With her theatrical approach to modern-day pop, Sir Jude’s diverse range allowed her to intricately connect the dots and create Revelations, her first full length project. Marking such a prominent period in her life, Revelations is a body of work that represents a sonic journey of unravelling internalised misogyny and discovery of the self, wherein each song the same question is posed: What does it mean to be a woman today?
A distinct love for cinematic soundscapes can be heard throughout, often self-describing her music as “very James Bond.” Each of the album’s nine songs would not sound out of place on the silver screen either, the foreboding title track being a prime example with its slow building verses that explode into a sea of dramatized electronica.
Mania continues in ‘Freakshow’, a pulsating exploration into femininity and the temptation for lust. Conceived during the chaos of isolation and being faced with just four walls and herself, Sir Jude’s cutting edge pop sensibilities consume its listener with obscure 70s soundscapes and lyrical prowess of songwriters Alex Turner and St. Vincent. ‘Secret Safe’ acts as a moment away from the album’s distorted natures, leading down a mellower path yet still owning a message of empowerment with a side eye to toxic masculinity within its lyrics. Digitalised throbs are ever-present in the adrenaline-infused single ‘Preach’. Enlisting electronic mastermind Maxim of The Prodigy for the release, his distinct and iconic musical style elevates Sir Jude’s brooding vocal, amounting in a gritty pulsation of estranged alternative pop.
1. What inspired the title ‘Revelations’? Any Specific life experience?
I wanted a one word title that encompassed grief, loss of love, emotional independence and self expression. I was in the local library with one of my closest friends and stylists, Elefterios Romanos doing a bit of research and brainstorming all things music. We came across a verse in the bible titled Revelations 21:4, and it read, “for the old order of things has passed away”. I was really moved by it because it brought ideas of moving on and reinvention. I’m not religious, but I was raised catholic, so to draw inspiration from it kind of felt perfect, given I wanted to discuss themes of catholic guilt, and tradition in the imagery and the music.
2. What would you say this record is mostly about?
The record is about being patient with yourself and finding love within. It’s a critique on tradition and gender roles, a re-invention of self and an embrace on the things that make us imperfect and powerful.
3. What was the most important revelation in your life or career so far?
I have a choice to enjoy the journey and trust my instincts. Being honest and true to myself is the real key to being happy. I’ve spent so much time setting incredibly high expectations and being so hard on myself that it’s exhausting. But the more I listened to my gut and stopped comparing myself to timelines that society pressures us to follow, the happier I’ve felt. I distanced myself from internalised misogyny and made the effort to work on myself every day. It’s hard work and I haven’t perfected it by any means but I’m doing okay.
4. Who are some artists that influenced your sound the most?
Yelle, Alexandra Savior and BANKS. 3 powerful women who move across genres and are so honest, intuitive and fierce in their writing it’s hard not to emulate it.
5. How is this record different from your previous work?
It’s more conceptual. The storyline is more seamless and thoughtful. I knew the story I wanted to tell from the beginning, and so the rest followed suit. It had to fit within that realm and follow the criteria. In my previous work, I let the concept reveal itself in the songs. This album is such a huge milestone for me. I can’t wait to do this all over again.
