Songs of the Week - 17/02/2025
A Bumper Edition of Songs of the Week, featuring 18 new tracks you need to check out this week!
Cover Photo: Photo - Dannii-Jo
Beth McCarthy - 'Hot and Stupid'
Beth McCarthy is back after a huge 2024 which saw the release of her biggest tracks to date, some standout live performances and finished with nominations for SBTM Solo and Live Artist of the year. With 'Hot and Stupid', Beth has stamped herself at the very forefront of the pop industry, proving everything she touches really can turn to gold. The song is also the title track of Beth's exciting upcoming EP, set for release on April 4th.
Eileen Alister - 'Bit the Bullet'
Eileen Alister, another SBTM Solo Artist of the Year nominee, has released her sensational second single of the year 'Bit the Bullet'. The track is an emotional masterpiece which showcases some of Eileen's best lyrics to date alongside the most incredible instrumental soundscape. The song feels tailor made to be played in the biggest of venues, and it feels only a matter of time until Eileen is headlining them.
Lydia May - 'Prom'
With Lydia May it really has become less a case of 'if' she makes it to the top, and more a case of 'when'. With every release Lydia grows both as an artist and as a superstar, driven by an army of 'Maybelles' creating a community of magic. Latest release 'Prom' sees Lydia pen some of her most personal and emotional lyrics to date, showcasing a level of songwriting that even the most experienced of artists could wish for. This combined with the most ethereal vocals makes 'Prom' a must listen track.
BEX - 'crybaby'
If you are into alt. music and haven't come across BEX yet you are missing out. For the last few years BEX has been gaining increasing notoriety within the scene, releasing some of the most catchy and energetic tracks around. Alongside this she has built one of the most welcome and accepting communities, 'Scum Club', who are all helping BEX get the mainstream attention she deserves. Most recent release 'crybaby' is BEX's first of 2025, beginning what is undoubtedly going to be her biggest year to date. The song combines an anthemic chorus with a hard-hitting backing to create a song that will be stuck in your head for hours on end!
The Lottery Winners - 'Turn Around'
This feature may as well be renamed The Lottery Winners release radar, as this is their 5th appearance in my Songs of the Week in as many months. Every release from their upcoming album KOKO has been nothing short of perfection, but 'Turn Around' may be the catchiest yet. The chorus lyrics feel as if they could have been taken from a Zumba class, but are delivered in the most infectious way that it just works on so many levels. This feels a song tailor made for the stage, and I cannot wait to see the band play it live as part of their Keep On Keeping On Tour.
Holly Nicholson - 'hell'
SBTM Breakthrough Artist of the Year Holly Nicholson released her highly anticipated first single of 2025 this week, and it could not have gone down better. 'hell' features some of Holly's best lyrical work to date, and feels like a real step forward of Holly defining a sound that is instantly recognisable as hers. The guitar-driven pop tune sees Holly blend in influences from other genre to create a truly impressive song that is the perfect introduction to her music for new listeners.
Lazy Violet - 'Violet'
New Artist Lazy Violet has spent the last few years been crafting an incredible career on stage in musical productions. Having been lucky enough to see them in two productions, RENT & Pretty Vacant, my excitement upon hearing the news of a original music being released was palpable. 'Violet' exceeded all expectations I had, and believe me my expectations were high! The track is a perfect introduction to the world of Lazy Violet, blending vivid artistry with sensational vocals.
Rachel Newnham - 'Easy It Is'
Rachel Newnham has stepped into 2025 with one of her best tracks to date, creating a truly empowering break-up track that is as memorable as it is enjoyable. Rachel has a true gift for writing songs that are relatable to the masses, yet are still grounded in her own emotional journey that you really get to connect with the artist behind the music.
Milune - 'kissing you at midnight'
Less than a month before the release of her highly anticipated debut album 'Hearts Lust', Swiss-American superstar Milune has released one more single. The new track 'kissing you at midnight' is a spellbinding song that perfectly mixes atmospheric elements with a chorus that will be stuck on repeat in your brain. Milune has become a genius in pop-song crafting, and given the singles so far, her upcoming LP could be an early contender for album of the year.
Kennedy Fine - 'Sabotage'
'Sabotage' is Kennedy Fine's most fun and fierce release to date, with a sound that wouldn't be out of place in the early 2000's pop-rock scene. This is only Kennedy's second release, but the result is that of a self-assured artist who knows exactly the type of artist they want to be. Kennedy Fine is a must-see musician!
Liv Dawson - 'Matter Of Time'
'Matter Of Time' is taken from Liv Dawson's new EP 'Turn The Page', which features five absolutely incredible tracks, making picking just one for SOTW a near impossible task. I settled on this one as it not only features some genuinely brilliant lyrics, but also features arguably Liv's best vocal work to date...quite the impressive feat given how brilliant her whole discography is.
Bea Badilla - 'I Think That I'm in Love (La La La)'
It only took one listen of the catchy soundbite hook this song possesses for me to become obsessed. I then listened to the full track and was absolutely sold. Bea Badilla has created a track that radiates fun, and more impressively done so in her debut release. The simplistic chorus is perfect for getting large crowds singing along as well as making the song stay stuck on your mind, whilst the verses tell a genuinely brilliant story of infatuation.
XOË MILES - 'MIRROR'
I have lost count of how many times XOË MILES has featured in my Songs of the Week now, as every release just seems to get better and better! The self-produced track (co-production with Olivia Gunn) showcases another side to XOË's capabilities as she prepares to enter a new era of musical excellence. This year is set to be a massive one for XOË MILES, and you will absolutely want to be on board for the journey.
Casino Club - 'Begging You'
Indie outfit Casino Club enter 2025 with the release of their most infectious single to date, 'Begging You'. The raw energy running throughout the track is palpable, which I can only imagine turns this into the most incredible experience to hear live. The track is also produced by SBTM Producer of the Year Gareth Nuttall, which alone gives it a stamp of brilliance. Casino Club are the real deal, and 'Begging You' proves that undoubtedly.
Sydney Irving - 'You Can't Forget About Me...'
'You Can't Forget About Me...' has become a staple of Sydney Irving live shows over the past few years, but now the rest of the world are finally lucky enough to hear the fully released version. The track is a wonderful cacophony of genres, combining pop, rock and country influences into a truly powerful track.
The Redroom - 'The Fear'
The end of January saw indie-soul band The Redroom release this funk-infused track. 'The Fear' is a groovy telling of the "beer fear" that often follows a big night out. The lyrics are all too relatable, but the catchy delivery certainly eases any bringing up of memories from bad heavy nights, Instead listeners become lost in a perfect modernised take on funk-inspired indie brilliance.
Toby Sebastian - 'Let's Pretend'
Toby Sebastian is back with his second single of the year 'Let's Pretend'. The stunning acoustic driven track sees Toby beautifully paint the story of finding love during hard times. The track is taken from Toby's upcoming album 'Eyes Light Up', which is set for release on April 4th. If 'Let's Pretend' is anything to go by, then the new Toby Sebastian album will be must-listen!
Vienna - 'Somewhere Between Here and Gone'
West Midlands based shoegaze outfit Vienna released their fourth single, 'Somewhere Between Here and Gone' this week. The song is a tour de force of powerful riffs, hard hitting drums and atmospheric vocals, creating a soundscape that draws you in from first note. With every release Vienna seem to be evolving into a genuine powerhouse of a band, and this year will see that trend continue.
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