PLAYLIST: October 2022

The Get In Her Ears team have put together another eclectic mix of guitar anthems, electronic sounds & alternative tunes for your listening pleasure this month. 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.

 

CLT DRP – ‘Aftermath’
The latest single from Brighton trio CLT DRP, ‘Aftermath’ is a compelling exploration of the way we process generational trauma following sexual assault, and the internalised guilt and grief that blurs our reactions in its aftermath. It’s a heavy but important listen, that sees vocalist Annie pushing through uncomfortable truths, finding new ways to relate to and process this generational trauma. It’s a powerful listen, and one that will resonate with many GIHE followers. The band have released the single on a 7” vinyl, with the B-side featuring a cover of the track by friends of the band The Big Moon. Order your copy here. (Kate Crudgington)

Miss Grit – ‘Like You’
Released to coincide with the news that they’ve signed to Mute Records, ‘Like You’ is the latest single from Korean-American, non-binary musician Margaret Sohn aka Miss Grit. The track is a magnetic musing, inspired by the film Ex Machina, exploring the conflicting nature of our inner voices. Miss Grit will be playing shows across Europe in October, and they will be playing in London at Amazing Grace on 1st November. (KC)

O Hell – ‘I Watch The Women’
The follow up to their previous releases ‘Down’ and ‘Untangle’, this new track from Brighton-based Lucy Sheehan aka O Hell is underscored by a quiet agitation, exploring the personal confines of imposed femininity. I’ve been repeatedly listening to it for the last month, consistently impressed by Sheehan’s steady vocal and their twitchy, mesmeric sounds. (KC)

Maria Uzor – ‘Solitaire’
We’re super excited to hear that Norwich based vocalist and producer Maria Uzor (also half of faves Sink Ya Teeth) will be releasing her upcoming new EP in December. And now, ahead of the EP release, she has shared this captivating new single ‘Solitaire’. Flowing with a luscious, swirling groove and gnarly beats, it builds with a shimmering, pulsating majesty to a gritty slice of euphoric electro-pop. Oozing her distinctive, spellbinding sweeping vocals, it’s a gloriously uplifting synth-soaked soundscape. (Mari Lane)

AGAAMA – ‘Blackbox Oracle’
The latest single from Birmingham-based artist, composer, vocalist & producer AGAAMA, ‘Blackbox Oracle’ is an intoxicating blend of enigmatic vocals, heady electronic beats and jazz-inspired instrumentation. Taken from her recent EP Wandering Worlds, the track explores our complex relationship with Artificial Intelligence, questioning whether we can live in harmony with the machines we have created. (KC)

Helen Ganya – ‘young girls never die’
Taken from her upcoming album polish the machine, which is set for release on 18th November via Bella Union, this single from Brighton-based artist Helen Ganya is super catchy. Inspired by her reaction to a graph that showed how a male celebrity continued to age, but his girlfriends stayed the same age, Ganya has taken this unsettling concept and dismantled it over glitchy beats, crystalline vocals and altruistic electronics. (KC)

Maury Blu, Peaches – ‘Vashti Part One’
Maury Blu sort of says it all on her Instagram profile: “Recording artist, Prophetess of God & Bad Bitch in General,” LOVE IT! Then throw some Peaches into the mix…absolute gold. (Tash Walker)

Big Joanie – ‘Confident Man’
I’ve said this before, but is it even a GIHE playlist if we don’t include a Big Joanie track? The black feminist punk trio have shared this buzzy new offering ahead of the release of their second album, Back Home, on 4th November, which vocalist & guitarist Steph says is inspired by an essay in Jia Tolentino’s book Trick Mirror, which is about “scam culture and how everyone’s obsessed with con men and their stories.” Steph, Chardine & Estella kindly joined us for a chat about their new music on our most recent Soho Radio show, which you can listen back to here. (KC)

Zahra Haji Fath Ali Tehrani – ‘Waiting’
Whilst you may have come to know her under the moniker of Despicable Zee, Oxford artist Zahra Haji Fath Ali Tehrani has now decided to use her own name for her innovative solo creations. Taken from her upcoming new EP, latest single ‘Waiting‘ showcases Tehrani’s ability to create sweeping, ethereal soundscapes with a shimmering raw emotion. As unique swirling layers of instrumentation are interwoven with crystalline vocals, it’s a beautifully stirring percussion-driven ballad. (ML)

