Introducing Interview: Calva Louise

Having been big fans of London based international band Calva Louise‘s colossal soaring metal inspired sounds for a number of years, we’ve been loving the recent run of cinematic sci-fi inspired singles. Set in the alternative universe laid out in previous singles ‘La Corriente‘ and ‘Under The Skin‘, latest single ‘WTF‘ showcases front woman Jess Allanic’s fierce vocal with an immense power, showcasing the band’s innovative creativity; an evocative fusion of fantastical fiction with a searing sense of urgency.

We caught up with Jess to find out more about the recent singles, the band’s inspirations and their recent tour with Indian metal band Bloodywood. Have read, and watch the video for ‘WTF’, below!

Hi Jess, hope you’re well! Thanks so much for speaking to Get In Her Ears. We’ve been huge fans of Calva Louise here at Get In Her Ears since first hearing your debut album, Rhinoceros, back in 2019! But for those who don’t know, are you able to tell us a little bit about Calva Louise and how you all got together to start creating awesome music? 
Each of us grew up in three different continents and landed in London at the same time looking for the same musical experience. I came from Venezuela to France and met Alizon when I was 16, then met Ben in London and together we formed Calva Louise in 2016, looking to build a solid musical project. When we were struggling to understand more about the music industry, we felt as if we were living a kind of absurdity, like the characters in Ionesco’s play La Cantante Calva -in Spanish – which combined with Louise – the name of the main character of the Lore – resulted in Calva Louise.

And are there any particular musicians or artists who inspire your writing?
The sound influences for us evolves continuously, but started from bands like Muse, SOAD, QOTSA, Molotov, Calle 13, Cafe Tacvba, Carpenter Brut, Ghost and currently Spiritbox.

We love the immense, ferocious power of your latest single ‘W.T.F’ – can you tell us a bit about the track, and what inspired it?
It turns basically around the concept of the human duality represented by the existence of two sides in the human life experience. Following the characters from the Lore of the story that I started to write when I was 10 years old, the both sides are identical in appearance and are called ‘The Travellers’ and their counterparts ‘The Doubles’.

The single is linked to your previous releases ‘La Corriente’ and ‘Under The Skin’, all set within a science fiction alternative reality – are you able to explain a bit more about this and the story behind the tracks? 
As the music videos form part of a larger science fiction project to provide an immersive experience for the audience, all Calva Louise’s songs are linked as prequels or sequels of the first of their Lore’s video production – ‘Camino’, which was released in 2020. The video graphic sequences are constantly evolving with each new song, following the new effects skills that I’m learning continuously, and also dependent on the budget that the band can afford for each new video production, which is currently practically 0… Linked to this part of the story, the conflict arose when the Travellers met their Doubles before the arrival of the hybrid predators coming from other worlds. The sequels continue showing how some Doubles were corrupted with addictive substances injected by the hybrids under their skins, to steal the life energy from them and in consequence from their avatars that are the Travellers, who are the organic human beings like us. The Doubles are their inorganic source of energy, and the hybrids are half organic and half machines, who steal life energy as food to their survival in the hidden worlds.

And how has the songwriting process been for these recent singles, has it been quite different from your previous recordings? 
Since the beginning, I had a plan for the releases based on three different perspectives, where the lyrics represent our experience as we the humans live in this world. The symbolism represents portals to new perceptions of reality through our dreams, and the music and videos represent the unification of both sides in an unknown dimension where all perceptions are intertwined, including foreign energy predation coming from other worlds.

You’re originally from Venezuala, with your band mates Alizon from France and Ben from New Zealand – a truly international band! How have you found the music scene compares in those places to here in the UK? And how do you find all being from different places affects your experience as a band? 
British and American rock music are the common basis for all of us since we were kids, but the Latin rock music is the most particular and individual influence on me as songwriter.

I’ve been lucky enough to catch you live a couple of times (over here at a John Kennedy event at Omeara, and in New York supporting Slothrust in 2022), and both times have been completely blown away by your incredible energy and fiercely immersive musicality! Has there been a particular show over the years that stands out as a highlight for you?    
This current tour supporting Indian metal band, Bloodywood. It’s been the best experience ever!

Generally, when you’re out on tour, are there any particular essentials that you like to take with you to keep you going?
My computer in a custom case that Alizon built for me so I can finish the new videos between the soundchecks and the shows and on the days off.

