London-born songstress GIRLI has today released her brand new unapologetic single Ruthless. The stripped back intro hears GIRLI’s signature gentle sing/rap style, before showcasing her soaring rich vocals. The music video directed by Kassandra Powell, sees a self-styled GIRLI and her squad take ownership of a junkyard, whilst dressed to the nines in 18th century finery. Watch here.
Milly Toomey (AKA GIRLI) has said of the track, “Ruthless is about losing naivety and childish excitement and having to face the cold hard truth of the world – learning about deception, fake friendships, having to grow a thick skin and lose the happy go lucky girl you were to rise to the top; having to become ruthless. It’s especially something that so many women face in the creative industries, as they get trodden on by money-hungry people who don’t care and only want to exploit them – a lot of the time men or women brainwashed into hating on other women by the patriarchal structures of our society.”
And of the video, GIRLI has explained, “The concept of the Ruthless music video is a queen who’s been through so much bullshit and ousted from kingdom and now she doesn’t care as she rules over her post-apocalyptic junkyard kingdom. I chose to style myself and the cast in 18th century princess attire, to hint at Sofia Coppila’s Marie Antoinette and Vivienne Westwood’s punk take on this era while also nodding to Marie Antoinette herself, who was a woman who was scapegoated and hated by society – this video is pink, punk, anti-establishment, pure ruthless rebellion.”
Alongside the release of Ruthless, the alt/pop artist has also announced the highly-anticipated release news of her Damsel In Distress EP. The 5-track body of work explores themes such as unrequited love, body dysmorphia and self-discovery. It features the brand new Ruthless, previously released singles Ricochet, Dysmorphia and More Than A Friend, plus the unheard I Don’t Like Myself. The EP will be available to buy/stream on 22nd October in digital form. GIRLI’s slew of new releases have amassed an incredible 3.1+ million combined audio and video streams so far, including 2.6+ million combined streams for More Than A Friend. GIRLI has also receivedsupport from numerous Spotify playlists including New Music Friday across several territories, various Apple Music playlists, plus radio play from the likes of Jack Saunders and more on BBC Radio 1. Pre-save the Damsel In Distress EP here.
GIRLI has recently announced the incredibly exciting news that she is heading out on a UK/IRE tour in November and December! The songstress will kick the headline dates off in Bristol at The Lanes on 7th November, and hit towns and cities such as Cardiff, Brighton, London, Manchester and more, before wrapping things up at the Arts Club Loft in Liverpool on 3rd December. Full details and tickets can be found here. GIRLI made her long-awaited return to the stage recently since before the global pandemic, at a sold out socially distanced show at London’s Bush Hall, to celebrate 20 years of the venue.
