Alt-punk outfit I am HER kick start 2020 with a punch as they released their angst-driven new single Big Monster in February.

Opening with a simple yet driven force, front woman Julie Riley’s grit-fuelled vocals are able to soar. As the chorus arrives, so does the sparkling punk energy as fuzz-filled guitars are played with a seething passion reminiscent of the likes of The Kills or Hole. This is the first time I am HER have used an electric guitar and pedal on their record, giving a fresh take on the band’s distinctively raw sound. Talking about the single, Julie explains, “this song was triggered by someone telling me their experience of an anxiety attack. It got me thinking how anxiety/stress is like a beast separate to us that stalks us and preys on us.”

In this interview spotlight, I chat with I am HER about the new music, challenges, technology and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?

History, necessity and circumstance. I cannot help but be a product of the kinds of music I was listening to and playing amongst when I was in a band in the 90s.

It is in part in reaction to that experience too. I was in a band with 5 people- that is a lot of logistics and stuff. Doing music by myself was hard as it requires more conviction than playing with others (they validate you!) but it was also liberating too as far less complex. That is why I stick to acoustic guitar a lot and keep it very simple even if I use electric. We have been asked if would add a bass player but we like the simplicity and dynamism of just guitar and drums. Jeff is a very musical drummer anyway so its enough we think.

How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?

Quite a long time! I was in Rosa Mota (signed to Mute) early 90s and Jeff was in band called Submarine (Universal). I’ve since had another musical outing as Crown Estate (another duo) which was self released. Jeff plays with other bands too such as Sophia and Madam.

Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?

Influences – PJ Harvey, Kristin Hersh,Violent Femmes, Sonic Youth.

Necessity keeps us going. Love it, need it, can’t stop it. Plus it really is quite likely we will never make any money out of it so you really hope that the songs offer something to people along the way and can bring a bit of light empathy and humanity.

Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?

On this latest single there was a desire to push the sound to the next level,which by introducing  new element I think we have done. Specifically we really wanted the next single to attract more attention so that we can start to play festivals.

What was the last song you listened to?

It’s Not About the Money Honey – The Baby Seals

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

I actually prefer vinyl but less face it I use MP3s as its easier.

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

Was using Apple Music but starting to prefer spotify as it’s more social.

Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?

Time and money – despite there being so many free opportunities to get your stuff out there and get heard it still is and always will predominantly be the case of folks finding you because someone they know has heard you. So that means putting time into playing live, listening to others play live, learning how to use apps, get your social media right, learn who is putting on the right gigs that you fit with etc etc. And there is no money coming from record companies to help make this happen so self financing too.

Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?

We gig wherever anyone will have us! Mostly that is London but we are strongly rooted in East Sussex too so have played and will play St Leonards.

Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?

Bandcamp, Facebook, Insta, Spotify, Apple Music

Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?

Shout outs to the organisations helping bands like us get heard such as Loud Women, Get In Her Ears and She17.