Inspired by the global art movement Nasty Women – Nasty Women UK put on a brilliant three day event of music, art, talks, comedy and spoken word at welcoming canalside venue Stour Space in Hackney Wick, London.
Nasty Women UK Art - pic Ash Chalk
With a Trump cake by the entrance (a raffle for a chance to chop it up), and an exhibition encompassing everything from painting to rock photography, the atmosphere was buzzing at the mini fest, which set out to include and inspire, and also to raise money for the End Violence Against Women Coalition’s impressive work.
Trump cake - artist Phillippa Egerton
The Nasty Women movement originated in New York, and took its title from the words Trump used to describe Hilary Clinton. Words that have been reclaimed and used in a fightback against growing misogyny and intolerance, and led to a series of Nasty Women events worldwide.
Florence Lawrence Chorus - pic Terry Tyldesley
Opening night featured Florence Lawrence Chorus with beautiful harmonies delivered a cappella in a circle in the capacity crowd, and an outstanding and deeply moving arrangement of Adele’s Rolling in the Deep.
IMAN - pic Leah Cowan
Then singer songwriter IMAN unleashed her incredible soulful vocals - she has written for Kanye West’s album, toured with the likes of Rudimental, and recorded with Ed Sheeran. She also performed some great new songs with acoustic guitar, and owned the space with her sound.
Bishi - pic Ash Chalk
Headliner Bishi is an electro pop goddess, composer and sitar virtuoso. Her soaring vocals and playing were simply breathtaking and had the audience spellbound as she performed songs from her next EP. Bishi is also the founder of WITCiH - Women In Technology Creative Industries Hub.
Helen McCookerybook - pic Suzi Corker
Saturday took a lyrically more radical turn. Original punk star Helen McCookerybook’s alt pop songs are beautiful, beguiling, and deep. She had the crowd singing the chorus of a very poignant song called The Sea that was written as a response to the refugee situation.
deux furieuses - pic Suzi Corker
Rising stars deux furieuses performed their first ever acoustic set just for Nasty Women, including the blistering Can We Talk About This?, plus a brand new song Let Them Burn. They’ve been on our radar for some time and we interviewed them about their debut album. We can safely say the songs are so strong they work in any format!
Feral Five - pic Paul Harter
Electro duo Feral Five brought the dance punk vibes, sampling the famous ‘I’m a Nasty Woman’ speech, and hammering out fierce but playful beat-laden songs and visuals, including an electro disco cover of X-Ray Spex’s Germ Free Adolescents.
Tisha Heart - pic Terry Tyldesley
Up-and-coming rapper Tisha Heart premiered new songs Boyfriend, Situations, and Dismiss, and won new friends with her hard-hitting lyrical prowess. She’d come straight from her birthday celebrations to be part of Nasty Women, and the crowd sang her a joyful Happy Birthday when she finished.
Miranda Joy - pic Suzi Corker
Sunday began with a mellower vibe and soulful singer songwriter Miranda Joy playing some ballads on keyboard. She premiered a new song that didn’t even have a title yet - one of many great firsts at the Nasty Women weekend!
Madame So - pic Suzi Corker
Madame So performed with a pared down band - her drummer on cajon. The French-born singer creates lyrically-led guitar pop and the intimate style was perfect for her punchy song Black Is Beautiful, an instant classic which appears on the Loud Women album.
Lanré - pic Suzi Corker