The Irrepressibles Release ‘Be Wild’: A Love Letter to Queer Culture
It’s Wednesday, the hump of the week, and we thought a little music could help us all glide smoothly towards the weekend. Pride celebrations are taking place in major cities worldwide, and what better way to get in the spirit than with The Irrepressibles’ new single, Be Wild?
Some of you might already be familiar with the band, especially since their song Most Beautiful Boy was part of the soundtrack to Netflix’s hit series Young Royals. But if you’re not, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
The Irrepressibles are a British orchestral pop band founded in 2002 by Jamie Irrepressible (formerly McDermott). Known for their distinctive blend of orchestral and pop music, often described as “performance pop,” they stand out for their theatrical live performances that incorporate elements of theater, fashion, and art. Their music frequently delves into personal and societal issues, particularly LGBTQ+ themes.
Their debut album, Mirror Mirror (2010), features the well-known single In This Shirt. Subsequent albums like Nude (2012) and Superheroes (2020) continue their tradition of conceptually driven music. The Irrepressibles’ live shows are highly visual and immersive, with a rotating lineup of musicians supporting Jamie’s vision.
Notable contributors have included Sarah Kershaw (keyboardist and vocalist), Charlie Stock (violinist), Chloe Treacher (bassist and cellist), Nicholas J. Maltby (viola player), and Sally Herbert (string arrangements). Praised for their originality and emotional depth, The Irrepressibles have earned critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase, making a significant impact with their powerful emotional connections through both recordings and live performances.
Now, let’s get back to the reason we’re all here — Be Wild. This song is set to be part of The Irrepressibles’ upcoming album, and it’s a vibe you definitely don’t want to miss. The music video, set in the streets of Salford and Manchester, was directed by drag performer Joseph Wilson.
In Joseph’s own words, Be Wild is “a love letter to the 80s, to the cruisers, the sex workers, and drag kings and queens. It’s a voyeuristic perspective into our world that celebrates our identities and indulges in the eroticism of queer culture. It’s about homosexuality, the joys of gay sex, about being an outcast and being wild.”
This can clearly be seen in the music video, which feels like taking a walk on the wild side, peeking through intimate moments of people’s lives at night. Recorded mostly in black and white, the music video has just the right erotic vibe for a Pride anthem.
In Jamie’s words, the song is “a kind of soundtrack for walking the streets about homosexual adventures. It’s full of the sunshine of liberation with a touch of northern swagger.”
But don’t take our word for it—check out the song right now in the video below.
You can stream Be Wild on all your favorite music platforms. And don’t forget to check out other singles from The Irrepressibles’ upcoming album, like Will You and You Homo. Make sure to give them a listen too.
So, whether you’re gearing up for Pride or just looking for some new tunes to brighten your week, The Irrepressibles have got you covered. Be Wild is our pick to get you in the right mood. Enjoy the music and let’s celebrate who we are!
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Featured Image: Courtesy of Measure PR. Berts Songs / Universal Music Publishing
