Sri Lankan-British singer, songwriter and vocalist Gilska is closing out 2025 on a high with the release of her bold, futuristic rework of the Christmas classic ‘Santa Baby’. Known for her genre-blending approach and shapeshifting vocals, Gilska now turns her sights to the holiday canon—delivering a version of the track that is anything but traditional.
The new release swaps the original’s sultry, slow-burn charm for a hyperpop-charged explosion of pixelated synths, heavy percussion and glitch-cut vocal fragments. Drawing inspiration from the sonic palettes of Two Hollis, Charli XCX, PinkPantheress and Kim Petras, Gilska’s interpretation is sleek, loud and unapologetically modern, turning “Santa Baby” into a shimmering, high-energy experience designed for 2025 playlists.
“I wanted to take something classic and turn it completely on its head,” Gilska explains. “‘Santa Baby’ is iconic, but I felt it could shine in a new, chaotic, hyperpop world—full of distorted synths, glitchy vocals, and energy that makes it feel alive in 2025.”
The single arrives after a standout year for the rising artist. Throughout 2025, Gilska earned widespread recognition for her releases, landing national radio play and strong critical praise while continuing to refine a sound that weaves together electronic experimentation, emotional storytelling and nods to her Sri Lankan heritage. From her early classical background to the club-ready anthems that now define her catalog, her evolution has been marked by ambition and artistic fearlessness.
Music runs deep in her lineage, Gilska channels the influence of her grandfather, a celebrated Sri Lankan pop singer, infusing her work with the emotional depth and cinematic texture that have become hallmarks of her style.
Her growing momentum is matched by expanding industry support. Gilska has been championed by BBC Radio 1, BBC Asian Network, Reprezent and Kiss FM and across music press. On stage, she has showcased her vocal prowess at numerous high-profile events, including a standout performance at Wembley Stadium for Voice in a Million.
With her hyperpop reimagining of ‘Santa Baby’, Gilska not only redefines a seasonal staple but also underscores her status as one of the UK’s most exciting and boundary-pushing new voices. As 2025 comes to a close, she stands poised for an even bigger year ahead – propelled by a sound that refuses to stay in one lane and a vision that feels wholly her own.
Listen below: