Emma works in a mind numbingly dull nine to five in her home city of Hull. Friends, nights out and a love of rock music are keeping her sane. When news of Kurt Cobain’s death breaks in 1994, she becomes consumed with anxiety, the death of one of her favourite musicians causing an existential crisis. Her 27th birthday is fast approaching and she fears she may be next to join the club.

So begins a plan to put it right. In this pacy, witty and utterly relatable novel, Lucy Nichol explores issues of finding an in crowd, knowing your place, figuring out what matters, and growing into your own skin. She uncovers what makes Emma tick and how her relationships and friendships keep her going. And she does it all with the passion and fierceness of someone who loves music.

It’s a fiercely pacy novel that perfectly explores coming of age, and what it means to grow into yourself. Insightful, tender and thought provoking it’s an easy read that explores big issues in a relatable way. Although at times a nostalgia trip, it’s certainly not only for anyone who was there.

Nichol is open and honest about her own mental health, and a big advocate for funding, challenging stigma, and being open and honest about it. She writes with the rawness and intensity of someone who has been there.

The novel is already being adapted for stage by Live Theatre and will be taking to the Newcastle stage.

With a focus on community spirit – and all proceeds split between Music Venues Trust #saveourvenues campaign and Shelter – The Lutras have rallied the troops, culminating in more than 40 musicians/artists collaborating on the project including Edinburgh’s Phoenix Choir. 

They said ‘Music Venue Trust are trying to help all independent venues that are on the verge of closing due to Covid, we want to play our part and try help save the venues that have gotten bands like us to where we are today, they’re our bread and butter when it comes to touring and without them bands like us wouldn’t exist. We chose Shelter because, like everyone, we don’t want to see anyone on the streets this Christmas, we want to try help people get food and somewhere to sleep safely this Christmas, nobody deserves to be spending Christmas alone.’

Recently written by the band AND remotely recorded at various venues across the country, Give It Up For Christmas has all the hallmarks of a Christmas classic; sleigh bells, horns and a positive message. Christmas singles have a reputation for being terrible but they have got their drummer’s dad playing a shaker. That’s the recipe for a belter right there…

The seeds of Girl Friday were first planted when guitarist Vera Ellen walked into a friend’s house at UCLA and saw Libby Hsieh playing bass on the couch. Drawn by her unique playing style, Ellen introduced herself, and the two musicians immediately bonded. After a year of playing together, they decided to grow their collaboration into a full band. Drummer Virginia Pettis and guitarist Sierra Scott caught wind of the project from friends of friends, and quickly jumped on board. The fledgling group’s chemistry was undeniable; writing and playing together felt generative and thrilling.

https://soundcloud.com/ekleroshock/sets/andrea-laszlo-de-simone/s-vYWOB

Ned doesn’t want to rest, so is also showing an online gig for subscribers to his newsletter, and running a short story competition. Head to his website to find out more.

He also has this to add: ‘I am there for each and every one of you in whatever way you need. Whether it’s a free music lesson or some content writing or practical advice on managing your time or finances or just someone to sit and listen, please reach out for a chat.’ What a guy.

Of the song, Bardo explains: ‘Please Don’t Tell Me is about being yourself and thinking with your own head. It’s about looking in the mirror and recognizing what you see. It can be very challenging to be an artist these days—there’s so much music in the world, so many musicians and so many outlets for them to share their work. Sometimes it’s hard to focus on your own thing.’

What’s the music scene like in Malta? I’ve been 30 odd times for holiday (family from there!).

I think there are many talented and hardworking musicians and producers in Malta which in my opinion merit a lot more support from the media and the government.

I think it would really benefit the music scene if a quota of local music played on radio stations were to be implemented. What a well-deserved platform this would be for local musicians who are made to compete with big budget worldwide stars.

Having said that, I can’t not mention the continuous hard work and dedication of a few key media people whose life mission is to support and promote local artists.

Why did you move to London?

We moved here to further our education in music. Deborah studied performance and Gian studied sound engineering in educational institutions in London. We feel really lucky that as a result of these experience we have found a space for our music to grow and continue to grow into something that excites us.

Your latest tune is about animal rights, and the previous was about migration. Serious stuff. Can music be used to change hearts and minds? Can pop music save the world?

Absolutely! Music is such a beautiful and clever art form. The world would be an incredibly dull place without it which makes it an important part of people’s lives. It brings people together and people power is exactly what is needed to change the world.

Who influences you?

Musically, we are influenced by different artists, although largely within the same genre. I bring my Agnes Obeland Adna influences and Gian brings his Joy Division and Radiohead influences and it morphs into something that we like.

Lyrically, we are inspired by society and the environment. Being the melting pot it is, London has accented the beauty of diversity in the world for us but also brought to light a lot of injustices in society. We’re also extremely environmentally aware. We feel encouraged to question the status quo and often think about the impact our actions have on our planet. Naturally, this makes its way into our songs.

What’s next for the band?

We’ve got so many exciting plans for the year which we can’t wait to share! Over the next few weeks, we will continue to share material around To The Lions. The music video, which we made with MarieClaire Portelli  out on Friday 20th March. We also have a few surprises and collaborations in store too! We’re also in the process of finalising our next releases and producing a brand new live show.

People can find out what we’re up to by following us on social media..

The band are now four albums in (All Or Nothing is out on February 7th on FatCat Records), and all live in different countries. Despite that, they are as committed and focused as ever. ‘We found ourselves singing about being true to yourself, in an often binary and belligerent digital age, and reclaiming agency when it feels like our personal freedom and privacy is constantly eroding.’