British firebrand singer-songwriter Louise Distras will release her brand new single “Aileen” on the 30th of September 2016. The song will be Distras’ first new music since the release of her critically acclaimed 2013 debut album Dreams from the Factory Floor.
Co-produced by Ross Petersen (Bruce Springsteen, The Vamps, John Mayer) and “Dreams from the Factory Floor” producer Steve Whale (The Business), Aileen represents real musical growth and a sonic shift for Louise, being an impassioned radio anthem that steps away from the punk and protest tags of her past and into powerpop territory. Nevertheless, the pop-friendly hooks house an intense emotional core.
Lyrically Aileen is a hard-hitting dancefloor track that explores the dark story of ‘America’s first female serial killer’ Aileen Wuornos. It’s a song that sees Distras questioning rape culture and the sanctity of life. The song is living proof – if ever it was needed – that pop music does not have to mean ‘dumbed-down’ or ‘throwaway.’
Distras talked about Aileen and said: ‘One night after a show I watched the Nick Broomfield documentary ‘Selling of a Serial Killer’, which is about ‘America’s first female serial killer’, Aileen Wuornos.
As someone who has experienced homelessness and sexual assault, Aileen’s story hit me pretty hard but left me feeling inspired to share it through my music.
The film also left me with my own questions about rape culture and the idea of nature VS nurture, so I decided to make my own DIY film that explores the lyrical content of the single.
It’s called ‘Real Outlaw – A Commentary on Rape Culture and the Riot Grrrl Movement’ and it’s available via scanning a QR code that’s printed on the back of the CD and also on tour posters across the UK.’
Aileen it’s accompanying film will be released worldwide on 30th September 2016 digitally via iTunes and Amazon, or CD and coloured vinyl available exclusively via Louise’s official website.
The past three years have seen Louise Distras touring across the UK, Europe, Canada and the USA with the likes of Mick Jones (The Clash), Billy Bragg, Buzzcocks, Stiff Little Fingers, The Damned and The Red Paintings, taking in appearances at such globally renowned festivals asGlastonbury, Camden Rocks, Bearded Theory, and most recently the main stages at the UK’s Rebellion Festival and Punk Rock Bowling in Las Vegas. Garnering comparisons to charged songstresses Brody Dalle and Courtney Love.
Louise and her band will be touring the UK throughout 2016. Don’t miss your chance to hear Aileen live on the following dates:
3 Sept London, Loud Women Festival
4 Sept Forest of Dean, Common Ground Festival
24 Sept Forest of Dean, Something Else in the Dean Festival
26 Sept Manchester, Gullivers w/ Love Zombies + The Amorettes*
30 Sept Camden, Black Heart w/ Love Zombies + The Amorettes*
1 Oct London, Rich Mix*
5 Oct Birmingham, The Rainbow
6 Oct Liverpool, Sound Food & Drink
7 Oct Derby, The Maypole
8 Oct Kingston, Fighting Cocks w/ Get Dead
10 Oct Norwich, Owl Sanctuary w/ Get Dead
11 Oct Nottingham, Doghouse w/ Get Dead
12 Oct 02 Islington Academy, London w/ Get Dead
13 Oct Dundee, The Vestry
14 Oct Glasgow, Audio
15 Oct Edinburgh, Bannerman’s
16 Oct Nottingham, Foreman’s w/ TV Smith*
21 Oct Leeds, Verve
19 Nov Groningen, Spieghel (Netherlands)
21 Nov Essen, Anyway (Germany)
22 Nov Bonn, Kult 41 (Germany)
23 Nov Koln, Sonic Ballroom (Germany)
27 Nov Berlin, Wild At Heart (Germany)
29 Nov Dresden, Chemiefabrik (Germany)
* = solo
