Maverick Sabre returns with reflective new single ‘8 Stages’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=023U8zkDG9c

Irish singer-songwriter Maverick Sabre has released his first single of 2026, ‘8 Stages’, a reflective and emotionally rich track co-produced by Sabre alongside Ben McKone, out now via FAMM.

Opening with a spoken reflection from Sabre, ‘8 Stages’ unfolds as a quiet meditation on memory, distance and the people who drift from our lives before closure arrives. Carried by a gentle guitar lead and Sabre’s unmistakable voice, the track captures the bittersweet feeling of looking back on lost connections while holding onto hope for what lies ahead. At its heart, the song serves as a reminder of life’s fragility — and the importance of making the most of the moments we still have.

Throughout his career, Sabre has never shied away from confronting the realities of the world around him. Known for blending personal storytelling with sharp social awareness, the artist continues to use his platform to explore both the emotional and political landscapes that shape modern life.

The new single arrives as Sabre continues an already busy year on the road. He is currently in Australia supporting Hilltop Hoods on their sold-out six-week stadium tour, while also performing his own headline shows including dates at Factory Theatre and Corner Hotel.

Born in Stoke Newington before moving to County Wexford at the age of four, Sabre’s musical roots were shaped early by his father’s love of blues, folk and country. As a teenager he immersed himself in Ireland’s hip-hop scene, producing beats and developing a sound that would later evolve into the genre-blending style he is known for today — drawing influence from artists including The Stone Roses, The Beatles, Tupac, Cymande, DJ Premier, Nas and 9th Wonder.

Now more than a decade into his career, Sabre has built one of the most distinctive catalogues in contemporary Irish music. Across four studio albums, he has collaborated with a wide range of artists including Jorja Smith, Joey Bada$$, Chronixx, Nia Archives, Olivia Dean, Nile Rodgers and Chase & Status.

His most recent album, Burn The Right Things Down, saw Sabre pushing his sound into new territory and was followed by a sold-out tour. Tracks from the record — including ‘Roses Ether’ and ‘Weak’ — also appeared on the EA Sports FC 25 soundtrack, helping the project reach new audiences.

With more than 5 million monthly listeners, multiple UK Top 10 records, and three standout appearances on the COLORS platform, Sabre remains one of the most respected voices in the UK and Irish music scenes.

With the release of ‘8 Stages’, Maverick Sabre once again proves that his ability to combine introspection, honesty and timeless songwriting shows no sign of slowing down.