‘(I Wanna Be A) Pop Star’ is the new single by Tribes of Europe & Barbara Stretch, out 17th April 2026 via Integrity Records (INT 107) – think Young Marble Giants jamming a glorious ‘60s anthem with the indie-pop energy of The Primitives.
Following a clutch of 2025 singles including ‘Opportunity’ (“An other-worldly shimmer and sparkle”– MusicLoveMusic) and ‘Spooky’ (Big Tune blog Singles of the Year), the band’s new release explores the enduring power of pop music, with its ability to affect the lives of performers and listeners alike. With the current state of the world and the mood of its leaders, those fragments of light and joy spawned by art, music and culture are arguably more vital than ever.
Martin from the band explains:
Tribes of Europe, the alter ego of Fenland-based multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Martin Elsey, are joined on ‘Pop Star‘ by vocalists Barbara Stretch (Spoilsports, The Vernons) and Max Taylor (Mika, Groove Armada, Roots Manuva), with Andy Gangadeen (Massive Attack, The Bays) on drums, and Chris Taylor (Poison Girls, The Bays) on bass. Chris and Martin share production and mixing duties amongst the resident chickens at the wonderful Bluebarn Studios in the Cambridge countryside.
Tribes of Europe & Barbara Stretch have enjoyed national support on BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Ulster, BBC Radio 3’s Late Junction and various specialist stations across Europe & the UK. The band have previously recorded live sessions for the late great Janice Long on BBC Radio Wales and for Gorgeous Radio.
“Unashamedly ‘60s but with a new twist” – Steve Lamacq, BBC 6 Music
“An instantly catchy and uplifting retro-futuristic creation” – Get In Her Ears
“The whole goddamn super-group bring their A game on this one” – LWM
https://tribesofeurope.bandcamp.com
https://bsky.app/profile/tribeseurope.bsky.social
