WENCH! are a punk trio from Hull who, despite only forming in 2023, have already achieved so much, and are making their Rebellion Festival debut this year as part of the LOUD WOMEN stage.
Keep reading, and get to know your new favourite band…
Firstly, how did you all meet and when was WENCH! formed?
We all met through college in 2023, all initially scared to talk to each other. Kit went to a gig played by Sev’s old band, approached Sev, and within the first conversation they had agreed to start a feminist band. Kit then met Hebe when they approached them at college, complimenting a Rocky Horror Picture Show pin badge! Kit and Hebe got chatting and found that they both played music and were angry feminists. Kit then created a group chat before Hebe and Sev had even properly met, we had a band practice in the shitty college practice room, and we never turned back.
For anyone not familiar with your music, how would you describe your sound?
Angry, outspoken, feminist punk. We’ve been described as riot grrrl but prefer to self-describe as angry feminist music. We blend lots of styles and genres together, with Hebe coming from a blues background, Sev coming from a folk background, and Kit being like Animal from The Muppets.
If you had to recommend one of your songs to a new listener, which one would you choose?
Our song ‘Yeti Legs’, which will be out on our new EP in July, is a blend of eclectic musicality, raw and emotional energy, and is the perfect blend of our individual musical backgrounds and inspiration.
What can we expect from your set at Rebellion?
Unfiltered, raw energy that will leave a big sweaty, wenchy mark on Blackpool and Rebellion Fest. For a group of three, we’re fucking loud. If you get wenched in Blackpool, you will NEVER forget it (threat)!
You’re playing the LOUD WOMEN stage this year. What would you say to someone who maybe doesn’t understand why we still need things like LOUD WOMEN?
We need organisations like LOUD WOMEN because as young AFAB people, we are sick of being treated like a novelty, we are tired of not feeling safe at gigs, we are tired of being harassed and sexually assaulted at gigs. AFAB, trans, and other queer people NEED representation, and they need to feel like they can play in a safe environment, with a community who accepts them. LOUD WOMEN is important because – not only do we fucking rock – but we are more than what’s between our legs. We weren’t made to just sit there and look pretty and be polite; we were made to make noise.
Are there any other bands on the line-up you’re particularly looking forward to seeing?
The line up is absolutely scrumptious, we are looking forward to the whole bloody thing! If we had to name a few though, The Damned would be right up there (especially for Hebe, who will be living their 12-year-old self’s dreams) with TSOL, PUSSYLIQUOR, our besties Under The Influence, and fucking PUBIC ENEMY (Kit is going to actually explode from excitement).
What else are you up to this year – any tours/festivals/releases you want to tell us about?
We’re playing quite a few festivals this year, which we will be announcing very soon, as well as lots and lots of gigs. Our debut EP Relaxing Rain Sounds For Baby Sleep will also be out early July. Would highly suggest keeping an eye out on socials for more details!
And finally, is there anything else you’d like to add?
We want to thank LOUD WOMEN for giving such a huge opportunity to a little, young band from Hull. We are absolutely buzzing to be coming to Blackpool and playing alongside so many of our musical heroes! Also, we’ve never been to Blackpool, and can’t wait to swim in the tropical and refreshing waters to soothe our wounds from moshing. PLEASE BUY OUR MERCH PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASEEEESSEEEHUUHHH so we can eat whilst we are there xxxx
Thank you so much to WENCH! for answering these questions!
Rebellion Festival takes place 7-10 August 2025 – full details and tickets here
You can find WENCH! on Instagram | Facebook | Bandcamp