As we’re an organisation with a focus on supporting new and marginalised artists, I just wondered how you feel the industry is for them at the moment? And do you feel much has changed over the years in its treatment of female and queer artists? 
It still needs a lot of work, it’s a fact that artists are always at the bottom of the industry. Things are slowly changing, but more needs to be done! 

And are there any other exciting bands or artists that you’d recommend we check out at the moment?
Bobby Wolfgang! 

Is there anything else you’d like to add about upcoming plans or particular thoughts you’d like to mention?
We’d love to tour the US again!

Huge thanks to Jess for answering our questions! Watch the cinematic new video for ‘WTF’ here:

Calva Louise are currently on tour with Indian metal band Bloodywood, catch them live at Kentish Town Forum on Thursday 27th March – tickets here.

Photo Credit: Henry Calvert

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LISTEN: GIHE on Soho Radio with Comic Sans (03.03.25)

Tash, Kate and Mari were back on Soho Radio this month, playing plenty of new music tunes from some of their favourite female, non-binary and LGBTQIA+ artists.

Lauren and Rachel from London-based queer punk-rock band Comic Sans also dropped into the studio to talk about the evolution of their cathartic single ‘Mr President‘, what it was like supporting Aussie punk icons Amyl & The Sniffers on their French tour date in Toulouse last year, and how Comic Sans has helped them to build a community of like-minded LGBTQ+ fans, friends and allies.

Artists featured on the eclectic playlist include: Pigeon Dog, Sacred Paws, Dose, Goalies, Scrounge, NYX, jasmine.4.t, THE NONE, Amulets ft. Midwife, Serin, Calva Louise, Alexandra Savior, Ezra Furman, Brain Leak and more.

Listen back to the show below:

 

We’ve got some exciting updates to share about our April show on Soho Radio – so keep an eye on our socials for the date & time!

Tracklist
Little Simz – Woman
Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory – Live Forever
Tomberlin – tap
Amulets ft. Midwife – Lifelike
Pigeon Dog – Wet Washing
Goalies – Self Improvement
Maria Somerville – Garden
NYX – Daughters
Comic Sans – Mr President
**Interview with Comic Sans**
RAYE ft. 070 Shake – Escapism
Kedr Livanskiy – Agata Dreams
BACKXWASH – Wake Up
Sacred Paws – Turn Me Down
LAR x Chris Savor – Be So Cold
Dose – Parallelogram
jasmine.4.t – Guy Fawkes Tesco Dissociation
Japanese Breakfast – Mega Circuit
Brain Leak – Trying
Ezra Furman – Grand Mal
Alexandra Savior – The Archer
Serin – Let You In
THE NONE – My People
Calva Louise – W.T.F
Scrounge – UTG
ANOHNI – It Must Change

Kate Crudgington1 Comment

PLAYLIST: February 2025

The Get In Her Ears team have put together an eclectic mix of alt-pop tunes, punk bangers, immersive electronic soundscapes, grunge & shoegaze anthems, engaging instrumentals and indie musings for your listening pleasure. Take some time to scroll through our selections below and make sure you press play on the playlist at the end of this post.

Follow GIHE on Spotify to see all of our previous playlists too. As well as streaming these tunes, we encourage you to follow the artists we’ve featured on their social media, sign up to their newsletters and buy their records from bandcamp if you’re able to!

 

Scrounge – ‘UTG’
We love South London duo Scrounge for their politically-charged anthems and their latest single ‘UTG’ is no exception. Despite being softer in sound, it’s just as hard-hitting when it comes to the personal nature of the lyrics, penned by vocalist and guitarist Lucy. She explains further: “As a queer person, it feels as though you never stop coming out; you’re always protective of that tiny bit of yourself that makes you ‘different’. This song is a reminder to look after and respect your queer and trans mates who are often not given the dignity and respect they deserve.” We back that all the way here at GIHE. Scrounge will be releasing their second album, Almost Like You Could, on 18th April via Ba Da Bing! Records. (Kate Crudgington – Features Editor)

