With his latest single “Sleepwalker,” Manchester-based artist Ben Heyworth steps boldly into new musical territory. Set for release on October 24, 2025, the track represents both a personal and creative rebirth—an idea that fittingly mirrors its own history. Originally written back in 2006, “Sleepwalker” spent nearly two decades in hibernation before being revived, reshaped, and reborn as a fully realized piece that bridges Heyworth’s acoustic past with his electronic future.
Known for his early 2000s work with the band Minorplanet and later for his experimental electronic pop releases under the alias This Morning Call, Heyworth has long been a figure of musical curiosity in the UK indie scene. His evolution has been marked by a willingness to push beyond genre boundaries, and “Sleepwalker” feels like the culmination of that journey—a confident, genre-bending return under his own name.
Sonically, the song draws heavily from classic influences such as Depeche Mode, Soft Cell, New Order, and Gary Numan, weaving their distinctive synth-laden textures into Heyworth’s modern sensibility. The result is a sound he himself describes as “trance rock”—a seamless fusion of acid house rhythms, electronic dance energy, and atmospheric rock. It’s a track that feels cinematic in scope, built on layers of chugging guitars, bleeps, crackles, and an enchanting string section that elevates the whole experience.
What makes “Sleepwalker” so compelling is its balance between nostalgia and innovation. There’s an undeniable retro pulse—echoes of 1980s synth-pop and post-punk—but the production feels fresh and forward-thinking. The textures shimmer with precision, thanks in part to the mastering by Gary Hadfield at Blueprint Studios, whose touch gives the track a professional sheen without losing its raw emotional core.
Lyrically, “Sleepwalker” explores the idea of drifting through life in a dreamlike state—half aware, half lost—until something (or someone) jolts you awake. It’s an introspective theme that resonates with Heyworth’s own creative story: an artist rediscovering his voice after years of quiet. His soft yet haunting vocals float over the hypnotic instrumentation, pulling the listener into a trance-like state. When he sings, “Let’s get lost together,” it feels both like an invitation and a declaration of freedom—a moment of surrender to the music itself.
The track’s backstory adds even more depth to its meaning. Written nearly 20 years ago, “Sleepwalker” has matured alongside its creator, absorbing time, influence, and experience before finally finding its form. That patience pays off; every note feels intentional, every texture earned. It’s the sound of an artist who has not only found his way back to music but also redefined what that music means to him.
In a time when so much pop production feels interchangeable, “Sleepwalker” stands out as a work of authenticity and craftsmanship. It’s not just a new song—it’s a reawakening. Heyworth’s journey from acoustic folk to trance-infused electro-rock showcases an artist unafraid to evolve, to dream, and to reimagine his sound.
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