One of the most compelling emerging voices of contemporary music, Holly Humberstone, has revealed the release date for her eagerly awaited second album, Cruel World, set for global release on 10 April 2026. In tandem with this announcement, Holly unveiled her latest single, “To Love Somebody”, which has already sparked significant excitement among fans and critics alike.
Holly’s lyrical ingenuity and creative vision have garnered widespread acclaim. She received an Ivor Novello nomination for her debut EP and was crowned the BRIT Rising Star in 2022. Known for her lucid and emotive storytelling, Holly has established herself as a global musical talent, blending vulnerability with sophistication.
Cruel World invites listeners into a darkly imaginative universe, intertwining childhood memories, haunting past experiences, and psychological complexity. The new single, “To Love Somebody”, explores the multifaceted nature of love, drawing inspiration from Victorian theatre, Grimm’s fairy tales, and the classic film Nosferatu. Holly commented on the single:
“Love is beautiful, yet inherently painful. To fall in love is sometimes to hurt, and sometimes to lose.”
The past two years have been a period of reflection and self-discovery for Holly. While her debut album, Paint My Bedroom Black, reflected youthful desire and excitement, Cruel World is grounded in stability, memory, and introspection, offering a more nuanced perspective on emotional growth.
Holly Humberstone: Key Musical Milestones
| Year | Milestone | Notable Works / Events |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | BRIT Rising Star winner | Following two EPs |
| 2022 | Ivor Novello nomination | “Haunted House” |
| 2023 | Debut album release | Paint My Bedroom Black (#3 on UK Charts) |
| 2023 | International tour | North America, supporting Olivia Rodrigo & Girl in Red |
| 2026 | Second album release | Cruel World, including single “To Love Somebody” |
In Cruel World, Holly examines all dimensions of love—romantic, platonic, and feminist—through a uniquely Gothic lens. Her track “Die Happy” embodies the haunting tones of Gothic romance and has been selected as BBC Radio 1’s Hottest Record.
Holly’s creative inspiration stems from her formative years: her parents’ haunted house, playful moments with her three sisters, and cherished childhood toys and books. She will embark on a headline European and UK tour in February and March 2026, culminating in a show at Shepherds Bush on 2 April.
With Cruel World and “To Love Somebody”, Holly Humberstone promises an emotional, profound, and unforgettable experience for modern music lovers, cementing her status as one of the most distinctive voices of her generation.