Russell IP Presents Sound IP: Our Songs Of 2025
Before we wrap up for Christmas, we’re excited to share something a little different from the Russell IP team: Sound IP, our first-ever end-of-year playlist.
Sound IP brings together the tracks we love, the songs that inspire us, and the music that keeps us going through a year of supporting innovation. It’s a small way to get to know the people behind the patents – one song at a time.
You can dive into the playlist here. Read on to find out what inspired our picks.
Iain Russell’s Song Of 2025
Gravity by Urethane
Russell IP Founder and Director Iain’s song of 2025 is “Gravity” by Urethane.
Iain discovered Urethane completely by chance – at a Bodyjar gig at The Underworld, where Urethane were the support act. They turned out to be incredible live, and he later learned that their guitarist is none other than legendary skateboarder Steve Caballero!
A reminder that discovery often happens in unexpected places – just like innovation.
Greg Sach’s Song Of 2025
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
Russell IP Consultant Patent Attorney Greg’s contribution to the Sound IP playlist for 2025 is “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen.
Greg chose this classic after seeing the stage show earlier this year – a reminder of just how bold and imaginative Queen really were. Few songs capture creativity with such unapologetic flair.
And, of course, it’s hard not to reflect on how much more Freddie Mercury might have created had he been born just a decade later.
Ben Hoyle’s Songs Of 2025
Ben, Consultant Patent Attorney at Russell IP, is someone with a deep, data-driven curiosity about why we love the music we love.
Ben chose three tracks from artists he’s seen live this year – all 2025 releases, all slightly off the mainstream path.
Eat Quiche, Sleep, Repeat by Getdown Services
Minehead-born, Bristol-based chaos with a charm all of its own. Ben caught them at Ritual Union and describes the set simply as “so much fun live”.
A Dance with Death by We Lost the Sea
Australian post-rock at its most cinematic. Ben saw them twice at ArcTanGent this year, and both performances landed somewhere between catharsis and emotional demolition.
The Nobel Prize by Louis Brennan
A sharply observant London-based Irish songwriter who deserves far more listeners. Ben first heard him at the 7 Hills Americana Festival in Bath.
If you’re curious about how Ben thinks about music, he recently explored how Spotify data and AI can reveal patterns in our musical taste – a fascinating read for anyone who loves diving deep into what shapes their playlists: Discover Your Musical Taste with Spotify and ChatGPT.
Emily Teesdale’s Song Of 2025
Opalite by Taylor Swift
Russell IP Consultant IP Strategist and Patent Attorney Emily discovered her contribution to the Sound IP playlist through a close friend – the same friend she went with to the Eras Tour in Liverpool, an experience she describes as “absolutely incredible”. The new album has made just as strong an impression: “Opalite” has already become her most-played song of 2025, despite being released only in October!
As Emily puts it, that probably makes her a “true Swiftie”.
Ben Charig’s Song Of 2025
The Glen by Levi Heron
Russell IP Patent Operations, Research and Business Support Consultant Ben chose “The Glen” by Levi Heron as his song of 2025.
The track became a favourite during Ben’s family holiday to the Isle of Mull. As the song was going viral in June, he was putting together a playlist of Scottish artists for the long drive north – and The Glen fitted perfectly. The original band is Scottish, the remixing DJ is Scottish, and the lyrics echo the landscapes and wildlife they passed through on the way to the Oban ferry.
A choice shaped by place, timing, and the joy of travelling through Scotland at its best.
Jeff Sweetman’s Song Of 2025
Planet Telex by Radiohead
Jeff, Consultant Patent Attorney at Russell IP, has been a Radiohead fan for years, but 2025 was the first time he finally saw them live. With the band switching up their setlist at every show, he had no idea what they’d open with. When the quiet chords of “Planet Telex” began, it caught him off guard – not his favourite track, and not the obvious opener.
But then the guitars hit, Thom Yorke launched into the first line, and the whole moment became electric. A shiver-inducing start that set the tone for an unforgettable gig.
Sarah Connolly’s Song Of 2025
Wake Me Up by Avicii
Russell IP Business Assistant Consultant Sarah is a huge Avicii fan, but this song has taken on a whole new meaning since the arrival of her son. Whenever he’s upset, and nothing else seems to settle him, Avicii works instantly. Sometimes she even tucks her phone into the buggy with “Wake Me Up” playing, and within seconds, he’s calm or drifting off to sleep.
Her personal favourite Avicii track is “Without You”, but Wake Me Up has become the unexpected anthem of early motherhood. As Sarah puts it: if a song can soothe a crying baby, it earns a special place on the playlist.
Sarah Binham’s Song of 2025
Tougher Than the Rest by Bruce Springsteen
Sarah, Consultant Patent Attorney at Russell IP, recently revisited Bruce Springsteen’s Tunnel of Love album and was reminded how much she loves his “Tougher Than the Rest” track. “It’s a grown-up love song, vulnerable and realistic.” She has been playing it on repeat ever since.
Merry Christmas From Russell IP
And that’s a wrap for this year. The whole team at Russell IP wishes you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
