Liverpool-based alt-pop artist Euan Blackman has kicked off his summer with the release of his new single ‘Why Do I Feel So Bad?’ – his second release of 2026, following the EP ‘wildcard’, which arrived in January.
Produced and recorded in his flat during the winter of 2025, the track contradicts the mood typically associated with the season, and instead feels bright and summery.
The opening verse feels simple, Blackman’s R&B-esque vocals sing lyrics about yearning for more, dreaming of ‘fancy cars and big hotels’, backed by dreamy guitar chord strums alongside a programmed drum beat.
The instrumentation broadens during the chorus, with high harmonies, a cheery acoustic guitar sitting lower in the mix, a simple bassline, and a shaker that’s barely there, but really ties everything together.
He continues to sing about having everything he needs, yet still finding it doesn’t suffice his blues in the second verse. After a second chorus, the track closes out with a tinny guitar solo layered over Blackman’s dreamy harmonies as he repeats the title of the track.
The vibe of the song really reminds me a lot of the ‘bedroom-pop’ genre that was highly popular during the 2020 lockdown. It feels particularly relevant given the sunny weather and heatwaves we’re all experiencing at the moment.
The song ties in well with Blackman’s discography – having already received praise from the likes of BBC Radio 1, Radio 6 Music and others, Euan Blackman evidently has his unique sound figured out, which is something rarely seen in emerging artist. He’s certainly heading in the right direction, and I’d highly recommend giving the track a whirl – it’s the perfect soundtrack for this weather.
KEEP UP WITH EUAN BLACKMAN ON INSTAGRAM // FACEBOOK // TIKTOK
FOR MORE RGM MUSIC NEWS FROM LIVERPOOL, CLICK HERE