The London duo The Femcels only have a single song out in the world, but it’s a hit. “He Needs Me” is a cover of a Shelley Duvall classic done in an electropop style that seems to connect the dots from new wave to bloghouse to right now. Though their music might have an unavoidably atemporal tinge, their band name sets them firmly in the present tense. No doubt, a big 2025 is ahead for The Femcels. We sent over some questions to Gabriella and Rowan over email—read their responses and listen to “He Needs Me” below.

How did the band start?

G: We started because of a pink electric guitar and a sleepover.

R: We dated the same guys, so I set her up with my ex.

You know we are going to have to ask you about your name.

R: I haven't had sex since sorry.

G: Making music for ugly girls is important.

What is your favorite 2000s electro pop song?

R: “Where’s Your Head At” by Basement Jaxx.

G: “E-mail more” by Tommy february6.

Tell us about the Femcels live experience.

G: Throwing sweets at incels.

 

R: Singing sweetly and being mean.

What prompted you to make “He Needs Me.”

G: 16-yr-old me unrequited love. 

R: It's a cover. Stupid! Harry Nilsson is one of my all time favourite musicians + love Shelley Duvall's performance.

Your NTS mix for Spinee is so good. Could you talk about how you put those tracks together?

G: AI. 

R: We made a playlist in four seconds and Gabriella made it when she was still drunk.

What kind of music have you been feeling in 2025?

G: It’s the year of wholesome, I love country Micheal Cera at the moment.

 

R: "Hum it to google" by Bassvictim. I also love this song called “Fluffy” by Gloria Balsam. It's the best song ever made.