Kestrel - Apricot Sunshine

Kestrel's latest single, “Apricot Sunshine,” is already receiving early support from tastemakers such as Musicalizar, who calls it “Incredible!" FVMusicBlog says, “Kestrel is a breath of fresh air in the synthpop genre.” 1111CR3W says "It’s like she’s curating her own little genre bubble,” and Mesmerized Mag spotlights her vocals as “commanding the listeners’ attention with elegance and savoir-faire.”

Apricot Sunshine is about subliminal memories of an 80s Miami dream - a glitch in time - remembering something you never knew and finding something you've always known. The song showcases Kestrel’s ability to merge mysterious digital undertones with uplifting key shifts, creating a rich musical journey that feels both nostalgic yet modern. Kestrel explains "I wanted to blend contemporary Synthwave music with the melodic chord changes of the 80s, like bringing in a more ‘major’ sound towards the end of the tune, alongside the riff throughout which has a dark electronic edge.” The track was expertly produced by Ben King, who built out Kestrel’s piano arrangement into a groove-driven soundscape using a finely tuned sonic palette.

Kestrel is the stage name of Isle of Man-based artist, songwriter, and performer Naomi Haworth, who crafts soaring, synth-rich pop songs and heartfelt melodies with a retro-futuristic edge. Blending the shimmering textures of Nu-Disco and Synthwave with emotive pop storytelling, Kestrel’s sound is cinematic, melodic, and full of light - like summer nostalgia bottled in sound.

Kestrel is passionate about creating music that uplifts others and inspires people in their own creative journey. With an eye on visual storytelling and a heart rooted in melody, she is building a world where nostalgia, future-forward production, and emotional honesty meet.

Kestrel has sung and played the piano since she was little, and over the years she has honed a distinctive sound that blends imaginative hooks, rich vocal layers, and piano-led arrangements. Kestrel writes and performs all of her own material - from intricate synth riffs and piano progressions to evocative vocals and harmonies. Her work draws inspiration from artists like Tears for Fears, Donna Summer, and Duran Duran - while grounding each track in thoughtful, emotionally resonant songwriting, highlighting a natural vocal sound and a vibrant, modern edge.

Kestrel is releasing a steady flow of new music in 2025, each track layered with lush arrangements and emotional arcs - falling under different genres, ranging from Nu-Disco and Pop/Rock to Scripture-based music.

Kestrel’s live performances range from atmospheric solo sets with piano and synths to high-energy shows with backing tracks or a full band - tailored for front rooms, festivals, and dance floors alike.