You’ve got a debut single dropping August 7th, 2026, and it’s coming from a man who’s been holding his cards close to his chest for a whole lifetime. I’m talking about Ed Sykes and Friends and their new track “Always Be Mine”.
The man behind the curtain is Naran Rathod. Born in India, raised in the UK from age five, he grew up with Bollywood matinees on one side and British radio on the other. That mix gives him a groove that’s all parts folk, soul, and blues with a jazzy kick. He self-produces everything, which means every note gets the time it deserves, and he brings in a tight crew of trusted players who get free rein to breathe life into his sketches.
Now, the name “Ed Sykes” is a sly nod to his day job—he’s an educational psychologist. Ed. Psych., get it? For decades, he’s been listening to people’s stories, watching how they tick, and that ear for human behaviour bleeds straight into his songwriting. He doesn’t write from a high tower; he writes from the sidewalk, from the ordinary moments you’d miss if you blinked.
So what’s it really about? On the surface, it’s a smooth, sax-driven groove that could slide into your car stereo and make you tap the wheel. But dig deeper—and Rathod himself warns you—this tune is about the exact second before goodbye. One person is still reaching, still gripping, while the other is quietly stepping back. The melody is light, almost deceptive, but the weight hits you like a slow punch to the gut. He wanted the surface to be easy to hum, while the sorrow creeps up during the third listen. That’s craft.
If you’re looking for a track that feels like a late-night drive with a heavy heart, or a sunny afternoon that hides a storm, this is your jam. Ed Sykes and Friends arrive with maturity, not hype. They don’t scream for your attention; they earn it with every sax note. “Always Be Mine” is out August 7th—let it settle in, and then hit repeat. Because the best songs don’t hit you once; they haunt you for days.
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