Hell track hit me right in sternum. Her direct lyrics, clear vocals and evocative electronics make for captivating listening. Speaking about ‘hard times’, O Hell explains: “What I wanted to say in the chorus is: get back to what love really is, ‘cus it’s way bigger and better than the bullshit possessiveness we’re told it needs to centre around. It might change state, it might morph between romantic and platonic, or everything in between – but fuck all the drama off, if you love someone, let that love take its course. It was always bigger than the first label you smacked on it anyway.” (KC)

Hinako Omori – ‘cyanotype memories’
A mood-lifting soundscape that offers listeners a moment of respite in an uncertain world, I love this single from London-based artist and composer Hinako Omori. Taken from her upcoming album, stillness, softness…, which is set for release via Houndstooth on 27th October, the track is an ode to surrendering yourself to the unknown and finding peace within that process. (KC)

Mint Field – ‘El Suspiro Cambia Todo’
Having just announced the release of their upcoming new album, Mexican psych duo Mint Field have now shared a dreamy new single. Flowing with a whirring, hypnotic grace, ‘El Suspiro Cambia Todo’ (The Sigh Changes Everything) offers a spellbinding soundscape, enchanting the ears with its glistening splendour. Of the track, the band explain: “Sighing is the desire for melancholy. It denotes that something is happening. Sometimes we just need to sigh to let go. Sighing is something we do unconsciously but it says a lot about what is going on inside our mind.” Aprender a Ser, the upcoming new album from Mint Field, is set for release on 27th October via felte. (ML)

Amaroun – ‘Dopamine’
Taken from her upcoming EP of the same name, which is set for release on 29th September, ‘Dopamine’ is the latest single from ‘GIHE favourite Amaroun. Inspired by “the minuscule euphoric moments that keep her ADHD brain hooked throughout the day,” this track oozes with Amroun’s trademark alt-pop style. (KC)

CHIKA ft. Charlie Wilson – ‘Can’t Explain It’
I’m a bit late to the party, but recently loved watching ‘Ladies First’, a short (not long enough!) docu-series on Netflix about and by women in hip-hop. As well as featuring a number of artists I already know and love – such as the legendary Queen Latifah and contemporary rappers Rapsody and Tierrra Whack – it also introduced me to a few that I’d not come across before. One of these was Alabama-born MC/rapper CHIKA, who spoke at length about her position as a queer woman in the industry. I just love her driving energy, gritty allure and refreshingly honest lyricism, and urge you to check out this celebration of queer black love, as well as her epic recent album Samson. (ML)

Mykki Blanco – ‘Holidays In The Sun’
I can’t get enough of the funk-fuelled energy and infectious uplifting spirit of the new single from pioneering artist Mykki Blanco. “A feel good summer anthem about lazy summer days swimming in the sea, hopping from one music festival to the next, feeling good about life and living la dolce vita soaking up the sun.”, its only negative is that it does make me quite desperate for a holiday in the sun myself… Mykki Blanco’s upcoming new album, Postcards from Italia, is set for release on 22nd September via Transgressive, and keep your eyes peeled for an exclusive interview with them on our website very soon! (ML)

Aderyn – ‘Distraction’
Reflecting on the restlessness one can feel during the summer break, ‘Distraction’ is the latest single from South Wales artist Aderyn. Propelled by shimmering hooks and a driving punk-pop energy, it showcases Aderyn’s honey-sweet vocals and ability to create instantly catchy, emotion-rich singalong anthems. Aderyn’s debut EP, Sea Glass, is set for release on 14th September. (ML)

Catherine Moan – ‘Jawbreaker’
Angel Jefferson aka Catherine Moan is back with this new single which marks a “new era” of her electro-pop project. ‘Jawbreaker’ is written from the point of view of “someone who feels replaceable, hard to love, and ultimately feels damaged by another’s actions” – all underscored by buoyant 80s-inspired synths and Catherine’s bittersweet vocal. (KC)

SOFT LAD – ‘The Human Condition’
“This song came as a result of the worst hangover of my life!” explains Sophie Galpin aka SOFT LAD about this single – respect to her for telling it like it is! The multi-instrumentalist, who also plays in Self Esteem’s band, encourages her listeners to treat those closest to us with kindness; all underscored by her buoyant beats, melodic riffs and clear vocals. (KC)

