In a tiny Nottingham front room, before the police came knocking to break up yet another raucous practice session, something special was brewing. GIRLBAND! – the three-piece alternative outfit that’s been setting stages alight across Europe – found their beginning in that cramped space, turning neighbourly complaints into the foundation of one of British music’s most compelling new stories.
“It was one of those things that clicked instantly like a good relationship,” explains vocalist and guitarist Georgie, reflecting on the band’s formation. “I knew Jada and Katey through the music scene in Nottingham and messaged them with these songs like, ‘You wanna start a band?’ We rehearsed in my tiny, tiny front room two days later, and the rest was history.”
That history has been writing itself at breakneck speed, fueled by the kind of raw energy that only comes from genuine creative chemistry. The band’s early days were marked by a delicious disregard for volume control, with impromptu parties and practice sessions continuing until law enforcement intervened – a baptism of noise that set the tone for their fearless approach to music-making.
The trio – completed by drummer Jada (“who drums like a machine”) and bassist Katey (provider of “beautiful backing vocals”) – represents a perfect storm of musical influences. Their sound emerges from the rich diversity of Nottingham’s music scene, where genres collide and collaborate rather than compete.
“I think Nottinghams music scene being so diverse has shaped our sound,” Georgie reflects. “The three of us come from different music backgrounds. Jada and Katey have played in funk and Jazz bands, and I’ve played alternative and country music, and then we all love music like Nirvana and Sleater Kinney, so I think that mixture has created the girlband sound.”
The Nottingham music community has proven to be more than just a backdrop for their emergence. “The community is close,” Georgie emphasises. “Everyone knows each other, and it’s not hard if you’re struggling and in need of asking people for favours and help. Everyone wants to help each other.” This supportive environment has created fertile ground for emerging artists to flourish.
But it’s not just about the music – GIRLBAND!’s narrative is deeply rooted in the experience of growing up in England’s working-class heartland. “Growing up somewhere like Mansfield and Nottingham impacts how you write,” Georgie explains. “There’s a lot to watch but sometimes not a great deal to do, and as a kid, you’re taking in so much craziness but don’t necessarily have anywhere to put it. So you turn to writing songs and making music.”
Their work’s hunger for expression is palpable, particularly when Georgie adds, “And the opportunities up here can’t even compete with the ones down south, really. So you’re hungry to get out, and I think that drive, anger and heartbreak, plays a part in the songs I write for sure.” This authentic connection to place and experience resonates through their work, particularly in their latest single, ‘Talk Me Down’ – a powerful exploration of mental health that’s already becoming a live favourite.
The band’s rise hasn’t come without its challenges. “It’s hard work when you’re doing it all in a transit van, and sometimes there’s not much sleep, and then everyone goes back to their day jobs in between,” Georgie admits. “But it’s all worth it for them moments your doing a dream gig or standing in some European square after a great show.”
Those moments have been multiplying. GIRLBAND! have been conquering festivals across the continent, from Isle of Wight to Montreux Jazz Festival and Rock For People in Czechia – where, as Georgie notes, “The crowd were wild.” Their Glastonbury debut held particular significance, especially for bassist Katey, whose festival-going history made the moment even more special. “Her heart is at Glastonbury,” Georgie shares. “So when we played last year, it was so special to share that experience with her.”
The festival circuit has become more than just a series of gigs – it’s a space for discovery and community building. “Festivals are the best place for discovering your new favourite thing,” Georgie enthuses. “We are always mesmerised by the musical talent that surrounds you in a field. It’s so primal.” This spirit of discovery extends to their own experiences, with bands like Lambrini Girls becoming newfound favourites after chance festival encounters.
The band’s current European tour supporting Destroy Boys sees them playing prestigious venues across the continent, from Munich’s Strom to Paris’s Supersonic Club. Yet they maintain strong ties to their hometown scene, performing at Dot To Dot this spring, and championing fellow Nottingham artists with genuine enthusiasm. “Midnight Rodeo are great; we love Blood Worm, too,” Georgie offers. “There’s this amazing young singer-songwriter called Romy. Alfie Sharpe has a cracking voice.”
The camaraderie of the festival scene is evident in GIRLBAND!’s approach to networking, which maintains a refreshingly casual spirit despite their rising profile. “‘Letter To Self’ is a big album. Sprints, if you’re reading this and fancy a beer at Dot to Dot?” Georgie offers playfully.
Between shows, they find ways to maintain their creative energy. For Georgie, motorcycle riding provides an escape: “It’s wildly freeing. And it’s a nice getaway. It’s very therapeutic and helps me find head space for writing.” The band’s commitment to joy extends beyond the stage – “Having fun is important to us all. And no one will make you laugh like Jada.”
Looking ahead, GIRLBAND!’s ambitions remain both lofty and grounded. “So ambitious we want to do it all, really!” Georgie declares. “Travel with the songs we have and get them in front of as many people as we can. Inspiring others is a big part of the whole thing, too.” These aspirations include dream appearances on ‘Later Live’ and major festival stages like Reading & Leeds, along with the creation of what they promise will be “an epic album.”
The fresh energy that first sparked in that Nottingham front room continues to drive GIRLBAND! forward. Now settled into a new rehearsal space, they approach each day with the same enthusiasm that characterised their earliest sessions. As they continue their ascent, they remain focused on what matters most – creating music that speaks truth while building community. Their parting message encapsulates their ethos perfectly: “Trans lives matter, and all women are women.” It’s this combination of musical excellence and unwavering principles that makes GIRLBAND! not just exciting, but essential. ■
Get tickets and find out more at dottodotfestival.co.uk now. Follow Dork’s Dot To Dot Festival Guide Spotify playlist here.
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