Rizzle Kicks’ ‘New Sport’ Hits Just Right for North East Fans Awaiting Their Return
Written by Cian Mortimer on 17th November 2024
Image: Rashidi Noah
Rizzle Kicks are officially back, and their new single “New Sport” is exactly what we’ve been missing.
After nearly a decade away, Jordan Stephens and Harley Sulé have made a long-awaited return, bringing a fresh sound that’s bound to light up North East playlists. While their new album Competition Is For Losers is on the horizon, it’s New Sport that’s grabbing all the attention—and for good reason.
The track captures the duo’s classic charm but with a refined twist, blending funk, soul, and the playful energy that made them icons. The song was produced by Tucan, who is well-known for his work with bands like Jungle.
New Sport layers Jordan’s sharp, witty lyrics with Harley’s smooth vocals over an addictive beat that has all the makings of a North East anthem. It’s the kind of tune that’s perfect for those long bus rides, late-night drives, and weekend house parties across Newcastle, Sunderland, and Durham.
For Rizzle Kicks, this song marks a new chapter. Their music has matured, carrying themes of growth, change, and self-reflection, but it’s still infused with the feel-good energy fans fell in love with.
Stephens said: “We allude to the fact that we acted off the cultural encouragement and the reality of the time, I think now we’d like to believe that we’ve distanced ourselves from those just through experience.”
One of the main themes the duo deal with in their music is those of sobriety and parenthood. Speaking about sobriety, Stephens added: “[It’s] not in a prescriptive way. But more like we did a lot of crazy stuff, but now we don’t. Not just with Harley becoming a father and all the growth that comes with that role, but also in a larger sense as we get older we feel a responsibility to share our wins and our failures.”
Their upcoming album, Competition Is For Losers, will dive even deeper into these themes. Touching on everything from fatherhood to life lessons learned over the years, it promises a raw, introspective side of the duo—something their North East fans will no doubt connect with.
And it’s not just the music. After their show at London’s KOKO sold out in under a minute, Rizzle Kicks have announced a string of tour dates that includes sold-out stops in Manchester, Birmingham, and London.
While the North East is yet to be on the list, fans here can feel the anticipation building. The buzz around their return is palpable, and we’re hoping they’ll bring this new sound to venues closer to home soon.
In the meantime, New Sport is here to tide us over, bringing that signature Rizzle Kicks vibe back into our lives. So turn up the volume, and get ready for what promises to be an unforgettable new era for Rizzle Kicks. It’s time to welcome back the duo who’ve always known how to put a smile on our faces and a beat in our step.
