By Colin 
Nory-J returns with his latest release, the emotionally exposed single ‘4 1 8’, which arrives on 27th June. Written in late 2021 alongside his earliest tracks, the song captures the moment he realised he had grown apart from the person he once considered the love of his life. It takes its title from the hotel room where that realisation crystallised: Room 418.
Unlike his more polished productions, ‘4 1 8’ leans into raw, live instrumentation to amplify the song’s vulnerability. The track explores themes of immaturity, identity and social behaviour with an unfiltered directness that feels more like confession than performance. Lyrically, it evokes vivid personal imagery, from picking grease out of carpet creases to seeing love through a distorted lens.
The single was produced by Guy Courtie, the same producer behind Nory’s most-streamed releases ‘irrelevant, benevolent’ and ‘Future Days’. It was tracked DIY at home, preserving the intimacy and immediacy that defines the song’s core. The result is a stripped-back alt-pop sound that sits in stark contrast to his more expansive earlier work.
Rising momentum for a distinct voice
The Bournemouth-based artist has steadily built a loyal following under the Nory-J alias, the alt-pop moniker of British musician Jack Spooner. His music has appeared on Apple Music editorial playlists alongside artists like Chappell Roan and Charli XCX, and he has shared stages with acts including BNNY, Harry Marshall and The Ogretones.
With support from BBC Introducing and Co-op Radio, Nory’s name has continued to gain recognition across the UK’s independent music scene. He was BBC Radio Bristol’s Track of the Week in 2022 and featured as their Big New Sound the following year. Festival highlights include shortlistings for both the Truck and Isle of Wight festivals in 2024, and a confirmed spot at Teddy Rocks Festival in 2025.
To mark the release of ‘4 1 8’, Nory will perform a hometown show in Bournemouth and appear at Pizza Express Live in Chelsea this summer.
Raw, reflective and intentionally rough around the edges, ‘4 1 8’ captures a defining personal moment in Nory’s journey, both as a songwriter and as a person. The single is out 27th June on all major streaming platforms.
Lyrics
Room 418
And i’m picking the
Grease out of the carpet crease
That’s semi-clean, I’m on my knees but
Who am I today?
A lost cause, this has run it’s course
It’s like the love but a little less lonely
A little less lonely
But nothing’s changed for me
Each week I see
The line’s becoming intimate
You’re unsure but I’m adamant
Am I just the squeeze, this venous love needs
Cos it’s constantly bringing me down
And it’s making me feel like a clown.
My nine to five I’m put on hold
And I’m glad you woke up or so I’m told
My greatest fear,
My perfect life, from the outside in
My visions unclear
But I’ll never be him
I’ll never be him
But nothing’s changed for me
Each week I see
The line’s becoming intimate
You’re unsure but I’m adamant
Am I just the squeeze, this venous love needs
Cos it’s constantly bringing me down
And it’s making me feel like a clown.
I see you’ve had enough
And you’ve found another who can show you love
The world don’t care about clarity
The way you look at her
Makes me believe that
Nothings changed for me
And nothing’s changed for me
Each week I see
The line’s becoming intimate
You’re unsure but I’m adamant
Am I just the squeeze, this venous love needs
Cos it’s constantly bringing me down
And it’s making me feel like a clown.