MADDY CARTY is a London based singer-songwriter who some readers of this paper will have seen perform over recent years at events like Tolpuddle and benefits for progressive causes. It is therefore welcome news that she has just released a six-track EP Otherhood reflecting different themes of the world we inhabit.

“I started work on the EP before I became pregnant and it then developed through pregnancy and becoming a mother where I had lots of opportunities of reflecting on family life. I started writing Little One whilst I was pregnant and the only real love song on the album is Old Hands which gave me a rare occasion to be nice about my husband. Dark Circles explores feelings of post-natal depression which I went through after the birth but the love for our child still wins through.”

Social concerns are explored throughout the album. The opening track Blame Game is about the divisive nature of our current world politics and attempts to whip up social polarisation. This is followed by Not a Fan about misogyny in the music industry. “I wrote this based on an experience I had with a particular music producer. Men still get more space in the music world and sexist attitudes run throughout the industry.”

Ending with Unseen written when supporting close friends who were experiencing personal difficulties the album has an intimate sensitive feel without becoming maudlin, and there will be opportunities to see Maddy Carty perform in the coming weeks including at the International Brigades Memorial Trust Celebration at Jubilee Gardens (Belvedere Road, London SE1 7PG) on July 4.

How the hell can you call this a war is a Charity single in aid of Medical Aid For Palestinians released yesterday and available on bandcamp.

For upcoming gigs, venues and dates see: maddycartymusic.com