Cutty – ‘Overdrive’
This is the latest single from Hull-based duo Cutty, who formed after meeting at their local dive bar. Amy and Kev explain that ‘Overdrive’ is a crowd-pleasing favourite when they play it live at local gigs, so it made sense to record it and share it for everyone else to hear too. (KC)

Sirene – ‘Don’t Let Me Fall (Out Your Mind)’
With acclaim from the likes of Deb Grant on BBC 6Music, Yorkshire-born, London-based artist Sirene released her debut album last year, and has now shared a poignant new single. Reflecting on the desire to consistently do your best for the ones you love, ‘Don’t Let Me Fall (Out Your Mind)’ is a beautifully stirring ballad, showcasing Sirene’s distinctive rich vocals and an exquisite twinkling emotion. (ML)

Get In Her Ears Live @ Shacklewell Arms w/ Straight Girl, 07.07.2023

This month, we were back at The Shacklewell Arms for another night of immense live music! Huge thanks to our headliner Straight Girl, as well as ALT BLK ERA and The Dead Zoo for being amazing! Thanks too to total legend Sofia on sound, and to everyone who came down to support the bands, dance the night away in queer joy, and helped us to raise £50 for London Trans Pride!

The Dead Zoo kick things off with their gritty, immersive allure…

Next up, utterly immense sister duo ALT BLK ERA blew us away with their fiercely unique raging power…

Finally, it was an honour to have Leeds-based artist Straight Girl headline the night for us. With their immense swirling energy and magnetic tongue-in-cheek charisma, they spread all the fizzing queer joy we could ever desire. Immersing themselves within the crowd (quite literally at times!) an exuberant euphoria filled the room, and we were struck by what a truly unique, and massively fun experience Straight Girl was able to create.


Massive thanks to all the incredible artists who played for us – it truly was a dream of a night, filled with so much energising queer joy!

We’re taking a break from hosting gigs in August, but we will return to The Shacklewell Arms on 8th September with a super exciting line-up. Welsh headliners Chroma (who have been announced as supporting Foo Fighters next year!) alongside Leeds grunge-poppers Wormboys and new Brighton band UrgentSea. Nab yourtickets here!

Photo Credit: Cassie Barnard / @cassiebphotography

PLAYLIST: August 2022

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

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

Halina Rice – ‘Helix’
What do I love more than dreamy songs full of feelings? Obscure electronica! This track is a big slice of it. It comes from London-based artist Halina Rice, who has announced a new album, Elision, which is set for release on 30th September. This track ‘Helix’ fuses natural and analog sounds together in order to evoke a place that don’t exist – a parallel world. LOVE IT. (Tash Walker)

Nameless Twin – ‘My Eyes Went Black’
I’m obsessed with this debut single from industrial/electronic duo Nameless Twin, aka Alicia Rei Kim and Ryan Osterman. It’s shadowy, heavy, but delicate in places too. Osterman is also in a band called Holy Fawn, who I’m going to see live at the end of September. ‘My Eyes Went Black’ is available to download for free on bandcamp now. (Kate Crudgington)

Obli – ‘Hei’
This is my absolute favourite song at the moment, no words will do it justice! Just please kick back and bathe in its beauty. (TW)

Connie Constance – ‘Till The World’s Awake’
An indie-dance track of her dreams, I feel ya Connie! This is taken from her new album, Miss Power, which is due on 4th November. ‘English Rose’ has still got to be one of my fave songs of 2019. (TW)

adults – ‘things we achieve’
Having charmed us playing live at our sold gig at Sebright Arms last month celebrating/comiserating Charmpit’s last ever London show, South London band adults are fast becoming firm favourites. With this latest single, they reflect on the pressures of living in a capitalist society with their trademark irresistibly blissful, catchy musicality and fuzzy, frenetic drive, with shades of the joyous, danceable allure of Los Campesinos. for everything, always, the upcoming debut album from adults is out in October via Fika Recordings. (Mari Lane)

Big Joanie – ‘In My Arms’
Is it even a GIHE playlist if we don’t include a Big Joanie track? This is the latest single from the trio, taken from their upcoming second album, Back Home, which is set for release on 4th November via Daydream Library Series/Kill Rock Stars. I can’t wait to hear the record in full. (KC)

