The F-Word music round-up: February 2022

Hello and welcome to a new feature here on the F-Word music section: the monthly music round-up. This will be posted on the first day of every month and feature upcoming album releases, gigs and other music news to look out for.

25 February sees the release of Suthering’s debut album, If We Turn Away. The album, which was influenced by the duo’s experiences during the pandemic, explores themes of nature, ethics and connection. Suthering are passionate about altering the perception of women in folk music, wishing to shift their portrayal from passive characters of tragedy to symbols of empowerment and strength. They will also play live at The Sound Lounge in Sutton on 19 February.

Indie-folk queen Josienne Clarke’s new album, I Promised You Light, releases on 4 February. The single ‘Workhorse’, which features on the album, can be listened to here and features Josienne rollerskating around a studio to her own positivity anthem. I Promised You Light can be pre-ordered here.

London-based Scandinavian singer-songwriter Malin Andersson returns on 11 February with her single ‘Reef’. Inspiration behind the song stems from Malin’s concerns about the environmental crisis and belief in humanity’s intrinsic connection with nature.

Also on 11 February , Cuban-American artist Dyan Valdés releases her new album Stand. This album was inspired during lockdown when Dylan was attacked on the streets of Berlin by a man in broad daylight. With Stand, Dyan hopes to channel her emotional response and create something that would make herself and others feel powerful again. Throughout the album, Dyan combines a post-punk ethos with retro-style synths and poignantly powerful lyricism in order to create a sound that is oozing with sass.

The queen of feminist reggaeton (what an accolade), Ms Nina returns to London on 12 February to perform at the launch of FLAWA (Festival of Latin American Women in the Arts) second edition. Her Latin roots style combined with funny lyrics aims to break norms and empower the oppressed.

2022 is a big year for gigs, with Mitski headlining two London events on 28 and 29 April. Followed by Marie Ulven Ringheim, better known as girl in red , who will perform three UK shows in May.

April will also see Imelda May’s first UK tour in over five years, with inspired contributions from feminist thinkers and activists such as Gina Martin and Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu.

Pioneers of the riot grrrl movement Bikini Kill will play two UK shows in June, in London and Glasgow.

Not sure what to listen to this month? Check out this playlist, curated by LOUD WOMEN , with six moods to get you through this week. Speaking of LOUD WOMEN, the 6th LOUD WOMEN Fest will be held on 2 and 3 September 2022 in London. Applications for bands are open until February and priority is given to people of colour and queer artists.

Photo taken from Canva of overlapping pages of aged sheet music.