PRE-ORDER AT THIS LOCATION
DATELINE: Tuesday November 18th, 2025 –
Hard rocking songsmiths TYKETTO will release their 6th studio album, Closer To The Sun, through Silver Lining Music on March 20th 2026, and with it, unleash some of their best, supremely crafted rock anthems celebratingthe return of this criminally underrated quintet originally founded in New York.
The first video and single taken from Closer To The Sun,
‘Higher Than High’ is a burst of swing and swagger that perfectly captures Tyketto’s deep appreciation for the emancipation that music can bring. That spirit rings out unmistakably as vocalist and founding member
Danny Vaughn roars: “In the space you can learn to heal/There is music that helps you feel/Higher than high”.
“Higher Than High is, in my estimation, classic Tyketto, where difficulties in life are seen and named but hope and, more importantly, music, is the thing that gets us through,” comments Danny Vaughn. “It’s the first single from our new album which we think is going to be a real favorite with the fans. The song and the album say ‘play me loudly and take me for a drive.’”
Watch/Listen to ‘Higher Than High’ at this location – directed and edited by Scott Wardell; filmed by
Paul Hollingsworth at KK’s Steel Mill.
Throughout Closer To The Sun, Tyketto speak to the listener about true life loves, losses and pleasures. From the title track’s triumphant, anthemic appreciation of love’s power, to the punchy rawness built to make fists rise and hearts race of “Hit Me Where It Hurts”, to the power balladry of “The Picture”, Tyketto continue to confidently stride the same musical terrain as the likes of Whitesnake and Aerosmith, with the added bonus of being fresh to the ears of many.
Joined by Harry Scott Elliott on guitar, Ged Rylands on keyboards, Chris Childs (Thunder) on bass and Johnny Dee (Doro) on drums, Vaughn leads a lineup that brings exceptional performances and undeniable fire to every track, reaffirming Tyketto as one of rock’s most respected and enduring names. Closer To The Sun was recorded across multiple studios in the UK and Europe, including Flip
Flop Studios and the legendary Rockfield Studios in Wales.
In support of the album’s release, Tyketto have already announced a string of dates for 2026, kicking off at
Planet Rock’s Winter’s End festival in Porthcawl, Wales—and with a full UK Tour set for the spring and European shows to be revealed soon, fans should keep their eyes peeled for what’s coming next.
For a full list of upcoming shows and tickets visit: tyketto.com
2026 UPCOMING SHOWS:
29 Jan – 1 Feb – Planet Rock’s Winter’s End, Portcawl (Wales)
8 May – Casino Estoril’s Salão Preto e Prata, Cascais, Lisbon (Portugal) – with Russ Ballard
3 – 6 July – Time To Rock Festival, Knislinge (Sweden)
24 July – Malmö Melodic Festival, Plan B, Malmö (Sweden)
24 July – 26 July – Steelhouse Festival, Aberbeeg (Wales)
Closer To The Sun will be available on Deluxe Limited Edition 12” Sunburst Vinyl, Limited Edition 12” Red Vinyl, 12” Black Vinyl, CD
Digipak, Digital Download, Streaming and special D2C bundles. Available to pre-order from today at this location
Closer To The Sun Track Listing:
1. Higher Than High
2. Starts with a Feeling
3. Bad for Good
4. We Rise
5. Donnowhuddidis
6. Closer to the Sun
7. Harleys & Indians (Riders in the Sky)*
8. Hit Me Where It Hurts
9. The Picture
10. Far and Away
11. The Brave
*Not included on vinyl formats
Band Line-Up:
DANNY VAUGHN – Lead & backing vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, harmonica, keyboards and percussion
CHRIS CHILDS – Bass Guitar, percussion, keyboards, backing vocals
JOHNNY DEE – Drums, percussion, backing vocals
HARRY SCOTT ELLIOTT – Lead and rhythm electric guitars, percussion, backing vocals
GED RYLANDS – Keyboards, percussion, backing vocals
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The New Era & Album Creation
1. Closer To The Sun marks Tyketto’s 6th studio album and your first
full-length in several years. What was the spark that ignited this
new chapter for the band?
