It’s always impressive when a brand new artist comes storming out of the gates with a brilliant new single, so I was very impressed when I first discovered Hey Look Listen and her debut single, Fill the Blanks. It’s a catchy indie-rock song with plenty of bounce, and more than a hint of dream-pop and grunge, making for a really unique listen! Find out more about this enigmatic new artist below!

By Jane Howkins

You recently released a new single titled Fill the Blanks. What can you tell us about the song?

Fill the Blanks is actually kind of an old song, one of the oldest I’ve written. It has been through a lot of iterations and changes, much like myself. The message of the song is really trying to highlight the absurdity of living life based on ill informed opinions and assumptions.

How has the reception to Fill the Blanks been so far, and where can it be purchased?

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it has been good. I’m doing the marketing for it as well, so there is a learning curve with that. The main place where it can be purchased is on Bandcamp.

It’s your debut single! Do you have any more singles planned for release soon?

I released another single titled No Time on October 18th and another one will be released in late November.

Are there any plans to release an album or EP anytime soon?

Yes, I have an EP written and mostly recorded, I just need to put finishing touches on it. The first single from that is planned for January and the whole thing should be released in February. The title for the record is Now is the Time.

Have you found it harder to navigate the music industry as a trans woman?

The main challenge has been how to present that as an artist; I don’t want everything to be about my identity, but I also don’t want to ignore it. So there’s a balance I have to try and find. Other than that there are the challenges any woman has to deal with: Sexism, misogyny, and being judged mostly on your appearance.

You’re based in Michigan. What is the local music scene like in the area?

In Ypsilanti where I’m located the scene is pretty small but interesting and unique. It is very queer inclusive, which is the main reason I’m here. I also play guitar in another band that is based there. Overall there are some good areas and then others that don’t have much going on – usually the closer it is to a university, the more music there is.

Fill the Blanks has a unique indie rock sound. What/who are you most influenced by when writing the track? What have you been listening to recently?

It was a while ago but I think the song might have originally been inspired by Violent Femmes, that and probably Superchunk who were my indie rock obsession at the time. The final version was also influenced a lot by Bombay Bicycle Club’s first album. Recently I’ve been listening to new albums by Nada Surf, Cloud Nothings and Slow Pulp. There is a new single by Deep Sea Diver that is pretty cool.

Do you have anything else exciting coming up over the next few months?

Mainly just another single being released, I’m quite proud of how it turned out and I’m eager to share it!

Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?

I don’t currently have plans to tour, I’m really just focused on writing right now. I’m also working on a full length album and I’m trying to make it the best it can be possibly be.

Any last words for the fans?

Thanks to anyone who has listened and supports what I’m doing. It keeps me motivated and there’s loads more music to come!