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JC Stewart started 2021 in style, when he was named as MTV’s first global Push artist of the year. The single ‘Break My Heart’ continue to fire his momentum skywards. Co-written with Niall Horan and broadening his already engaging pop appeal, it reached a remarkable 37 New Music Friday playlists, a total that matched Taylor Swift’s single from the same week. It continued his airplay support at both Radio 1 and Radio 2, while his Spotify following was elevated over 4 million monthly listeners. The attention continued, most recently when he was highlighted in Hunger’s Britpop 2.0 portfolio.
Now JC Stewart’s loyal and burgeoning fanbase is set to again grow in stature as he shares his second single of the year ‘Loud’, together with its official video. Listen HERE.
‘Loud’ is arguably JC’s most beautiful, elegant, and reflective song to date. It is a song that has the bravery to push JC’s lovelorn lyricism to the fore, this time with a twist as the self-confessed Professional Sadboy is heartbroken by separation rather than a break-up. It is classically melodic yet infused with voguish sonic touches, constantly evolving in stature from fragile piano into a wall-of-sound rich with soothing vocal harmonies and commanding percussion.
JC wrote ‘Loud’ earlier this year when he spent a few days alone by the Kent coast. That time apart was all the inspiration he needed for the song’s affecting emotional intensity. The track was subsequently produced by the Grammy winner Koz, best known for his work on both of Dua Lipa’s smash hit albums, and mixed by Matty Green (Dermot Kennedy, Louis Tomlinson).
In the video for ‘Loud’ JC is joined by his girlfriend, the model Annabelle Hoy, and she also features on the single artwork. Drawing on water as a symbolic representation of being submerged by life’s challenges, the visual exudes a beautiful power in its simplicity. Watch HERE.
JC says, “The concept of the video stemmed around the fact that sometimes, when I’m feeling overwhelmed, it can feel like being underwater. Both intense and silent. Overwhelming and solitary. I thought the water symbolised what I felt for the few months before I wrote the song and wanted to make that the main focal point. Having my girlfriend in it, who the song is about, was also incredibly special and something I’ll be able to cherish forever.”
The video was created by Collective Films, who previously worked with JC on last year’s livestream show and interview.
JC Stewart is set to make a long-waited return to touring this summer. He is confirmed to play Latitude on the weekend of July 22nd – 25th, which he will follow with two headline shows: a homecoming gig at Belfast’s Ulster Hall (September 2nd) and his biggest London venue to date at the O2 Academy Islington (September 22nd). Remaining tickets are available here.
Emerging from Northern Ireland, JC Stewart possesses all the traits needed to become a globally recognised artist. His music is powered by a voice as real and powerful as the heartfelt emotions he explores. Yet while his talent is remarkable, his personality is relatable. His sharp wit and inclusive nature are immensely popular at social media, a following which exploded after Jennifer Aniston shared his quarantine-themed twist on the ‘Friends’ theme last year.
That growing following includes some famous fans too. Last year saw him release his big collab, teaming up with 220 Kid for ‘Too Many Nights’, while his debut EP ‘When The Light Hits The Room’ was co-written with the BRIT / Ivor Novello winner Tom Odell. His first major collaborator came when he co-wrote ‘Hollywood’, a song which later featured on Lewis Capaldi’shuge debut album.
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