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Articles by Donna Craine
Interview with tiLLie ahead of her UK tour supporting Delilah Bon
tiLLie is a genre-defying singer hailed by BBC Radio’s Jack Saunders as “a maverick artist born from the gates of Hell”. Self-categorising her music as “Nightmare Pop”, tiLLie effortlessly blends bright, ear-worm pop melodies over brooding, hard-hitting instrumentals rooted in nu metal and 90’s electronic sensibilities. How would you describe your music? One time I was in a session with my regular collaborators, and I think we called it ‘nightmare pop’.
Donna Craine’s LOUD WOMEN FEST live review - with photos by Ste Morris
I’ve been reflecting on what I love so much about the entire LOUD WOMEN movement for a while now, the reasons are complex and many also describe why I love the festival. This year, LOUD WOMEN demonstrated that inclusivity doesn’t mean just catering to one group, but finding a way that the widest range of people possible can enjoy a great experience together, whilst feeling safe and accepted. After attending LOUD WOMEN Fest last year, I have been excited about the big day for months.
Exclusive preview! Feral as Everr by BANGZZ, who play LOUD WOMEN Fest on 7 Sept 2024
North Carolina based duo BANGZZ got in touch with us ahead of LOUD WOMEN FEST, to offer us an exclusive listen to their new song, ‘Feral as Everr’. We are so glad they did! Feral as Everr will be the first single off their new album which is brilliantly titled ‘Maybe She’s Born with it, Maybe it’s a Trauma Response’. BANGZZ singer and guitarist Erika Libero said, “This song is absolutely about finding your true authentic self.
Millie Manders & the Shut Up unleash a triumphant second album: Wake Up, Shut Up, Work
Second albums are meant to be difficult – but this is a triumph. Wake Up, Shut Up, Work is the second album of Millie Manders and The Shutup. I experience this as a ska-adjacent, punk narrative on contemporary world problems. This album displays a vulnerable ache for a better world, whilst being a call to action. Millie, a staunch vegan and advocate for trans rights and women’s rights, saw an opportunity to address the ongoing issue of gender inequality across all aspects of the music industry.
Madame Electrifie: Beat-Herder interview
Massive thanks to Madame Electrifie (AKA Little Jo), who took some time to answer some questions after the Beat-Herder festival. Giving important advice to up-and-coming artists and male promoters, this is a must-read for anyone in the music industry. Fusing the best vintage beats with the best of the modern age; Madame Electrifie takes classic grooves and threads through everything from hip hop and funk, to house, disco, bass and breaks to create a raucous dancefloor-focused party.
Charlotte Devaney: Beat-Herder interview
As part of my visit to Beat-Herder this year, meeting Charlotte Devaney was an absolute highlight. Multi-genre maverick, industry mover, floor shaker. Charlotte Devaney sets serious benchmarks. DJ, Producer, Platinum Selling Artist , Actor, Director, Activist and many roles in between; Charlotte’s whole adult life has been entrenched in rave and underground dance music culture since her earliest manoeuvres on pirate radio and as a founding member of the pioneering dance troupe the Narni Shakers.
Grace Garcia: Beat-Herder interview
Grace Garcia was invited back to Beat-Herder by popular demand after her successful debut last year. The up-and-coming DJ has been making waves across the country with her fresh spin on disco house and her uplifting performances. I caught her set last year and it was a funky delight so I was really pleased to interview her. Where/how did your career in music start?
Interview with Infrared
I met Infrared at Beat-Herder festival and not only were they the nicest humans ever but they spoke so eloquently and beautifully about the grassroots music scene in Darwen, their friend who set up Sunbird Records and their experiences of being a woman in the industry. Infrared are female DJs from Darwen played the formidable Fortress this year – a castle crafted from corrugated metal, and hosting DJs playing breaks, beats, techno and house. Where and how did your career in music start?
Beat-Herder: Festival Review
Before I get into raving (pun intended) about the festival and artists. I just want to acknowledge Beat-Herder’s triumph over adversity in what has seemingly been a trying time for everyone in the arts. In my preview, I referred to Beat-Herder’s announcement about creating a ‘bijou Beat-Herder’ and reducing the size and capacity. In this statement they said ‘The savage economic realities have put us in a bit of a pickle.
Bamboozled by Bamboozle
Bamboozle’s lead singer and double bass player, Serena (AKA The Bass Pixie) has been a huge influence in my music and has given me loads of support as I’ve learned to play double bass – I initially contacted her because I thought Bamboozle were brilliant and she was easily the best double bass player I’d come across. They are all fantastic humans, and I love their new independently-released EP, Bamboozled. Here’s my thoughts on each of the four tracks.
Happy 15th Birthday Bearded Theory: festival review
Admittedly, we were scared. There’s a big group of us that go every year. We were all watching the weather nervously, praying to our festival deities that the weather would improve. It did, then it didn’t, then it did again. I was told by about 500 people that “It never rains at Bearded”. I believed them. It’s never rained whilst I’ve been there, we were all confused. I’ve often heard it said (possibly by myself) that there are three things that make a festival: the people, the weather and the line up.
