Songs of the Week - 30/06/2025
These are the 14 tracks you need to check out this week!
Photo Credit: Liam Maxwell
Flo Gallop - 'Famous'
This week's Songs of the Week kick off with one of the most infectious anthems you'll hear all year, the dazzling new single 'Famous' by Flo Gallop. After one of the best social media release campaigns I’ve seen for a song, my expectations were high, but Flo still managed to blow them out of the water with this outstanding new single. Her vocals are firey, the backing is gritty, and the chorus is as catchy as they come. This is one of Flo's grittiest tracks to date, ushering in a new era that will undoubtedly see her fulfilling the very wishes laid out in 'Famous'.
Grace Calver - 'Nothing Too Serious'
After ushering in her new blue era in April with the sensational 'So Last Season', Grace Calver has returned with another punchy new single, 'Nothing Too Serious'. The track sees Grace step more into the world of soft pop-punk, in a song that feels tailor-made for a summery montage in a coming-of-age movie. This is the perfect feel-good anthem, particularly in the recent heat we've been having, and solidifies Grace as one of the most exciting artists on the UK grassroots scene.
Tragic Sasha - 'Moon'
Another artist who has been killing it in this new era of 2025 is Tragic Sasha, who released the spellbinding 'Billboards' last month and has just followed it up with the stellar new track 'Moon'. With a dynamically layered instrumental and breathtaking vocals, 'Moon' is one of Tragic Sasha’s boldest releases to date. As well as being musically excellent, the new track is also lyrically profound, seeing Sasha delves into an introspective journey of self-discovery, reflecting on comparison and the obsessions that often come with it.
Sophie Feriani - 'Little Closer'
Earlier this month saw Sophie Feriani release her first single of 2025, ‘Little Closer’, a summery bop that feels like a modernised version of the early 00’s pop sound, but with far more profound lyricism. Sophie has created a song that drives self-confidence into the hearts of listeners, encouraging them to move on from the tougher moments in life. Her vocals are captivating throughout, supported by a layered but well-balanced backing track perfect for the season. This is an essential track for every summer playlist.
Alice Phoebe Lou - 'Old Shadows'
Highly regarded, genre-diverse artist Alice Phoebe Lou released her third single ‘Old Shadows’ last week, a stunning piano-backed ballad that sees Alice reflect on the difficulties of letting people in following past painful loves. The song was actually written by a younger version of Alice, who is currently in the process of going through unreleased songs she wrote in her twenties, adding another layer of self-reflection to an already brilliant song. You can hear how deeply 2025 Alice wants to help her past self, all whilst still displaying the raw emotion felt when first penning the song.
THE HARA - 'Stay'
New singles this week don’t come much fiery than THE HARA’s dark new track ‘Stay’, the third release from the band’s new era which was ushered in by SBTM Song of the Year nominee ‘Trophy’. On ‘Stay’ the band have further fine-tuned their sound, mixing heavy metalcore influences with a more rhythmic emo approach. Lead singer Josh Taylor’s vocals are up there with the best they have ever been, made even better by the thrashing guitars of Zack Breen and hard-hitting drums of Jack Kennedy". THE HARA have been making waves over the last few years one of the UK’s most exciting rising bands, and this release propels them even further towards becoming household names.
Eliza May - 'Money'
After building a reputation as one of the most exciting creators of bubbly upbeat pop, Eliza May has taken a slightly they've taken a slightly grittier turn with her latest release ‘Money’, blending funk and raw emotion, while still holding onto the positivity and resilience that defines her music. The new song sees Eliza explore the emotional difficulties that come with growing up in a world where financial security feels out of reach, but still offering words of hope and optimism in the face of adversity. Eliza May’s music is always a joyous addition to any playlist, and her new release proves no different.