Amaroun – ‘Brown Skin Beauty’
October is Black History Month in the UK, with the theme this year of ‘sharing journeys’. This amazing song, a favourite of mine for so long now, is all about her experience of being Black and queer, and it is now the soundtrack to a podcast I’ve been working on with the wonderful Marc Thompson. He created an Instagram photo archive called Black and Gay, Back in the Day, which we’ve turned into a podcast of intergenerational conversations between younger and older Black Queer people all about the photos from the archive. Check out more wherever you get your podcasts, and the Instagram account Black and Gay, Back in the Day to see the amazing photos the series centres around. (TW)

Perera Elsewhere – ‘Who I Am’
Perera Elsewhere’s latest single, taken from her recent album Home, released via Friends of Friends. Of the song she says, “We are many people inside one person…our ancestors, present and future and a whole bunch of brainwashing, marketing, conformity, institutionalised religion and an almost branded rebellion against those things.” Perera continues: “The internet is a catalyst and a centrifuge. Thus the ongoing question of ‘Who I Am’ remains: a journey to get to the core of yourself even if your self is a construction in itself. This journey straddles individuality, identity and the simulation of spirituality and authenticity, all ideas/things that the post-materialist societies are obsessed with…” and what a beat on this track too. (TW)

Connie Constance – ‘Mood Hoover’
I cannot get enough of Connie Constance’s voice on her latest single! ‘Mood Hoover’ is such an on point way to describe someone too. (TW)

Coco – ‘Rough Water’
Formed in 2019, Coco is a collaborative project consisting of Maia Friedman (The Dirty Projectors), Dan Molad (Lucius), and Oliver Hill (Pavo Pavo). The first single since the release of their self titled debut album last year, ‘Rough Water’ fizzes with whirring hooks and an anthemic energy as luscious harmonies flow. An instantly catchy offering, propelled by a colourful groove reminiscent of uptempo ‘70s psych-pop hits. (ML)

Teri Gender Bender – ‘The Get Up’
I saw Mexican-born artist Teri Gender Bender live at Moth Club when they were fronting Le Butcherettes a few years ago, and I was dazzled by their natural stage presence. I’m new to their solo work, but it brims with Teri’s eccentricity and warmth, whilst remaining a little obscure – the dream combination. ‘The Get Up’ is taken from Teri’s upcoming EP, SATURN SEX, which is set for release on 21st October via Clouds Hill. (KC)

Ghost Car – ‘Selfish, Spoiled’
The latest single from London-based international band Ghost Car, ‘Selfish, Spoiled’ is a reflection on how hard the music industry can be for people from working class backgrounds. Propelled by a fuzzy allure, it oozes all the quirky charisma and swirling, synth-driven sounds we’ve come to know and love from the band. Juxtaposing the distinctive honey-sweet with a gritty, haunting aura, it’s a glorious slice of whimsical post-punk. Truly Trash, the debut album from Ghost Car, is out 28th October via One Little Independent Records (ML)

Jemma Freeman & The Cosmic Something – ‘Easy Peeler’
Ahead of the release of their second album next month, GIHE fave Jemma Freeman and the Cosmic Something has shared an earth-shattering new single. Propelled by a frantic energy, ‘Easy Peeler’ blasts into the ears with a soaring, raw power. Oozing a frenzied, psychedelic fury as it rages against the horrors of this patriarchal society, it’s a sparkling slice of majestic glam-rock. Miffed, the upcoming album from Jemma Freeman and the Cosmic Something, is out on 25th November via Trapped Animal Records. And make sure you catch them live playing for us at The Victoria on 14th October with support from KIN and Trouble Wanted – tickets here. (ML)

Grandmas House – ‘Body’
Full of candid vocals, cathartic lyrics and boisterous riffs, I love this track from GIHE faves Grandmas House. Speaking about the track, the Bristol trio explain ‘Body’ is “an anthem for anyone that’s ever felt uncomfortable in their own skin,” which I’m sure will resonate with many of our followers & listeners. (KC)