After Covid we had to rebuild because 2 key band members retired from music
altogether. So I was faced with the choice of folding our tent completely or forging
ahead with an all new approach. I got lucky to have been able to recruit Johnny
Dee and Harry Scott Elliott into the band from the get go. The plan was to play as
many live dates as we could to see if we would gel together and if the audience
would come along for the journey. And the answer to both was a resounding, “Yes”.
After 2 years of getting super tight playing live together it was time to make new
music. And here we are.
2. The album was recorded across multiple studios—including the
legendary Rockfield Studios. How did those locations influence
the sound, energy, or performances?
Aside from the bits we added from our own home studios, the main bulk of it was
recorded in Rockfield Studios and Flip Flop Studios, both of which are live in
facilities in the Welsh countryside. There is nothing like the focus and enjoyment
you can get from working a full day, weeks at a time, in a live-in recording studio. I
know it costs more, but I think the sound of the album shows why it’s so worth it.
Rockfield, of course, is legendary and it is THE place to record drums, in particular.
But we worked fast and were able to get some bass, guitar and vocal tracks there as
well using some lovely vintage gear you would be hard pressed to find anywhere
else. I love it there. I could move in.
3. How would you describe Closer To The Sun to fans before they
hear it—sonically, emotionally, and thematically?
There are always those who say to me, “Why don’t you make another Don’t Come
Easy”? It doesn’t work like that. Time changes you, creativity changes you and
going backwards purposely to tap into a specific demographic is, well, a bit of a
sellout. But, we did want to try and capture the spirit of the first album if we could.
By that I mean it’s an album of hopeful, uplifting songs. I call it a “driving” album.
Meaning you can put it on in your car from start to finish and take to the open
road. Just watch out for speed cameras.
About the Single – “Higher Than High”
4. “Higher Than High” is described as classic Tyketto—uplifting,
melodic, and cathartic. What inspired the song’s message about
healing and liberation through music?
Healing through music is a common theme with me. It pops up in a couple of songs
on the new album. In the past couple of decades the way music is presented and
sold (yes, we are, after all, trying to make a living too) has changed so drastically.
There is no longer any distance between the players and the fans. Mostly, that’s a
good thing. What it has revealed to me is the incredible importance of music in so
many people’s lives, not just my own. How one song in the right moment can affect
your life and, in our case, I hope those effects are positive ones. The song also has a
message about mindfulness. Our world moves at an unhealthily high speed and,
more and more, we are all realising that tuning out, taking some deep breaths,
dedicating yourself to something quiet, is essential.
5. Danny, your line “There is music that helps you feel higher than
high” strikes a deeply personal chord. Is this song rooted in a
particular moment or experience?
I probably covered that in the last question. (I am known to get ahead of myself! )
But, yes, in my own life experience, nothing has made me feel as high as music. Not
just making and performing my own but also those wonderful moments in my life,
tied to good friends or wonderful times, where music has given me a rush or a
feeling of joy that alcohol and drugs don’t come close to.
6. The video was directed by Scott Wardell and filmed at KK’s Steel
Mill. How did the concept come together, and what was that shoot
like?
I might be the wrong person to ask there. I love Scott and I love all of the people
that we were working with but I truly dislike doing videos of any kind. I didn’t get
into music to become a video star. And I still hold MTV responsible for slowly killing
the music business by shortening our attention span to next to nothing. Making
videos is actually much more work than people realise. Long days. But the shoot
itself couldn’t have gone better. Everybody was very focused on the work and the
staff at KKs Steelmill are so helpful and awesome to work with.
Songwriting & Themes
7. Throughout Closer To The Sun, you touch on real-life loves,
losses, and triumphs. Which song on the album is the most
personal, and why?