Sacred Paws – ‘Turn Me Down’
The latest single from long-term faves Sacred Paws, ‘Turn Me Down’ reflects on the rawness of rejection; juxtaposing this poignant sentiment with the duo’s trademark jangly energy and colourful musicality. And, after a five year hiatus, Ray and Eidlih have now announced the release of a new album, Jump Into Life, which is due out on 28th March – and I’m very excited about it!
(Mari Lane – Managing Editor)

Dose – ‘Parallelogram’
I was thrilled when this track from Dublin four piece Dose dropped into my inbox earlier this month. The dream-pop band features ex-Bitch Falcon guitarist & vocalist/Coolgirl producer Lizzie who I’m a big fan of, as well as Merpire who I saw perform live supporting Ailbhe Reddy at East London’s Moth Club a few years ago. Dose have been playing local shows in Ireland over the past 12 months and they’ll be releasing their debut EP later this year too. ‘Parallelogram’ is the second offering from this exciting new band and I’m looking forward to hearing more from them. (KC)

Maria Somerville – ‘Garden’
A beautiful, atmospheric offering from from Galway-based NTS Radio host Maria Somerville here. ‘Garden’ is lifted from her upcoming album, Luster, which is set for release on 25th April via 4AD. Her soft vocals and lilting electronics melt into each other, providing escapism and respite for overwhelmed ears. (KC)

Anika – ‘Hearsay’
I love this shadowy new track from British-born, Berlin-based musician Anika. It’s taken from her new album, Abyss, which is set for release on 4th April via Sacred Bones (one of my favourite labels). The LP is a form of sonic rebellion for Anika, inspired by the 90s grunge scene as much as it is about the unpredictable nature of the world we currently live in. (KC)

Bonnie Trash – ‘Hellmouth’
Ontario gothic rockers Bonnie Trash release their brand new album Mourning You today (28th Feb) via Hand Drawn Dracula! Originally formed by twins Emmalia & Sarafina Bortolon-Vettor, Bonnie Trash’s sound and aesthetic has evolved into a fully fleshed band with an angst-ridden energy and edgy aesthetic to match. This track ‘Hellmouth’ is the perfect example of both. Check out the accompanying video for it here. (KC)

Daffo – ‘Absence Makes The Heart Grow’
The songwriting project of Brooklyn-based, Philly-raised Gabi Gamberg, Daffo is a new fave for sure. New single ‘Absence Makes The Heart Grow’ offers a wonderfully scuzzy slice of indie-pop, searing with a raw emotion alongside its fizzing hooks. Of the meaning behind the track, Gamberg explains: “I wrote the song at the end of a relationship, and in my pain, I felt as though the cliche about distance making the heart grow fonder was a sham… It made everything harder, the waves of emotion that accompanied reuniting and separating were too intense to navigate.” Definitely one to watch for 2025, you can catch Daffo live at The George Tavern on 13th May. (ML)

Raue – ‘Escape’
Californian duo Raue (pronounced Roo-AY) are inspired by the sounds of Softcult, Wolf Alice, Fleshwater and Billie Eillish. I love their blend of swirling riffs and soft vocals on this track ‘Escape’, which features on their debut EP, too scared to explain, set for release on 9th May. (KC)

Gloin – ‘Horse Fighting’
Toronto-based post punks Gloin are totally new to me, but I love their latest single ‘Horse Fighting’. It’s taken from their excellently titled upcoming second album, All of your anger is actually shame (and I bet that makes you angry), which is set for release via Mothland on 28th March. (KC)

Grandmas House – ‘From The Gods’
Following on from their raucous love song ‘Slaughterhouse’, this new single from Bristol punks Grandmas House is visceral break-up anthem. It’s lifted from the band’s upcoming EP, Anything For You, which is set for release on 11th April via Duchess Box Records. Check out the accompanying video for the track here. (KC)

Punchlove – ‘(sublimate)’
I’m hooked on Brooklyn band Punchlove’s latest single ‘(sublimate)’. Combining shoegaze riffs with twitchy electronics, the track has an industrial edge that becomes more prevalent after repeated listens. ‘(sublimate)’ is inspired by band member Jillian Olesen’s perception-altering experiences after a self-imposed lengthy period of digital and physical isolation, exploring feelings of “entrapment and suffocation within a reality that is inextricably bound by the powerful grip of the digital world.” (KC)

