London rap-punk trailblazer Hyphen has returned with explosive new single Said What I Said, pairing one of his most politically charged messages yet with the high-energy blend of rap, punk and alternative rock that has rapidly established him as one of the UK’s most exciting independent artists. Alongside the release, Hyphen has also announced he’ll join Kid Kapichi on their UK headline tour this November, while continuing a packed summer festival schedule.
Hyphen
Driven by razor-sharp lyricism, crushing guitar riffs and an instantly memorable chant-along chorus, Said What I Said is designed equally for festival singalongs and chaotic mosh pits. The track also subtly incorporates a sitar into the arrangement, acknowledging Hyphen’s South Asian heritage while further broadening the sonic palette that has made him stand out within the UK’s alternative scene.
Never one to shy away from difficult subjects, Hyphen uses the new single to confront contemporary politics head-on. Explaining the inspiration behind the track, he said: “Reform UK, potentially the next British Government, is made up of openly racist, sexist people who say they want to privatise the NHS and want to copy some of the scariest, most evil policies from the US.”
He continued: “Said What I Said is a song about refusing to be gaslit by mainstream media about the threat that the far right really pose. It’s also just a fucking banger. The far right are fascists and would ruin this country to serve their wealthy donors. I said what I said.”
The new release follows earlier 2026 single HYDRA and continues the momentum generated by last year’s EP This Might Be It, which helped propel Hyphen’s first-ever UK headline tour to a complete sell-out, culminating in his biggest headline show to date at London’s Scala.
Hyphen’s rise has been fuelled as much by his electrifying live performances as his recorded output. Blending rap, punk and hip-hop with fearless social commentary, his concerts have become renowned for breaking down barriers between artist and audience, with Hyphen regularly leaving the stage to perform in the middle of the crowd, creating an inclusive atmosphere built around community and shared experience. His songs tackle subjects including mental health, racism, immigration and politics, but balance those serious themes with sharp wit and infectious energy.
As one of the UK’s leading South Asian voices in alternative music, Hyphen has steadily built an impressive résumé as an independent artist, earning recognition through Spotify’s RADAR programme, BBC Introducing, PRS Momentum funding and millions of streams, all while forging his own path outside the traditional music industry.
Following appearances at festivals including Reading & Leeds, Latitude and The Great Escape, Hyphen’s busy summer continues with slots at 2000 Trees, Kendal Calling, Boomtown and Green Man, before heading back out across the UK this autumn supporting Kid Kapichi on their November headline run.
UK & Ireland Live Dates:
JULY
8th – Cheltenham, 2000 Trees Festival
30th – Cumbria, Kendal Calling
AUGUST
2nd – Cumbria, Kendal Calling
14th – Winchester, Boomtown
22nd – Brecon Beacons, Green Man Festival
OCTOBER
3rd – Bristol, Attitude Festival
NOVEMBER – with Kid Kapichi
12th – Bristol, Electric
13th – Falmouth, Princess Pavilion
14th – Southampton, The 1865
15th – Norwich, Waterfront
17th – Glasgow, SWG3
18th – Nottingham, Rock City
19th – Manchester, New Century Hall
20th – London, Outernet
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