South London band Man/Woman/Chainsaw, the latest artists to be featured on NME's 'The Cover', have unveiled an exclusive playlist designed to energise listeners. Titled 'HITS Workout', the playlist accompanies their in-depth profile published this week, highlighting NME's ongoing commitment to showcasing emerging musical talent.
The 'HITS Workout' playlist, available on Spotify and Apple Music, includes tracks from a diverse range of artists such as Confidence Man, FKA twigs, My Chemical Romance, and Nirvana. This curated selection reflects the eclectic tastes of the six-piece band, who are currently gaining recognition for their distinctive sound.
Man/Woman/Chainsaw, comprising vocalists Vera Leppänen and Billy Ward, pianist Emmie-Mae Avery, guitarist Billy Doyle, drummer Lola Cherry, and violinist Clio Starwood, originated from experimental roots. Initially drawing inspiration from bands like Black Midi, known for transforming unusual sounds into mainstream success, the group has gradually refined its approach. Over the past couple of years, they have integrated more conventional melodic elements into their music, finding a balance between their idiosyncratic style and pop sensibilities.
Vocalist and bassist Vera Leppänen commented on this evolution, stating, "I remember feeling so desperate to be outrageous as a kid, but it’s actually chill to just be chill." Singer-guitarist Billy Ward added that while they still aim for unexpected choices, which they believe contribute to great pop, they no longer pursue 'weird for weird’s sake'. This shift signifies a maturation in their musical direction since their formation in 2019 by Leppänen and Ward at the age of 14.
The band solidified its current line-up in 2023, a pivotal moment that led them to realise the potential within their chaotic sound. Pianist Emmie-Mae Avery recalled that their 2024 single 'Ode to Clio' marked a turning point, being the first time their music sounded like a cohesive song rather than disparate parts. NME's 'The Cover' initiative annually features 50 such stories, offering in-depth profiles and exclusive photoshoots to spotlight the future of music.