Third Man Records has shared the sixth episode of its Third Man Public Access series, which consists of a full live set by UK black feminist punks Big Joanie. In addition to their cover of Solange’s “Cranes In The Sky,” the set includes three previously unheard original tracks — “Cactus Tree,” “In My Arms,” and “Happier” — as well as songs from their acclaimed debut album Sistahs. Watch the full set at 12pm ET HERE, and find the live version of “Cranes In The Sky” HERE.
“We had so much fun performing live for Third Man Records at Reel Rebels Studios in Stoke Newington – it was our first time playing together for 5 months!” the band says. “We’ve put together a special set of songs for you, including tracks from our first album Sistahs, our ‘Cranes In the Sky’ cover and also three previously unrecorded songs: ‘Cactus Tree,’ ‘In My Arms,’ and ‘Happier.’ We hope you enjoy it!”
Big Joanie describe themselves as The Ronettes filtered through 80s DIY and 90s riot grrrl, with a sprinkling of dashikis.
Based in London, UK, Big Joanie formed in the summer of 2013 to play at First Timers (a gig where each band plays their set for the very first time) at the close of the year. The band also functioned as a space where its members (Stephanie Phillips, Chardine Taylor-Stone, and Estella Adeyeri) could be completely themselves as black women and discover their own power in creativity. Since their formation, they’ve opened for such notable acts as Bikini Kill, Sleater-Kinney, The Raincoats and Parquet Courts.
Outside of the band all three members have strong community ties, from helping run the festival for punks of colour Decolonise Fest, coaching new talent at Girls Rock London, or launching the ‘Stop Rainbow Racism’ campaign which works to stop racist performances in LGBT venues.
