RATS TAILS – PUBLIC DOMAIN – NEW SINGLE

Returning for their first single of 2025, South East London ‘Dream Rock’ quintet Rats-Tails share ethereal new cut ‘Public Domain’ – due 27th May 2025 via No Distance Records

Segueing seamlessly between mystic-folk and dream-pop. ‘Public Domain’ gently guides listeners through a lullaby labyrinth – starting with humble acoustic guitars and leads into an Angelic 3 part choir, Frankie Di Stanis clarinet-blowing freak out, Chris Bulls dusty guitar solos and Courtney McMahons ethereal vocals as the track’s unifying beacon. ‘Public Domain’ narrates the tale of loneliness and being jaded by commodification of one’s art as McMahon herself explains:

“‘Public Domain’ was written when I was super burnt out and my head was full of self sabotaging thoughts. I sing to self-soothe, during that period it felt like my life depended on it. So I set up my voice notes app, kept the chords simple and sang out my thoughts. The beginning of ‘Public Domain’s recording is intended to re-create the moment the song was written. Leading up to ‘Public Domain’s formation, I spent a lot of time on social media, I became very jaded at seeing everyone’s hobby or talent being commodified in some way. At the time, I became fixated on the ‘cons’ of commodifying my thoughts, feelings and music. I had fears of over sharing or experiencing creative burnout to the point of no return. ‘Public Domain’s lyrics are asking you ‘what does it mean to share your art?’ Whilst providing a dreamy relaxed soundscape to vibe out to.”

One Line Description: Public Domain – A haunting lullaby that explores loneliness, self-sabotage, and the tension between art and commodification.

Formed in South East London by vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Courtney McMahon and guitarist Chris Bull the Rats-Tails project quickly became defined for its bold visual presence and willingness to bend the boundaries of dream-pop beyond the norm. Only a handful of releases into their career, the band’s self-determined ‘Dream Rock’ sound has already shown itself as one of great dexterity and ambition. Sophomore single Coke In the 70s’ blasted out epic, sprawling shoegaze that comfortably managed to dip its toes still into Latin lounge-rock. Last year’s single Flowers which blends psychedelic-folk, dream-pop and scratchy indie-disco. This October, Rats-Tails will release their debut Dream Rock extravaganza EP titled ‘Public Domain’.

A regular and much-loved feature on the London grassroots circuit for the past 2 years, alongside numerous headlines, Rats-Tails have shared stages with the likes of Girl Ray, Friedberg, Cotoba, Automotion, Tapir!, Honeyglaze, Cosmorat and The Last Whole Earth Catalog, winning early press backing from indie champions Far Out, Rough Trade Counter Culture, Groupie, Hard of Hearing, Still Listening, Get In Her Ears, The New Age Magazine and Post-Brexit Pop. Rats-Tails have played festival slots at East London Block Party (2024) and 2025s Outertown Festival in Bristol.

Rats-Tails Are:
Courtney McMahon – Vocals, Songwriter & Guitarist (Live & EP Recording)
Chris Bull – Lead Guitarist (Live & EP Recording)
Samuel Hart – Bassist (Live & EP Recording)
Frankie Di Stani – Clarinet, Vocals (Live & EP Recording)
Pitt Vitheethum – Drums (EP Recording)
Allegra Totaro – Keys, Synth, Vocals (Live)
Elena Posa – Drums (Live)
EP Recording Details:
Recorded at Slide Studios by Will Bassett & Lucas Loftus
Mixed and Mastered by Alex Christiansen

✨Upcoming 2025 live dates✨

🐀June 26th – Signature Brew Haggiston, London Tickets

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