Emerging indie 5-piece Isla Rico announce their highly anticipated new single, ‘Smell The Roses’ (Nov 7th), set for release this Autumn via Regent Street Records. The track marks the start of a bold new chapter for the band, blending 90s-inspired anthemic energy with heartfelt, modern storytelling to create an evocative, yet catchy indie sound.
Born out of late-night writing sessions in Brighton university flats, Isla Rico is the creative project of Callum Richards and Jasper Whitehead – two friends united by their shared love for big stadium instrumentals, raw emotion, and the timeless spirit of 90s music. What began as a shared escape has since evolved into an exciting new rising indie with support across tastemaker press and radio.
Taking their name from a tiki bar built in Cal’s back garden, Isla Rico now features Harvey Rafferty (Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals), Brad Hull (Bass Guitar), and Sayon Beautfort-Harwood (Drums). The five-piece have built a loyal following through their electric live shows and authentic songwriting, performing on major stages including Y Not Festival, Lazy Days, and The Great Escape, and earning praise from tastemakers such as Earmilk, Clash Magazine, and BBC Radio 6 Music’s Chris Hawkins, who described them as “the best of new indie Britpop.”
Following successful collaborations with producer Andy Gannon (Clean Bandit, Jax Jones, The Courteeners), Isla Rico now joins forces with Matthew Fisher (The K’s, Dirty Blonde) to push their sound to new heights. The sparking new single ‘Smell The Roses’ is the result – a soaring, anthemic indie cut that captures the essence of reflection and resilience, built on shimmering guitars, driving rhythms, and an irresistibly nostalgic melody.
Talking about the track, the band explain: “For us ‘Smell The Roses’ is a new beginning as a band. We wanted to be authentic to ourselves lyrically and instrumentally. Back to our roots, plugging our guitars in and capturing how we sound live and sharing our message no matter how sh*t the world can feel at times. Sometimes you’ve got to just find the joy where you can and smell the roses.”
Drawing inspiration from The Verve, Sam Fender, and New Radicals, Isla Rico channels a mix of classic Britpop attitude and fresh, cinematic production. Their storytelling is personal yet universal – music made for anyone who’s ever needed a reminder to pause, breathe, and take it all in.
After launching this new era to a sold-out crowd at YES, Manchester, Isla Rico are ready to share their most confident and compelling work to date. With ‘Smell The Roses’, the band invites listeners to rediscover the joy of living in the moment – a message that resonates now more than ever.
‘Smell The Roses’ will be available on all streaming platforms via Regent Street Records in Autumn 2025.
Artwork by: Matthew Crockford
Upcoming Live Dates:
1st November – Manchester, Off The Wall supporting Sunbeam, This Feeling
5th December – London. 93 Feet East, Underground Sound
Isla Rico are:
Cal Richards – Lead Vocals
Jasper Whitehead – Lead Guitar & Keys
Harvey Rafferty – Rhythm Guitar & Vocals
Brad Hull – Bass
Sayon Beaufort-Harwood – Drums (Live)
Isla Rico – Smell The Roses
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