Calva Louise – ‘WTF’
The ferocious new single from Calva Louise, ‘WTF’ showcases front woman Jess’ fierce vocal with an immense power. She explains that the single is “about that feeling of powerlessness that occurs when we are in situations beyond our control.” Calva Louise will be supporting Bloodywood on their European tour, and you can catch them at Kentish Town Forum on 27th March – and I strongly recommend catching them live, as you can imagine it’s a pretty colossal experience. (ML)

BACKXWASH – ‘Wake Up’
I love the the raw power behind this shape-shifting track from Zambian-Canadian rapper and producer BACKXWASH. ‘Wake Up’ is taken from her upcoming album, Only Dust Remains, which she will be releasing via her own label Ugly Hag on 28th March. This new record has been described as “leaving the ashes of BACKXWASH’S critically acclaimed trilogy of albums behind and taking a bold new direction” in sound. BACKXWASH will also be returning to the UK to play Supersonic Festival in Birmingham later this year. (KC)

Alien Chicks – ‘Donkeyhead’
Brixton trio Alien Chicks are back with this belter of a new single. Taken from their second EP, Forbidden Fruit, which is set for release on 9th May via Hideous Mink Records, it’s another raucous offering from the post-punk band, spotlighting their ability to write tongue-in-cheek anthems that fizz with frenetic energy. (KC)

Rebuilt Boys – ‘Shotgun Divorce’
This is the third single from Peterborough-based queer/trans electronic noise-rock two-piece Rebuilt Boys. Full of jagged riffs, post-punk inspired electronics and pounding beats, it’s a raw and righteous anthem of defiance. (KC)

Laura Jane Grace – ‘Your God (God’s D*ck)’
A stark reflection on religious devotion and the ever increasing limits to free speech that the far right are imposing, this raging new single from Against Me alumni Laura Jane Grace oozes all the fierce energy and tongue-in-cheek wit that I’ve come to know and love from her solo work. (ML)

Rival Queens – ‘Not Your Enemy’
You may know her as the guitarist for artist-on-the-rise Maya Lakhani, but now Sally-Anne Hickman has launched her own solo project, Rival Queens. Born out of a songwriting course by Phillipa Cookman (The Singing Guitarist) that Hickman attended, Rival Queens draws inspiration from the ‘90s grunge movement and epic guitar-driven rock, and this debut single showcases Hickman’s musical prowess as its catchy refrain “I am not your enemy” hammers home its message with a raging sense of urgency. Crown and Conquer, the debut album from Rival Queens, is set for release on 27th June. (ML)

SPELLLING – ‘Alibi’
This is such a gear change in sound from San Francisco-based artist SPELLLING and I love it! Featuring Turnstile’s Pat McCrory on guitar, ‘Alibi’ is a cathartic dose of pop punk, featured on her upcoming album Portrait Of My Heart, set for release on 28th March via Sacred Bones. (KC)

Monday’s Child – ‘Problem Girl’
This hazy new single from Belfast-based alt-rock band Monday’s Child is a reflection on insecurity and the contradictory nature of our inner voices. ‘Problem Girl’ will feature on the band’s debut EP, which is due to be released in May of this year. (KC)

Brain Leak – ‘Trying’
Brain Leak are a bit of a supergroup of sorts – the project of Tara-Gabriella Engelhardt from the band Adjustments, the band also features Sid from The Orielles, Jess from Peaness and Giulia from Working Men’s Club. Combining a glistening raw emotion with a fizzing gritty energy, debut single ‘Trying‘ is propelled by the delicate celestial power of Engelhardt’s vocals, offering a beautifully resonant reflection on attachment and the challenging emotional experiences that can accompany it. A new favourite for sure, I strongly suggest keeping an eye out for more from Brain Leak – they’ve already sold out Yes! in Manchester. To find out more, read our interview with Tara here. (ML)

Ezra Furman – ‘Grand Mal’
The latest single from innovative artist Ezra Furman, ‘Grand Mal’ is first taster of her upcoming 10th album, Goodbye Small Head, I really love its swirling cinematic layers which ripple alongside Furman’s trademark raw emotion. Describing the album, she says: “Is it dark? Yeah! Is it also wonder-struck, laced with psychedelic beauty, triumphant in its wounded way? Yeah again. And by the end of it, the whole thing flames out in a burst of good old-fashioned rock and roll.” It sounds perfect, and I can’t wait for its release on 16th May. (ML)

