First Time Flyers Soar with “Stay” and Announce Debut Album ‘Bound To Break’
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
First Time Flyers are truly living up to their name in 2025, having already taken flight with a sold-out UK tour and their previous single, “Out Of Your Mind,” landing on both BBC Radio 2 and every UK country radio station. Now, the dynamic quartet is ready to reach new heights, announcing their highly anticipated debut album, ‘Bound To Break,’ set for release on September 12th via Lookout Mountain Records. Alongside this exciting news comes a headline tour and a brand-new single, the poignant “Stay,”now.
“Stay”: A Deep Dive into Love’s Uncertainties
“Stay” immediately grips you with its raw honesty. It’s a powerful declaration of choosing to remain in a relationship, even when the path ahead is far from clear. The song’s emotional depth is particularly striking, inspired by lead vocalist Poppy Fardell’s personal journey. She openly reflects on navigating a relationship where past hurts and trust issues created a challenging emotional push and pull. This isn’t just Poppy’s story, though; it’s a universal anthem for anyone who has wrestled with the complex decision to stay in a relationship that offers both immense rewards and considerable pain.
As Poppy herself explains, “The song tells the story of someone trying to navigate the delicate balance between supporting a person with deep emotional scars and realizing when it may be time to step away for self-preservation, but is it too late? Have they already fallen too hard?” This sentiment resonates deeply, painting a vivid picture of vulnerability and the often-unseen struggles within loving connections.
The track made its grand debut on the Vernon Kay show on BBC Radio 2 on March 14th, coinciding with the first day of the Country 2 Country Festival (C2C). First Time Flyers also showcased their playful side on the show, competing in “Ten to The Top,” setting the stage perfectly for their C2C performances. They commanded a full house opening the Indigo stage on Saturday morning and later drew a massive crowd at the Big Entrance stage in the afternoon, cementing their reputation as a live act not to be missed.
‘Bound To Break’ and a Major UK Tour
“Stay” serves as a tantalizing preview of what’s to come on ‘Bound To Break.’ While further details about the album are still under wraps, the band’s excitement is palpable. To celebrate this landmark release, First Time Flyers are hitting the road for their most extensive UK headline tour to date. The tour kicks off in Manchester on September 17th, promising an unforgettable experience for fans across the country. With a summer packed with festivals also on their agenda, 2025 is shaping up to be a relentless, exhilarating year for Vicki Manser, Jake Morrell, Poppy Fardell, and Tim Prottey-Jones – the four talents who make up First Time Flyers.
Their relentless drive and authentic sound, blending heartfelt narratives with infectious melodies, suggest that ‘Bound To Break’ will be more than just a debut; it will be a definitive statement from a band poised for widespread recognition.
First Time Flyers UK Headline Tour Dates
- Weds 17 Sep – MANCHESTER Night and Day
- Thurs 18 Sep – BIRMINGHAM Hare & Hounds
- Fri 19 Sep – SOUTHAMPTON Papillon
- Sat 20 Sep – BRIGHTON Hope & Ruin
- Mon 22 Sep – LONDON Omeara
- Weds 24 Sep – MILTON KEYNES Craufurd Arms
- Thurs 25 Sep – NOTTINGHAM Bodega
- Fri 26 Sep – NORWICH Waterfront Studio
- Sat 27 Sep – BRISTOL Thekla
- Weds 08 Oct – LEEDS Attic
- Thurs 09 Oct – NEWCASTLE Cluny
- Fri 10 Oct – EDINBURGH Cabaret Voltaire
With “Stay” setting such a high bar and a debut album on the horizon, First Time Flyers are undeniably a band to watch. Are you ready to see them take flight?