UK rock artist Slyder Smith returns with new single ‘Plan To Fail‘, an anthemic and deeply personal track that dives into the universal struggle of self-sabotage – the paralysis of overthinking, procrastination, and perfectionism that too often keeps dreams unrealized.
Driven by Slyder’s signature blend of hook-laden melodies, gritty guitars, and honest lyricism, ‘Plan To Fail’ explores the darker corners of ambition; an anthemic and deeply introspective track that lays bare the tension between confidence and self-doubt, ambition and fear of failure capturing that internal battle between wanting to succeed and being afraid to even begin with a mask of confidence concealing the quiet despair.
“It’s about fighting the voice in your head that tries talking you out of chasing your dreams, refusing to give in, even when it feels like the world’s writing you off. You make endless plans and convince yourself you’re preparing — but really, you’re just stalling because you’re frightened of not being good enough” said Smith. “We all hit moments when everything’s telling us we can’t do it — this song is about the freedom that comes from admitting our flaws doing it anyway.”
‘Plan To Fail’ is available on Spotify and all streaming platforms plus limited edition signed CD collectable bundle, including 2 exclusive pre-production demo tracks of ‘Nobody’s Listening’ and ‘Plan To Fail’, signed poster and lyric sheet from 5th November.
The single arrives on the back of two sold-out live shows earlier this year (17th August – Forfar 10 Bar, and 25th August – Rockwich Festival, Cheshire). Rockwich Festival’s Jace Media commenting: “Slyder Smith is a firm favourite at Rockwich, and it’s easy to see why… commanding the marquee with charm, skill, and energy that left the crowd buzzing.”
In support of the new release Slyder Smith and his band head out on the road for a run of live shows in the UK in November with ex-Wildhearts bass player Danny McCormack & The UK Reprobates.
DANNY MCCORMACK & THE UK REPROBATES/SLYDER SMITH UK DATES
8th Nov, Vic Bikers Bar, Coalville
21st Nov, Dragonffli, Pontypool
22nd Nov, Coopers Arms, Aberystwyth
Slyder Smith made his name as guitarist and backing vocalist in cult power-poppers Last Great Dreamers, a colourful four-piece who started life in London in the 1990s. After the release of their 1994 debut album, Retrosexual, the band went on to be championed by Kerrang! magazine, who nominated them as Best New Band in 1995. They split up two years later but reformed in 2015 and racked up a further three studio albums and a live record, plus support tours, with The Quireboys, Enuff Znuff, The Wildhearts, The Alarm, The Boys and Wolfsbane.
In 2021, with covid in full flow and Last Great Dreamers on hiatus and Smith began writing new songs, some of them in styles that he’d little explored in public. The following spring, he decamped to Oxfordshire to record them with producer and studio engineer Pete Brown who, over a 40-year career, has worked with the likes of George Harrison, Siouxsie And The Banshees, Marc Almond and The Smiths.
The album Slyder Smith & The Oblivion Kids’ Charm Offensive came out in August 2022, and Smith promoted the album live with numerous festival appearances in UK & Europe plus UK tours with Electric Boys & Cherie Currie and gained worldwide airplay onBBC Radio 2 Rock Show, Planet Rock Radio, BBC Introducing, Radio Caroline & many more.
Since relocating from Somerset to rural Scotland in 2023, Smith has set about proving that he has what it takes to cross borders figuratively as well as literally. Writing & demoing material in his home studio, Slyder has so far recorded a batch of songs with producer Robin Wynn Evans at TPot Studio, Perthshire, to be released in the coming months culminating in an album release in 2026. His band feature Brian Kerr on bass & Adam McNaughton on drums.
He broke the silence with the new single, ‘Nobody’s Listening’, released in August. Gritty, melodic, and fiercely honest, the track channels the frustration of shouting into the void in an age of endless noise.
“It’s about those moments when you’re screaming to be heard but no one’s paying attention,” said Slyder. “We’re all so caught up in our own distractions — phones, filters, fast living — that real connection is getting lost.”
Produced by Robin Wynn Evans — known for his work with Manic Street Preachers, The View, Sam Brown and Dodgy — the single marks a bold step forward for Slyder’s sound. Evans’ sharp production captures the emotional intensity of a track that blends raw rock guitars with a modern, almost cinematic edge.
‘Nobody’s Listening’ is intended as a shout from the underground for everyone who’s ever been ghosted, ignored, or left unheard. It’s a rallying cry wrapped in distortion and melody.
‘Nobody’s Listening’ is available on Spotify and all streaming platforms plus limited edition signed CD collectable bundle, including two exclusive acoustic tracks, ‘Pleasure Victim’ and a cover version of Hanoi Rocks’ ‘Malibu Beach’, signed poster & lyric sheet.
‘Nobody’s Listening’ can be ordered here and the limited edition signed CD here.
SLYDER SMITH UK LIVE SHOW
24th August Rockwich Festival, Cheshire
