Fizz, fury and feminism: inside the world of Lambrini Girls
There are few bands quite like Lambrini Girls – loud, funny, furiously political and proudly queer. Fronted by vocalist/guitarist Phoebe Lunny and bassist Selin Macieira-Boşgelmez, the Brighton duo have become one of the UK’s most outspoken punk exports, known for shows that are as chaotic as they are cathartic. With a headline slot at Brighton’s Mutations Festival fast approaching, they sat down to talk to us about global fame, near alcohol poisoning and the delicate balance between message and mayhem…
How much of Brighton’s weird energy made Lambrini Girls who you are?
Phoebe: I think we come from really different backgrounds, I’m Brighton born and bred, and Selin’s Portuguese and Turkish, but the Brighton music scene absolutely shaped us. There’s this really strong sense of community here, and we honestly wouldn’t be doing what we are now without our friends and loved ones backing us. The values of the Brighton scene completely align with ours: inclusivity, solidarity and a refusal to take any bullsh*t.
Selin: Yeah, totally. I think Brighton as a city is just really supportive. There’s space for people to be who they are without judgement and that’s essential for creativity.
Do you have any favourite local bars or venues that feel like home turf?
Selin: For me, it’s The Hope & Ruin. When I moved down from London, I was lonely, and that place literally changed my life. I made friends, trained as a sound engineer and played countless gigs. It’s such a pillar of the community; so unequivocally Brighton.
Phoebe: For sure. I love the Green Door Store and The Prince Albert. Those grassroots venues are vital. It’s important that we keep them alive, they’re the beating heart of the Brighton scene.
You’ve been touring nationally and internationally now. Do you still feel connected to your DIY roots?
Phoebe: People still assume we’re DIY, which is funny, because we’ve got a team now. But I think you can always tell when a band comes from that world – it shapes your character and keeps you grounded. Brighton gave us that foundation.
Selin: Yeah, it’s nice going back and feeling like your friends and peers are proud of you. But it’s just as important to give back, to support the next generation of local bands like Goodbye, Lipnids, and City Dog who are all doing incredible things.
Your songs are sharp, political and hilarious. How do you balance message and mayhem?
Phoebe: Humour’s a great tool for disarming people. If you just scream in their faces, they switch off. But if you make them laugh first, they’re more open to hearing what you’ve got to say.
Selin: Yeah, we’re just naturally funny, we can’t help it! There’s too much seriousness in the world. We want to make people think and have a bloody good time.
You’ve been compared with riot grrrl bands, but you’ve said that label feels lazy. Why?
Phoebe: Riot grrrl was powerful and necessary, but it’s very much of its time. Our music pulls from wider influences; it’s part of that evolution, but not confined by it. Movements evolve. The term doesn’t quite capture what we are now.
What’s the songwriting process like between the two of you?
Selin: Oh, it’s totally unhinged.
Phoebe: We start by going bowling, having a slap-up meal, getting drunk, maybe fighting each other at an imaginary fight club, and then we find a beat and battle each other with lyrics until songs appear.
You’re both open about being neurodivergent. Has that shaped how you navigate the industry?
Phoebe: Definitely. The industry is (generally) very fake. Adopting a black-and-white mindset helps me make sense of it, but networking is still confusing.
Selin: Same. It’s an industry that relies on implication and subtext, and I’m a really direct person. I find it hard to gauge what’s “appropriate” sometimes.
If you could headline a Brighton street party with anyone, dead or alive, who’d be on the line-up?
Phoebe: We’d take over the Fiddler’s Elbow street party and I’d love Bob Mortimer and Mr Blobby to be there. Oh and Cilla Black, what a legend she was.
Selin: Steve Albini. If I could make it happen that would be amazing.
Your crowds are famously eclectic, who comes to a Lambrini Girls show?
Phoebe: Everyone from middle-aged men to young queer kids. It’s really varied, and that’s what makes it beautiful.
You’re named after a well-known sweet sparkling alcoholic drink, but what are your go-to drinks on a night out?
Selin: I’m a rum-and-Coke girl if there are no cocktails around. But if there are cocktails? I’m an absolute fiend. Caipirinhas are my weakness, they make me go zoom zoom.
Phoebe: Tequila makes me go boom boom. But honestly, we still love a proper Lambrini. It’s on our rider and we drink it loads.
What’s next for you?
Phoebe: We’ve got a big UK and European tour this winter, and we’re heading to Australia next year. We’ll be back in the US and are also performing at Coachella. So, chaos continues.
Selin: Touring’s exhausting, especially when you’re neurodivergent. But we’re grateful. It’s a dream, even if it’s physically brutal.
And finally, you’re headlining Mutations Festival in Brighton this month. How does that feel?
Phoebe: Wild! Two years ago, we played a tiny 100-cap room at Mutations. I had alcohol poisoning and still made it on stage. I was lying on the floor naked in the toilet and the time was 4:40pm, I was due on stage at 5:15pm…
Selin: True professional. I think when we look back on that time it’s a benchmark of how far we’ve come as a band.
Phoebe: Now we’re headlining our hometown festival. It’s surreal and heartwarming. Brighton’s always had our back and we’ll always have Brighton’s.
Mutations Festival 7–8 November / www.mutationsfestival.com
