“I don’t write protest songs for the fun of it." Trans musician That Clare to release new single 'Just Because'
– 2 min read
It’s pretty impossible to avoid the ongoing conversations around race, immigration, disability, and trans rights that dominate the media and political discourse today. For Teesside’s politically charged music-maker That Clare, it’s more than just noise - it’s deeply personal.
“I don’t write protest songs for the fun of it. These experiences cut deep for many of us,” she explains. “Yes, I see the world through the lens of a trans person, but once you’ve been made a scapegoat, you start to recognise how other groups are being treated too. I won’t stay silent—my songs are my way of pushing back.”
Based in Teesside, That Clare is an eclectic trans singer-songwriter whose music fuses acoustic grit with synthwave-punk energy and emotionally charged lyrics. A self-sufficient artist, she writes, performs, and produces much of her work at home before finishing it in the studio.
Influenced by the likes of Laura Jane Grace, Blondie, Patti Smith and Depeche Mode, her songs are dark, poetic, and politically resonant - addressing protest, identity, and personal struggle. Her music is a vehicle for positive change, championing trans and queer rights, democracy, equality, and social justice.
Earlier this year, That Clare was selected by a panel of industry experts to take part in The Green House - a PRS Foundation-funded music residency run by Tees Music Alliance. The programme provided mentoring, free studio and rehearsal space, and culminated in a live performance at the Georgian Theatre in Stockton. She’s also set to perform on the Noisy Daughters stage at Last Train Home Festival on Saturday, 6 September.
Her new single, Just Because, is a heavy, post-punk anthem with biting lyrics and a gritty '90s edge - evoking the sounds of Songs of Faith and Devotion-era Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails. A dramatic drop to half-speed near the end of the track intensifies the frustration and anger, with distorted vocals layered over the sound of keyboard warriors tapping away. Clare defiantly proclaims: “I am worthy. Don’t ignore me. Don’t oppress me. You don’t impress me.”
Written, produced, and recorded by That Clare, the track was completed with North East producer Lisa Murphy at Production Room in Newcastle. It’s the first release from her forthcoming debut album, SocialKonstrukt, due later this year.
Just Because will be released on Friday, 1 August across all major streaming platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and Bandcamp.
