Bitch recently spoke with Lauren Mayberry of the dark-pop group CHVRCHES about the band's new album, playing live, online activism, and more.
We love Mayberry and her music, and couldn't resist asking her for a special playlist. For the Nerds issue of Bitch magazine, we asked her for for a signature mix. She did not fail to deliver! The Scottish musician said, “We are so lucky to tour all over the world, but we spend a lot of time in Canada and North America and, when we’re there, so many people tell us about their Scottish lineage and ask us about other Scottish musicians, so I have made a playlist that is very homegrown.” Check out the tracklist from Mayberry below and enjoy!
1. “Roseability” by Idlewild
I grew up playing drums in bands as a teenager, and Idlewild were always a staple in my practice sessions. This song has a Gertrude Stein reference in the lyrics which I have never fully understood, but I still like it becauase, hey, it’s Gertrude Stein.
2. “There's a Girl in the Corner” by the Twilight Sad
Martin from CHVRCHES used to play session keys for these guys and their new record is really great. They’re touring with The Cure next year which is definitely one for them to tick off the bucket list!
3. “Don't Ask Me to Dance” by Arab Strap
Aidan Moffat is a really unique lyricist and he has captured a certain vibe and feeling in Arab Strap that I don’t think anyone else has.
4. “Kandy Pop” by Bis
I have met Manda a few times through TYCI, the women’s collective I run with some friends in Glasgow, and she is very lovely. AND Bis did a song for the Powerpuff Girls so what’s not to like?
5. “Hunted by a Freak” by Mogwai
Choosing a favorite Mogwai record is difficult, but Happy Songs for Happy People (2003) is up there for me, and this song is beautiful.
6. “A Walk Across the Rooftops” by the Blue Nile
Paul Buchanan is one of my favourite vocalists. His style is really unique and mysterious but incredibly emotive, and all three of us in CHVRCHES are big Blue Nile fans.
7. “Super Rat” by Honeyblood
For me, Honeyblood are one of the best new bands to come out of Scotland in a while. Their debut record came out last year on Fat Cat and I would definitely recommend catching them live if you can.
8. “Walking on Broken Glass” by Annie Lennox
I listened to Annie Lennox's Diva a lot with my mum as a kid and, as a vocalist now, Lennox is a real influence. Her vocal style is incredibly unique and I always loved the way she conducted herself as a frontwoman of an electronic project and played with people’s perceptions of femininity.
9. “Girl Like You” by Edwyn Collins
Although Collins might be best known for his time in Orange Juice, I think this song is incredible. And if you haven’t seen The Possibilities Are Endless, it is truly heartbreaking.
10. “Son of a Gun” by the Vaselines
It was an honor to have Frances McKee from the Vaselines play at TYCI’s Christmas charity gig last year. She was so kind and donated her fee to the charity as well, so I give her extra kindness points.
Kjerstin Johnson is a writer and editor in Portland, Oregon. She is the former editor in chief of Bitch. She tweets at @kajerstin.
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