This segment features artists who have submitted their tracks/videos to She Makes Music. If you would like to be featured here then please send an e-mail to helen@shemakesmusic.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you!
The Creature Appeal
Birmingham indie natives, The Creature Appeal, have just released their latest single, ‘The Getaway’, available on all major streaming platforms now. ‘The Getaway’ originally started as scribble on an office notepad, as a hopeful keepsake that there would indeed be a morning worth getting out of bed for. For the first time, the band add soft piano keys to their usual mix of soaring guitars and soulful vocals. Listen below.
Surly Grrly
Minneapolis-based queercore band Surly Grrly released their hard-hitting new single, ‘Heroes,’ on Election Day, November 5. The punchy track critiques society’s tendency to place powerful men on pedestals, only to be shocked when they inevitably abuse their power. With nods to the current political climate, ‘Heroes’ captures the frustration with this repeated cycle, challenging listeners to question why we continue to be surprised by behavior that seems inevitable. Driven by a catchy beat, anthem-like chorus, and Surly Grrly’s signature DIY punk sound, ‘Heroes’ will resonate with fans of riot grrrl, punk, pop, and beyond. The song’s chorus was sparked by a conversation between lead vocalist/guitarist Medbh McNamara and guitarist/vocalist Eloïse Boigenzahn about a domestic abuse case dominating the media. As they expressed shock, they began to ask, “why are we surprised?” Time and again, public figures—artists, politicians, influencers—are exposed as abusers. We regularly see this pattern of abuse both on a large scale and within our own communities. Those in power (typically men) exploit their positions and use toxic male solidarity to shield themselves from consequences, which is yet another method for the patriarchy to oppress and control women and marginalized communities. Surly Grrly’s mission as a band is to push back against that, encouraging listeners to join them in cathartic moshing and screaming. Boigenzahn recalls the moment the chorus was created: “I was paddleboarding with my mom early in the morning, a few days after Medbh and I were talking about it, and a little tune started to pop into my head. I had to paddle away to record myself singing the melody.” McNamara comments on the frustrations that led to the development of the song: “I’m so fucking tired of women being called man-haters when we’re simply fed up with the constant disappointment and trauma caused by men. I no longer have the energy to be surprised when a powerful man is exposed as an abuser, but I’m scared that our exhaustion will turn into apathy. We are tired, but we cannot accept this as the norm. This song is a way to fuel the fire to keep pushing against abuses of power.” Working on their second record, Surly Grrly is a Minneapolis-based queercore protest band that combines fun with feminist fury, unapologetically smashing the patriarchy. They have been a rising voice in the feminist punk scene, known for their high-energy live shows and rebellious, politically-driven lyrics tackling bigotry, queerphobia, and misogyny head-on. Listen to ‘Heroes’ below.
Mersey Wylie
Acclaimed Liverpool musician Mersey Wylie returns with new single ‘Woman’. The long-awaited release is her first since 2018’s critically lauded EP, The Skin I Live In, and she’s back with her signature blend of neo-soul, jazz and alternative-pop. ‘Woman’ is a powerful commentary on violence against women, societal pressures and highlighting feminine strength. Mersey says: “I wrote ‘Woman’ a few years ago in response to some brutal violence against women, and the minimisation of this in the media. Women were often described only in relation to the men in their lives, and men were encouraged to imagine ‘if she was your daughter or mother’ in order to empathise and contextualise these atrocities, which felt so dehumanising. It then bloomed into a song about conforming to societal pressures, being measured by superficial standards, a fury at the way sexual assault victims are treated by the media and the courts, and ultimately taking back that power.” Liste below.
Laura Dia
After her versatile and soulful debut visual EP; Laura Dia makes a gear-shift with new single ‘End Of The Night!’. Laura says, “I wrote it after I put out this tweet: “I love a man that’ll grab your hand and say ‘Let me show you something'”. This tweet from @imdrebrown sums up the vibe though: “I love meeting someone in the club and we be in a relationship for the entire night” This is the start of a new era for me. Although R&B has always been my main love I also like popular music and it’s where I see my music going. Being the future R&B-Pop hits. This is an intro to that vision..” Listen below.
Gaisma
Born in Latvia, Alisa (Gaisma) has been immersed in music and dance since childhood. Alisa’s musical journey began early on in her hometown of Riga, where she took acting and singing lessons, while also learning piano and violin. Later, she taught herself guitar and music production. Her love for analog equipment and old-school gear quickly grew, and she incorporated these elements into her live sets. In addition to her musical work, Alisa is also actively engaged in visual projects. Her creative portfolio includes both analog and digital photography, where she works both behind and in front of the camera, as well as collages and video art. These visual pieces often intersect with her music, creating a symbiosis of auditory and visual experiences. In her works, Alisa acts as composer, cinematographer, and performer, blending choreography and improvisation into a contemporary form of movement. With her new album as Gaisma, Motherland, Alisa is venturing into alternative hip-hop and contemporary R&B, exploring her rap voice and expanding her artistic boundaries. This album reflects her ongoing evolution as a multifaceted artist, merging the different elements of her creative practice into a cohesive, forward-thinking sound. Stand out track ‘White Shirt’ is a call for greater reflection and awareness of our surroundings, encouraging us to stay true to ourselves and move confidently through life. Listen below.
