DREAM NAILS ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM: DREAM LOOP
Welcome to the (r)evolution of Dream Nails. Born from a chaotic mix of run-ins at drag shows and shared friendships, Dream Nails have established themselves as a political ecosystem, a safe haven, “for trans and queer people and their allies who love punk music”.
An all-queer political punk collective made up of members Anya Pearson, Lucy Katz, Mimi Jasson and new frontman Ishmael Kirby, the band have burst forth from their DIY roots to newly sign with Marshall Records, bringing forward a reborn image of Dream Nails with music we can all find ourselves in.
What Dream Nails seek out is greater than idealistic, punchy anthems. Instead, they want their music to inspire change, action, and hope. They have spent the last few years reflecting on their communal roots and driven dream of “making the world a better place” and sharing a message they truly believe in.
While fateful connections may have brought Dream Nails together, their shared ambition to disrupt society’s ongoing “doom loop” was plenty to keep them vocally protesting side by side. Together, Dream Nails has become a political statement as much as a creative endeavour. In the sanctity of their soundscape, the band have fused their motivation to kick-start change with a want to be joyfully rebellious. Instead of dropping anthems fuelled by justifiable rage and upset, the band have realigned their mission, as creative observers, to deliver hope to marginalised and misunderstood communities. In a world actively divided, Dream Nails are seeking out “common ground” in music to express their vision of queer euphoria, trans liberation, and shared humanity.
With almost three years since their debut self-titled release, Dream Nails aren’t changing route, but broadening their appeal. In their slick, humoured new album, produced by Ross Orton (Arctic Monkeys, Amyl and The Sniffers) the band tackle everything from incel culture to rewriting the available images of trans masculinity. It’s concise, powerful, and refreshingly disruptive. Dream Nails surfaced from a Sister’s Uncut protest in 2015 and their political tact remains prevalent as ever. But, now, with the added zing of lead singer Ishmael, the band have pushed their politics to new heights.
Dream Nails fall in line with a much-needed space for pro-LGBTQ+ politics. For fans of Bikini Kill, Amyl and the Sniffers and label mates Nova Twins (with whom the band have toured extensively). Dream Nails are aware of their duty to educate as well as create great bangers for the dance floor (and moshpit). “Our music and live shows are an act of service; they’re galvanising as well as entertaining and playful. It’s a responsibility that we don’t take lightly” Lucy says.
Gearing up to their next step, the band want to share their music (and their message) as far as it can go. Eager to “get into new spaces”, the punk collective want to take on the US and the breadth of the UK and Europe. But, alongside that, Dream Nails are ready to give back. They're currently working on community projects with LGBTQ+ youth and young musicians in disadvantaged areas of the UK to make the music industry more accessible. Community and collectivity are at the heart of the band and for good reason: “Our existence is intersectional therefore our politics is going to be intersectional.” In short, Dream Nails want to become “the biggest political band in the world” — and there’s no reason they shouldn’t be.