Piss shares album inspiration on exclusive playlist The Cover


In the world of music, some stories hit you with the force of a physical blow. The Vancouver punk band Piss is one of them—a group that has channeled profound personal experience into a powerful artistic statement, earning a spot on NME’s acclaimed The Cover.

This week’s edition of The Cover shines a spotlight on Piss, offering an unflinching look at the brutal toll of misogyny and the complex emotional landscape behind their debut album, You Made Me / Skin On Linen. The profile, penned by Lisa Wright and featuring photography by Maya Fuhr, captures not just the sound of the band, but the raw, visceral experience that fuels their music.

To deepen the connection to the work, Piss have released an exclusive playlist that acts as a sonic companion to their feature. This collection draws inspiration from the tracks that shaped their debut, weaving in sounds from legends like The Velvet Underground and Nico, alongside artists such as Women and Swans, plus tracks by Hijokaidan. It is a curated journey that perfectly mirrors the intensity of their sound.

The music itself is deeply rooted in the experiences of frontwoman Taylor Zantingh. The album was informed directly by her journey through sexual violence and the lasting psychological trauma it inflicted. Zantingh speaks candidly about the dual nature of creating art from such pain. “I’m always reminded that a big reason why the project is doing well is because there’s this huge problem, and if so many people are resonating with it, that reflects on our artistry and our ability to talk about it,” she shared with NME.

She further explored the intense reality of performing this material, noting the complex feelings that arise when bringing such intense personal suffering into the public sphere. “It’s the most complicated set of feelings I’ve ever had to grapple with because, on one hand, it feels amazing to be able to connect with people in this way, but then the littlest thing will just make me feel completely awful,” Zantingh explained. The band’s foundation is inextricable from her suffering, making the creative process incredibly intense.

The success of this narrative highlights how music can act as a vital conduit for difficult conversations. Piss’ work, showcased in The Cover, demonstrates the power of art to process deep societal issues, offering a mirror to experiences that are often silenced.

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