Skye Newman "SE9 PART 1" EP Review
- Lilly Palmer
- Nov 18, 2025
- 3 min read
Lilly Palmer | November 2025
Skye Newman, a South London singer-songwriter, has recently emerged within the music scene and exploded onto the charts with success, with many titling her one of the most exciting new voices. She’s gained popularity from opening for established artists like Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi, but now, with her debut EP titled “SE9 Part 1” released on 24 October, it’s her time to shine.
The context of this magnifying EP allows us to fully understand and sympathise with its lyricism and sound. Its name derives from the postcode of Newman's childhood home, representing her upbringing and how being brought up as a girl in South East London had shaped her. Entailing those innermost feelings of insecurity, trauma and inner battles we all fight on a daily basis. And of course, it’s carried beautifully with Newman's emotional depth and captivating vocals.
The EP notably opens with her leading single, “FU & UF,” a powerful track which characterises the idea of identity and perseverance. Newman uses such compelling lyricism within this, as seen in lines like “You wanted a woman, but I wasn't feminine enough” to reinforce and advocate how she’s taking back and reclaiming the stereotypical male-dominated aspects of society with self-respect.
This single, in itself, is empowering to many, which may explain why it has been so popular, as many girls can relate to those issues. Additionally, we can see an emotional aspect within the track as Skye Newman has such a magnetic voice, which easily conveys the complex emotions she is trying to present to the listener, making her the realistic and captivating artist she is to the current pop scene in Britain.
Track 2 on this Knockout EP is “Hairdresser,” which emphasises the need for self-worth as Newman talks about her struggles, and immediately upon first listen, you get an insight into her world and thoughts. This is all heavily supported by strong, compelling vocals that Newman is known for, alongside the heavy backing beat. This almost makes the song hit harder, as it feels symbolic of how hard-hitting these destructive thoughts may be for her.
However, my personal favourite track on this EP would be track 3, “My Addiction.” This song perfectly captures the listener with its bouncy, fast-paced rhythm that gets the song easily stuck in your head. Of course, this track wouldn't be complete without Newman's moving, strong vocal ability, as it personifies her complexity of feelings, pain and pure desire for the unnamed muse.
“Out Out” is the slower and more melancholic, deeper song on Skye Newman’s brand-new EP. It is one of the most flawlessly executed blends of vocals and piano to create something that both sounds and feels vulnerable. This track arguably deserves so much more recognition than it gets, as it is something so raw and relatable, allowing the listener to fully sympathise with the singer.
Following that is track 5, “Family Matters,” where we hear a clear comeback to those pop-esque and buoyant roots we resonate with Skye Newman. Yet this song still has lying undertones of realism, and that recurring idea that Newman is not perfect and doesn't let that defy her, which is supported with her lyrics like “You call it traumatic, but it is what it is.” Making her one of few down-to-earth and pragmatic artists we do not often see within the scene.
To close this gratifying and groundbreaking EP is track 6, “Smoke Rings.” This track slows down the mood in a simplistic yet heavenly way, with another one of Skye Newman's signature collations of piano and her vocals. This is where we see Newman take a poignant and poetic turn on her emotional depth as her lyricism paints a picture to the listener of her history, background and identity.
Overall, “SE9 Part 1” is definitely an EP to check out, alongside Skye Newman being an upcoming artist to look out for in the near future, as we are certain she will be a recurring artist in the top charts shortly.