Brutus – ‘Victoria’
A cathartic reflection on teenage angst, growing up, and the solidarity that comes from facing up to these inevitable parts of life together, I love this single from Belgian heavy trio Brutus. Lifted from their upcoming third album Unison Life, which is set for release on 21st October via Hassle Records/Sargent House, I’ve been listening to it on repeat in anticipation of their headline show at The Garage in November. (KC)

A VOID – ‘Newspapers’
Two parts French, one part English, London-based A Void have recently released their new album, Dissociation. Taken from the album, latest single ‘Newspapers’ builds with the gritty scuzz of jangly guitars alongside rich, soulful vocals, as thrashing beats race with a fierce energy reminiscent of early Garbage. (ML)

Bikini Kill – ‘Double Dare Ya’
The Get In Her Ears website turns FIVE this month! I thought I’d celebrate by adding a Bikini Kill classic to our October playlist, because they’re a band who inspired us to create the Get In Her Ears radio show back in 2015, and then to grow the platform into a full website and live night too. It’s a privilege and a pleasure to work with two of my best friends Mari and Tash, and to share the work of so many talented musicians on this website. Thanks to everyone who has engaged with our corner of the internet so far. We’re always open to expanding our writing team, so if you’d like to get involved – even if you have no previous writing experience – please drop us a line. Contact details here. (KC)

New Pagans – ‘Better People’
Far removed from the righteous fury of the songs that formed their debut album, The Seed, The Vessel, The Roots and All, but still brimming with a strong social conscience, ‘Better People’ is Belfast-based band New Pagans’ ode to pushing through collective doubt, and veering towards hope instead of despair. (KC)

The Hyena Kill – ‘Cauterised’
I caught The Hyena Kill supporting Holy Fawn at 229 recently, and their set reminded me why you should always turn up early to see the other acts that are on the bill. Their heavy, bruising sounds thundered through the venue, commanded by drummer Lorna Blundell’s knockout percussion. Definitely catch them next time they’re in town. (KC)

Softcult – ‘One Of a Million’
I’m so glad that Canadian twin sibling duo Softcult are back with this lush, swirling new anthem. Urging listeners to recognise that “we are all more the same than different”, ‘One Of a Million’ is another atmospheric, bittersweet offering from the pair that’s perfect listening for the darker Autumn nights ahead. (KC)

th’sheridans – ‘Luka’
The latest single from indie-pop duo th’sheridans, ‘Luka’ is a cover of Suzanne Vega’s 1987 poignant country-pop classic. Whilst maintaining all the heartfelt twinkling emotion of the original as it tackles the song’s affecting theme of child abuse, it also oozes a unique fuzzy musicality and a beautiful lillting grace. (ML)

Roller Derby – ‘Only You’
Having first fallen in love with Hamburg-based indie trio Roller Derby when they supported Lunar Vacation live at Moth Club earlier this year, I was super happy to hear they had a new single out last month. Oozing a blissful allure, ‘Only You‘ flows with lilting hooks and the honey-sweet vocals of Philine Meyer as it builds with a shimmering, uplifting grace and Twin Peaks-esque eerie undertones to a truly euphoric soundscape propelled by a vibrant ’60s surf-pop energy. ‘Only You’ is out now via Practise Music. (ML)

Knife Girl – ‘Never Let Go’
A hazy, euphoric tune that meanders through early memories of a new love, this is the latest single from Finland’s Knife Girl. The track is lifted from her new album Uniform, which is described as “a mature summation of her sonic endeavours thus far.” Written when she was struggling with gender dysphoria whilst living in Japan, it’s a genre-spanding celebration, and acceptance of her new identity. (KC)

Jessica Winter – ‘Choreograph’
Jessica Winter’s gloomy girl banger ‘Sad Music’ got me through lockdown in 2020, so I’m thrilled to see she’s back with this majestic new alt-pop tune. I fully endorse dancing in the rain to it like she does in the accompanying video too, which you can watch here. (KC)

Husk – ‘Crush’
A catchy, danceable ‘tranthem’ of self-love, ‘Crush‘ is the latest single from Manchester queer artist Husk. A call to go against society’s expectations and love yourself, it’s propelled by vibrant beats and a colourful, ’80s-reminiscent groove; a glistening offering oozing all the uplifting vibes and shimmering energy needed to dance together in unity. (ML)

