⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Releases 17/07/2026
A true litmus test for any upcoming indie artist is the crowd reaction after an early-support slot and their conduction at the merch desk following a shows conclusion.
I first discovered Harvey Jay Dodgson in this exact setting, opening for The Lilacs in Southampton for a one off Independent Venue Week show. From the start, he commanded the stage with a raw, charismatic attitude that says “I’ll be headlining this stage one day”. A few weeks ago I witnessed him do precisely that.
Even after a handful of merch desk conversations and social media interactions, I can tell this Portsmouth-born man has the pedigree to become a real future star.
His explosive new single ‘Kick’ drops on 17th July, and if he isn’t already the hidden secret of indie music, this feels like a transition into that open position.
Produced by Berlin based Dennis Borger, the track encompasses themes of conflict and disagreement within a relationship, yet ultimately presents these hinges as compelling and intriguing personality traits.
The exciting artist continues to extend his raw, gritty sound through distorted guitars and punchy drums, whilst threading the arrangement together with bass synths and biting lyrics. It’s a taste of real attitude, passion, and fight.
Something my wife and I have always appreciated about this young talent, is his catchy choruses and the hooks to match. Take the pre-chorus to this new single as an example: “You say you don’t like this, I say I don’t like that. You say you’re wearing all white, I say my wardrobe’s black. You say it’s you that I miss, I say you’re on the wrong track, before we take it all back. I say baby I like it…”
To me, ‘Kick’ stands out for its wall of heavy, weighty guitars combining with live-style, punchy drums. Beneath this though, the dark layer of synths provide an electric backbone, gluing the chaotic elements together for a modern, heavy groove.
It’s his vocal delivery that serves as the focal weapon on this track. He’s known for a raspy, urgent feel, which perfectly matches the biting nature of the song. It’s a mood of defiance.
This latest single comes as the first release in an upcoming 4-track EP, as Dodgson aims to embark on a first UK headline tour.
2025 saw the alt/rock artist grace stages at the likes of Glastonbury, Isle of Wight and Victorious festivals, whilst selling out his own headline shows across the country. Off the back of an EU tour with Corella, and a UK tour with The Covasettes, this year he looks towards showcasing his hip-hop, rock and soul influences in the form of his fourth EP.
Harvey Jay Dodgson has already weaved his sound into the heart of global youth culture, with plays on TV juggernauts Love Island and Made In Chelsea, as well as global recognition on Netflix’s ‘Purple Hearts’.
UK tastemakers have also given the young star their seal of approval, with plays over BBC Radio 1, BBC Introducing and Radio X.
‘Kick’ represents a huge gear-shift for Dodgson. The anthems are arena ready, soundtracking global screens across film and TV and trusted with the weight of radio plays. Now, the shift towards a fourth EP and the promise of a first headline tour, no doubt backed by This Feeling, are building towards something you cannot ignore. Now is the time to pay attention.
Written by Brad Halcrow for The Songbird HQ