Promoting and Supporting Women in Music
‘FYA (For Your Approval)’ is the debut single by London-based German artist Matilda Eyre. We’re really enjoying this dark but delicate musical to ode to self worth, inner joy and ferocity. Eyre’s gently croaked vocals soar over the stripped back percussion and whirring synth laden bass… 100% approval from us here at GIHE!
Follow Matilda Eyre via Twitter and Instagram for more updates.
Tash Walker
@maudeandtrevor
Gentle but provocative, Swedish Newcomer Majken‘s new single ‘Lovely Daughter’ documents love and powerlessness through hushed vocals and lo-fi sounds. The track is taken from her upcoming debut album, which is set for release this Autumn via Kollektivet Records.
Majken was born in the southern Swedish coastal town of Karlskrona and has been writing music since the age of 14. The songs on her upcoming debut album explore themes of teenage desire, uncertainty and mental health – experienced from both sides. The album was recorded at her home in Malmo with Damon Tutunjian (Mew, Swirlies), who allowed her to use his collection of 70’s synthesisers and effects, helping Majken to shape her gentle, captivating sounds.
Debut single ‘Lovely Daughter’ is a tentative and pretty offering from the Swedish newcomer, and we look forward to hearing more from her in the near future. Listen to the single below and follow Majken on Facebook for more updates.
Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut
Austel (aka Devon-born, London-based artist Annie Rew Shaw) unveils her third instalment in the trilogy of singles co-written and produced by music technologist Adam Stark. Austel’s sound is seductive and melancholic electronica, delicately crafted and produced, with her gentle vocals providing a guiding light.
‘Anaesthesia’ is an intimate, soul-baring song exploring themes of mental health, self-induced isolation and a struggle to connect.
The song opens with a gentle rhythm like the sound of raindrops falling and a choral effect behind the lyrics “Take the needle out of my skin… Anaesthesia won’t do the job.” The sound then gently fills out with sparkling synths; not a battle cry, but something more enlightening, as the song breathes to life around the lyric, bringing a light and airy feel, lifting the mood of the track in the middle of the song (“I’m not at all.. I’m gone”). The emotion the song expresses may be bleak, yet the voice and arrangements transform it into a spirited bid for freedom, bringing hope and a comforting shoulder to your sadness. Listen, and feel connected.
The forthcoming debut EP Unfold contains five songs that explore the pains of leaving safe harbours, seeking out the unknown; and I, for one, want to sail on the good ship Austel this summer.
Fi Ni Aicead
@gotnomoniker
London based singer-songwriter Yvonne Hercules has released a truly mesmerising video for her new single ‘Wolf Cry’. Gentle stripped back guitars underpin Hercules’ powerful yet vulnerable vocals, giving a platform for the lyrics to shine through.
The video’s play on shadows and light is the perfect accompaniment to this song that explores the vulnerability of honesty within relationships, and the risks that can bring. Just beautiful.
‘Wolf Cry’ is taken from her beautiful EP Gladiolus, supported by the amazing PRS Foundation’s Women Make Music award.
Yvonne Hercules will be playing at The Finsbury, London on 9th July.
Tash Walker
@maudeandtrevor
Get In Her Ears 