I was thrilled to receive an email from musician, Gretchen Lohse, introducing me to her beautiful musica. Gretchen is a native Philadelphia singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. She comes from a family with deep music roots and was classically trained on violin, which is evident on her recordings. As the front woman of Philadelphia psychedelic folk rock band Yellow Humphrey, she dreamt up rich, strange musical tapestries; Part memoir and part tall tale, heavily influenced by folklore and silent films.

Her debut solo album continues to draw from these influences while delivering them in sparse arrangements with understated layers. The songs are stories, built around Lohse's vocals and guitar and then infused with flutes (Naeemah Maddox; Donn T, Paper Masques), strings, and more surprisingly, warm analog synthesizers provided by Thomas Hughes (The Spinto Band, The Music Tapes). At times you'll feel the intimacy of being alone in the room with her and at others you'll feel transported into other dimensions.

Lohse further extends this dichotomy by integrating sounds mined from her collection of old, warped VHS home movies. The ghostly sounds of voices, birds, and other noises are distorted and woven within the mixes, creating a blend that is both eerie and familiar. This technique is a perfect accompanied to Lohse's songs, which are personal and otherworldly.

Take a listen to her beautiful track, Primal Rumble. Then head over to her Bandcamp page and enjoy her album in its entirety and support this awesome lady.  

"Sometimes our dreams are so brilliant and our desires so mysterious that we lock them deep inside ourselves to feed and play with only when we sleep. As if acknowledging them in waking life will betray the veil of control we shroud around our lives. But sooner or later every thought becomes manifest, and every dream finds a way into this world, whether by will or by war."

Made In Heights started as a series of hang outs in New York where Kelsey Bulkin and Alexei Saba would walk a lot, talk a lot, and eat at bodegas. They explored the wilderness of our ideas, the steep and elegant climbs of our imagination, the desires trapped inside of them, and the murky mistakes that seem imperative to the process of becoming true.

MIH is my favorite find of the week. Their Sexy/RnB/Electro sound (hard to describe any other way) has definitely left me wanting more. Check out their full album below and visit their website for a free download of their track "Death" - love them!

Style consultants, Leah McMullen and Carrie Erickson, specialize in menswear and hospitality. I've always been a fan men's clothing and its simplicity. Men and women can definitely learn a few tips from these awesome fashionistas. These gals run the Twin City fashion scene, but work all over the United States, from Los Angeles to New York.

"We help you find your own individual style. We don’t have one significant point of view on how men should dress and we definitely do not want all of our clients to look the same. Your personality, lifestyle and daily reality must be reflected in our styling work with you."

             
Leah McMullen (right) studied Kung Fu fashion with zen masters on top of a mountain. Her experience lends her a spiritual non-violent type quality of total fashion comprehension. She knows what you want to wear even before she’s ever met you. In the stillness you’ll sense her calmness.

Carrie Erickson (left) was raised roping wild horses on an Australian mountain range. She can show haute couture who’s the boss with her bullwhip and down to earth cowgirl sense. From Paris to Milan to Manhattan she’s left behind a trail of busted up sissy pants now dressed in a tough rugged style. Her boots were made for ass kicking.

For information about styling packages and more check out Blackjove.com.

Love this lady duo! x/o

Happy Friday Femmebots!

Being as I've become Ms. Slacker when it comes to producing new podcasts, I figured I'd try something new. I've compiled a list of 5 tracks, from 5 awesome lady artists, to share with you on this lovely Friday morning. If you would like to be featured as one of Raw Femme's Weekly Playlist, shoot me an email at rawky@rawfemme.com! Would love to share your work! 

Hope you enjoy! x/o

PrimeTime is one of the best tracks on Janelle Monáe's The Electric Lady album. The record features R&B crooner, Miguel, who lends the perfect balance of soul alongside Ms. Janelle. She truly is one of the best artists of our generation.

Edge is another fine example of the kind of R&B-injected rock the band, HAIM, does so well. Beginning with a breathy vocal, Danielle Haim sings about fighting off the weight of her heart as she’s steadily buried under a swelling tide of arpeggios, synths, background vocals, and electronic percussion. I love this band!

From Sweden to Barbados and back. From the West Indian heat to the Scandinavian coolness. Naomi Pilgrim is here. Amazing voice on this lovely lady.

Washington D.C. native crooner, Gems, returned to the interwebs recently with something new for our listening enjoyment. The track is called “Medusa” a highly infectious, dark, haunting number that finds Gems showing off her vocal abilities nicely.

There is something mystical about HAERTS’ story and it’s reflected in their sound. The band is comprised of the beautiful Nini Fabi, Ben Gebert, Garrett Ienner, Derek McWilliams, and Jonathan Schmidt. Check out their debut EP, Hemiplegi. You won't be disappointed!

Nikdreamer, designed by Nicole Rosano, specializes in handcrafted gems and jewels using various beads, gemstones, crystals, charms, and treasures collected. The jewelry line was created and inspired by all of Nicole's passions for love, dreaming, astrology, crafting, religion, yoga, nature, vintage, thrifting, traveling, and the beauty of living in the southwest.

Every gemstone and crystal used in the collection can be used for healing or spirituality purposes. Most of the pieces in the collection are one-of-a-kind and all handmade with love.

Nicole also has a sister company, with none other than her Sister. ;) Visit their shop here. 

I absolutely love this line - I seriously want everything! Support this awesome lady by visiting her Esty Page and Website!

Ms. Molly Goldrick is one talented photo-takin' lady! Her work is some of the most beautiful portrait photography I have ever seen. I can't seem to locate more info about Molly's background, but it's safe to say her talent speaks for itself. Check out more of her photography here.

Love her! x/o

 

Scottish electro pop trio, CHVRCHES, is set to release their new album next week! The group consists of the beautiful Lauren Mayberry, Iain Cook, and Martin Doherty all musical talents in their own right. At their live shows you can find Mayberry performing lead vocals and occasionally playing synthesizers; Cook plays synthesizers and sometimes bass guitar, and also performs backing vocals; Doherty plays synthesizers and samplers, and also performs backing vocals and sometimes lead vocals. Basically, all three members do it all - as if they were a 10-piece band.

Take a listen to their new single below and visit their website for more info on how to pre-order The Bones of What You Believe. Love them!

Having begun her music career aged just 12; Laurel has already played alongside the likes of Ed Sheeran, Tinie Tempah, Lianne La Havas, White Lies and Katy B. Now aged 19, Laurel has just signed a record deal with Turnfirst Artists.

“I started writing songs when I was about twelve, on a keyboard I got for Christmas. I had found some of Laura Marlings songs on the internet, specifically her song 'New Romantic', which inspired me to start writing on the guitar; so I asked for a spanish guitar the following Christmas. I bought my next guitar on my 14th birthday which was steel and then straight away started playing gigs with my original songs around Southampton. I was regularly gigging every few weeks.”

Laurel is currently in the studio writing towards her debut album and will be announcing new live dates on her website very soon…can't wait! Love her!
 

Tamara Lichtenstein. Twenty two year old photographer from Houston, Texas. Inspired by fashion, femininity, & youth. Love her! Support this talented lady!