Darling Zine

by Emily Duff Sold-out Tramlines Festival will go ahead at full capacity in Sheffield’s Hillsborough Park from July 23rd to 25th as part of Events Research Programme following the likes of Download Festival that successfully took place over the 4th-6th or June.    Announced just twenty five minutes ago (12pm, June 29th) that it will join the third phase of the Government’s Events Research Programme, this means the sold-out music festival will definitely take place at full capacity on 23rd to 25th July.    With huge names like The Streets, Royal Blood and Richard Ashcroft headlining alongside Little Simz, BLOXX and others - Tramlines has a world-class lineup of music and culture prepared for the last weekend in July.    Tramlines’ participation in the programme means the festival can go ahead independently of national reopening dates - meaning it’s not dependent on the loose July 19th date - and the audience will be able to enjoy the event without compulsory social distancing or masks.

 by Emily Jackson New York-based singer-songwriter Brianna Knight’s latest track, 'So Deep', is a declaration of love without any soppiness; it’s pure soul. With a voice like honey that oozes power and control at the mastery level of some of her biggest influences (Lauryn Hill and H.E.R.), Brianna’s vocals soar.  ‘So Deep’ is an intoxicating listen and in just under three minutes, Knight sells you a whole story about fun, lust-filled young love. The heavy funk bass line evokes nostalgia, making you want to get up and dance, whilst keeping things contemporary by being an upbeat tale of passion rather than your bog-standard ballad. Brianna’s sound blends 90’s R’n’B with a modern take on Soul; hearing just the first few notes is enough to wish that she could narrate your wildest nights and worst heartaches.   As Brianna sings “you’re addictive to me” - you stop and realise that you may just be addicted to her. Just before you think the single couldn’t get better, the first verse c

by Ilana Hawdon The feeling of pure betrayal and heartbreak is perfectly captured in Jay Moussa-Mann’s latest single, ‘Tell Me’. Jay Moussa-Mann is the folk dream we have been waiting for. A favourite on BBC Introducing, Radio 6 and BBC Radio Tees, Jay ’s sound is easy on the ears but delightfully addictive. With a background in writing and film, she began her solo musical venture when she released her debut album, ‘Little Deaths’ in late-2019, and since then, Moussa-Mann has defined herself as an artist with unbelievable range and promise.    ‘Tell Me’ is completely timeless; with notes of Carole King and Joni Mitchell, Moussa-Mann creates a folk-inspired track which is simultaneously heart wrenching and strangely empowering. Beginning as a simple guitar tune, ‘Tell Me’ builds with layers of luscious strings and twinkling piano, tied together with Jay ’s vocal line which is equal parts melancholic and divine. The song feels unwaveringly intimate; the lyrics ask, ‘what was I worth?’

by Ilana Hawden Newcastle native Frankie Jobling brings us an irresistible slice of soul with her new single ‘Are We Dreaming?’ featuring Teesside rapper, Eyeconic. Despite this being her debut single, Frankie proves herself as one to watch with a song that is already so refined and full of promise. Fans of the classics - Billie Holiday, Etta James and Irma Thomas (to name a few) will feel right at home in the embrace of ‘Are We Dreaming?’, a seductive track with ounces of character. The song is decade-defying; with calls to 60s soul, 90s RnB and contemporary rap, it is truly impossible to place boundaries around a song that breaks down genre so effectively. The beat is entrancing, with an earth-shaking kick drum and tight hi-hats creating a solid foundation for the smooth bass and piano that melt over the beat. The groove is sexy and sublime, with ‘sweet like honey’ saxophones sliding between twangy guitar riffs. Frankie’s voice is liquid gold; effortlessly dancing around notes, slidi

by Chloe Brennan Recently in the news the case of Sarah Everard has devastated the nation, a young girl who went missing on her walk back home.  The police are investigating a fellow officer in relation to the case, and women all around the UK have come forward in solidarity with Sarah Everard.  Although this sickening event has been overwhelming for many people, it is clear now that something needs to change. Sarah Everard did the things Women are all taught, check behind you, wear sensible shoes, make sure you are in touch with someone;  It still was not enough. Whilst women have been angry at the shocking and quite frankly terrifying nature of this case, it has still been infiltrated by arbitrary questions and comments about the events that occurred.  “Why did she walk home alone?” “Why didn’t she get a taxi?” “Was she drunk?” A woman should be able to walk home alone without the fear of something happening to them. Men don’t experience this and so the discussion becomes even more i

by Emily Duff With festival season on the horizon and after a year away from them, everyone has been highly critical of the performers and lineups expected to be seen over 2021.  With huge festivals like Reading and Leads (RandL) and TRNSMT being slated for their lack of diversity, I’m proud that a festival local to me seems to be disregarding this trend. Although the big headliners remain male, the rest of the lineup is sprinkled with female acts across the whole weekend. Taking place in the beautiful Hillsborough Park, classics like Sophie Ellis Bextor as well as alternative group, Shelley Byron & the Poison Sleep  ease in the Friday Lineup. The Covid born group released their first EP, 'Arms of Night', last November which was written, recorded and produced during the lockdown in 2020 Saturday is what I'm most looking forward to though with huge names like Little Simz - an up-and-coming artist who has caught the attention of many recently, especially with her lates

 by Emily Duff Alternative New York musician, Trish Discord, has just dropped her latest single, ‘Strife’. Inspired by the grunge scene in Brooklyn, Discord also presents a similarity to The Cranberries and Evanescence - each of these being opposite styles and showing her wide range and capability. Opening with an intense electric guitar and moody vocals, this track takes on a more emo EDM style with Discord’s voice often being distorted within the chorus. Beginning slow and melancholic, Discord then presents a more hopeful, light-heartedness as flanger can be heard throughout the musician accompaniment. Based on her life 5 years ago, ‘Strife’ discusses Discord’s issues regarding two countries' dramatic political changes. In 2016, Discord was an international student based in London during Brexit causing panics about her visa. Simultaneously, the singer had to deal with fears for the election, being left hopeless after Trump won the US election in 2016. Although we weren't all