BRUTUS – ‘Liar’
The latest single from Belgian heavy trio Brutus. Taken from their upcoming third album Unison Life, which is set for release on 21st October via Hassle Records/Sargent House, ‘Liar’ is a heavy lament that criticises the lies we tell ourselves in order to keep a false sense of calm. I’ve been stomping around to this all month. (KC)

Scrounge – ‘HIT’
GIHE favourites Scrounge are back with this belter of a new single, taken from their upcoming debut mini album Sugar, Daddy, which is set for release on 9th September. We’re big fans of everything that Lucy & Luke create and I reckon Mari would book them for every GIHE gig if she could, but you can catch them playing live in East London at Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes on 7th September. Pre-order their upcoming album here. (KC)

The Dead Zoo – ‘Do Clean / Do Dirrrty’
London garage-rockers The Dead Zoo have returned with this gritty new single. Speaking about the track, the band explain: “it’s about seeking that unknown place where you can find yourself…this paints a visceral sense of hitting the road, living outside of the law.” (KC)

Deux Furieuses – ‘Know The Score’
The poignant new single from GIHE faves Deux Furieuses, ‘Know The Score’ is an immense, raging anthem confronting society’s failure to properly protect women and marginalised genders from violence. Challenging the patriarchy from the off, the track hits you with its potent, riotous energy and fierce, colossal musicality as the all-too-resonant refrain “say her name” echoes with eerie timelessness. (ML)

Electric Pets – ‘That Way’
The latest single from Electric Pets, ‘That Way’ is a perfectly scuzzy anthem of self love; a two fingers up to society’s expectations of what we should be. Showcasing Emma Buckley’s raw, impassioned vocals, it builds with a fierce emotion to a catchy slice of garage-infused rock. (ML)

Miss Kill – ‘All You Gotta Do’
The latest single from alternative duo Miss Kill, taken from their debut EP Don’t Tell Me Twice, which is set for release on September 16th via AWAL. Described as a song about “feeling completely intoxicated, vulnerable and needing someone to to care, but they are refusing to,” ‘All You Gotta Do’ is full of bittersweet vocals and heavy reverb, reflecting the clouded head space that inspired it. (KC)

A.A. Williams – ‘Golden’
Another superb single from multi-instrumentalist A.A. Williams here. Taken from her upcoming second album, As The Moon Rests, which is set for release on 7th October via Bella Union, ‘Golden’ is full of her haunting vocals and shadowy sounds. (KC)

Beckie Margaret – ‘Untitled’
I am in love with Essex songwriter Beckie Margaret’s recent EP, CIAGA, Vol. 1. Released via Cool Thing Records, it’s an intuitive, tender collection of songs that genuinely had me in tears when I was writing the review. Beckie’s voice and affecting lyrics dismantle me every time. Please, please do check her out. This track ‘Untitled’ is my favourite. (KC)

Victoria Canal – ‘Swan Song’
The latest release from Victoria Canal, a Munich born, Spanish American who is proud of her identity as a queer, disabled, mixed-heritage woman. ‘Swan Song’ is a haunting and personal piano ballad, taken from her upcoming EP Elegy, which is set for release on 16th September via Parlophone Records. Enjoy. (TW)

Gemma Laurence – ‘Lavender’
The latest single from Brooklyn-based “Sapphic folk” artist Gemma Laurence, ‘Lavender’ is an empowering anthem for the queer community. Flowing with lilting melodies and heartfelt lyrics, it showcases the raw emotion Laurence’s vocals with a stirring, shimmering grace. Lavender, the new album from Gemma Laurence, is out on 4th November via Better Company Records. (ML)

Ailbhe Reddy – ‘Shoulder Blades’
Previous guest on our Soho Radio show Ailbhe Reddy has shared this poignant new single. Her skill for capturing a moment – in this case the unique way the light defines her partner’s body – makes listening to her music such a bittersweet pleasure. (KC)

Seraphina Simone – ‘Milk Teeth’
GIHE fave Seraphina Simone – who for the beady eyed among you, may have seen her singing backing vocals and being part of Self Esteem’s dance troupe over the last year or so. This track is taken from Seraphina’s recently released EP of the same name, and of course we are huge fans. Seraphina will be joining us in the Soho Radio studio for our October show! (TW)

