Queer feminist punks Dream Nails based in London, UK, have released an important, anthemic new single “They/Them” on Dine Alone Records (Canada/US) and Alcopop! (UK). “This song is a rage-fuelled love letter to non-binary people everywhere,” says singer Leah Kirby. “As a non-binary person, or enby, living in the UK, I am constantly mis-gendered and often feel invisible. This is a banger for the fat enbys, the black enbys, the neurodiverse enbys, the disabled enbys. The enbys that don’t fit mainstream narrative of what genderqueer is. We refuse to be palatable and to fit into binary terms of ‘male’ and ‘female’. After hearing this song, I dare you to call me girl again!”
Guitarist and backing vocalist Anya Pearson explains why it’s so necessary to support non-binary people: “They don’t currently have legal recognition in the UK. This means having to choose between ‘male’ or ‘female’ on official documents like passports, driving licences, marriage certificates, and even – for those who medically transition – on their Gender Recognition Certificates. We’re stoked to be using this release to raise money for a grassroots LGBT charity in Leah’s hometown of Colchester. We’ve collaborated with one of our favourite queer artists Hannah Dickins, whose signature typographic style is utterly unmistakable, to create limited edition posters of the single artwork. All proceeds go to Outhouse East.” Dream Nails fans can purchase art prints of the single cover for a donation, or donate the art to LGBT youth clubs and charities.
The music video for “They/Them” was shot at a cabaret show at the Underbelly in London, UK, by non-binary filmmaker and drag performer Bobo Lai. In the video, Leah Kirby invites us into their world – backstage at The Non-Binary Cabaret, one of the UK’s foremost non-binary shows – and we watch Leah’s captivating transformation into Cyro, their drag alter-ego. We also meet other non-binary performers including Carrot, Flick, Prinx Silver, Oedipussi Rex, and photographer Queer Garden.
Dream Nails’ energy and youthful power promises to set your soul on fire. From 2021, the band is joined by non-binary activist and performer Leah Kirby (they/them) on lead vocals. Produced and mixed by Tarek Musa (of Spring King and Dead Nature) in Liverpool, “They/Them” makes up the second half of this double A-side single along with recently released summer banger “Take Up Space”.
Dream Nails are a punk force to be reckoned with. Founded in 2015, this hotly tipped band of activists mix political rage with contagious pop punk joy, winning hearts wherever they go. The band is known across the UK and Europe for their inclusive, riotous, fun, punk party of a live show, having toured with Anti-Flag and Cherry Glazerr, and headlined Glastonbury’s Sxsterhood stage three times in a row. The four-piece is set to headline Oslo in London on October 30 with tickets available HERE.
Tracks like “Vagina Police” and “Corporate Realness” are already fan favourites from the band’s years on the DIY scene. Their LP was one of Kerrang!’s most highly anticipated underground releases of 2020, and earned praise from BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Radio 1. They are championed by Steve Lamacq, Tom Robinson, Amy Lamee, Jack Saunders, Huw Stephens, and John Kennedy on UK radio. Dream Nails propelled them to new heights with critical acclaim and rave four-star reviews from the likes of NME, DIY, Upset, DORK, and Clash. More information will be released when available.
