Track Review: Jillian // Dream Nails

An ode to DVD fitness guru Jillian Michaels, Dream Nails’ latest track is a fun and empowering burst of energy. Described as a song about queerness and body positivity, ‘Jillian’ is a cheery ode to the joys of home workouts.

“Jillian, Jillian,” singer Janey Starling sings sweetly through the chorus, alongside punky bass and surf inspired guitar riffs. Starling’s lyrics take you through a whirlwind of workout thoughts, promising to do deeper squats and dreaming of being on holiday together. The song was released alongside a lively music video of multiple home workouts in living rooms, catching many peoples’ quarantine shenanigans perfectly.

Dream Nails describe ‘Jillian’ as: “Realising you’re queer while you’re doing a workout DVD.

“It’s a personal-power anthem about finding the strength to come out; that’s what the line ‘I feel the fear leaving my body’ is all about. Both [bassist] Mimi and I discovered strength training through Jillian Michaels’ ‘30 Day Shred’ home DVD, and the catch-phrases were too good to not make a song from!”

Creating energetic, empowering songs, with lyrics covering important political and social issues, the DIY punks have carved out a following. By creating music which is as much about sharing their beliefs as it is songs, Dream Nails are one of the coolest DIY bands at the moment, making themselves modern successors to the 90s Riot Grrl bands like Bikini Kill, Bratmobile and Sleater Kinney.

Dream Nails are also keen to stick their body positive principles. Acknowledging Michael’s problematic comments in regard to Lizzo, the band stated: “This song is very much about finding your own strength, regardless of your body shape.”

Dream Nails’ self-titled LP is due out August 28th via Dine Alone and Alcopop! Pre-order Dream Nails here. 

Words by Brenna Cooper.