New Pagans release Charlotte Perkins Gilman-inspired single 'Yellow Room'

Belfast-based indie outfit New Pagans are back with a new track, inspired by Charlotte Perkins Gilman's gothic horror story 'The Yellow Wallpaper'.

The band typically use their creative influence to challenge past and present issues, often exploring topics like equality, history, and gender. With ‘Yellow Room,’ the band tackle the issue of motherhood within the music industry, and the lack of support for women with perinatal mental health needs, particularly in Northern Ireland.

The subject is something that personally hits home with the group's lead singer Lyndsey McDougall, who is a mother herself.

"When you become a mother for the first time the nights are often the most difficult”, she explains, “Long, lonely hours in the dark, feeding, worrying and watching. 'The Yellow Wallpaper', although an example of gothic horror, was a comfort to me as I struggled to make sense of all the new emotions and implications of having another human being to look after. It made me feel less alone in the shock of becoming a mother.

"We hope everyone can become a little more comfortable with this topic, we personally want to see the narratives of mothers/parents/carers included and considered in every industry. We need to ask ourselves why we are so uncomfortable with discussing it and why we feel it’s not relevant. Motherhood doesn’t define me but it definitely shouldn’t be something I hide or feel ashamed about. We need to challenge the perception that women who become mothers have less to add to the conversation.”

Listen to the track below.