Jess Allardice
Jess Allardice is a singer-songwriter from Glasgow with a distinct sound influenced by the likes of Amy Winehouse, Paolo Nutini, Erykah Badu, and Lauryn Hill. Known for her soulful voice and deep, introspective lyrics, Jess blends R&B and alternative music with philosophical and existential themes that invite listeners to explore their own spirituality and identity. After years of refining her craft, Jess is now introducing her unique perspective to the world with her debut single ‘FINNA KIN.’ Jess studied Commercial Music at the University of the West of Scotland, where she honed her performance and songwriting skills. Her musical journey includes playing in bands with notable artists like Lewis Capaldi and interning at Morsecode Studios with industry veteran Brendan Moon (discovered artist Paolo Nutini) , where she learned the essence of artist management. This background, combined with her rich influences, has laid the foundation for her impactful debut release. ‘FINNA KIN’ combines deep-rooted spiritual themes with modern R&B and soul vibes. The title, merging the slang term “finna” (meaning “going to be”) and “kin” (representing relations or connections), symbolizes the universal oneness Jess seeks to convey. In her own words, “We are all spiritually connected, and our experiences, though unique, bring us together in one larger collective.” Listen below.
Mythora
Mythora, the dynamic three-piece alternative rock band fronted by powerhouse vocalist Jessie Rose, proudly unveils their latest single, ‘I Didn’t Know.’ An emotionally charged track that navigates the complex terrain of heartbreak, betrayal, and resilience. Fusing vulnerability with empowering energy, Mythora’s latest single is set to resonate deeply with listeners who have experienced the tumultuous ups and downs of love. ‘I Didn’t Know’ is more than just a song—it’s an emotional journey. Blending gritty guitar riffs and driving percussion with infectious melody and raw lyricism. Featuring a soulful, introspective pre-chorus that builds a powerful sense of tension, the song erupts into an infectious, sing-along chorus that captures the raw yet relatable experience of lost love and unexpected strength. “We wanted to honour the innocence and vulnerability that a person has when they fall for a person’s inauthentic charm” says Jessie. “‘I Didn’t Know’ reflects the realisation and heartbreak that deception brings and reminds the listener of their personal power and instincts which is especially important after being gaslit.” Listen below.
Lauren Rintoul
After a two-year hiatus, Lauren Rintoul is back with ‘Downpour’, a striking new single that ushers in the next phase of her artistic journey. This glitch-infused ballad dives into the tension of holding back emotions to protect the people around you from feeling the same. Produced with her friend Charlotte (@sillylittlesongwriter), ‘Downpour’ weaves dense, evocative lyrics with an unforgettable mix of vocal chops, synths, and a bassline that lands with intensity. The track builds toward an explosive finish, blurring the lines between organic and electronic, revealing Lauren’s gift for pairing raw emotion with genre-defying production. “’Downpour’ came from a time when I felt like sharing my struggles affected those around me in ways I didn’t intend,” Lauren explains. “All of a sudden I realized that when I talked about negative feelings i was having, it would trigger a waterfall of everyone around me also going through it” Listen below.
Sara De Santis
Sara is a London-based, Italian-born multi-instrumentalist,pianist/keyboardist, songwriter, and producer who has been an integral part of the London music scene for over 10 years. Having honed her skills as a session musician, Sara has collaborated with an impressive roster of artists, including Tom Chaplin, Priya Ragu, Kindness, Tricky, Art School Girlfriend, Mya Mehmi, Rosie Lowe, Tupac Martir (Cosmos Within Us – Satore Studio), Sundara Karma, Suki Waterhouse, Dagny, Claudia Kane, Francesca Belmonte, Mai Kino. Known for her versatility and artistic depth, Sara has recently embarked on an exciting new chapter as a self-releasing artist. Her original compositions are a captivating blend of neoclassical tradition, pop, folk, and contemporary jazz, all infused with a cinematic quality that reflects the wide-ranging influences she’s absorbed throughout her career. ‘WINTER’ marks Sara’s long-awaited debut, a gentle offering of how the season steals in, unbidden, catching her unaware as it strips the world bare. She stands at the threshold, resisting the pull of emotional solitude ushered in by the traitorous cold. In closing one’s eyes, there is a surrender—a quiet hope—as light breaks through, offering one last moment of warmth before the cold fully takes over. It’s a poetic dance of vulnerability, resilience, and fleeting beauty. Listen below.
Creeping Embers
Creeping Embers Live At The Brunswick is the debut release for genre-hopping Queercore punks, Creeping Embers. A simple and compact EP containing three live demo tracks, their individual sounds range greatly. The third and final piece of music is the heavily politically charged ‘Curb Stomp Your Local Nonce’ speaks for it before you even hear a single note. Written about the corruption within the music scene that allows pedophiles to take advantage of underage fans and musicians by infiltrating their spaces, ‘Curb Stomp Your Local Nonce’ is a harsh and biting tune with heavily screamed vocals, and aggressive instrumentals. The band themselves are very politically inclined and believe in standing up for what is right, regardless of if it isn’t palatable to everyone who hears it. Listen below.
Check out more of our recent submissions via the playlist below!
