«Wow, this is something really special»: a track born from gratitude, dedicated to the friendship that defines our story.
Bedroom Pop / Indie Pop from Guildford, UK
HUBSCZ, the talented 20-year-old independent artist based in Guildford, UK, presents Best Friend, the single that continues to gain traction and serves as the official introduction to his highly anticipated debut EP, Circle Time (expected in early 2027).
Although initially released on August 22, 2026, the track has demonstrated remarkable versatility and staying power, solidifying itself as an anthem for friendship, shared growth, and nostalgia for childhood moments, with a firm desire to create new memories in the future. With a sonic palette inspired by Dayglow, The 1975, and Phoenix, the song delivers an energetic and punchy retro landscape, written and produced entirely in his bedroom under the bedroom pop philosophy. Its structure, centered around a bold and catchy chorus, was refined with the guidance of renowned songwriter Tim Hawes (Spice Girls, Five, Hear’Say, Sugababes), who suggested shortening certain sections of the original track to maximize its melodic hook.
Interview Section — What is the essence and inspiration behind «Best Friend»?
HUBSCZ responds exclusively to indievalleymusic.com:
BEST FRIEND, in its essence, is all about gratitude and love. I remember the day I started composing the track; I listened back to the instrumental I had created and thought, «Wow, this is something really special». At that moment, I knew this song needed to be for somebody who deserved my best work, and so I decided to dedicate it to my best friend. The lyrics came easily after that. There were so many memories I could draw from it was impossible to fit into a three and a half minute track.
At the time, I was listening to a lot of Mk.gee and Phoenix, who inspired the sonic palette of BEST FRIEND; the instrumental started as a combination of the soundscape of Mk.gee and the upbeat, high-fidelity production of Phoenix; this was blended with my own influences of 80s pop and indie pop to build an entirely new sound. The chorus stems from an old song I had in the vault that features a sustained «please» in the hook; I adapted new lyrics around this, developing it into what I believe is my strongest chorus to date.»
More About HUBSCZ
Born in North London and raised in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, HUBSCZ has been inspired by the vibrant local music scene, known for its festivals, bands, and a rich pool of talent that has made a significant impact on the industry over the years. His goal is clear: to spark the next big musical movement from the region.
Throughout 2025 and 2026, he has maintained a steady stream of releases, most notably the track «Anxious», while continuing to compose new material for «Circle Time». His talent has not gone unnoticed: he has earned a magazine review in ACM’s The Buzz Magazine, a slot at Carfest 2026 on behalf of the university, and performances at hometown festivals like Todd In The Hole and Old Town Live.
Recently, HUBSCZ achieved a notable milestone by securing a spot on BBC Introducing Northants and Three Counties for both «Best Friend» and his latest release, «Circle Time», consolidating a streak of success that promises to keep rising.
Best Friend ~ HUBSCZ ~ Indie Valley Music Review
For a better experience, play the song on your favorite streaming platform while reading this review.
«Best Friend» by HUBSCZ is, without a doubt, an exquisite fusion of Indie Pop, Synth Pop, and Retro Pop, imbued with the intimate essence of Bedroom Pop. The track presents a particular duality: a vibrant sonic energy that coexists with palpable emotion in its harmony and lyrics. It is an authentic composition with soul, exposing the artist’s sensitive side through a universal theme. A beautiful narrative that complements the musical arrangement perfectly, making it the ideal soundtrack for a road trip, a reflective walk at sunset, or hanging out with friends.
Duration: 03:36 | Tempo: 143 BPM
The song opens with the drum hi-hat marking the pulse, giving way to a solid and punchy base rhythm with a clear indie pop, alt-pop, and pop-rock identity. It is a dynamic pattern alternating between toms and snare, delivering a full, present sound with a wide dynamic range; organic, yet with an exquisite electronic touch. The kick drum is deep and warm, while the cymbals offer a balanced, creamy brightness. A masterfully processed drum kit that imprints great attitude onto the track. The bass, in an electro-pop style, is wide and masterfully panned in stereo. Guitars complement the landscape: one with dynamic picking and chorus effects, and another sitting further back in the mix (left channel) carrying the rhythm. A captivating opening.
At second 0:15, the vocals enter. They are direct and sit slightly above the instrumental; leading, but without overpowering the rest. It is an authentic register, processed with subtle touches of reverb, delay, and a slight saturation that adds depth. It possesses a unique and distinctive timbre: fresh, confident, and energetic, yet threaded with a subtle nostalgia. With excellent modulation that provides clarity, it is a versatile and expressive performance that travels between mid and high frequencies, projecting a youthful and genuinely indie-pop identity. The opening verses flow with total naturalness, accompanied by dynamic guitar arrangements ranging from arpeggios to picking lines, harmonizing with the main vocal melody.
At minute 0:41, the first pre-chorus arrives. The drums accompany by marking the pulse with just the hi-hat, while the synth enters, adding ethereal atmospheric layers with a clear synth-pop character, simultaneously executing luminous arpeggios. In this section, the backing vocals gain presence, floating in the space thanks to a subtle delay. Suddenly, the kick drum joins the hi-hat in a crescendo attitude… something is announcing itself.
With an energetic snare hit full of attitude, and the previously projected vocal extending its sustain, the first chorus bursts in at second 0:54. It is a harmonious and catchy refrain, high in energy, inviting you to move and sing along. Synth arrangements pan from side to side, with exquisite sonic textures that add depth. It is a fresh, vibrant, highly indie, and danceable chorus.
At minute 1:24, a new verse section begins, where the vocals feel more dynamic in their modulation, elevating the sense of energy compared to the opening bars.
At minute 1:37, a new pre-chorus arrives. This time, the synth becomes even more prominent, with layers that feel more direct, expansive, and enveloping.
At minute 1:48, the second chorus is presented. Now with more punchy synthetic arrangements and more defined backing vocals. The song scales in intensity, keeping the energy at its peak, while preserving that emotive nuance that deepens the connection with the listener.
At minute 2:15, the bridge appears. The drums fall into absolute silence. While the bass holds the pulse firmly, the synth takes center stage, projecting bubbling waves that provide a dreamlike sonic journey, with a clear Dream Pop sensation. The track breathes in a sensory and dreamy way; an exquisite sonic transition. The vocals sing subtle verses in this section, accompanied by a piano executing celestial arpeggios and picking lines. Gradually, the hi-hat and rhythm guitar enter; the section builds in energy, while vocal arrangements with delay expand across the stereo field. A truly enveloping experience! Something is announcing itself…
At minute 2:42, the track delights us with the final chorus. The song ends in a chorus attitude, leaving the instrumental in a captivating groove that gradually fades in volume until 03:36, closing with a highly satisfying sonic resolution.
Production and Sound
On the technical front, «Best Friend» features a high-quality musical production, rich in attention to detail and highly meticulous. All sonic resources are in perfect balance; nothing is missing, nothing is superfluous. It is a production that worked in full harmony with the composition, capturing authenticity and a distinct sound. The mixing and mastering, of a high industry standard, deliver a crisp, deep, and immersive sound, with a wide dynamic range and sonic spectrum, ideal for enjoyment on any playback system.
It is a great honor for us to present this release, «Best Friend» by HUBSCZ. Go listen to the track on your favorite streaming platform.
Best Friend by HUBSCZ is available on all digital platforms.
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