Indie-pop collective Everyone Says Hi has officially returned with their second studio album, Funny Cos It’s True. Spearheaded by former Kaiser Chiefs drummer and primary songwriter Nick Hodgson, the eleven-track record was recorded entirely at Hodgson’s North London home studio and self-produced. This marks a major milestone in the bandleader’s career after more than two decades of recording music.
The new project arrives following the group’s acclaimed self-titled debut album. Alongside Hodgson, the five-piece lineup features bassist Pete Denton (formerly of The Kooks), Ben Gordon of The Dead 60s, Glenn Moule of Howling Bells, and guitarist Oli Swan. Together, the collective adopted a far more collaborative creative approach for the sophomore record. They held sporadic writing and recording sessions between May and September following extensive touring commitments.
Reflecting on the unique recording process, Hodgson noted that initially hesitating to work from home ultimately yielded a rewarding performance-driven aesthetic. This approach actively pushes back against modern digital shortcuts and artificial intelligence trends.
“It was a big decision to record the whole album in my own studio at home. At first, I was against it because I was stuck in the world of, you need big studios for drums with engineers and assistants, but the result is a record we’re unbelievably proud of,” Hodgson explained. “And the best thing about recording at home is that when I’m not happy with a vocal for example, I can go back into the studio at midnight in my slippers and sing it again.”
Lyrical Themes and Musical Influences
Musically, Funny Cos It’s True channels a hazy 1970s soft-rock and vintage guitar-pop aesthetic complete with lush strings, retro textures, and infectious anthemic choruses. Lyrically, however, the album dives deep into personal reflection and societal commentary. Hodgson explores heavy themes ranging from the 2011 loss of his father to Alzheimer’s to modern anxieties surrounding social media pressure, digital loneliness, and international politics.
Despite tackling serious subjects, Hodgson maintains an underlying thread of humor and resilience throughout the tracklist. Standout singles leading up to the release include the swirling, string-laden track “Don’t Underestimate Yourself,” which serves as an empowering message to Hodgson’s young daughter, encouraging her to stay bold and confident as she grows up.
Other notable tracks on the 11-song tracklist include:
- Easy
- Real Friends
- Life Isn’t Perfect
- New Start
- Only Love
- These Days
- Jimmy’s Song
- Your Glass House
- Never Gonna Leave You
- Don’t Let Them Bring You Down
UK Live Shows and In-Store Tour Schedule
To celebrate the release of Funny Cos It’s True, Everyone Says Hi has lined up an intimate run of UK in-store release shows. This gives fans a chance to experience the new material live following past support slots alongside major acts like Neil Young, The Cribs, and Feeder.
The official in-store tour dates include:
- September 25 – Wax & Beans, Bury
- September 26 – Crash, Leeds
- September 27 – The Jacaranda, Liverpool
- September 28 – Applestump, Nantwich
- September 29 – Truck, Oxford
- September 30 – Dash The Henge (Brixton), London
- October 01 – Just Dropped In, Coventry
With an expanding catalog of sharp indie-pop anthems and a rapidly growing dedicated fanbase, Funny Cos It’s True cements Everyone Says Hi as one of the most compelling collaborative guitar projects emerging on the British alternative music scene.
