Residency at
Melodic Distraction
Where are the Girlbands are residents at Melodic Distraction, an internet-radio station broadcasting from Liverpooland beyond (check out the organisation here - https://www.melodicdistraction.com/) The ‘Where are the Girlbands Catch-up’ is a monthly radio show produced by Ella and Eve in which local artists are interviewed about new releases, their experiences on the local music scene and upcoming events. Alongside production for radio, Where are the Girlbands create a monthyl article for Melodic Distraction Magazine, covering local events, creating arts educational resources and long-form interviews and features. See below for past shows and articles.
Magazine Articles
‘Maybe i’m too much’ - Lucky Iris EP Review
“‘Maybe i’m too much’, the newly released EP by Leeds-based alt-pop duo Lucky Iris, is a soundtrack for those learning not to shrink themselves. With the shine of hyperpop glistening atop of alternative elements, this release is both sweet and refreshing sonically.”
Celebrating 5 years of Where are the Girlbands
This month, to celebrate 5 years of Where are the Girlbands, co-founder Ella Fradgley has written a recap on what the collective have achieved and participated in.
”2023 is a big year for Where are the Girlbands. It is both our 5 year anniversary and the year in which our amazing co-founder Eve Machin is stepping away from the organisation to dedicate time to her personal composition practice.”
WATGB review Zara Smile’s debut EP ‘Smile’
Zara Smile is a Liverpool-based musician creating indie-folk-pop infused with personal storytelling.
“With thumping drums and the strumming of guitar, ‘Misplaced’ welcomes you into an EP that feels as warm and complex as a teenage bedroom.”
Article written and produced by Ella Fradgley.
WATGB in conversation with Ruby Tingle
Based in Manchester, Ruby Tingle’s practice is deeply rooted in what it means to be a Northern creative. This interview explores:
- How the natural sounds of Manchester were sonically embedded within ‘Fountainia’
- The ‘swamp princess’ persona that weaves through Ruby Tingle’s work
- The freedom that merging genres and artistic disciplines brings
- How the ‘gothic jazz’ sound of Fountainia was formed
- The conceptual rooting of ‘Fountainia’ within both the waterways of Manchester, myth and dream.
Article written and produced by Ella Fradgley.
WATGB Introducing WIMIN Festival
For the April edition of WATGB’s article, Ella Fradgley introduces WIMIN Festival. WIMIN is a one-day event organised entirely by women from marketing and production to artists and speakers.
WIMIN’s aim is to be an example to festivals locally, nationally and internationally, championing gender equality in music.
Article written and produced by Ella Fradgley.
Organisations Supporting Trans* Creatives
March 31st is Trans Day of Visibility, a time to take a stand against discrimination, a time to celebrate Trans and Non-Binary people, and a time to mourn those whose lives have been taken by transphobia. This article is a signposting space for organisations who are platforming Trans* creatives and are working towards making Merseyside a place that celebrates, loves and cares for our Trans* community.
Article written and produced by Ella Fradgley.
​Big Condo Records and Where are the Girlbands Present the Women in Music Showcase
An introduction to the collaboration between Big Condo Records and Where are the Girlbands, featuring the artists who performed at the first live event.
Article written and produced by Ella Fradgley.
Where are the Girlbands Introduction to the Liverpool Music Scene
The ultimate Where are the Girlbands guide to the Liverpool music scene, covering everything from musicians to venues to gig photographers and more!
Article written and produced by Ella Fradgley.
Where are the Girlbands:
Winter Tunes
To accompany their playlist ‘Where are the Girlbands Winter Tunes’ this article is a guide to tracks by Merseyside musicians with festive themes.
Article written and produced by Ella Fradgley.
Organisations supporting Black Creatives
A list of organisations in Liverpool who do incredible work to amplify the voices of Black creatives and offer culturally-informed resources, support and community spaces all year round.
Article written and produced by Ella Fradgley.
In Conversation with Mica Sefia
A transcript of Where are the Girlband’s interview with Mica Sefia discussing her music, her experiences and her work as an EDI coordinator.
Article transcribed and produced by Ella Fradgley.
