With more than two decades of music behind him, Nick Shane is entering the next chapter of his career with little interest in playing it safe. His new single “Louder Than Now” serves as the title track of his forthcoming eighth studio album, due in summer 2027.
Written in late 2024, “Louder Than Now” finds Shane turning his attention directly towards the political climate in the UK. Racism, capitalism and austerity all enter the picture, with the songwriter confronting what he sees as the growing influence of fascism and the contradictions surrounding contemporary political rhetoric.
“They stop the boats while dropping bombs with God on their side,” Shane sings, capturing the confrontational tone running through the track.
The single also arrives at a point where Shane has become increasingly certain about the kind of artist he wants to be and the parts of the music industry he no longer has much patience for.
“I know what I want from this game now. And I’m done with toxic promoters, algorithmic bandwagons, and totally edgeless and unoriginal singer songwriters,” says Shane.
Musically, “Louder Than Now” brings together a larger cast of musicians around Shane. He handles lead vocals and guitars, joined by Ed Muirhead on organ, James Miller on saxophone and Billy Caldwell on drums. Rue Cooper and Jodie Rae provide backing vocals.
The track was produced by Stuart Hanna at Stage 2000 Studios in Dundee, with artwork created by Fife based artist Eilidh Gover.
Known as the “Fairy Modfather,” Shane has spent more than 20 years moving between different corners of British guitar music. His catalogue stretches from acoustic and soul influenced songwriting into heavier mod, grunge and psychedelic territory, an approach that has helped his music accumulate more than one million streams on Spotify.
Recent releases include “Oh! Lucy Low,” “Don’t Bite Back Baby (It’s Alright),” “Long Brown Hair” and “The Girl With The Freaky Gun.” His collaborative work has also brought him together with The Belle Stars for “Gimme Shelter,” Texas guitarist and founding member Ally McErlaine on “Stranger Times,” and television personality Gail Porter on “Shine Over Me.”
That catalogue includes his 2022 album Wired To The Moon, while “Louder Than Now” begins the build towards what will become Shane’s eighth studio record.
Rather than softening his approach this far into his career, Shane appears to be moving in the opposite direction. “Louder Than Now” puts political frustration firmly at the centre of the songwriting and offers the first indication of what to expect when the full album arrives next summer.
“Louder Than Now” releases across streaming platforms on Friday 18 September, followed by its music video on Monday 21 September. The album of the same name is scheduled for summer 2027.
PR contact: Leopold Oakes | leopold.oakes@decentmusicpr.com