Freak Slug – ‘Liquorice’
After being completely obsessed with their single ‘Spells’ last year, I’m very excited to hear that Manchester’s Freak Slug will be releasing the extended version of their debut album, I Blow Out Big Candles (But With A Cherry On Top), on 7th March, following the original release last November. This latest single only features on the expanded edition and offers jangly hooks, quirky energy and sugar sweet vocals in abundance. Catch Freak Slug live on their UK tour in May, including a headline show at Moth Club on the 22nd. (ML)

Housewife – ‘Work Song’
This single from queer Canadian artist Housewife is an infectious glitchy anthem that fizzes with relatable angst. It’s taken from her upcoming EP, Girl Of The Hour, which is set for release on 7th March via Submarine Cat Records. The EP is a buoyant reflection on identity, love and gender, all underscored by Housewife’s playful alt-pop sounds. (KC)

Supersaurus – ‘Fool For You’
We’ve been big fans of “non-binary fronted indie-pop girl band” Supersaurus since being introduced to their queer sad-pop bangers back in 2023, and new single ‘Fool For You’ offers another nostalgic heartfelt anthem. Of the track, the band explain: “If life was a 90s romcom, it would be the soundtrack. Every main character deserves their own epic soundtrack and ‘Fool For You’ serves as the perfect anthem for anyone who has ever been a fool for love and surrendered to its enchanting allure.” (ML)

Blonde Maze – ‘Never Dream’
I’ve made no secret of my love of New York artist Blonde Maze over the last decade of Get In Her Ears, and so it always bring me a lot of joy when she shares a new song. ‘Never Dream’ is her third collaboration with innovative electro artist Attom and oozes all the dreamy blissful vibes and soothing heartfelt charm that I’ve come to expect from her gorgeous creations. The single comes ahead of the release of her sophomore album, Second Sight, on 23rd May – and to say I’m excited about a brand new collection of her gloriously cathartic offerings is an understatement. (ML)

Shura ft. Cassandra Jenkins – ‘Richardson’
This is the second single from British songwriter Shura’s upcoming album, I Got Too Sad For My Friends, set for release on the 30th May. Featuring New York vocalist Cassandra Jenkins, ‘Richardson’ is a song about “walking, thinking, and trying to find comfort somewhere” guided by Shura’s soft voice and gentle beats. (KC)

Deerhoof – ‘Sparrow Sparrow’
One of the new ‘double B-sides’ from innovative dance-rock collective Deerhoof, ‘Sparrow Sparrow’ showcases their quirky fizzing energy and shimmering charm perfectly. The track is released alongside ‘Overrated Species Anyhow’, and the band are donating all proceeds to The Trevor Project – a non-profit suicide prevention organisation for the LGBTQ+ community. (ML)

Selma French – ‘Little Sisters and Friends’
The latest single from Norwegian artist Selma French, ‘Little Sisters and Friends’ offers a comforting ode to the younger people in our lives, and reflects on the need to care for and support them in their life’s journey. Flowing with lilting folk-strewn melodies and the rich sparkling grace of French’s vocals, it’s a gorgeous first taste of her upcoming second album, No Sign Of Rotten Leaves, which is set for release on 25th April. (ML)

Penelope Trappes – ‘A Requiem’
This is a beautiful sonic rumination from Brighton-based Australian producer and multi-instrumentalist Penelope Trappes. ‘A Requiem’ is the title track from her upcoming album, which is set for release on 4th April via One Little Independent. I’ve found each of Trappes’ singles and accompanying videos for this project to be really thought-provoking and evocative, and despite the album’s melancholy context, I feel like she has expressed something truly pure and beautiful about the shape-shifting nature of grief on this latest effort. Watch the accompanying visual, filmed by Agnes Haus, here. (KC)

Maud The Moth – ‘Exuviae’
Another exquisitely eccentric offering from Spanish-born, Scotland-based multi-instrumentalist Amaya Lopez-Carromero aka MAUD THE MOTH here. ‘Exuviae’ is lifted from her upcoming album, The Distaff, which is set for release on 21st February. The LP is an “ethereal but violent” amalgamation of autobiographical experiences, folklore, myth and poetry” which the artist explores in her own idiosyncratic manner. (KC)