CCAPRICE - 'She Holds The Gun'
After an exciting breakthrough year in 2024 which culminated in the release of ‘Human By Design: the mixtape’, CCAPRICE has returned with her bold new single ‘She Holds The Gun’. The new dance-pop track showcases CCAPRICE’s ability to write deeply relatable lyrics, urging listeners to take control and resist letting distant men, who keep things casual and hold you at arm’s length, dictate the dynamics. The new track is empowering, infectious, and provides the perfect starting point for anyone just discovering CCAPRICE’s music.
BARSTAFF - 'WAiTiNG ON A GHOST'
BARSTAFF are becoming key players in the North West music scene, pairing gripping live shows with some top-tier indie-pop releases. However, for their newest single, the band have undergone quite a drastic sonic shift. With BARSTAFF’s supporters being at the heart of everything they do, the band let their supporters decide which of their songs should be released next, with the overwhelming answer being this new emotional single, ‘WAiTiNG ON A GHOST’. The delicately composed track explores co-vocalist and bassist Ciara’s experience with her estranged mother. The lyrics are heart-wrenching, and the instrumental is perfectly crafted to guide listeners' emotional response, further proving that no matter what genre or themes are being tackled, BARSTAFF will nail it.
Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes - 'AFTER ALL - Strung Out Version'
February 2024 saw Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes release their triumphant album ‘HIGH LIFE’, an indie-rock release that was as introspective as it was danceable. Fast-forward 16 months later and the band have just dropped a deluxe version of the album called ‘HIGH(er) LIFE’, featuring unreleased music alongside reimagined and remixed versions of songs from the original record. Although every song has its moment to stand out on the album, the pick of the bunch has to be the stunning new ‘Strung Out’ version of ‘AFTER ALL’. The addition of a string section and a new piano layer elevates the emotion of the track to a whole new level.
Odhran Murphy - 'Lover'
Next month will see upcoming Irish artist Odhran Murphy release his highly anticipated debut EP ‘Stuck In The Middle’, and if you need a reason to hit play the moment it drops, look no further than his latest single ‘Lover’, released just over a week ago. ‘Lover’ is an indie-folk influenced ballad that explores a relationship turning increasingly negative over time. Odhran’s vocals are anthemic, pairing perfectly with a soaring guitar track that drives through the heart of the song, creating a listening experience that ensures the song remains stuck in your mind long after the first listen.
Dina Renee - 'Glow Up'
The theme of empowering anthems continues with 'Glow Up', the radiant new single from Dina Renee.‘Glow Up’ revolves around a powerful message of self-confidence and positivity, inspiring listeners to stop second-guessing themselves and fully embrace who they are, both inside and out. It is an important message delivered in the most sonically brilliant way thanks to Dina's ethereal vocals, backed up by bright synth melodies. There could not be a more perfect feel-good song to enjoy over these summer months.
Ray Hodge - 'I Am King - Remastered 2025'
Nearly 10 years since he first released the song ‘I Am King’, Ray Hodge has returned with a remastered version of the powerful single, highlighting just how important and relevant the song remains today. The remastered version allows the harmonious backing singers and well-crafted backing track to shine through even more, all whilst allowing Ray’s soul-stirring vocals to remain the songs' focal point. Being released in a month that means so much to Ray as a person, combining Black Music Month, Juneteenth and Pride Month, the remastered version of ‘I Am King’ feels especially significant; a powerful reaffirmation of identity, resilience, and pride at a time that celebrates all three.
Soasha - 'I'm Butter'
This week's Songs of the Week are rounded out by the mesmerising debut single, 'I'm Butter', by London-based genre-defying artist Soasha. The song takes a dynamic progression, blending aspects of warped synth-based alt-pop with some delicate moments that allow Soasha's stellar vocals to shine through. It is a lyrically striking release that manages to tackle very intimate topics such as the seduction of addiction, and the need for self-possession. The single will also feature on Soasha's forthcoming EP 're:spiral', which from one release has already become one of my most anticipated EP releases of the year.