Newcastle artist Ruth Lyon releases her new single ‘Trouble’, teasing a new chapter for the project following her recent appearance at SXSW 2022 and the release of her 2021 debut EP Nothing’s Perfect.

Known for her work as a key and active member of the Newcastle music scene, notably her role on the board of directors at Sage Gateshead, and vocalist and co-founder of Newcastle cult folk-rockers Holy Moly & The Crackers, Ruth Lyon is also an ardent advocate for the Disabled community through her work as an ambassador for Attitude Is Everything – a charity that aims to improve accessibility for Deaf and Disabled people in live music; Lyon herself has been a wheelchair user since the age of 21.

Influenced by acts such as Fiona Apple, Aldous Harding and Regina Spektor, on new single ‘Trouble’, Lyon explores themes of self-doubt, insecurity, emotional masochism, and the weight of arbitrary expectations – all unravelling through offbeat, sophisticated chamber pop and anti-folk, commanded by her soulful vocals and witty yet raw lyricism.

Produced by John Parish (PJ Harvey, Aldous Harding), ‘Trouble’ opens with the line “I woke up wondering when I’m going to die.” It’s a track that captures the essence of anxiety, of the expectations heaped upon us at every turn; yet at the same time, it celebrates unknowingness and wildness.

Speaking more on the lyrical inspiration behind new single ‘Trouble’, Ruth said: “This is a reaction against this idea of perfection that society has us believe is the goal, when actually it’s a short cut to death. I’ve never been able to tread the path of least resistance, but nor would I want to. I am hard work, I am difficult, I don’t want to be boxed up with a neat little bow with my labels printed on it. I am trouble and I love it.”