London-based singer-songwriter Lydia the Bard will release her 12-track debut album, The Woods, this October. With over 650,000 YouTube subscribers and a global following, Lydia began her career in 2021 with cover songs before moving into original music across multiple genres.
Following her 2024 debut EP, Afraid of Quiet, which has over 8 million streams worldwide, The Woods is co-written with longtime collaborator Ben Tomalin. The album is described as a folk-rock collection that combines storytelling, emotion, and energy. Influences include The Crane Wives, Florence and the Machine, Yaelokre, and The Decemberists.
The title track and lead single, “The Woods,” is a folk-rock anthem. Inspired by the disregard for human rights Lydia has observed among world leaders, the song tells the story of a young girl leading a rebellion in a dystopian future shaped by unchecked politicians and billionaires.
“The Woods is an angry, energetic folk tale about a dystopian future where billionaires have destroyed the world. For me, it is a cautionary tale, and I hope it holds a mirror up to those that allow injustice to happen for the sake of profit,” Lydia says.
The track starts with a simple guitar progression and develops with lyrics and production by Peter Miles, keeping the sound raw. The single will also have an animated music video premiering on Lydia’s YouTube channel, which hosts her Villain series and other original songs.
The Woods reflects Lydia the Bard’s transition from cover artist to folk-rock songwriter. The album will be followed by her first headline show later this year.