Where are the Girlbands x Shakespeare North Playhouse - A Midsummer Night’s Poetry Collection
A curated poetry collection of pieces written and performed at Where are the Girlbands’ ‘A Midsummer Night’s Showcase’ event at Shakespeare North Theatre. Includes works by Claire Beerjeraz, Anyone’s Ghost, Ella Fradgley, Lazy Girl, Loris and the Lion, Sophie Bernice and Zara Jama alongside new collaborative poems produced during Charlie Staunton’s poetry workshop.
Article produced by Ella Fradgley.
Orla Foster in Conversation with Giorgia Bortoli
Merseyside based writer in conversation with musician Giorgia Bortoli, discussing the debut single ‘Summer Body’ and more!
Article written by Orla Foster.
Where are the Queerbands
Where are the Queerbands is an article and accompanying playlist to celebrate LGBTQIA* artists all year long.
Article written and produced by Ella Fradgley.
Complicated Contradiction - Amber Wilding Stone Album Review
A full-length review of Amber Wilding Stone’s album ‘Complicated Contradiction’.
Article written and produced by Ella Fradgley.
I Wanna Be There - Jensyn EP Review
“Jensyn’s ‘I Wanna Be There’ is an EP to plunge you straight into the orchestral immersion of cinema. Reaching beyond the static into the screen you are engulfed by the sheer feeling of a life you’ve never lived, guided to each new feeling by skilfully arranged instrumentation at every step.”
Article written and produced by Ella Fradgley.
Big Adventure Tour Takes Bloom Building - A Review
A review of the Big Adventure Tour takes Bloom Building hosted by Where are the GIrlbands as part of their Alternative Spaces programme at Bloom Building, Birkenhead. Featuring Teah Lewis, Evie Moran and Hallworth.
Article written and produced by Ella Fradgley.
All in the Same Boat Poetry Collection
A collection of poems shared at the Where are the Girlbands All in the Same Boat event as part of their Alternative Spaces programme at Bloom Building. Includes poetry by Melanie John, Tilly Foulkes, Hayley Coleman, Claire Beerjeraz, Lucy Butler, Zara Jama, Kaya Bee and Josh Banks.
Article produced by Ella Fradgley.
Where are the Girlbands present All in the Same Boat
An article introducing the amazing acts who performed at the Where are the Girlbands All in the Same Boat event as part of their Alternative Spaces programme at Bloom Building. Featuring Giorgia Bortoli, Zara Smile, James Prentice, Half Long Poem and Olivia Browse.
Article written and produced by Ella Fradgley.
Where are the Girlbands in conversation with the Minerva Festival and Playtime
Where are the Girlbands in conversation with Minerva Festival and Playtime, two Cambridge based organisations, about the work they do, women in music, and the music scene in Cambridge.
Article written and produced by Eve Machin.
A Guide to Spooky Scouse Sounds
A quick guide to some of Where are the Girlbands’ favourite Halloween tunes from their Spooky Scouse Sounds playlist.
Article written and produced by Ella Fradgley.
Fables and Fairytales in the Realm of the Liverbird
An article exploring the dreamy music of Sara Wolff and Loris and the Lion and the way in which they use their fairytale narratives to express complex emotions through their music.
Article written and produced by Ella Fradgley.
Radio Show
The 2023 August episode of the Where are the Girlbands Catch-up includes:
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An interview with the Red Stains about their new release ‘Fluid’
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An interview with Christy Bellis about her return to the Merseyside music scene
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An interview with Eve O’Roirdan about the the themes in her music
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New releases by local artists including Olivia Browse, Gabby Rivers and Posey.
The 2023 July episode of the Where are the Girlbands Catch-up includes:
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A celebratory round-up of 5 years of Where are the Girlbands
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An interview with co-founder Eve Machin as she says goodbye to the project
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An interview with Valentina Furegato
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A showcase of new releases by local artists including Anyone’s Ghost, Girl Group, Bella Wright, Faye Donna Francis, P3LZ, Flowers of Evil and the Strangerz
The 2023 June episode of the Where are the Girlbands Catch-up includes:
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An interview with Dalia about the debut release ‘Nothing but Pain’
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An interview with Shannon Peterson about discovering the Liverpool music scene
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An interview with Maya Blandy about her debut release ‘Stardust’
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An interview with the founder of Luck Juice, a festival supporting underrepresented genders
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New releases by local artists including Draf 5, Daisy Harris and Faye Donna Francis.
