Lande Hekt has released a further glimpse of her beautifully poignant debut album ‘Going to Hell’, which is set for release 22 Jan 2021 via Get Better Records. A driven but wistful composition, new single ‘Undone’ is full of longing and regret. In typically relatable style, Lande says “This one is about feeling sorry for yourself when you break up with someone that you weren’t even going out with.”
‘Whiskey’ was the first track to be released from the personal and intimate journey that is ‘Going to Hell’. A song about Lande’s experience learning how to come to terms with being gay, it’s about realising that pretending you’re not gay can’t go on forever. The accompanying heart-warming music video was masterfully shot by Lande’s long-term collaborator Martyna Wisniewska (@gingerdope) and is an intimate portrayal of Lande’s love with her girlfriend Lucy. ‘Whiskey’ has enjoyed support from the likes of Pitchfork (where it was featured in their ‘Selects’ playlist), The Fader, Brooklyn Vegan, Jezebel, Upset, For The Rabbits, Get In Her Ears and BBC Introducing. Another track from the record – ‘80 Days of Rain’ – is also out now and has received love from NPR, Stereogum and more.
Coming out is the prevailing topic of the record with the title track itself being “about how homophobia and heteronormative culture can make you feel isolated and scared of being yourself,” as Hekt herself explains her thoughts and feelings surrounding her sexuality, continuing: “I internalised a lot of that culture for a long time and it wasn’t until I found myself surrounded by queer and trans people and friends, that I realised I could live happily in a way that felt right. I know I’m not alone in feeling like this and it was other people sharing their experiences with me that helped me out, so I named the album after this song to try and reach people who might want to be reached. It’s also not a dig on all Catholics; it’s just an expression of scepticism from a gay person regarding conservatism.”
‘Going to Hell’ sounds like the sum of Hekt’s wide-ranging influences – The Replacements, The Raincoats, Sharon Van Etten, The Slits, Patti Smith, Sacred Paws, Le Tigre, Against Me! – multiplied by her own distinct voice.