The ‘Lover Girl’ Era Begins
The ‘Lover Girl’ Era Begins: kwn Drops Vulnerable New Single ‘Hopeless Romantic’
LONDON, U.K. — Following a whirlwind year that saw her skyrocket to the forefront of the British R&B scene, East London artist kwn (pronounced "Kay-wen") has officially launched her 2026 campaign with the release of her first single of the year, “Hopeless Romantic” (official song audio below).
The track, which premiered on BBC Radio 1 with Jack Saunders late last week, marks a significant tonal pivot for the singer-songwriter and producer. Departing from the gritty, high-energy "thrilling encounters" of her 2025 breakout EP, with all due respect, “Hopeless Romantic” finds kwn entering what she has dubbed her “Lover Girl Era.”
A Sonic Shift to Intimacy
Produced by Joel Compass (noted for his work with Snoh Aalegra and Jorja Smith), the single blends kwn’s signature soulful vocals with a lush landscape of '80s-inspired synths and rhythmic guitar riffs by David Marcus.
While the first twenty seconds of the track tease a "rockstar" edge, the song quickly settles into a vulnerable mid-tempo groove. Lyrically, kwn trades in the bravado of her past hits for a raw, honest confession about the desire for long-term stability and deep-rooted friendship.
“I think I’m just really tapping into the honest side of me and being a little bit more vulnerable with my audience,” kwn told Radio 1. “I want somebody that will choose me every day... I’m a hopeless romantic.”
Riding the 2025 Momentum
The release arrives as kwn’s international stock is at an all-time high. 2025 was a "life-changing" year for the artist, anchored by her viral collaboration with Grammy winner Kehlani on the “worst behaviour” remix and her stint supporting Kehlani on the European leg of the Crash World Tour.
Critics have noted that “Hopeless Romantic” serves as a bridge between her established "bad girl" persona and a more human, relatable artist. The single is expected to lead a new project currently in the works, signaling a broader expansion of her musical palette.
North American Expansion
The timing of the "drop" is strategic, landing just weeks before kwn embarks on her first North American Spring Tour.
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Launch Date: 6th March 2026
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Kickoff City: Vancouver, BC (Vogue Theatre)
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Key Stops: The sold-out run will see the East Londoner perform in Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta, and Philadelphia.
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The Grand Finale: The tour concludes on 9th April at a major venue in New York City.
The Verdict
Early reactions from the UK R&B community have been overwhelmingly positive, with GRM Daily and Clash Magazine praising the track’s "instantly recognizable tone" and "fearless self-assurance." As the R&B landscape continues to shift toward more emotive, alt-soul textures, kwn’s latest offering positions her as a primary architect of the genre's future.
“Hopeless Romantic” is now available on all major streaming platforms via wnway limited/RCA Records.
