British firebrand singer-songwriter Louise Distras will release her new single “Aileen” on the 30th of September. The song will be Distras’ first new music since the release of her 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 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.’
Says Distras of “Aileen”: “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 also 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 and mainland Europe.”
“Aileen” and it’s accompanying film will be released worldwide on 30th September 2016 via iTunes and Amazon, or CD and coloured vinyl available exclusively via Louise’s official website. You can pre-order your copy now: louisedistras.co.uk/store
Distras has also confirmed a series of European tour dates for the remainder of the year. Don’t miss your chance to hear “Aileen” live at the following shows:
24th Sep: Forest of Dean, Something Else in the Dean Festival
26th Sep: Manchester, Gullivers w/ Love Zombies + The Amorettes
30th Sep: Camden, Black Heart w/ Love Zombies + The Amorettes
01st Oct: London, Rich Mix
05th Oct: Birmingham, The Rainbow
06th Oct: Liverpool, Sound Food & Drink
07th Oct: Derby, The Maypole
08th Oct: Kingston, Fighting Cocks w/ Get Dead
10th Oct: Norwich, Owl Sanctuary w/ Get Dead
11th Oct: Nottingham, Doghouse w/ Get Dead
12th Oct: 02 Islington Academy, London w/ Get Dead
13th Oct: Dundee, The Vestry
14th Oct: Glasgow, Audio
15th Oct: Edinburgh, Bannerman’s
16th Oct: Nottingham, Foreman’s w/ TV Smith
21st Oct: Leeds, Verve
19th Nov: Groningen, Spieghel (Netherlands)
21st Nov: Essen, Anyway (Germany)
22nd Nov: Bonn, Kult 4 (Germany)
23rd Nov: Koln, Sonic Ballroom (Germany)
27th Nov: Berlin, Wild At Heart (Germany)
29th Nov: Dresden, Chemiefabrik (Germany)
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