Videos

DREAM NAILS release empowering new single ‘Take Up Space’

• 16th Aug 2021

London’s queer feminist punks Dream Nails have released an empowering summer anthem of a single ‘Take Up Space’, along with a vibrant music video, via Alcopop! (U.K.) and Dine Alone (US / Can). As drummer Lucy Katz puts it “Take Up Space is a surf punk banger calling for girls, gays and theys to take up space this summer. It’s a classic, sunny, tongue-in-cheek piece of Dream Nails goodness.” 

‘Take Up Space’ is Dream Nails’ first release with new lead singer Leah Kirby (they/them pronouns), who says: “This is a bop which acknowledges the injustice with cis male dominated spaces. It’s an anthem for those who are negatively impacted by patriarchal oppression. It’s a call for us to reclaim our bodies and take ownership of ourselves. We want to live without fear, we want to live freely, we want to take up space!”

Guitarist Anya Pearson adds: “There is an epidemic of male violence on our streets and women and LGBT+ people are expected to police what we wear, where we go and what we do in order to ‘stay safe’. Ironically, when we protest about these issues, we are then subject to oppressive policing!” 

And bassist Mimi Jasson gets personal, explaining “My favourite lyrics of ‘Take Up Space’ are “I would hitchhike to the coast, coasting along, travelling alone” because that’s exactly what I would do if I wasn’t afraid. I love this song because it really evokes a better, more joyful world, where women and LGBTQ+ people can take up space without fear.”

Recorded over a hot summer weekend in July 2021, ‘Take Up Space’ was produced and mixed by Tarek Musa (Spring King / Dead Nature), who also produced the Dream Nails’ 2020 self-titled debut album, in Liverpool. The music video was shot on location at Tarik’s recording studio and Lucy’s house in Hackney. It was mostly homemade by the band, whose ethos is proudly DIY. 

Dream Nails are finally able to hit the road this autumn and their highly-anticipated rescheduled headline tour dates kick off at the start of September. This is a band known for their inclusive, riotous, fun, punk party of a live show – this is a gig not to be missed. In fact, the band managed to sell out their recent intimate headline show at Aces & Eights in just three hours, so you’d best act quick. Tracks like ‘Vagina Police’ and ‘Corporate Realness’ from Dream Nails’ self-titled debut album are already fan favourites from the band’s years on the DIY scene. The album’s release propelled them to new heights with critical acclaim  from the likes of NME, DIY, Upset, DORK, Kerrang!, and support from BBC 6Music and BBC Radio 1. 

TOUR DATES:
SEPT
Wed 01 Cardiff, The Moon Club
Thu 02 Bristol, Louisiana
Fri 03 Nottingham, Bodega
Sat 04 Birmingham, Muther’s Studio
Sun 05 Leeds, Hyde Park Book Club
Tue 07 York, Fulford Arms
Wed 08 Glasgow, Hug & Pint
Thu 09 Sheffield, Sidney & Matilda 
Fri 10 Manchester, Castle Hotel 
Sat 11 Liverpool, Kazimier Stockroom 
Sun 12 Leicester, Duffy’s Bar 
Mon 13 Norwich, Voodoo Daddy’s Showroom
Wed 15 Southampton, Heartbreakers (supporting the Subways)
Sat 18 London, Roundhouse Studio (supporting Frank Turner) 
OCT
Sat 09 Middlesbrough, Twisterella festival 
Sat 30 London, Oslo
NOV
Sun 14 Edinburgh, Stag & Dagger festival