The Go! Team – ‘Divebomb’
Eighteen years after their debut LP, total faves The Go! Team have now announced a brand new album. Taken from the album, ‘Divebomb’ is an ode to Pro Choice activism, offering a perfect blast of colourful energy. Fizzing with frenzied layers of instrumentation and a racing drive, it’s an utterly joyous dose of sweeping euphoria. Get Up Sequences Part 2, the new album from The Go! Team, is set for release on 3rd February 2023 via Memphis Industries. (ML)

TSHA, Clementine Douglas – ‘Dancing In The Shadows’
This is song is SO GOOD, I can’t not move when I hear it! I hope it has the same impact on you too. (TW)

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Introducing Interview: Zahra Haji Fath Ali Tehrani

Whilst you may have come to know her under the moniker of Despicable Zee, Oxford artist Zahra Haji Fath Ali Tehrani has now decided to use her own name for her innovative solo creations. Taken from her upcoming new EP, latest single ‘Waiting‘ showcases Tehrani’s ability to create sweeping, ethereal soundscapes with a shimmering raw emotion. As unique swirling layers of instrumentation are interwoven with crystalline vocals, this new offering is a beautifully stirring percussion-driven ballad, oozing a truly captivating majesty.

We caught up with Zahra to discuss about what has inspired her to create over the years, the influences behind ‘Waiting’, her experience of the music industry, and more. Have a read, and then make sure you watch the accompanying beautiful video for ‘Waiting’, made with Oxford/London-based textile artist Shoshana Kessler.

Hi Zahra, welcome to Get In Her Ears! Can you tell us a bit about yourself? 
I’m Zahra – a community connector working alongside various organisations in Oxford, mainly to explore diversifying music and space. I’m the director of YWMP which is a twenty two year old music education charity supporting young people to access music – whether that be trying an instrument out for the first time or booking their first show. I’m a percussionist who learnt how to use music production software and now I make beats with my voice and sounds around the room I’m in. I’m also a single parent who is passionate about alternative education; I’m a survivor of domestic abuse; a second generation immigrant raised up in the most unaffordable city in the UK. Navigating the hurdles I’ve faced hasn’t been easy, but supporting others to create and channelling the stress I experience through making music of my own has helped me through some of the toughest times. 

Are you able to tell us a bit about how and why you initially started creating music? 
When I was a kid I used to help my mom clean student houses, and I remember sitting in one of the living rooms with a guitar and plucking the strings open for maybe thirty minutes straight whilst she was busy scrubbing the bathrooms and upstairs bedrooms – I was pretty scared I’d get caught making noise but something about the drone, the vibration of playing this guitar had me hooked. I ended up having a couple of lessons at school but didn’t take to it so well, then a bit later on I got a drum kit from someone my dad worked with for twenty quid. I learnt to set it up from the manual it came with and started drumming along to my favourite tracks at the time. I then found a local music project which helped me start writing, recording and performing live, and stumbled across Kate Garrett (the founder of YWMP) who listened to what I had to say and provided a space for me to play without judgement; this was exactly what I needed as a teenager and her support provided me with a great platform for the future.

We love your beautifully ethereal sounds, but who would you say are your main musical influences?
Thank you! I would say drum patterns and solid vibrations get me going across all genres. I listen to a lot of R’n’B, pop, afrobeat, dancehall and songs from the SWANA region. Seeing artists live feels like a rehearsal, I tend to get more inspiration for my music that way rather than the music I vibe to day-to-day. It’s kind of odd to me that what I create just comes out, I don’t plan or have a fixed idea of what I want – I try not to tamper with things too much once they are down and just aim to capture the moment rather than replicate a sound/genre/artist.

