๐ธ Press Photo Credit: Lee London
Hastings-based country, Americana and rock outfit Kay Iris are preparing to strike musical gold with their brand-new single, โGoldrushโ, arriving on Thursday 30th July 2026.
Formed in 2024, Kay Iris have wasted absolutely no time getting their boots muddy, their guitars plugged in and their name out into the UK independent music scene.
With previous singles including โThe Other Sideโ, โStories We Tellโ, โLast To Be Sungโ, โA Tale Of Fateโ and โDead Man Walkingโ, the band have already built a growing catalogue filled with soaring vocals, heartfelt storytelling and blues-soaked rock energy.
Now, โGoldrushโ looks set to take that journey even further.
CHASING DREAMS THROUGH THE DUST โ๏ธโจ
โGoldrushโ tells the story of coming from nothing, stepping into the unknown and gambling everything on the hope of building something meaningful.
Using the California gold rush as an allegory for navigating the modern music industry, the track explores the sacrifices, risks and relentless hard work involved in being an independent artist.
Discussing the meaning behind the song, Kay Iris explained:
โGoldrush portrays the story of coming from nothing and braving the unknown to become something. Using the California gold rush as an allegory for navigating the music industry as independent artists, risking it all and betting on your hard work turning into success.โ
The band continued:
โIt is through harsh roads, untrodden lands, unforgiving conditions, risky ventures and an iron will that glimmers of gold are found.โ
That is independent music summed up right there, mun.
No guaranteed success. No treasure map. No magic shortcut.
Just endless travelling, late nights, tiny stages, huge dreams and enough determination to keep digging even when all you seem to find is another rejection email.
A SOUND BUILT FOR OPEN ROADS ๐ธ
Kay Iris blend country, Americana and rock into a sound packed with ethereal vocals, memorable riffs and thoughtful lyrics.
Their influences include Fleetwood Mac, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Joni Mitchell, Aerosmith and Laci Kaye Booth.
That combination gives the band a sound that feels timeless without becoming stuck in the past.
There is classic rock warmth, Americana storytelling and a bluesy backbone running through everything they do.
It is the kind of music built for festival fields, long drives and those quiet moments when you suddenly start questioning every life decision while staring dramatically through a rain-covered car window.
Proper soundtrack material, that.
BIG SUPPORT SLOTS AND SERIOUS MOMENTUM ๐
Despite only forming in 2024, Kay Iris have already landed some impressive live opportunities.
The band supported Doves at the Summer Nights by the Sea festival at the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill.
They have also shared stages with Brave Rival at The Carlisle in Hastings and Picture Parlour at The Piper in Hastings.
The Picture Parlour performance formed part of their Independent Venue Tour in partnership with Music Venue Trust.
That tour helped highlight the importance of Britainโs grassroots music venues โ the sweaty little rooms where bands learn their craft, crowds discover their next favourite artist and someone is nearly always standing directly in front of the emergency exit.
Kay Iris also opened for The Lottery Winners at the De La Warr Pavilion in May 2025.
Radio X presenter John Kennedy personally selected the band to open the event and hosted the evening.
In the build-up to the show, Kay Iris track โStories We Tellโ received multiple plays on Radio X.
That is a tidy bit of recognition for a band still in the early stages of their journey.
FESTIVAL FIELDS ARE CALLING ๐ช
Kay Iris have already appeared at a strong selection of UK festivals and events.
Their live appearances include:
- Pub in the Park
- The Big Feastival
- Vegan Campout
- Lakefest
- Foodies Festival
- Country Calling
Those performances have introduced the band to audiences across the UK and helped establish them as a rising name within the Americana and roots rock scene.
Festival stages are often the perfect place for this sort of music.
Big vocals, emotional songwriting and riffs that travel beautifully across an open field while someone nearby attempts to balance three pints and a tray of loaded fries.
That is British festival culture in its purest form.
MUSIC WITH A PURPOSE ๐ณ
Kay Iris are also using their platform to promote sustainable and ethical lifestyle choices.
One of their previous projects was the โOne Tank One Treeโ tour.
Working with Tree-Nation, the band donated trees to reforestation projects based on the distance they travelled during the tour.
It is a thoughtful initiative that recognises the environmental impact of touring while actively trying to give something back.
Looking ahead, Kay Iris hope to create a range of sustainable and ethically sourced merchandise.
They also hope to perform at environmentally conscious and Americana-focused festivals including Shambala, Boomtown, The Long Road and State Fayre.
The band additionally want to support conservation charities and venues.
In an industry where touring often involves endless miles, mountains of plastic and service stations selling sandwiches with a shelf life longer than some bands, that environmental focus feels especially important.
PRAISE FOR KAY IRIS ๐๏ธ
Kay Iris have already received strong praise from respected figures across radio, production and the music press.
Radio X presenter John Kennedy said:
โWhat a voice.โ
Producer Pete Smith, whose credits include Sting, Randy Crawford and Joe Cocker, praised Kay Iris for her voice and songwriting.
He said:
โKay captivates with her incomparable voice and stellar writing.โ
Mystic Sons described the band as having:
โA firebrand spirit and a blues-soaked backbone.โ
Lock Magazine added:
โTheyโre fast becoming one of the UKโs most compelling voices in Americana rock.โ
Those are some big words, but Kay Iris appear determined to live up to them.
THE RIFF REPORT VERDICT ๐ค๐ฅ
โGoldrushโ feels like the perfect song title for Kay Iris.
The band are searching, digging and fighting their way through the unpredictable world of independent music.
They have already secured major support slots, festival appearances, national radio recognition and praise from respected industry figures.
More importantly, they have a clear identity.
This is a band combining strong songwriting with ambition, atmosphere and a genuine desire to make a positive difference.
The road ahead may be dusty, difficult and full of unexpected potholes, but Kay Iris seem more than prepared to keep travelling.
โGoldrushโ will be released on Thursday 30th July 2026.
There might just be gold hiding inside these riffs, butt. ๐ค ๐ธ๐ฅ
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Zero Apologies.