The 2023 May Catch-up with Where are the Girlbands includes:
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Interview with Amy Jo
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Interview with Bella Wright
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Interview with Cheery
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Interview with Giorgia Bortoli
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Interview with Smalltalk
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New releases by local artists including Ni Maxine and Baltic Jazz Recordings.
The 2023 April Catch-up with Where are the Girlbands includes:
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An interview with Official Shannon about her latest release ‘Never Gonna be Her’ and the work she does to support underrepresented artists in London through her event series ‘Under the Radar.’
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An interview with Danelia about her latest release ‘Miss Reality’
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An interview with Holly Tulloch, director of Scrapyard Studios C.I.C. and WIMIN Festival, an all-women-led festival coming to North Liverpool this summer.
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New releases by local artists including Anyone’s Ghost, Ria Hanley, Mary Hennessy, The Red Stains, Lucky Iris and Mica Sefia.
The 2023 March Catch-up with Where are the Girlbands includes:
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An interview with Beth Macari about her return to making music with ‘Feel the Same’
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An interview with Zara Smile about debuting with ‘Happy’
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An interview with Amelia about the wholesome story behind her latest release ‘60s Love’
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An interview with Evie Moran about her latest single and a shift in her sound.
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An interview with Samya O’Grady and a sneak peak of her live lounge set with Melodic Distraction.
The 2023 February Catch-up with Where are the Girlbands episode includes:
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An interview with HAIVEN about her single ‘Everything Sucks’
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An introduction to Big Condo Records and Where are the Girlbands Women in Music Showcase including interviews with Clio, Olea Faith and Natalie Abel.
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An interview with Little Planets about their latest release ‘Every Time’
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Tracks by Natalie Abel, ELIZ, HAIVEN, Little Planets, Danelia, Emily Callacher and Giorgia Bortoli.
The 2023 January episode of the Where are the Girlbands catch-up includes;
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An interview with Jane Lacey about her single ‘Not a Girl Song’
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An interview with Amber Jay about her performance with the LIMF Academy and the Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.
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An interview with Talkfield about their alternative approach to gig spaces.
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New releases by Bronnie, Sage Your Brain, Nil00 and Faye Donna Francis.
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The 2022 December episode of the Where are the Girlbands catch-up includes;
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An interview with Sage Your Brain about their debut single ‘Fix Me’
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An interview with Marli about her winter release ‘Weekend’
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An interview with Naila about her single ‘Your Knife’
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Festive tunes by local artists.
The 2022 November episode of the Where are the Girlbands catch-up includes;
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An interview with Lazygirl about ‘Soft Focus’, the collaborative single by Lazygirl and Tonia.
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An interview with Niamh Turley Moon about the journey to creating her debut EP and her latest release.
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An interview with Ria Hanley about ‘Hell and Leather’, the release redefining her musical journey.
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Eve and Ella’s favourite live events of November.
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New releases by Olivia Browse and Amelia.
The 2022 October episode of the Where are the Girlband’s Catch-up includes;
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Where are the Girlbands’ favourite new releases.
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A tonne of spooky scouse tunes to add to your Halloween playlists.
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An interview with Sophie Clarke and Hannah Keeley about their collaborative single ‘A Song For Us’ and their experience during the Where are the Girlbands Speed-dating programme.
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Signposting to some amazing organisations in Merseyside doing important work for Black creatives both during Black History Month and all year round.
The 2022 September episode of the Where are the Girlbands catch-up includes;
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An update on some of the behind-the-scenes of Where are the Girlbands.
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Autumnal new releases by local artists.
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A catch-up with Ella and Eve about what they have been up to this month.
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An interview with the amazing Helen and Rach from Satellite Music and Events about the work they do to support women in music.
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Tunes by Mouth Ruber, Smallmouth, Gen and the Degenerates, Suzhou, Stealing Sheep, Lady and the Dies, ARTEMIS, Foxglove, Crawlers and Nikki and the Waves.
The 2022 August episode of the Where are Girlbands catch-up includes;
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An introduction to the Comics Youth No Tears Just Queers gig at Bloom Building as part of the Safe Spaces Reclaiming Community Spaces project including interviews with Dee Rae and Tay Temple.