You’ve recently released your captivating new single ‘Waiting’– Are you able to tell us a bit about it? 
I spotted a friend walking across the street and they were locked into whatever they were doing, but beaming and super content with their pals en-route somewhere. I just started jotting stuff down that day on my notes app – I was in my bubble taking my kid to the park but noticing that kind of joy from a distance felt special, I was a part of it in some way. We’ve all done it, put the outward projection of someone on a pedestal – whether it was genuine or not, I felt connected in that moment to something bigger than me and the turmoil that was unfolding in my personal life. I started to build a track around the feelings I was experiencing around that time; the want to move on from a long and difficult break-up that was muddled up with a family court case, but trying to be patient with myself, allowing myself the time to begin to heal but also protect myself in new encounters. I wrote a loop on the steel pan, bass and with a quick vocal line for a completely different project, but it seemed to fit pretty well with these lyrics and the song kind of grew around it – its the happiest song I’ve ever written, and to be honest it’s really not that happy…

Being based in Oxford, do you get to see lots of live music? Would you say it’s recovered since the pandemic?
Tough question – I’ve notices a lot of touring acts avoid Oxford. I’m not surprised with the lack of live music venues, but we do have one great promoter who never fails and that’s Divine Schism. I have been so supported by them, both as a punter showing up to gigs with my kid just looking for somewhere to be, and being given the chance to perform with some of my favourite people. They are challenging what other promoters are doing in the city by making a point of diversifying their line-ups and making shows as accessible as possible without being tokenistic. I think Oxford’s music scene still need s a good shake up, but first of all we need a decent grassroots live music venue, preferably not run by older cis-het white men. 

And what can fans expect from your live shows?  
All I can hear in my head is the Wealdstone Raider saying “You’ve got no fans!” Seriously though, if you come to one of my shows I will likely be joined by Julia Meijer and Darcie Chazen who accompany me on steel pan, drums, other bits of percussion and vocals. We all swap around and attempt to recreate some of the layers of my tracks live, which is fun. Expect sad songs with uplifting chats in-between. I have reimagined some of my older Despicable Zee tracks with this setup too. 

How do you feel the industry is for new artists at the moment? And do you feel much has changed over the last few years in its treatment of female and queer/LGBTQ+  artists? 
I do feel it’s a tough time for emerging artists, things are oversaturated and the focus has switched so much to tiktok – short tracks with a race to get getting play-listed. It seems to be a product of the lack of live music over the recent few years and a backlog of unreleased music from major acts. I would say that marginalised artists have built spaces to emerge from and those are being highlighted more – the excitement to be together and take up space is key right now which is making a huge difference, and seeing an enquiry being made into misogyny in music across the UK is promising. I’m seeing more marginalised people in positions of power in a gig setting – doing lighting/sound/promotion and rebuilding many of the grass roots music/creative/queer spaces/scenes. Its not a huge change, but definitely noticeably different from when I was growing up and playing in punk bands. 

As we’re a new music focused site, are there any other upcoming artists you’re loving right now that you’d recommend we check out?
Julia Meijer, Tiiva, Jenny Moore, Uwade, Dream Phone…

What does the rest of the year have in store for you? 
I have some shows coming up in London and Oxford, a second music video for ‘Waiting’ coming out soon and maybe even another single before the year is out…! Next up I’ll be supporting Jenny Moore at Servant Jazz Quarters on 14th September – tickets here.

Massive thanks to Zahra for answering our questions! Watch the new video for ‘Waiting’ below:

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Track Of The Day: Zahra Haji Fath Ali Tehrani – ‘They Say’

An intuitive wish for peace of mind for her self and for her son, musician & producer Zahra Haji Fath Ali Tehrani has shared her new single ‘They Say’. Full of hypnotic steel pan drums and body percussion inspired by a type of Persian prayer, the track is a meditative reflection on connecting maternal instincts to protect with the universal energies of love and survival.

Informed by her recovery from trauma and her hard won emotional resilience, ‘They Say’ is Zahra’s way of coming to terms with her difficult past and finding light in the darkness. Repeating the reassuring mantra of ““It’ll pass they say / time heals they say” in her lyrics, she gives the sentiment space to reverberate gently within listener’s heads, helping them to slow down and become present too.

The track is accompanied by a celestial set of visuals featuring Zahra and directed by Nia Fekri. Inspired by Celtic folkore, the power of the moon and the ebb and flow of water, the video shows Zahra moving amongst these elements, mirroring the unexpected depth of emotions, both positive and negative, that she encountered on her journey to recovery. Flowing with good intentions, ‘They Say’ is a tender, positive affirmation of personal strength.

Watch the video for ‘They Say’ below.

Follow Zahra Haji Fath Ali Tehrani on Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Photo Credit: Dawn Parsonage

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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