London's Tough Cookie grapples with the quest for "happiness" in their intense and existential second single - Atwood Magazine.

      London newcomers Tough Cookie explore the chaotic and frustrating quest for joy in their impactful second single “Happiness,” a deeply raw and emotionally intense alt-rock experience.

      "But happiness is whatever you make of it."

      Tough Cookie's second single presents a compelling question: Everyone is in pursuit of something—this much is certain—but isn’t that ‘something’ different for each individual? Who are we to judge another's definition of love, joy, or happiness? Who are we to determine which causes are noble and which are wrong or disgraceful?

      Much of life is subjective, and in “Happiness,” British indie rock band Tough Cookie takes a bold, honest, and straightforward look at the world, grappling with that significant pursuit and the extremes some go to in order to achieve their highs.

      At some point, each of us must contemplate: What does true happiness look like, how can we achieve it, and what is its value?

      “Happiness” – Tough Cookie

      Changing must be difficult.

      Sarah suggests letting it go,

      to stop dealing drugs.

      The marks on your skin

      are becoming a topic of small talk

      among friends.

      But happiness is

      whatever you make of it.

      Released on April 24th via Gravity Records / Capitol Records UK, “Happiness” is a personal, all-encompassing, and emotionally charged alt-rock experience. This follows their debut single “Emory” from February, positioning Tough Cookie—the London-based quartet of August Tse, Daniel Hvorostovsky, Jess Ayres, and Gavin Sullivan—in a moment of genuine introspection and turmoil.

      While the notion of “happiness” feels deeply personal (as August Tse sings, “happiness is whatever you make of it”), the song’s powerful chorus seeks to explore and comprehend the essence of that pursuit—a never-ending chase that rarely resolves in 'real' life. “Open up my eyes, show me something real,” a fervent Tse pleads over roaring guitars and pounding drums. “Oh my God! It must be so good to feel absolutely nothing.”

      It must be somewhat enjoyable

      to live in a hazy world,

      letting rumors circulate.

      The doctor says

      a habit will just deteriorate your mind,

      But happiness is

      whatever you make of it.

      Open my eyes, show me something real.

      Oh my God! It must be so good to feel absolutely nothing.

      I don’t need a therapist because this feels authentic.

      Oh my God! It must be so good to feel absolutely nothing.

      Tough Cookie © Sully

      Tough Cookie © Sully

      “When Dan and I started creating the instrumental, we already had that guitar melody for the verse, and we built the entire arrangement around it,” Tse shares with Atwood Magazine. “Some lyrics came together as we progressed, and it felt necessary for the music to shift to match the song's narrative. We aimed for the structure and flow of the track to reflect the unpredictable, often chaotic pursuit of happiness.”

      You’re selling kids a dream

      of an apocalyptic fantasy and disorder,

      Eager for a release.

      Where have the days of happiness gone?

      You’ve been self-aware for way too long to still be here.

      In songs and tales, fables, and fairy tales, there’s a notion of ‘happily ever after’—but that doesn’t exist out here in reality. We lose our childhood innocence when we inevitably confront the truth… that every high is fleeting, every sweet moment temporary. Yet, many people live for those moments that make everything else worthwhile. Is it a fair trade? Is it morally right?

      Tough Cookie doesn’t claim to have all the answers, but they might agree that life, much like their band, is a tough cookie. Immerse yourself in the intense, alluring, and intoxicating essence of “Happiness,” and stay tuned for more from these London-based newcomers as they continue to introduce themselves and carve out their place in the current alternative rock scene.

      But I suppose happiness is

      whatever you make of it.

      Call in sick tomorrow,

      Make my bed another day.

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      Stream: “Happiness” – Tough Cookie



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