Probably “The Brave”. It was the first song that I wrote for the album and it comes
out of the whole Covid experience. During our times of fear and uncertainy it
became obvious to so many of us how important we all are to one another. If the
supermarket workers didn’t stock the shelves (putting their own health at risk)
there was no food for the rest of us. Health workers, teachers, farmers, firefighters,
police, plumbers etc. These are actually the most important people in our daily lives
and they get the least amount of recognition (and often least amount of income). So,
for a brief time, we were all recognising their worth. Now, we’re back to not
thinking about them until we need them. I wanted to do a shout out to working
people. (Hopefully that doesn’t sound pompous).
8. Tracks like “Hit Me Where It Hurts” and “The Picture” show
Tyketto’s range—from punchy rockers to emotional balladry. How
do you approach balancing those dynamics on a record?
I don’t really think about what types of songs we are writing until we have them all
done and corralled into one space. Then you have to choose wisely so that you
create the vibe of your entire album just the way you want it to sound. If you write
4 ballads in a row, you can’t put them all on one record, unless that’s the vibe you
are going for.
9. “Harleys & Indians (Riders in the Sky)” is a standout. What made
you choose this song for the album, and why is it excluded from
the vinyl versions?
First of all, you can never go wrong with a Bo Diddley beat! It has such a feel good
vibe to it and I thought we might do it live one day. I found that song on the B-side
of a Roxette single and fell in love with it immediately. It completely suited our style
and while Tyketto have played covers at our live shows before, we have never
recorded one onto an album. I thought that covering a Roxette song would be a
little bit of a left turn for us. Hopefully, we did it justice. The only reason it isn’t on
the vinyl is because of the limited space on each side of a record. Adding it would
have squashed the grooves too closely.
Musicianship & Band Chemistry
10. This lineup features incredible talent—Johnny Dee, Chris Childs,
Ged Rylands, Harry Scott Elliott, and Danny Vaughn at the helm.
What makes this version of Tyketto click so well?
What I love most about all of these guys is that they get what Tyketto is about. We
have always been the little band that could. Quite often, over the years, if we’re
playing a festival or any situation where there are multiple bands, our logo is
squeezed in at the very bottom. Blink and you’ll miss us. Until you see us live. Then
you don’t forget us. The guys all understand the intimate relationship we have with
the family of people that have kept us going all of these years. Not a bastard in the
bunch!
11. How did each member shape the sound or direction of Closer To
The Sun?
I’m not the sort of songwriter that walks in and hands everyone their parts. I prefer
to collaborate because each person approaches music from a different perspective.
In many ways, it was the excitement of the other guys that really inspired me to get
back on the horse and make this record. And we won’t be waiting 10 more years to
make the next one either! During the writing process all of the guys were sending
me thoughts and ideas, which really helped to make this “Our Album”.
12. Danny, you’ve always been known for powerful, emotional vocals.
How has your approach evolved over the years, especially on this
album?
My attitude in the studio has always been, damn the torpedoes, give it everything
you’ve got and worry about the consequences later. Over time I have learned so
much about writing and singing and I’ve become a better guitarist as well so all of
those things come into your mindset when working in the studio. But one thing I do
know is that when you have great players, let them play. I’ve also learned that you
don’t have to keep smashing out the high notes to deliver an impressive vocal. It’s
much more about the emotional content.
Production, Sound, and Influences
13. Critics often compare Tyketto to classic greats like Whitesnake,
Aerosmith, and Badlands—yet you’ve always carved your own
lane. How do you maintain that balance of heritage and originality?
I can’t say that it’s a conscious effort. We have always just made our own way. And
the only constant rule we’ve had through all of the years is that we do what we feel
is right. Be it right or wrong, have no regrets. And, by the way, I’m incredibly
honored by those comparisons!
14. Were there any specific influences—musical or otherwise—that
guided the writing of this album?
As mentioned earler, we wanted to somehow capture the spirit of the first record
but also not make something that sounded dated or forced.
We’re not bringing back the 80’s. We stand or fall on the hill of melodic aor music.
Always have. Trying to change yourself to suit passing trends never works. These
days in particular, you have to be true to yourself and let the audience find you.
