On 2 October the Oxford-born singer-songwriter Bash Croft added a fresh entry to his catalogue with the release of the single “Pretty People”. The track fuses a candid look at lingering heartbreak with an upbeat, toe-tapping pop rhythm, reflecting the artist’s shift from acting to music. Produced together with Innes DunnLiam Jessup and Patrick Bodi the song draws on the modern reality of scrolling through former relationships on social platforms, turning digital nostalgia into a melodic hook.
New single “Pretty People” drops on 2 October
The launch of “Pretty People” coincides with a music video that premiered at 4 p.m. on the same day. Built around the theme of self-reflection, the lyrics explore the stages of grieving a past romance while the production keeps the mood buoyant, allowing listeners to dance through melancholy. Critics have noted the clever juxtaposition of introspective lyricism against a bright pop arrangement, a balance that showcases Croft’s growing confidence as a songwriter.
Visual storytelling in the “Pretty People” video
Directed by Croft’s close friend Connor Jessup and styled by i-D’s Alex Kessler the video translates the song’s emotional nuance into visual form. Choreographed sequences interlace with moments of solitary stillness, each frame packed with symbolic gestures that echo the digital age’s constant reminders of former loves. The use of bold colour palettes and reflective surfaces reinforces the lyrical focus on perception versus reality, making the visual component an essential companion to the track.
From West End to BST Hyde Park: Croft’s live-music trajectory
While Croft’s musical journey began with the 2025 debut single “Tokyo”, his live-performance résumé quickly expanded. Late 2025 saw him take the stage at London’s Lower Third in Soho, and this summer he made his festival debut at BST Hyde Park where he opened for BRIT-award winner Lewis Capaldi. The festival slot marked a significant milestone, positioning the former actor-turned-musician in front of a massive, mainstream audience and confirming his transition from theatrical stages to outdoor arenas.
Beyond music: activism and television work
Off-stage, Croft remains active in the entertainment and advocacy worlds. He appears in the television series The Celebrity Traitors alongside Bella Ramsey, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Richard E. Grant. Together with Jessup, he co-founded the charity Queer Was Always Here which collaborates with Choose Love to aid LGBTQIA+ refugees and displaced people. This blend of artistic output and social commitment underscores Croft’s multifaceted career, proving that his influence extends well beyond the music charts.