The Beat-Herder Festival: The intimate rave is coming!
The Beat-Herder Festival is happening 18-21 July - Dockbar Farm, Lancashire. Tickets here The Beat-Herder Festival recently put out an impassioned statement about changes to the festival for 2024. After a series of other festivals called a fallow year this year, citing risings costs as the issue, Beat-Herder are taking a different approach: reducing the capacity of the festival whilst still keeping the vibe, the line up and ‘tubes, tunnels, flames, flags, bubbles, bells and whistles’ intact.
Focus Wales: live review
I arrived at a car park in Wrexham and whilst confusedly staring at the parking ticket machine, was offered a parking ticket from a passer-by. Arriving at Tŷ Pawb to collect my wrist band I discovered a food court, where I bought some great veggie gyros from the Pie’d Pie’per. I sat down and quickly made friends with the people around me. This was my initial perception of the festival; lovely, friendly and keen to meet your needs. This experience continued throughout.
COWZ have got some Bad News for you
Brighton based alt pop duo COWZ have brought a new level of intensity to their music with ‘Bad News’ – and it’s our #trackoftheday today! They said it ‘is a scathing takedown of abusive men and the people that enable them’ and I feel it. It’s a feisty and catchy representation of the mood of women here and now, giving a two-fingered salute to anyone who has hurt us and continues to hurt others. This is a song that works because of incongruences.
Rosie Frater-Taylor talks about her new album ‘Featherweight’, her upcoming tour, being a loud woman, and her wonder at the moon
Donna Craine meets Rosie Frater-Taylor, the super-talented former jazz artist, who is on a genre takedown. She talks about her new album ‘Featherweight’, her upcoming tour, being a loud woman, and her wonder at the moon. VIDEO Like this: Like Loading... Related
Haiku Hands in Leeds
Live review: Haiku Hands at Brudenell Social Club, Leeds – 25 Jan When there was a shout out at LOUD WOMEN HQ asking for reviewers for this gig, at one of my favourite venues, I knew I’d have to brave the weather and venture out on a school night because this band was not to be missed. All of that was based on one video: ‘Ma Ruler’. Haiku Hands are an alt-EDM outfit from Sydney and Melbourne, Australia. The group consists of Claire Nakazawa, Beatrice Lewis, Mie Nakazawa.
Delilah Bon: WITCH (Ft. Alt Black Era)
In August (on the anniversary of the Lancashire witch trials), I wandered up the Pendle Hill to pay homage to all women who have been tried as witches and murdered. I allowed myself to feel some of the rage that this song has put words to.
LOUD WOMEN Fest 2023: live review
A festival: held indoors, with minimal travel between stages, where most acts are staggered so you don’t miss any, with no bar queues and clean toilets? What festival witchery is this? Not only that but a lovely, inclusive festival that felt safe, friendly and respectful. More importantly, a festival with incredible bands – that happened to be fronted by female / non binary artists. Well done LOUD WOMEN. It was banging. Let me set the scene.
Beat-Herder Festival review: lovely, friendly and a bit soggy
I first came across Beat-Herder festival last year when my mum asked to go to a festival for her birthday and now it appears my mum, myself and Festie Rach have a new tradition – I suspect every July from now on will be dominated by the prep for, attendance and recovery of the absolute spectacle that is Beat-Herder. Let me talk about the lovely Beat-Herder accessibility team. The previous two years we have applied for accessibility for my mum, who requires walking aids.
Glastonbury 2023 - festival review
Glastonbury Festival is not only my favourite festival but the most beautiful place I’ve ever been. It’s as close to a spiritual experience as I am ever likely to have. The people, music, art, activism, excitement, crowds, inclusivity, noise, food (especially the Vegan Corn Dogs), costumes and even the walking. There isn’t a part of it that I am not completely in love with. In saying all of the above, it’s not perfect.
I, Doris: HRT - Single of the Week
Our Single of the Week is the fabulous new single by the London-based mummycore kitchenpunk band I, Doris. Released today, their new song ‘HRT’, is a clap-along banger, containing a driving bassline, catchy keytar bop and enormous guitar riffs. This song speaks to the frustrations and challenges of navigating the healthcare system, particularly when it comes to accessing hormone replacement therapy.
Bearded Theory Festival 2023 – What all festivals should strive to be
All photos by Ste It was my second Bearded Theory but my friends have been going for over a decade and have been telling me for years that I would love it. They were right. There has been a change of hands in the management recently and from the chat on social media, I think lots of people were fearful it might become too commercial. I think our fears can be eased, folks. It was just gorgeous.
Róisín Murphy: live review
Róisín Murphy at Albert Hall, Manchester, 10 May 2023 Róisín, an Irish singer songwriter moved to Manchester at 15. She now lives in Ibiza but there is a special love for her here, you can tell. Known for 90’s EDM band Moloko, also has an extensive back catalogue of solo tracks, mixes and albums. She has been part of the Manchester dance seen for a long as I can remember, often seen on line ups with well known DJ’s such as Luka una (AKA Unabombers).
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