15. The album invites listeners to “play it loudly and take it for a
drive.” Was that kind of upbeat, road-ready energy intentional from
the start?
Absolutely.
Legacy and Growth
16. Tyketto is often described as “criminally underrated.” How do you
feel about that label, and does it drive the band in any way?
It does drive me. I’d like us to be recognised with all of the big boys, of course. In my
mind, we are just as good. The question I get asked the most is, “Why wasn’t
Tyketto a much bigger band?” And the answer is timing. We came along just a little
too late. The important thing is that we’re well respected by the fans and by our
peers and that we still have the love of the game, playing live and writing new
music. Never resting on our laurels.
17. After decades in the rock world, what does success look like to
you in 2026?
I love that question. My views of success have changed drastically over the years.
I’m not rich but I pay my bills singing, playing and making music. Songs that I took
part in writing are still being listened to all over the world 30 plus years later. I’ll
take that as a win.
18. What do you hope longtime fans hear in this album—and what do
you hope brand-new listeners discover?
Energy, hope, emotion. My favorite reaction to see is, “Why haven’t I ever heard of
these guys before?” We recently did a UK tour opening up for Uriah Heep, a very
different fan base from ours. But they came and they listened and we got loads of
new fans from that tour.
My hope as far as the reaction from longtime fans is: “Yup, they’ve done it again!”
Touring & 2026 Plans
19. The 2026 shows kick off with Planet Rock’s Winter’s End in Wales,
followed by UK dates and new European stops. What can fans
expect from the Closer To The Sun live experience?
Anyone that already knows us knows that we deliver everything we have on stage.
None of us ever dial it in. And we like to play with the audience, not just in front of
them. So there’s a lot of interaction between the band and the crowd. To me, that’s
what makes for the best shows.
20. How does the band prepare for a large-scale touring year like
2026?
We’re already discussing the difficult subject of what songs to include and what to
leave out. That’s the toughest part of the process. Otherwise, all the guys are
seasoned pros so they know how they have to prepare.
21. Are there any songs from the new album you’re especially
excited—or nervous—to play live?
All of them!!! This is our first album together with this lineup so the songs are very
personal to each of us. Obviously, “Higher Than High” will be one of the songs to
play live… There are going to be some surprises!
Behind the Album Title & Concept
22. Why “Closer To The Sun”? What does that phrase mean for
Tyketto in this moment of your career?
I can’t claim any deep thought went into that one. We were looking at the 11 song
titles, when all was said and done, and that one felt the closest to home somehow.
And when I read the title I started getting the idea for the album artwork.
23. Is there an overarching message or emotional thread that ties the
album together?
I don’t think so. Although, as I mentioned, I’d like to think there are elements of hope
in all of the songs. Even “Hit Me Where It Hurts”, which is a playful, non-PC song
about a relationship that’s ending badly, is saying, okay, you’re beating me up but I
can take it and I’ll come out of this okay.
24. If listeners walk away from Closer To The Sun with one feeling,
what do you want that to be?
Uplifted.
Looking Forward
25. With the album dropping in March and a massive tour ahead,
what’s next for Tyketto? New music, special releases, or surprises
fans should watch for?
We’re working on a lot of possibilities right now. There is a second video in the
works for the next single release. We’re on the bills for a number of summer
festivals. There’s a UK tour in April and there will be a European tour later in the
year. We are being asked to play festivals and territories that we haven’t been to in
many years, so it’s an open palate and we intend to do as much and go as far as we
possibly can.
Sidebar: Many people ask why we don’t play in America. It’s certainly not for lack
of desire — we would genuinely love to. The reality is that it comes down to logistics
and finances. The entire band and crew are now based in the UK and Europe,
which makes touring the US a significant undertaking, especially with increased
visa requirements and the overall costs of moving a full production across the
country. At present, the economics simply don’t align in a way that makes it
feasible. We truly wish it were otherwise. That said, we are still exploring
possibilities and remain hopeful we can make it happen in the future.