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A playlist of tracks by the ethereal artists who performed at the Where are the Girlbands x Shakespeare North Playhouse A Midsummer Night’s Showcase event.
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Tunes by local artists including ARTEMIS, Run Remedy, Dee Rae, Crawlers, Tay Temple, Loris and the Lion, Lazygirl, Anyone’s Ghost, Sophie Bernice, Isabelle Tarren and Foxglove.
The 2022 July episode of the Where are the Girlbands catch-up includes;
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An interview with Giorgia Bortoli about her debut release ‘Summer Body’. her dance club and the themes of her music.
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An interview with Eleanor Thorndyke about how the glamour of Liverpool influences her practice as a fashion image maker.
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Summer tunes by local artists including Ruby Tingle, Ni Maxine, Giorgia Bortoli, Siobhan and Blacka.
The 2022 June episode of the Where are the Girlbands catch-up is a Pride Month special, showcasing local LGBTQIA* artists including;
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An interview with Anna-mhairi about her Queer Women in Arts project.
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A poetry reading by Lucy Butler.
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Tracks by Gen and the Degenerates, Amber Jay, Iamkyami, Lazygirl, Alex Adea and Witch Fever.
The 2022 April episode of the Where are the Girlbands catch-up is a relaxed chat through Eve’s musical adventures in Spain, the impact of Samba in Liverpool and tonnes of new tracks by local artists.
The 2022 March episode of the Where are the Girlbands catch-up includes;
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Conversations about International Women’s Day
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A spoken word performance by Melanie John.
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Updates on Where are the Girlbands’ exciting new collaboration with Rec Rooms.
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Tracks by Charlotte Newman, LARO, Nil00, Nikki and the Waves, Karman, Dreampark and Kristrun.
The 2022 February episode of the Where are the Girlbands catch-up includes;
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Conversations about the Where are the Girlbands All in the Same Boat event at Bloom Building as part of the Alternative Spaces programme, including spoken word poetry performed by Claire Beerjeraz.
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Chatting about the Big Adventure Tour Takes Bloom Building gig as part of the Alternative Spaces programme with music by Evie Moran, Teah Lewis and Hallworth.
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Tracks by CHARL, Jensyn and Louis Cross.
The 2022 January episode of the Where are the Girlbands catch-up include;
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An interview with Astles chatting about songwriting, vulnerability, gigging in unconventional spaces and more.
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Songs to cure your January blues.
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The upcoming Where are the Girlbands events in the new year.
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Music by Grace Parry, Carolina Gomez, Astles, Kalima and Alba Arias.
The 2021 December episode of the Where are the Girlbands catch-up includes;
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A recap of the Where are the Girlbands All in the Same Boat event at Bloom Building as part of the Alternative Spaces series, introducing to you new faces on the Liverpool music scene.
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Demos by Giorgia Bortoli and Zara Smile.
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Tracks by Aron, Olivia Browse, Lazygirl, Marli, Seagoth, Kerry Feeney and Naila.
The 2021 November episode of the Where are the Girlbands catch-up includes;
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A chat about the Where are the Girlbands Down to Earth Takeover gig at Bloom Building as part of the Alternative Spaces programme.
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An interview with the spectacular Niki Kand.
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Updates on Where are the Girlbands adventures in Cambridge.
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Tracks by Lazygirl, Little Planets, Niki Kand and the Queen’s College of Oxford performing Cecilia McDowell.
The 2021 October episode of the Where are the Girlbands catch-up includes;
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A chat about the Where are the Girlbands Halloween Party gig in collaboration with Bitch Palace at Bloom Building as part of the Alternative Spaces programme.
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An interview with the fantastic Jade Thunder about her new releases.
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Tracks by Kristrun, Lazygirl, Natalie and the Monarchy, Jade Thunder, Olivia Browse and Karman.
The 2021 September episode of the Where are the Girlbands catch-up includes;
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A recap of the Mellow One with Where are the Girlbands event at Bloom Building as part of the Alternative Spaces programme.
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An interview with Helen Maw about her latest single ‘How I Feel’ and her creative process.
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Where are the Girlbands’ favourite new releases from September.
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Tracks by Poppy Shrimpton, Kristrun, Helen Maw, Loris and the Lion and Karman.