Hypsoline – ‘Space Babe’
I’ve only recently been introduced to Brighton band Hypsoline, but I just can’t get enough of this track’s gritty hooks and swirling, electro-tinged energy – all delivered with an immersive, scuzzy allure. And I cannot wait for Hypsoline to play live for us, supporting Currls at their London EP launch at The Shacklewell Arms on 1st December – get your tickets on DICE now! (ML)

Jadu Heart – ‘Cocoon’
The latest release from electronic duo Jadu Heart otherwise, known as Alex Headford and Diva Jeffrey. It’s been almost two years since they recorded their last record Hyper Romance. This latest single is dreamy stuff. (TW)

Jemima Coulter – ‘Dancing With Lara’
Having recently released their debut solo album, Grace After A Party, Bristol-based artist Jemima Coulter creates beautifully heartfelt folk-strewn offerings. I just love this track’s shimmering musicality and raw, heartfelt vocals; a stirring, emotion-rich dreamscape which reminds me of dancing with my wonderful flower person Lara at my wedding. (ML)

Wallis Bird – ‘I Lose Myself Completely’
Following the acclaim of 2019’s poignant Woman, Irish born/Berlin based artist Wallis Bird has now released her seventh studio album, Hands. Showcasing Bird’s unique, vibrant brand of alt-pop – combining fizzing ’80s-inspired blissful soundscapes with an empowering energy and stirring sentiment – it reflects heartfelt and resonant themes with a raw emotion, delivered through an uplifting, cinematic musicality. (ML)

Mega – ‘If Not My Heart’
Having received acclaim from the likes of BBC Radio 1, NME and The Independent, London-based artist Mega has recently released her new EP Colour Your World. Combining her influence of legends such as Amy Winehouse, Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone with inspiration from her Ugandan heritage, she creates instantly uplifting anthems oozing an exquisite heartfelt splendour. (ML)

Lande Hekt – ‘Backstreet Snow’
Though you may also know her from her band Muncie Girls, Lande Hekt’s debut solo album, Going To Hell, was one of my favourites of last year. Back with sparkling new single ‘Backstreet Snow’, she showcases her luscious vocals alongside perfectly jangly melodies and a heartfelt lyricism, creating stirring, emotion-strewn indie-folk. Lande Hekt’s second album, House Without A View, is set for release on 23rd September. (ML)

Sophie Jamieson – ‘Sink’
Sophie Jamieson, the new Bella Union signing who is set to release her album Choosing on 2nd December. ‘Sink’ is the lead single from the record, and Sophie is currently on tour across the UK check out her socials for those dates. (TW)

LISTEN: The Dead Zoo – ‘In The End’

A shimmering synth-pop tune that celebrates the importance of emotional resilience in the face of adversity, London-based group The Dead Zoo have shared their second single ‘In The End’. Following on from their J-Pop cover ‘Mother‘ in 2020, the band continue to blend pop sensibilities into their usually heavier post punk/shoegaze offerings, this time reflecting the optimism and strength that underscores their latest effort.

“During the second lockdown, I was listening to a lot of 80s stuff–Giorgio Moroder, Donna Summer, Madonna, Japan, New Order,” songwriter and vocalist Kaoru explains. “That poured into the conception of sound and melody for the song. The lyric is founded on my gender transition experience. The sense of keeping faith in an envisioned future and using that goal to overcome difficulties and stay on course; though I think it carries a more universal message of hope and optimism that I think we all need right now in these unusual times.”

Full of lush synths and snappy beats, ‘In The End’ is an uplifting ode to coping through testing circumstances. The track has also been remixed by Brighton’s CLT DRP and fellow London band The Sly Persuaders, something band member Somrata takes great pride in. “We were completely blown away by the creativity and variety of the remixes as they came in. It’s great to have so many liberating perspectives on a piece that was conceived and mostly recorded and mixed during the very difficult winter lockdown. We can’t wait to share it with the world and to perform it live for the first time.”

Listen to ‘In The End’ below.

Follow The Dead Zoo on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Photo Credit: K Hearne

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut