Leigh's chart-topping indie-pop quartet, Lottery Winners, have announced their new studio album KOKO, set for release on 21st February 2025 via Modern Sky.
News of the band’s fourth studio album arrives alongside the release of its lead single, the deliriously catchy "You Again," featuring Jon McClure of Reverend & The Makers. This will be premiered on BBC Radio 2 with Sara Cox today (23 September) at 4pm.
When Lottery Winners’ third album, ART (Anxiety Replacement Therapy), reached No. 1 in May 2023, it marked a culmination of success achieved in the old-school way. Beating major artists like The National, Nines, and Jessie Ware to the top, the Leigh quartet's success was a surprise to many—though not to their devoted fanbase, who have long supported one of Britain’s most extravagantly entertaining and hard-working bands.
“Getting a No. 1 record was an amazing feeling of euphoria, but the comedown was almost immediate,” admits singer, songwriter, and guitarist Thom Rylance. “I had an existential crisis, thinking: ‘Is this the best thing we’re ever going to do? How do we follow this up?’ It was an exciting time, but a real anxiety crept in.”
The solution ultimately proved simple: keep on keeping on. KOKO sees Lottery Winners stepping up further, writing songs in the same way they always have—only now with the confidence that comes from knowing they’ve been proven right.
Welcome to KOKO (Keep On Keeping On), Lottery Winners’ most adventurous album yet, while also home to their most infectious songs. After playing to over half a million people in 2024 alone, this captivating album is poised to expand their fanbase even more.
The first taste of KOKO comes in the form of "You Again," a deliciously witty musical sitcom about two ex-lovers. It's a duet between Jon McClure and Lottery Winners’ bassist/vocalist, Katie Lloyd.
“We all love Jon,” laughs Katie. “He’s the best storyteller you could ever meet, such a wicked guy.” Thom adds: “Jon is so charismatic, the funniest person I’ve ever met. He’s so kind and warm. Talking to Jon feels like a cuddle from a grizzly bear. You Again is an absolute banger. If I had to bet on any song from KOKO being a hit, it’s You Again—which is annoying because Jon wrote the chorus, not me.”
KOKO is produced by Tristan Ivemy and features guest vocalists Chad Kroeger of Nickelback, Rick Witter of Shed Seven, and Frank Turner, who makes his third consecutive appearance on a Lottery Winners album.
Now firmly established as festival favourites, Lottery Winners' ability to energize any crowd is highlighted by the eclectic range of artists they’ve supported in arenas since ART’s success, including Rick Astley, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, and Nickelback. “I love that we appeal to people who like Rick Astley and also to people who like Nickelback,” Thom notes. “We’re associated with bands across the entire spectrum of music.”
Guitarist Rob Lally adds: “Playing arenas has made us hungry to achieve that level of success ourselves. We’re capable of putting on a great show anywhere. We started out performing for 50 people in tiny clubs, but throw us into a stadium of thousands, and we’ll be fine.” Thom concludes: “Ever since we played pubs, we’ve dreamed of playing arenas. Nothing has changed, except the number of people.”
Noel Gallagher even gave Thom one of his guitars. “Noel told me, ‘I like you, let’s stay in touch,’” beams Thom. “Being friends with Noel is one of those moments that made me feel like, yes, maybe we really are a proper band now.”
Alongside the album announcement, Lottery Winners have also announced a special homecoming trio of shows at Manchester Academy on 27, 28 and 29 December. Tickets for these shows are on-sale from 10am on 27 September.
These shows follow previously announced dates in Australia, Europe and the UK into 2025 including supporting the likes of Frank Turner, Jamie Webster, and Blossoms. They will soon announce a major UK headline tour for 2025.
Tracklisting
1. Superpower
2. You Again (feat. Reverend and the Makers)
3. Panic Attack
4. UFO
5. Ragdoll (feat. Chad Kroeger)
6. Struggling
7. Turn Around
8. Monaco
9. Three Wishes
10. Dirt and Gold (feat. Frank Turner)
11. The Ceiling (feat. Shed Seven)
12. Keep On Keeping On
Tour Dates
October
16 - 20 SXSW Sydney
November
19 Keele University (supporting Jamie Webster)
21 Engine Shed, Lincoln (supporting Jamie Webster)
23 Apollo, Manchester (supporting Blossoms)
25 Tramshed, Cardiff (supporting Jamie Webster)
December
27 Manchester Academy
28 Manchester Academy
29 Manchester Academy
February
22 London Alexandra Palace (supporting Frank Turner)
March
4 Rotterdam
5 Nijmegen
7 Amsterdam
8 Cologne
9 Hamburg
11 Munich
12 Prague
13 Vienna
15 Milan
16 Zurich
18 Berlin
19 Frankfurt
20 Paris
