Nathan Sykes has unveiled his latest single, “Butterflies,” a glowing slice of pop released on September 5 that offers a preview of his forthcoming album Ultraviolet, due out October 17. The track follows his earlier 2025 single “Getting Lost” and continues the singer-songwriter’s return nearly a decade after his debut record Unfinished Business.
Co-written with producer Tobie Tripp (George Ezra, Tom Grennan), David Sneddon (Lana Del Rey, Lewis Capaldi) and Theo Hutchcraft (Calvin Harris, Måneskin), and mixed by Steve Fitzmaurice (Sam Smith), “Butterflies” leans into euphoric pop territory while keeping Sykes’ soaring vocals front and centre. He describes the song as a moment of unfiltered joy in contrast to some of the more introspective corners of his new album.
“While writing the album, I wrestled with the balance between telling stories through moments of introversion – something I’ve often not been afforded the space to do previously – to just letting go and having my big pop moments,” Nathan Sykes said in a statement. “As soon as we stumbled upon ‘Butterflies’, I knew this was the song that captured the latter perfectly.
“It’s about that feeling you get in your stomach; nervous, excited, giddy – thinking about someone new, someone you’ve known forever and the fun that person brings. The song came together quickly once we got there and it just as quickly sticks in everyone’s heads who hears it – it’s one of my favourite moments of the album and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”
The single captures that dizzy rush of first love with breezy production and an instantly memorable hook, signalling a more radio-ready direction for the former member of The Wanted. Its release has already sparked fan buzz across social media, with listeners highlighting its blend of tenderness and energy.
Ultraviolet will be available in multiple formats, including limited purple vinyl, picture disc, CD, cassette and digital. Each bundle includes a signed art print, a nod to the album’s positioning as both a personal statement and a major pop moment.
Nathan Sykes has also been easing back into live performance. Earlier this year, he played a sold-out show at London’s Omeara that mixed hits like “Over And Over Again” and “Almost Is Never Enough” with new material. He’s set to return to the stage for two October headline shows, with limited tickets still available.
With “Butterflies,” Nathan Sykes seems to have struck the balance between heartfelt storytelling and polished pop shine, hinting that Ultraviolet could be his most expansive work yet.
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