Whitelands

Whitelands release their brand new, politically potent single & video ‘Heat Of The Summer’ today via-Sonic Cathedral.

Today sees the release of the first new material in a year from the hugely acclaimed London shoegaze band Whitelands. The short and deceptively sweet ‘Heat Of The Summer’ is their most direct moment and their catchiest earworm to date, loaded with a politically potent message.

“It’s about a community of people coming together to overthrow a tyrant, whether it be a city, a town, or a nation,”

explains singer Etienne Quartey-Papafio.

“I was very upset about Trump when I started writing it last summer, then the take-down of that CEO by Luigi Mangione was my encouragement to finish it. The Spike Lee movie Do The Right Thing gave me inspiration, too, heat representing rising tensions.”

According to Etienne, the pivot into pop is an intentional one.

“Chappell Roan, Rachel Chinouriri, Sabrina Carpenter… they’ve shaped how I sing now. I don’t want to get left behind! A few people on Reddit have been complaining about the state of shoegaze singers, but I think that's where Whitelands shines.

We’re coming back with a lot more maturity and realness and it shows in how much more emotional our music has become.”

‘Heat Of The Summer’ is out now Sonic Cathedral and on all digital platforms as well as a limited-edition yellow flexi disc available from Bandcamp.

Huw Stephens had the first worldwide play of the record on BBC Radio 6 Music last night.

Catch Whitelands' awesome live show at the following dates from late summer through to late Autumn. The London Corsica Studios headline show on 20th November goes on sale tomorrow, Friday 20th June at 10am.

Live dates

29th August - Dublin - Gazefest at The Grand Social

30th August - Belfast - Gazefest at Oh Yeah Centre

17th October - Cardiff - Swn festival

15th November - Leeds - Live At Leeds In The City festival

20th November - London - Corsica Studios - tickets on sale 10am 20/6

Tickets here