Isle of Wight musician Rhian Teasdale formed indie rock duo Wet Leg with Hester Chambers in 2019. The band released two singles in 2021, Chaise Longue and Wet Dream, which became instant hits thanks to their witty lyrics and sense of fun. Wet Leg’s self-titled debut album was released in April and is shortlisted for the 2022 Mercury prize, which is announced on Thursday. Wet Leg tour the UK and Ireland from 13-27 November.
1. Gig
This was at the Park stage, just after dusk, and she was clashing with Paul McCartney so her set turned out to be really intimate. Her performance was so inspiring. She tells a story with her body – I hadn’t seen anyone do anything like that before. Sometimes when you’re watching live music you can miss some of the lyrics, but she was putting her whole self into all the words, so you really felt them.
2. App
It’s social media but you only get a notification on your phone once a day, saying: “It’s time to post your BeReal.” You have two minutes to post – it takes pictures from your front and back cameras, so you see the person’s face and what they’re looking at. I have about 10 friends on there and it’s nice, especially being away on tour, to know what they’re up to. It’s mainly my housemates in the paddling pool or people at their laptops looking quite hot. The point is you don’t get the chance to curate it. It just feels really wholesome.
3. Fashion
Renli Su dressed us for Glastonbury, Hester and me, and I really like them because their collections seem to always be inspired by stories – of real people, but also from myths, poems or ballets – but based on women who have gone against the grain. The clothes are all quite traditionally feminine. They’re similar to how women dress in period dramas, which I hate, but in the little blurbs about the designs it says: “This collection is based on a magician who was as good as Houdini, but her story was forgotten.” I enjoy the juxtaposition.
4. TV
It’s my favourite TV show. I still watch it regularly and find it comforting even though it’s so bleak. Everyone says that they’re a Mark or a Jeremy, especially in domestic situations: in my household I am definitely a Jeremy – I’m the weird musician who comes in and can’t really look after themselves. We watch it on the tour bus if we can get the TV working. We always find ourselves getting into trouble because we’ll come out with quotes from it and if you haven’t watched it, it will seem a bit odd.
5. Music video
Katy J Pearson is a really amazing indie folk artist I’ve been following for years. This video is beautifully shot. It starts off with her telling a ghost story with a torch right up to her face – there’s something charming about music videos when they can incorporate the miming of the song into the story. I kept seeing stills of it pop up on my social media: Katy J as a vampire, covered in blood and wearing this white gown. I finally watched it and was not disappointed.
6. Snack
Takis are my new favourite crisps. The first time I had one was when [producer] Dan Carey went to the shop when we were recording and came back with a packet. They’re rolled up tortilla chips and I swear to God on one crisp there is all the seasoning from a whole normal packet of crisps – they’re so spicy and rich and definitely above your recommended salt intake. They’re probably really bad for you but I can’t stop eating them.
