By Colin 
Hen Hoose, the pioneering female and non-binary-led songwriting collective based in Glasgow, has announced the release of their highly anticipated second EP of 2024. The six-track collection, set to drop on September 5th, showcases the diverse talent, creativity, and collaborative spirit that define Hen Hoose. The EP features an eclectic mix of genres and styles, bringing together some of the most innovative voices in the UK music scene.
Leading the EP is the single “Catchfall,” a collaboration between multi-instrumentalist Jill Lorean and prolific musician and producer Susan Bear. The track is a vibrant, guitar-driven piece that combines ethereal vocals with captivating lyrics, encapsulating the essence of Hen Hoose’s collaborative ethos. Lorean and Bear, who both hail from Glasgow’s rich musical landscape, bring their unique styles to the fore, creating a sound that is both fresh and familiar. The single, available for streaming now, is a testament to the collective’s ability to foster new and exciting creative partnerships.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Lorean expressed her admiration for Bear’s work, stating, “Getting paired with Susan was really exciting because I love her music and have admired her from a distance for some time. It can be daunting working with someone new, but Susan put me at ease, and I felt comfortable being myself around her.” Bear echoed these sentiments, adding, “I loved collaborating with Jill—it felt like a familiar process, as if we’d collaborated before. I’m pleased with the final result, and it was great to step out of my comfort zone by singing lead on the choruses.”
The EP features a host of other impressive collaborations, including tracks like “Wake Up” by Karine Polwart and The Anchoress, “Islands” by Kathryn Williams and MALKA, and “Dance With U” by Nightwave and Shears. Each song on the EP highlights the collective’s commitment to diversity and innovation, with genres ranging from dreamy soundscapes to energetic, dance-floor anthems.
Hen Hoose, founded in 2020 by Scottish musician Tamara Schlesinger, has quickly established itself as a vital force in the music industry, advocating for gender equality and providing a platform for underrepresented voices. Their first album, Equaliser, which was written remotely during the lockdown, received widespread acclaim and was nominated for the Scottish Album of the Year Award. The album’s success cemented Hen Hoose’s reputation as a trailblazer in the industry, uniting talented female and non-binary artists in the creation of groundbreaking music.
With support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, Hen Hoose is expanding its reach, offering audio production courses, songwriting camps, and mentoring sessions to artists beyond its core collective. To celebrate the release of their three EPs, Hen Hoose members will perform a special live gig at the CCA in Glasgow on December 14th.
You can listen to “Catchfall” here, and you can also find out more about their previous EP here. Also check out our review of Hen Hoose’s first album, Equaliser, here. You can also follow the collective on Instagram, X and Facebook.