Songwriter and Producer Saint Jude Strips Back with Stunning New Reimagining of ‘To Believe: To Repel Ghosts Part 2’, Out 6th November via Slow Dance
Signed to tastemaker label & promoters Slow Dance since 2019, South London-based talent Saint Jude returns with a stunning new take on a previous work.
Having stumbled across an early demo of ‘To Repel Ghosts’ from his 2022 debut album Signal, ‘To Believe (To Repel Ghosts Part 2)’ is a contemplative and self-referential reimagining, written from the exact same start point. Embracing possibility and rejecting finality within the songwriting process, Saint Jude cites Phil Elverum (Mount Eerie & The Microphones) as a major influence, noting: “(his work) is full of part 2s to past songs and references to his other works. I love how it weaves together singular songs into a whole interconnected world. Working like this also gives more meaning to the original song - it re-contextualises it and gives it a more complex meaning I think.”
Lyrically explorative and abstract at times, he explains:
“For me, this song is about things not being clear, our need to have something concrete to hold onto. Particularly in this time where there’s this general atmosphere of uncertainty. I feel like it takes me some time to work out how I feel about stuff, and this song is kinda part of that process of working things out, wanting to find a point around which you can try to make sense of things.”
Strikingly sparse in its approach, the songwriter and producer lays winding vocal melodies atop of strung-out electric guitar, reminiscent of some of Mk.gee’s most subtle works. He recalls: “I’ve wanted to write a song with just vocals and guitar for a long time but I’ve only recently felt confident enough in my guitar playing to do it. I’d been listening to a lot of American Football and Billy Bragg when I was recording it, and I think you can kinda hear that in the way I’m playing.”
**WATCH LIVE VIDEO**
Arriving alongside an affecting live video shot in a church by candlelight (directed and edited by Travis Barton & Dylan Coates with lighting by Theo Thompson), ‘To Believe (To Repel Ghosts Part 2)’ is a thoughtful and intimate offering from one of London’s brightest rising stars.
