Congratulations, we all made it to a new year – look at us go. Did you do anything exciting to celebrate the start of 2025, or have you set yourself some goals for the coming 12 months? If you’ve not settled on a resolution for the new year just yet, then might I suggest trying to listen to more new music over 2025? It’s manageable, won’t take much training and could lead to a well-rounded Spotify Wrapped in 11 months time.
I’m not really one for new year’s resolutions, but this is a challenge I’ve set myself in 2025 so that my list of most-played tracks for the year isn’t, once again, dominated by every song from “The Car” by Arctic Monkeys. Two days in and, I’m pleased to say it’s going well so far.
The music kick started a little before the new year, when I went to a mystery show where you buy a ticket without knowing who will be playing. When you buy a ticket for a Sofar Sounds show you’re given a rough location and a vibe, but that’s it. No band names, artist styles or even genres, so there’s no knowing what you’re getting yourself in for.
The show I went to was in a trendy cafe one Friday night, and once the audience was in and the lights dimmed, British singer songwriter Midé took to the stage and blew us all away.
With just his voice and a guitar, the London-based singer told stories of heartbreak, loss and brighter times on the horizon. His soft, deep voice fit the wintery mood down to a T and the songs he’d written were perfect for a bleak British day.
I’ve been listening to Midé ever since, on all the trips to various families and friends over the festive break and while baking far too many cakes to count. Now, I’m passing him on to you in the hopes that it makes your drive back into the office a little more bearable. Enjoy.
