Pussy Heaven unveil new single ‘Lily’ with lo-fi ode to Johannesburg – Backseat Mafia

South African trio Pussy Heaven have released their latest single, ‘Lily’, accompanied by a lo-fi video described as a gothic love letter to Johannesburg. The track continues the band’s exploration of grief, defiance, and belonging through a sonic palette shaped by 90s grunge, industrial textures and Middle Eastern melodies.

The video, which draws influence from the work of underground filmmaker Jack Smith, positions the city as central to the band’s identity—celebrating its queer, inclusive spirit and the community that surrounds them. Shot with a lo-fi aesthetic, it captures the grit and intimacy of the city that gave birth to their sound.

Formed in 2023 by longtime collaborators Tessa Lily (guitar/vocals) and Auriel Lefebre (drums/vocals), Pussy Heaven emerged from Johannesburg’s underground with a clear ethos: inclusivity, intention, and sonic intensity. Joined in 2024 by bassist Jade Abbott (formerly of Follow Me, Follow You), the band has since carved out a distinctive space within South Africa’s alternative scene.

Drawing from a shared history in acts like Rokkeloos and Cortina Whiplash, the members of Pussy Heaven have shaped a sound that marries cinematic scope with raw minimalism. The result is what the band describe as “world music for the disenchanted, dance music for the damned”—music defined by hypnotic rhythms, chant-like vocals, and slow-burning arrangements that resist categorisation.

Their live debut as a duo took place in September 2023 at Tweefontein Melkery, where they performed against a séance-themed stage. Word quickly spread, and their demand grew. Their first performance as a trio took place at That 70s Fest in May 2024, where they unveiled a live set augmented by immersive visuals and theatrical staging. Since then, they’ve adopted a limited-show strategy—performing selectively at diverse venues to maintain an air of exclusivity while growing their fanbase.

Each performance is crafted as an experience, with visuals tailored to each song and audience interaction that encourages a sense of shared space. As their following continues to grow, Pussy Heaven remains committed to performing only on inclusive line-ups and building an artistic space that reflects the social ideals behind their music.

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