Emma Wilkes

Loathe: “There’s a revolution of people wanting interesting,… The wait is over. After 2020’s I Let It In And It Took Everything album turned Liverpool metallers Loathe into one of the UK’s most sensational heavy…

It was an absolute honour to chat to Loathe for my latest Kerrang! cover about their new song Gifted Every Strength, why new music has taken so long, why they tour the US so much and becoming influential:

www.kerrang.com/loathe-gifte...

a pigeon do not give me verbal instructions I will forget them immediately

Hiya. I've lost a sizeable chunk of work. Commissioning me to write you some words would be very helpful right now - I'll do anything on rock, metal and alternative culture, issues in the world of music, and I write bios too. Find me at emmabwilkes at gmail dot com.

This was a fascinating read this morning. I've never really heard this talked about, for one thing, and the ideas put forward make a lot of sense

This is fascinating. While outdoor music events can still provide opportunities for new talent, I often think about just how disparate the opposite ends of the scale are. These big mass market events rake in a small fortune while the grassroots sector struggles. Those extremes do feel more intense.

Cow on tiny boombox bike from Mario kart

How it feels knowing you’re going to a cool show in less than 24 hours

That's a mood. I could do with doing the same thing. Hope it passes soon ❤️

I regret to inform you that I think I posted too soon. My love life is once again becoming a joke that extends beyond April Fools 🙃

Also - look at those photos! WOW.

I had a great chat with Backxwash about her reinvention in sound on her new album 'Only Dust Remains', in which we touch on the afterlife, the violence in Gaza and... Lady Gaga?

Thank you so much, I'm glad you liked it!

God help me, a man is telling me paragraphs about his day and asking about mine and being given more than just crumbs is making me swoon

with my whole chest. scum.

Awww you think so? I thought I'd be a softer colour but I do wear lots of red and am told I have autumnal vibes? 🥰

Something that goes missing when people talk about critics as “gatekeepers” is that almost every critic I know (especially at publications) wants their audience to be more open minded and have broader tastes than they actually do

This was mine and she's beautiful omg

That's actually such a nice shade of green though

I feel like everyone working in music - or outside of it - loves a 10pm curfew. Once I went to a gig that finished at half 9 (there was a club night after) and people were jealous. It makes sense though where possible especially if it's the difference between people making the last train or not.

Hard launch omg 🥺 he looks like a sweetie!

Now that's some good going. THREE Nova Twins sets? Magnificent.

I can't believe, for my first Glastonbury, I get to see Olivia Rodrigo AND Deftones AND Turnstile AND Biffy AND Amyl and lots of other lovely people. My mum's even jealous I get to see Alanis Morrisette, who she went to see live when I was small. Chose a good first year, huh?

Thank you!

Indian rock sensations Bloodywood: ‘What’s more metal than standing up for people you love?’ The trio’s playful mix of heft and traditional instrumentation sent them viral. But they’re also confronting racism and rape culture, and struggling in a Bollywood-dominated music industry

In my debut for @theguardian.com (!!!) I had a great chat with Bloodywood about heavy metal's presence in India, combatting racism and rape culture and inspiring a sense of unity with their new album Nu Delhi!
www.theguardian.com/music/2025/m...

The temptation to overcommit this summer and do absolutely *everything* is so huge right now

In Oxford yesterday I passed a wedding party outside a registry office. I nodded and remembered the right thing to say was "Congratulations!" - the first thing my brain thought of saying was "Happy wedding!"

Happy pay day to all who celebrate

If you’re worried about the state of the world, vote with your wallet

Funding independent media is the simplest act of resistance you can do

Support the video makers and podcasters who help keep you from feeling dysregulated, hopeless or alone 🙏

Offered some words of solidarity to a writer getting trolled by TERFs on the Other Site, like I did about 18 months ago. The TERFs are now transvestigating me. New level of TERF bothering unlocked... I guess? 😅

It's mostly a junkyard now huh? They've really destroyed most semblance of community there, which is sad when it's given me so much career and friendship wise.

I didn't think I'd like it and I'm still listening pretty reluctantly after the whole transphobia thing. I do, however, agree with you completely. Easily the best they've been on a long time. Bonus points for getting Amira Elfeky on there who I LOVE.

I'd definitely agree with you! Is it Sunbather, no, but that was never the point - it's still a beautiful record with a lot of very strong songs