So there I was, headphones on, listening to Sarah Louise McIntosh’s “W.T.F” for the fourth time in a row, wondering why this absolute gem isn’t already blasting from every radio station in the country. The track sounds like it crawled out of the best parts of the 80s—all glittering synthesizers and attitude—but with a modern bite that makes it feel perfectly at home in 2025.
“Who the **** is Nancy? Who the **** is Brittany?” Sarah demands over pulsing Italo-disco beats. The track is a gloriously unapologetic middle finger to cheaters everywhere, delivered with the kind of vocal conviction that makes you want to dump someone even if you’re happily single.
“I wanted this song to be empowering to anyone who’s ever been cheated on. It’s fun, it’s sassy, and yeah, it’s a big F-U!” Sarah says, and it’s easy to see why this London-based songwriter has been quietly building an impressive career behind the scenes.
Originally released back in 2017, “W.T.F” is getting a second lease on life because McIntosh simply believes in it too much to let it fade away. “Some songs just stick with you,” she explains. “This one deserved another chance to connect with people.“
For those not familiar with Sarah Louise McIntosh’s journey, it’s quite the tale. A teenage girl saves her grandmother’s vintage Yamaha keyboard from being tossed out with the trash and discovers she can channel her teenage heartbreak into songs. Fast forward a bit, and she’s fronting The Good Natured, signed to EMI, touring with Bastille and Kylie Minogue, and headlining the BBC Introducing Stage at Glastonbury. Not too shabby for a keyboard rescue mission, eh? “My parents surrounded me with amazing music—Blondie, The Cure, Bowie. But finding that keyboard was the real turning point. I started writing these terribly dramatic breakup songs about my school boyfriend,” she laughs.
The songwriter now splits her time between London, Stockholm, and LA, crafting tunes with various collaborators. Her partnership with Swedish producers Kristofer Östergren and Olle Blomström on “W.T.F” captures that distinctly European synth-pop sensibility that made acts like Depeche Mode household names. “There’s something about Stockholm that just works for me. Being in a cozy studio while it’s snowing outside… it feels special. Magical, even.“
Since her band days, McIntosh has carved out an impressive career writing production music for Sony, Universal, and BMG, with placements across BBC, Netflix, and Disney+. She even snagged a Production Music Award nomination for her work on a BBC Earth Antarctica trailer.
This isn’t her first rodeo with re-releases, either. When she brought back “Get Your Sexy On” recently, music outlets like Vents Magazine, Skope Mag, and Brand New Sound stood up and took notice. While many songwriters secretly harbor dreams of the spotlight, she’s genuinely content crafting hits for others. “I’m not pursuing an artist career anymore. My dream now is to write with other artists and help them tell their stories.“
“W.T.F” is a masterclass in pop that manages to be both radio-friendly and brutally honest. The production shimmers with 80s nostalgia while Sarah’s vocals deliver lines that would make your grandmother blush—in the most delightful way possible.
For artists looking for that special something in their next track, McIntosh represents an exciting opportunity. Her years of experience combined with emotional honesty and quirky melodic sense make her the kind of songwriter who can elevate a good track to great status.
As I’m writing this, I can’t help but ask the obvious question: who exactly are Nancy, Jane, and all the other women mentioned in the song? I can imagine Sarah saying, “I’ll never tell. But we all know someone like that, don’t we?”
Available now on major streaming platforms, “W.T.F” is the kind of song that makes you want to dance while plotting sweet revenge—the perfect pop cocktail.
Follow Sarah Louise McIntosh: https://www.instagram.com/sarah_louise_mcintosh
