Hear more from the artists we're playing on The Home of the Hits!
Sarah Whatmore
From Pop Idol to new music, Sarah Whatmore has had quite a journey. Sarah first shot to fame as one of the standout singers from the very first series of Pop Idol, later scoring UK Top 20 success with singles including “When I Lost You” and “Automatic.”
Now, more than two decades on, Sarah is back with brand-new music. Her latest single, “Hate”, is out now, released on 11 September 2026, and sees her team up with producer SHOLZ-Y for a high-energy new dance track.
In this Xtra Player UK interview, Peter from Radio Xtra catches up with Sarah to talk about Hate, her musical journey, returning to new music and what’s coming next.
Listen to the full interview now and find out more about Sarah Whatmore and “Hate”.
Click play now to listen to the full interview on Radio Xtra.
Shay O’Dowd
Peter Moore catches up with Glasgow singer-songwriter Shay O’Dowd — a rising artist who’s already making waves before even releasing a note of music. After selling out the legendary King Tut’s in his debut headline show, Shay has been tipped as one to watch, with comparisons to Lewis Capaldi and Joesef thanks to his raw talent and word-of-mouth buzz.
In this interview, Shay opens up about his debut EP Growing Pains (out June 27th), a heartfelt collection inspired by family, nostalgia, and the bittersweet moments of growing up. From the moving ballad First Life Too, which reflects on how parents are also navigating life for the first time, to the powerful single Normal People, shining a light on poverty and resilience in Glasgow, Shay’s music is authentic, emotional, and deeply human.
Click play now to hear Shay talk about his journey, his inspirations, and the stories behind the songs on Growing Pains — and discover why so many believe this is just the beginning for one of Scotland’s most exciting new voices.
Danny Addison
Peter Moore catches up with singer-songwriter Danny Addison to talk about his debut album Porcelain. Blending classical roots with indie-folk influences, Danny has created a record that’s both intimate and cinematic—drawing comparisons to artists like Ben Howard and Nick Mulvey while carving out his own unique sound.
In the interview, Danny reflects on the making of Porcelain, his powerful singles “Tribe” and “Beck and Call”, and the personal journey that shaped his songwriting. From intimate gigs at London’s Gibson Garage to capturing raw emotion in the studio, this is an inside look at one of the UK’s most exciting rising talents.
Click play now to listen to the full interview on Radio Xtra.
Mudi Sama – Redefining British Indie
“British-born and Nigerian-raised, Mudi Sama is one of the most exciting new names in alternative music right now.
His debut EP Will I Make It Out Alive? is on the way this August – and he’s already turning heads with the bold new single Pretty Soon.
With a sound inspired by Britpop, grunge, and artists like Bloc Party and The Strokes, Mudi’s bringing something fresh to the UK indie scene.
We caught up with him to talk music, identity, and breaking boundaries.
Tap play to listen to the full interview