Divide & Dissolve – ‘Provenance’
Multi-instrumentalist Takiaya Reed is back with her heavy instrumental project Divide and Dissolve and this gargantuan new single ‘Provenance’. Full of her trademark eerie saxophone sounds, crushing riffs and bruising beats, the single is the first offering from Divide and Dissolve’s new album, Insatiable, which is set for release on 18th April via Bella Union. Reed will also be returning to Supersonic Festival in Birmingham this year – which I am very excited about! Watch the accompanying video for ‘Provenance’ here. (KC)

Venamoris – ‘Truth’
Eclectic American duo Venamoris – formed of Dave and Paula Lombardo – have moved into darker sonic territory on their new album, To Cross Or To Burn, released today (28th Feb). Full of cinematic electronics and impassioned vocals, this track ‘Truth’ is lifted from the record, which focuses around soul searching and the need for acceptance. (KC)

 

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Five Favourites: Clara Mann

Having charmed our ears last year with the sparkling emotion-strewn sounds of single ‘Stadiums’, and having previously shared stages with the likes of Bat For Lashes and Bill Ryder-Jones, London-based artist Clara Mann has now announced the release of her debut album, Rift, next month. A poignant exploration of the space between the light and dark, it offers a heartfelt ode to hope; an exquisite rumination that ripples with the stirring grace of Mann’s evocative vocals, alongside twinkling folk-strewn melodies.

We think one of the best ways to get to know an artist is by asking what music inspires them. So, ahead of the release of Rift, we caught up with Clara to find out about the five albums that have inspired her the most. Read about her five favourites, pre-order the album, and watch the beautiful new video for latest single ‘Doubled Over‘ below:

Paul Simon – Still Crazy After All These Years
Some of the best songwriting in the history of ever. One of those writers who makes me pause the track to think “HOW did he do that?” My mum used to play this album in the car on the way to the dentist/big supermarket when we were children, so it’s special to me; and maybe I’m biased, but I think it’s magic. The actual title track makes me cry every time. Paul Simon’s particularly good at metaphor, if I’m being dry about it, but it never feels contrived, just true and poignant.

Mary Margaret O’Hara – Miss America
Mary Margaret O’Hara is my heroine – I love the balance she finds between the strange, the playful, the painful…. Her voice is so clear and true, and her (rather rare) performances that I’ve dug up from YouTube are highly charged; almost difficult to watch, they’re so intense. It’s almost like performance art, but less self-aware than that implies. This is the only full length album she ever recorded, and I’m so glad we have it. 

Blake Mills – Heigh Ho
I remember where I was when I first heard this record; I remember how much it affected me. Again, it’s full of humour, as well as pain, and the production is almost cinematic. Though maybe that word makes it sound less subtle than it is – I just mean it paints colours. 

Les Filles de Illighadad – Les Filles De Illighadad
In the village where I grew up in the south of France, there was a yearly culture festival celebrating North African and Saharan music, literature, and art. I guess it was a celebration of the immigration from Morocco and Algeria, a way of welcoming people and making a start on mending the fraught relations between France and that part of Africa. The village was suddenly full of exhibitions, market stalls and instruments that I’d never seen before, all brought by musicians and artists representing their regions. I remember, as a child, being particularly struck by the indigo robes that the Tuareg people wore – I thought the colour was so beautiful and so striking as they walked around the centre-ville. Even then, I think I was aware that I was lucky to be being exposed to the music they brought with them, music so different to what I heard at home. Fatou Seidi Ghali, the guitarist in Les Filles De Illighadad, is the first female Tuareg guitarist. But, apart from anything else, the music is just so extraordinary, and so feeling, and I listen to this record all the time. I love the agility of her playing and of the voices – it’s magic, and it reminds me of the village in the summer, and the blue robes.

Iris DeMent – My Life
A country classic. Another amazing female voice. Country music is profound and also profoundly silly, sometimes you can hear the laughter in her singing. Iris DeMent is so good at telling stories; stories of home, love, death, landscape… She breaks my heart again and again.

Huge thanks to Clara for sharing her ‘Five Favourites’ us! Watch the beautiful new video for her evocative latest single ‘Doubled Over’ below:


Rift, the upcoming debut album from Clara Mann, is set for release on 7th March via state51. Pre-order here.

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