British singer Jorja Smith has today returned with her gorgeous new single, “High”; a slick, house-tinged summer offering, produced by her long-term collaborators DAMEDAME*. Listen HERE.
“High is a song I wrote about finding a friend within myself, even through the lows, you have to find the highs.” Jorja states the inspiration behind the single. “I’ve had my lows, You weren’t always there for me, But time has shown, And I can love myself again,” she sings.
The single also arrives alongside a visualizer which showcases a compilation of candid footage from Jorja and fan submissions. Aggregated back in March via a call out on social media, the footage spotlights people partying and celebrating; generally high on life. Directed by Jorja alongside Ivor Lawson-Adamah, watch the video HERE.
The new single marks the first piece of original music from Jorja since the release of her highly anticipated second album, falling or flying, which arrived late last year. A sonically vast record – sometimes sleek and shiny R&B, elsewhere intense and raw alternative – but above all, a record which found Jorja stepping into a new chapter; acknowledging the ever-whirring cogs of her brain but also moving through it, in turn growing and learning to love and respect herself. After its release in September 2023, the album quickly became one of the most critically acclaimed records of that year, subsequently earning Jorja a BRIT Nomination within the Best R&B category at the 2024 ceremony.
Of the many British voices in music today, Jorja is among the most commanding, writing at a pitch of intensity and urgency that few can match. Over the past six years, since the release of her critically acclaimed debut album Lost & Found, she has been celebrated unanimously across the world for her evocative song-writing, powerful delivery, pure emotion and unbridled talent as a young woman navigating her way through life.
Over the last few years, it’s been a reflective and transformative transition into her mid twenties for her. She’s been able to step into herself and evolve as a songwriter and a woman despite an ever-changing musical landscape.
Jorja Smith is reminding herself (and us), that whether things are up or down, she’s very much in control. In fact, as she grows and holds herself, she’s fully thriving.
WATCH “HIGH” HERE
LISTEN TO “HIGH” HERE
