Leeds’ own mega-aesthetic all-girl band is set to ruffle some feathers with their new single 'Hate Me'. This unshakeable five-piece, which had their origin at Leeds College of Music (now Leeds Conservatoire) in late 2017, formed their base around the Riot grrrl movement and now denounce the injustices faced by women in the music industry.

The name that combines the lead singer’s old Instagram username handle and the Roman goddess of love and prosperity became the unlikely concoction capturing the essence of Venus Grrrls. They tell us: “Lead singer GK was really into Riot Grrrl and wanted to put together an all-girl rock band to celebrate women in alternative music. She lived with our synth player, Grace, who agreed to join straight away. The rest of the girls joined after GK put a call out on social media, apart from Hannah (Bass), who was recruited by GK after she saw her performing in another band.”

Despite their initial awkwardness, the girls retrospectively find a silver lining in not being able to gig, and look at the time spent in lockdown as a moment to “re-brand and focus on our friendships within the band.” They add: “We were all more or less strangers, only ever seeing each other in passing, but Jess (Lead Guitar) and GK actually attended the same college in Watford prior to university, but again only knew each other in passing. The first few rehearsals were incredibly awkward, seeing as we barely knew each other, we were trying to write an original song and it just wasn't happening, so GK suggested we try a cover to see how we all played together. This song was Rebel Girl - Bikini Kill, and after this the rest is history, it inspired an influx of creativity and we began writing our own songs; we haven't stopped since.”

The band’s new single upholds their creative values, while adding a subtle pop sound to their fierce repertoire. They explain: “Hate Me began as a Garageband demo that was written during one of the lockdowns, where we really wanted to focus and hone in on making some memorable motifs and melodies. It's got a pop edge that we're really excited about, but feel it maintains all of the crucial elements of our original musicianship. We took it into our producers Ady and Lee (Sugar House Music), where they worked their production magic and made the song what it is today. Our creative vision really lines up with theirs, so we absolutely love working with them.”

The contagious new track reinforces one of Venus Grrrl’s main motifs of inequality between female and male artists and adds the psychological depth of an internal dialogue as someone on the receiving end of negative scrutiny.

“Lyrically, the song can be construed in a multi-faceted manner, tackling once again similar issues that exist within our previous tracks such as 'Goth Girl' and 'Deranged'. An example of this being where women are continually judged for behaviours that their male counterparts are not judged for, and thus being looked at differently for no real logical reason. Correspondingly, Hate Me is delivered in a story-telling fashion that focuses on unsaid emotions between people, where there is a complete lack of communication about said feelings and happenings. It's about the internal complexities this can cause, and explores the desire to have clarity and closure. It's one of our more simplistic songs lyrically, but with the punchiness of the song we wanted there to be an uncomplicated and bold dialect alongside it,” they explain.

With their music, Venus Grrrls want to join other powerful all-female bands in the UK who are leading the fight against sexism in their industry. “We're all about supporting women in the music industry, as well as all genders. It's something we're exercising within all of our endeavours, and hope to contribute to the process of dismantling archaic attitudes toward women in music,” they say. “We're very keen to collaborate with Nova Twins and Dream Wife, we absolutely love what they're doing. From Nova Twins making their own clothes to Dream Wife consistently supporting and shouting out local/smaller bands, we're just huge fans (as well as the obvious fact they both make fantastic music).”

Hoping for a prompt return to gigging, Venus Grrrls tell us the near-future is bringing some exciting unannounced shows as well as a Heelapalooza slot. Oh, and they recommend us to keep an eye out for “some more news” for things happening after summer.