The Early Purple, a rising singer-songwriter from Northumberland, has released his latest single “Big Mistake” from his upcoming debut EP ‘Summer Hide,’ set for release on May 12th. The single is a stark social commentary on the singer’s hometown of Blyth and features some of his most political lyrics to date.

Matt Saxon, also known as The Early Purple, has been an active member of the North East music scene for over a decade. His first single as The Early Purple, “Old Eagle,” garnered airplay on BBC 6 Music and BBC Introducing, leading to a support slot with Danish chamber-pop outfit Efterklang.

“Big Mistake” delves into the state of affairs in Blyth and portrays a town that has lost its way. The song’s sparse chamber-pop soundscape adds to its sense of desolation. The lyrics are inspired by Matt’s encounters with real people and serve as a snapshot of the situation through his eyes.

The ‘Summer Hide’ EP, arriving in May, features five tracks that explore personal and philosophical subjects. The EP is deeply inspired by Matt’s father, who passed away in 2020. Although the songs can be seen as quite miserable, Matt’s optimistic approach seeks to put a positive spin on life’s difficult moments.

The Early Purple has also been hosting the ‘Hide & Speak’ podcast since 2021, featuring guests like Sam Fender, Richard Dawson, and Brooke Bentham while bird-watching in rural Northumberland.

In anticipation of the EP release, The Early Purple will perform a hometown show at Wylam Brewery in Newcastle on May 4th. Fans can stream “Big Mistake” on all services and YouTube, and pre-save the ‘Summer Hide’ EP ahead of its release.