Bristol based multi-instrumentalist producer and visual artist She Makes War has released her new single ‘Devastate Me’, taken from her upcoming album Brace For Impact.
A blend of raucous guitar and infectious vocals, ‘Devastate Me’ is an unrestrained commentary on the impact of our collective online presence on our lives, from stalker exes to the hysterical screeching of Twitter.
She Makes War mastermind Laura Kidd comments ‘It’s about photography as a reflex, the way people overshare online and how when we die our online profiles just stay there. The internet is amazing – I’ve built my career using it, but it can be so awful.’
Simultaneously scintillating and scathing, the track is an infectious dose of punk-infused pop with a conscious message. The track is taken from her upcoming album, Brace For Impact, the follow up to 2016’s acclaimed Direction Of Travel.
On her new record, up steps a femme fatale who slays with words of passion over ruthless action. Embarking upon a voyage of self-discovery, her songs stay close to hand-crafted journals packed with stickers and photographs, sparks of lyrical imagination and inspirational notes, simultaneously slaying with killer riffs.
‘After finding myself in a happy relationship after a long period of sadness, this record enabled me to ruminate and find ways of creating beauty where there was once pain.’ Kidd says. ‘I’m the strongest I’ve ever been because of all I’ve been through.’
The album naming decision was as dramatic as the music itself, coming after she broke her foot moments before supporting The Brian Jonestown Massacre. With barely enough time to visit A&E, a face full of glitter and steely resolve, she performed a slew of summer festival sets and a BBC 6Music Marc Riley session sporting a fetching knee crutch.
‘Having my mobility stolen from me was exhausting and depressing. I’d come up with the album title while driving on tour, daydreaming about what it must be like to be in a high-speed car crash’, she recalls. ‘After struggling through the summer with that phrase in my mind, then finding it written in the venue toilets at the end of a tour in Brighton, it just had to be the album title. It couldn’t have been more apt.’
She Makes War has built a strong following, having played over 600 shows in the UK and Europe and receiving extensive online acclaim plus support from BBC 6 Music. Her last album Direction Of Travel earned plays from Steve Lamacq, Tom Robinson, Chris Hawkins, Lauren Laverne and Gideon Coe, as well as John Kennedy at Radio X and Alex Baker at Kerrang.
A fiercely devoted, independent DIY force, She Makes War has crafted her success from a close relationship with fans, placing importance on her music’s physical form and an emphasis on the live experience.
Equally at home playing heartbreaking pin-drop solo sets and fronting her explosive five piece band, she brings the experience back to its core by constantly finding new ways of communicating songs to people, striving to make art a part of the fabric of everyday life.
She Makes War will be heading out on a headline tour this October. Tickets go on sale Mon 23rd July and will be available via shemakeswar.com. Full dates can be found below.
SHE MAKES WAR UK TOUR DATES
18/10 – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
19/10 – Glasgow, Hug & Pint
20/10 – Manchester, Castle Hotel
23/10 – Leicester, Firebug
24/10 – Norwich, Epic Studios
26/10 – Sebright Arms, London
27/10 – Brighton, Hope & Ruin
31/10 – Birmingham, Hare & Hounds
1/11 – Oxford, Jericho Tavern
2/11 – Southampton, Heartbreakers
3/11 – Bristol, Thekla
Right now, the world needs a warrior. She Makes War is just that, and she has a message – wake up world and Brace for Impact.