Eyes For Gertrude are a British female duo who write full-hearted, unforgettable songs about real things. Piano pulsed, accordion tinged, guitar swooned songs are shaped around captivating observations of the everyday. Infused in their striking sound is a combination of musical influences, focusing on the balance between evocative and haunting harmonies, whilst always maintaining a skewed pop sensibility.
Hannah and Chantelle started writing together at Dartington College of Arts and went on to spend three months in Canada during 2010. During that time they infiltrated the Toronto music scene and the response to their music and captivating live shows encouraged them to continue their journey.
In 2012 Hannah and Chantelle were chosen by UK music industry professionals as finalists in the 8th Musicians Benevolent Fund Songwriters Awards.
After completing their Music Degrees at Falmouth University in Cornwall they returned to Toronto where they continued to write as Eyes For Gertrude and also composed the music for a play entitled ‘Ana’s Shadow’ for Canadian playwright Tara Goldstein.
The band have had a whirlwind 2014 playing live on BBC Radio 4’s Loose Ends show and performing at a whole host of UK festivals including Larmer Tree and Glastonbury.
Eyes For Gertrude recorded their debut album ‘Residential Bliss’ in Vancouver, it’s produced by internationally renowned Canadian producer Ben Mink. Ben has worked with, and produced, countless international artists including Feist and Canadian chanteuse K.D.Lang. The album echoes a variety of genres and Ben Mink’s signature strings can be heard throughout the album, resulting in a sound that is both timeless and unique. Most remarkable is the coming together of their two voices – Chantelle Pike’s distinctive vocal suggests a modern day Patsy Cline, rife with deft melody and packed with heartbreaking turns and flourishes, while Hannah Dean sings like she’s from the same planet as Julee Cruise.
Eyes for Gertrude present an energetic live show that is deftly entertaining, whilst at the same time, raw and authentic. The sound can switch between melancholy and humour, without seeming juxtaposed, and the pair exude a singular onstage charm.
The long awaited album Residential Bliss is out now and available from this website and itunes.
“I initially became acquainted with “Eyes for Gertrude” through some mp3 recordings they sent to my website. I was frankly stunned at the high level of songwriting, arrangements and vocal performances”
Ben Mink
“Highly likeable band persona, tasty production, GREAT singer” Tom Robinson, BBC Radio 6Music
“Excellent! Very stylish videos” Clive Anderson, Radio 4’s Loose Ends
“If they told you they were from Tennessee you’d probably believe them” The Sound of Confusion
“EYES FOR GERTRUDE CONTINUE TO IMPRESS AND ADDICT AUDIENCES WHEREVER THEY PLAY” Bath Magazine
“Eyes for Gertrude can sing to me forever as far as I’m concerned” Soundart Radio
“AMAZING MUSICIANSHIP. REAL TALENT” THATCHANNEL.COM
“They’re a Fleetwood Mac for our generation” FLEX Newspaper
“Like honeysuckle for the ears” PUSH>PLAY Toronto