With Closer Than Your Shadow, rising artist REIGNS channels raw emotion into a track about mental health, resilience, and the people who show up for us. Rooted in soulful vocals yet edged with drum‑and‑bass energy, the song marks a bold, empowering start to her new chapter – one that reflects her journey as a songwriter, independent label co-founder, and fiercely authentic voice in music today.
Could you share the story behind the track and what it represents for this new chapter in
your music?
Closer than your shadow is for anyone and everyone that has experienced or been around mental
health. It’s a song that I hope helps people realise that we can be there for each other and that you
don’t have to go through the darkness alone. It opens the year for me musically with
empowerment and compassion. I spent much of last year creating music and this year is about
letting it run free.
When did you first fall in love with music?
Some of my earliest musical memories are wrapped up in my dad’s vinyl collection.
I was basically spoon-fed soul classics from a really young age , music was always around me
even though neither of my parents are musical- the kind of records you grow up feeling before you
understand them. I was singing along to voices like Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin before I could
barely walk, and it just felt instinctive.
The song feels destined to become a future drum‑and‑bass favourite, yet it carries a deeply
heartfelt message. How do you balance mainstream pop sensibilities with your own
personal experiences when creating music?
Its always about the song first, we tend to write bare bones- literally chords and melodies, the
production then follows, my golden rule is that I need to be able to sing it on my own with me
playing keys.
The track celebrates the people who show up for us unconditionally – those who offer
comfort and safety in a world where mistakes can feel permanent. How does this theme
resonate with you personally, and what do you hope listeners take away from it?
I’ve had moments when I haven’t felt supported and that really gave me reason to release this one
because I realised that if I gave myself the care I give others I’d always be ok. This song is as much
about showing up for yourself as it is about showing up for others, I guess my goal was to
promote a little kindness.
What’s something new or exciting you discovered during the creative process? Are there
any memorable moments from making the song that stand out?
To be honest I am so in love with what I do that every song is memorable, I always try and write
from my real experiences so it’s a bit like adding to my journal.
The music video is visually striking, featuring you walking through London in a matching red
dress and umbrella. How did this concept come about, and how do you feel it reflects the
meaning of the song?
Weirdly the song always felt like the colour red, not in a danger way but I guess from the heart. It
signifies love, pain and hope. The umbrella was honestly a last minute add on because London in
the winter is rarely a ray of sunshine!
Since going viral on TikTok with your collaboration with WAIVES on ‘Collateral Damage’,
how has your career evolved? What moments are you most proud of since then?
Well! I’ve recently made my own record label with my producer, It’s independent, obviously I can’t compete with the major labels but I can release music on my own terms and we’re hoping to sign other emerging female artists next year too if it all goes to plan. The label is called She Wears The Crown. I’ve done 3 sold out headline shows and we’re planning more as we speak. I’ve also
finished my album and will be touring this year, I’m not allowed to say who with yet but it’s
definitely a career highlight for me so far.
For new listeners or those discovering you for the first time, what’s an interesting fact about
you that they might not know?
I’ve featured on a few dance tracks which have really helped me to get started, from there people
have been switched on to my artist project..
Are there any artists, albums, or songs currently inspiring you – and what draws you to
them?
Pink- I’ve been a fan of hers since primary school, She’s someone I’ve never grown out of, always
inspired by her. Raye- doing it her way, I guess this showed me that you can do it independently
plus her music is incredible! Teddy Swims- That tone is everything.
After ‘Closer Than Your Shadow’, can you give us a hint of what’s coming next?
Tempo wise the opposite- I have a ballad that I still find hard to actually sing without crying, it’s
written about someone I lost recently, I know it’s a special one, I really want it out there, I think a
lot of people will be able to relate to it too