looking back: Feb - April ‘23
words by Likhona Camane
to start this simply: it’s been a truly amazing, affirming few months. but, if you’re like me - and you want to geek out on what’s made this time so grand - here’s why:
from releasing Bahbahroo’s double-single, It Takes Time - two fun, off-kilter bedroom-rock songs that I still run on loop since I got the early versions on Whatsapp last year - to producing over 60 hours of new radio shows from our studio in Johannesburg and beyond; and new merchandise designed by Nicole Sen and long-time Lilies art collaborator, Ashleigh Wilmot - it has been such a lifting feeling, a real rush.
before the rush continues, I thought we could look back on the some of the highlights from the Lilies family.
the latest from Lilies Radio: thundering Taxi Gqom, psyched-out electronics, and talks about queer love + literature
303 - Sonic Landscape Exploration: #2 w/ Hlengi & Loving Parents
what started out as a hard, hyper-speed hour of electronic music has so wonderfully bloomed into something new at the moment.
Hlengi’s 303 show has ventured into exploring the alternative & experimental sounds inspired by film, art and music - in a sub-series titled ‘Sonic Landscape Exploration’. for the second edition, she invites Loving Parents - also known as Gym Carry, of Fly Machine Sessions to contribute to the series.
Loving Parents crafts a stunning mix titled ‘Stairs for Slinky’ - inspired by a Grade 5 maths teacher.
drift into an arresting hour of psyched-out electronics, driving clubby rhythms, and icy noise & experimental terrains.
Nebandla Lakhe: 004 w/ NGIYINHLOSO
taking you right into the heart of a 16-seater Quantum Toyota taxi - notorious to Durban’s beach convoy parties celebrating the end of a school term - this mix is exactly what you’d hear once you’re inside.
fashion designer & DJ, NGIYINHLOSO has crafted a mix of heavy-hitting, almost-earth-shattering gqom.
this is punk, with a whole lot more groove, bass and electronics to dance to.
Beyond Pages - brought to you by Lilies Radio & Bridge Books
in a special podcast series exploring the new wave of African literature - we go beyond the page with the authors, booksellers and readers who are shaping the future of literature across the continent.
our first two episodes feature words from Bridge Books founder, Griffin Shea, author and educator, Jarred Thompson, and development coach and writer, Theophillus Afrotist - where we discuss the power that lies within books, writing, and queer love.
Bahbahroo drops a double-single and directs his first video with Lilies Records
one moment for this look, please. and then one more for the new music (and video!) he just put out on Lilies Records.
It Takes Time have been two songs that are as off-kilter in their approach to bedroom-rock + dream pop, as they are catchy.
new merch + special discounts at the lilies shop!
to celebrate our love for radio, and dancing together - we teamed up with Nicole Sen and long-time lilies art collaborator, Ashleigh Wilmot, to bring you two heavyweight, loose-fit tees printed in black & stone colour-ways.
our ‘circuit’ tee references vintage FM radio circuit boards, and our ‘dancers’ tee, is what we see as an imagined scene of dancers, together.
both tees feature a new interpretation of the classic lilies logo that Ashleigh designed many years back, too!
you can grab discounted prices the last of our collab 7” vinyl with Roses Are Red Records (featuring stone-cold raps, beats and riddims from trxstxssx, Rap Man Gavin & Odous), and a T-shirt from Lilies Radio host, Ntokozo Mdaki - made as a badge of honour in our battles with mental struggles.
through our new, supporter-led funding drive, Seeds - you get access to special discounts on merchandise and music releases, early access to radio shows and lots more. while a portion of your donated funds will be given to all contributors on our platform.
we have been producing forward-thinking, artist-centred work since 2017 - seeking to showcase and support our local creatives, scenes and communities.
if you’d like to help us continue doing that, please consider supporting us.