Hull quintet Low Hummer have shared new single ‘Talk Shows’ ahead of their debut appearances at SXSW this week. The first new music since their acclaimed debut album appeared in September 2021, ‘Talk Shows’ is another piece of danceable, synth heavy post-punk from the East Yorkshire band as they continue to create essential documents of alienation & discomfort as lyricist Dan Mawer touches on societal pressure to drink, body dysmorphia and the dirge of late night Saturday TV.
Continuing their run of collaborations with Leeds producer Matt Peel at his studio The Nave, ‘Talk Shows’ finds Low Hummer blending noughties indie beats with 80’s post-punk synths, spiky guitars and their unmistakable ear for a hook, as vocalist Aimee Duncan takes centre stage delivering this message of modern angst with her inimitable delivery, as deadpan, cool and tongue-in-cheek as ever.
Bolstered by regular play across BBC 6 Music, BBC Introducing and support from Jack Saunders on BBC Radio 1, excitement about the band has continued to build since the release of ‘Modern Tricks For Living’ – with a sold-out run of Dinked Edition Exclusive vinyl, a headline slot on the BBC Introducing stage at Reading & Leeds, a twitter listening party with Tim Burgess and a UK tour support with with Welsh indie icons Manic Street Preachers all keeping the band busy last year.
‘Talk Shows’ lands as the band arrive in the US for their debut shows outside of the UK, ready to represent their beloved Hull and it’s DIY scene to a brand new audience. With support from BBC Introducing & PRS Foundation, Low Hummer and their label Dance To The Radio Records will be in Austin for the week for a number of showcases including the British Music Embassy at Cedar Street Courtyard on the 19th March.
After SXSW the band will be playing more shows across the UK for the remainder of the year, including their first London headline show at The Lexington on 13th April.
Dan Mawer: Guitars, vocals:
“I tried to use the verses of ‘Talk Shows’ as a retrospective warning to myself. For anytime I feel like spending time with people who aren’t good for me, anytime I feel like drinking is my only option, anytime I suffer body dysmorphia or anytime I feel like sharing my problems with the wrong people.
Aimee brought the verses to life in a really constructive way thanks to her unique phrasing and it’s quickly become a favourite of ours to play live. The song was brought together by the entire band as the process of writing becomes a collaborative effort before we reach the studio!”
Dance To The Radio originally launched in 2005. The Leeds based indie label is responsible for seminal released from artists including The Pigeon Detectives, ¡Forward, Russia!, ILikeTrains, Sky Larkin and many more, acting as the leading light for Leeds’ legendary independent music scene in the mid 2000’s.
Following a number of years working on compilations and their annual Leeds Festival takeover, the label fully relaunched in 2017 expanding their work to publishing and management. Since their relaunch the label have signed some of the most exciting new artists in the UK including Far Caspian, Low Hummer, Jake Whiskin and more, generating millions of streams per month and continuing their important role as one of the great champions of new music.
Official SXSW Showcases:
Seven Grand – 15th March
Valhalla – 16th March
British Music Embassy @ Cedart Street Courtyard – 19th March
