Pop-punk will never die, especially when there are new bands constantly emerging. Goldstate are one of those keeping the genre alive and well. Over the past 12 months, the Leicester-based quartet have delivered a handful of anthemic singles that sound nostalgic and fresh in equal measure.
We’ve teamed up with the band and their new label home, Manic Kat Records, to debut their latest single – ‘Deep End’. The heart-on-sleeve anthem nods to the early ’10’s scene, with driving guitars and compelling hooks. It results in an infectious number from Goldstate.
As well as premiering ‘Deep End,’ we spoke to vocalist Ben Pritchard about Goldstate‘s short history, the new single, and its emotional themes.
You’re relatively newcomers to the UK pop-punk scene. Bring us up to speed on the history of Goldstate?
Ben: Being totally honest, Goldstate was started by Jezrah (Giles, guitar), Danny (Marty Rae, songwriter), and I as a music project with little intention to play shows. We just wanted to build a conduit to release pop/rock tracks and collaborate with some of our favourite artists.
As the vision grew and really came together, it was apparent that the project was going to become more than intended. We brought all the right people together and started to release tracks one by one, playing a few shows across the UK along the way.
We’re premiering your latest track, ‘Deep End’. What’s the story behind the track coming together?
Ben: The track came together whilst Danny was playing around with a few different musical compositions and chorus lyrics at home. The song was then brought to the table, and the whole band played around with it, moving various segments and structures into place to form the track you now hear today.
‘Deep End’ is a deeply emotional song with themes such as personal disassociation/disconnection. What message do you hope listeners take away from the track?
Ben: Being that ‘Deep End’ was born out of the depths of emotion and feeling the literal mental sensation of ‘sinking’, we hope that the track gives the listener a little hope and pulls them back to the surface if they’re in a place of struggle.
With this being your fourth single, how does this track represent where you’re at as a band right now?
Ben: ‘Deep End’ is a slight detour on our previous, more upbeat, poppier rock releases, but a needed one. As a band, our lives are not all sunshine and rainbows, and neither is our sound. I think this track demonstrates that well. This gives a darker vibe to our writing, but ultimately, the end goal is about providing connection and relatability to the listener.
You’ve previously worked with independent UK talent Bronnie and WALWIN. How have those experiences helped develop Goldstate’s sound?
Ben: A big part of Goldstate’s original intention was to collaborate with some of the best and most innovative artists in the scene. Working with Bronnie and Walwin was us starting to put that plan into action. Both releases turned out far better than we expected, as did our single ‘Nothing To Lose’ with Jaret Reddick and Thomas Ian Nicholas.
2025 saw you release a handful of singles, and with ‘Deep End’ being your fourth, can we expect an EP, or even an album, soon?
Ben: Sorry to give a cliché and played-out answer, but you’ll have to watch this space closely to find out.
The release of ‘Deep End’ coincides with the news that you’ve joined Manic Kat Records. What attracted you to joining the New York-based independent label?
Ben: When we first discovered Manic Kat Records, we immediately felt a sense of familiarity, even before we’d had a single discussion. Seeing the names of friends of ours in the industry on their roster, it felt like a space we were already somewhat in.
As soon as we were on a call with the label discussing what a joint future could look like, it was blindingly obvious that it was the perfect home for our project.
We’re proud to join the same roster as Ryan Cabrera, Amber Pacific, Showoff and Tokyo Rose, artists who all have had profound cultural impacts.
Beyond further new music and being part of the Manic Kat roster, what else can we expect from Goldstate in 2026?
Ben: Again, watch this space, you might see new music, tours, one-off shows, festivals, behind-the-scenes content, merchandise drops and more, who knows? We can’t confirm or deny anything YET, you’ll just have to keep a close eye on us to find out what is and isn’t happening, but it’s going to be a fun ride.
Find Goldstate on: Instagram | TikTok | Spotify | Apple Music
