I’m running out of superlatives to express my feelings about Jodie Langford. Seriously, I’ve used them all. She’s a mercurial punk poet, a spoken-word powerhouse, and now, the official spokesperson for people under 5’5” who are sick of watching gigs through a sea of phone screens.
Her latest single, Put It Down, is a riotous, tongue-in-cheek anthem aimed at those who insist on filming an entire concert like they’re directing a live documentary. Produced by Endoflevelbaddie, the track is a blistering mix of attitude, humor, and a beat that demands movement (preferably without a phone in your hand).
Jodie doesn’t just complain—she roasts. “Getting your phone out for a long period of time is poor gig etiquette… & I’m short so that doesn’t help!” she declares, proving once again that she can turn irritation into art. The track is less of a polite request and more of a rallying cry: put your phone away, live in the moment, and for the love of all things punk, let short people see the stage.
After a monster 2024—including performances at Reading & Leeds and airtime on BBC 6Music—Langford is riding high, and with her debut album on the way, Put It Down is yet another reason she’s one of the most exciting voices in the UK’s spoken-word punk scene.
So, take Jodie’s advice. Unless your phone is currently streaming Put It Down, put it away. Or better yet, throw it in the air dramatically like a 2007 flip phone and lose yourself in the music.
Review by Thomas Imposter