So Sad So Hot - Record of the Year

We say

This year’s RotD Record of the Year accolade goes to Chloe Qisha. The Malaysian-born, UK-based artist has packed an extraordinary amount into just 18 months. Following her 2024 debut 'VCR Home Video' and first live show, she quickly built momentum with an impressive, self-titled EP showcasing her flair for sassy, melodic, ’80s-leaning pop. This year brought a UK tour, her second EP 'Modern Romance', and a buzzy, standout, commanding set at The Great Escape, which we witnessed. Summer brought support slots for Sabrina Carpenter at BST and three nights with Coldplay at Wembley Stadium, plus festival appearances at All Points East, Leeds, Latitude, and Primavera. A sold-out UK/EU headline tour followed in October and November, with a near-capacity US run lined up for March. Now signed to Columbia UK, Chloe released ‘So Sad So Hot’ in October. Co-written with Caroline Ailin (Dua Lipa, Charli XCX) and longtime collaborator Rob Milton, the sleek, funk-tinged pop cut earned a BBC Radio 1 C List spot and underlined her signature balance of polish and provocation. With cover features in Rolling Stone UK, NME and Knuckle, plus widespread support from Spotify, Radio 1, The Face, ELLE UK, BBC, Clash, Dork, DIY and The Line of Best Fit, Chloe was also named in British Vogue’s “Vogue 25” and nominated for Breakthrough Artist at this year’s Rolling Stone UK Awards. Since our Ones To Watch 2026 feature in November, she’s been included in BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2026 longlist. Chloe’s playful, self-assured spin on pop is a joy to watch, and with 2026 shaping up to be another massive year, we couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead. Congratulations to Chloe Qisha, Columbia UK, Sam Stubbings and Perusi Kakaire at Native Management, and the entire team—here’s to a phenomenal 2026!

Contact

Label: Columbia UK
Publishing: BMG
Marketing: Hayley Marchant & Angela Grech, Columbia UK
National Radio: Joe Dodson, All Ears
Streaming: Stephanie Wilkinson, Sony Music
Online: Paulina Oronowicz & Catherine Dowie, Columbia UK
Press: Rob Charlton & Tom Mehrtens, Satellite 414
TV: Samantha Sewell, Sony Music
Live: Michael Harvey-Bray, Wasserman
Management: Sam Stubbings & Perusi Kakaire, Native mgmt
Photo: Lillie Eiger