The Newcastle singer-songwriter’s first single subtly introduces his heartfelt brand of indie rock.

2023 has already been quite the year for Newcastle-based alt-rocker ERNIE. Not only has he signed to Gravity Records, supported indie favourites Wunderhorse in London, and supported Sam Fender at his huge hometown stadium show at St James’ Park, but he has also now released his first single, Pink Headaches. 

Inspired by a visit back to his hometown, Pink Headaches is a gorgeous debut that lyrically captures the complex and often uncomfortable feelings that come with existing in moments of nostalgia.

ERNIE states: “A few years ago I moved back in with my mam for a few months, and I was out on a run one day to shake off a hangover. I was literally running through the scenes of my childhood, recalling this huge batch of memories attached to every street, every park bench and every football pitch. Places that once felt like home to me now filled me with a weird mix of nostalgia, fondness, sadness, and anxiety.”

To sonically respond to this in his debut, ERNIE tenderly guides the listener through the memory filled streets of his childhood, taking the time to linger in those quieter, more personal moments so as to release an incredibly heartfelt and vulnerable sound that is equally gripping.

His deep, brooding vocals generate an intimacy that easily legitimises every single word the singer-songwriter sings, while the track’s woozy guitars and warbly synths create a melodic richness that is reminiscent of the fuzziness and rawness we have all experienced when reflecting on the past.

From just one single, it is clear ERNIE knows exactly what he’s doing.

Pink Headaches is out now via Gravity Records.