PLAYLIST: March 2017 - GigslutzGigslutz

It’s almost Springtime (March 20th marks the official change in season) so that means lighter evenings, warmer weather, and delightful daffodils popping up all over the shop. It’s also International Women’s Day on the 8th of March, so chuck this motivational playlist on, and get out amongst the flowers whilst celebrating the women who make your/our life great!

Eurythmics & Aretha Franklin – ‘Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves’
It’s International Women’s Day on the 8th of March, and what better way to celebrate than dancing around to this anthem of sisterhood? (Kate Crudgington)

Alexandra Savior – ‘Mirage’
Continuing the theme for International Women’s Day, here’s a female artist I’m really excited about this year. She has a voice to make your knees weak but also a slightly sinister edge to her tunes to suggest she’s not to be fucked with. In general, just painfully cool and a complete badass. (Rob Conlon)

Sleater Kinney – ‘Dig Me Out’
Being International Women’s Day this month, I thought we should include a track from one of my favourite bands; the title track of, what is for me, one of the most important albums ever made. Having been at the fore-front of the Riot Grrrl movement of the ’90s, Sleater Kinney are still making music, and have this year released their new Live In Paris album. And they’re just as inspiring as ever, with singer Corin Tucker recently urging female musicians to “… step out and say ‘This is what I believe in. This is what I’m about.'” (Mari Lane)

Isaac Gracie – ‘All In My Mind’
If you’ve yet to experience the glory of Isaac Gracie’s live performances, you should head down to one of his London shows this month (16th & 20th). He’s penned some heart-breaking ballads that can only truly be appreciated when you’re on the verge of tears watching him sing to a silently appreciative crowd. (KC)

Johnny Lloyd – ‘Running Wild’
Ahead of the release of his Eden EP next month – accompanied by a 7 date headline tour, ex-Tribes frontman Johnny Lloyd has released ‘Running Wild’. And, as is everything he does, it’s lovely; ‘Running Wild’ has got me well and truly excited for Eden. (Melissa Svensen)

Girl Ray – ‘Stupid Things’
Following their last, wonderful single ‘Trouble’, London band Girl Ray are back with another deliciously catchy new track. ‘Stupid Things’ is filled with all the lush vocal harmonies and uptempo scuzzy hooks we’ve come to expect from the band, with an added depth of musicality with rich, twinkling piano melodies flowing throughout. (ML)

Madame So – ‘Black Is Beautiful’
London-based promoters LOUD WOMEN are hosting a launch party for their first compilation album on the 18th of March (event details here), and Madame So’s track is featured on the record. It’s a really poignant track about race and identity, and I was inspired and moved by her lyricism and unique voice. (KC)

PWR BTTM – ‘Big Beautiful Day’
Ahead of their tour next month – where I can (hopefully) finally see PWR BTTM in the flesh – PWR BTTM have shared ‘Big Beautiful Day’. Uplifting, glittery and wonderful (in true PWR BTTM fashion), ‘Big Beautiful Day’ is a reminder to be yourself. (MS)

Sleaford Mods – ‘B.H.S’
The most important band in Britain right now have a new album out and all the hallmarks of what makes them so great are in the lead single. The brilliant DIY aesthetic remains, Jason Williamson’s scathing words continue and Andrew Fearn’s punchy beats thrive. (RC)

Petrol Girls – ‘Touch Me Again’
This is another track that’s featured on LOUD WOMEN’s compilation album, and I had shivers running down my spine as the lead singer screamed the words “Touch me again and I’ll fucking kill you!” repeatedly at the end of the track. The violence and volume of the song match the subject matter; it is a woman’s fundamental right to not have her body touched without consent. It’s something that we shouldn’t have to keep reiterating, but with people like Donald Trump in The White House – songs like this are more important than ever. (KC)

The Tuts – ‘Something Worth Voting For’
I’ve been a big fan of The Tuts since seeing them supporting The Selecter last year. I just love their vibrant pop-punk energy and “sharp tongues and splendid harmonies”, as Pauline Black puts it. And there couldn’t really be a more fitting song than one which exclaims “Give Us Something Worth Voting For”, given the current state of the world right now! (ML)

Marsicans – ‘Friends’
Since first hearing this track, I just can’t get enough of it. Everyone loves a bit of dirty-pop and ‘Friends’ is so refreshingly new and fun that I just can’t help but have it on repeat. Sorry in advance if it gets you too. (MS)

Marina Maximillian – ‘My Boy’
The new single from the Ukranian artist, ‘My Boy’ was inspired by Marina Maximilian’s love for her unborn child – as she says “It’s about the adventure that is life, but also its hidden dangers”. It’s a vintage-inspired sonic delight, oozing glitchy ethereal beats and unique vocals. (ML)

The Cribs – ‘Our Bovine Public’
My favourite family from Wakefield (apologies to my actual family) are off on tour to celebrate the ten year anniversary of Men’s Needs, Women’s Needs, Whatever – so here’s to the Jarmans, and the most criminally underrated British bands since the millennium. (RC)