Melbourne marvel Sir Jude braces the release of her brooding debut album Revelations out November 18th.

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.

Single ‘Madonna’, whilst a bouncy catwalk-ready anthem, ultimately reflects on the dichotomy of the Madonna and the whore, one of the album’s most prominent themes. “Throughout my life I’ve struggled with internalised misogyny and to some extent, catholic guilt,” shares Sir Jude. “Revelations was a way for me to challenge those standards, and dissect how those parts of my life make me the person I am. With that, comes this fear or challenge to stay connected to who the person I was. I found myself on this journey through selfhood and acceptance, but I know that it is a constant and evolving journey; it’s a process that I’ll always circle back to mend.”

Similarly in heartbreak ballad ‘MAMMA’, Sir Jude is left exposed to her own vulnerability, craving a love in its purest form. Solidifying its place as a standout moment on the record, heartstrings are pulled at every angle, this leads into ‘A Message from Rosa’ in which she converses with her grandmother on the significance of being a woman – “It’s a small snapshot into understanding the deeply rooted values presented to her through her youth and thereafter.”

‘Twenty Four Seven’ is the final cry of the album, a desperate callout to unearthing the ability to love oneself in the midst of societal pressures to find love in others. Outro ‘Fine’ is an admission of love and resurgence of heartbreak, the story is evolving but never over. 

“I want this album to be the soundtrack to anyone who is at a standstill in their life and is desperate to challenge or break the emotional barriers that tradition and society corners them into” – Sir Jude.

Sir Jude sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

Honestly, I don’t even know. I remember writing poems as a kid and thinking that everyone else did too. At age 12 I was googling “song makers” thinking that some sort of AI machine would magically produce my songs. My dad listened to a lot of music growing up. He grew up as a self-taught drummer with and incredible ear! Because of him I was listening to The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and KISS from the age of 10.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

There is such a long list but I’d say my top 5 right now includes, Alex Turner, BANKS, Yelle, Imogen Heap and Angel Olsen.

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

I’m releasing my debut independent album on November 18! It’s called Revelations.

It’s been a long, tiring and equally beautiful process. The album is a journey of understating who I am as a woman and breaking the personal and societal boundaries that are built up around me to truly embrace who I want to be. It’s been such an emotional rollercoaster but I’m so relieved that you can hear it so soon!

4. How would you describe your sound?

The sonic love child of a classic alt pop girl and James Bond.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
The first time I came to London, I got to collaborate with a composer and friend of mine named Bryce Jacobs. The song we wrote together called Sailor Ships was recorded with a full orchestra at Abbey Road. It was one of those pinch me moments. I couldn’t believe that those historical walls were absorbing our song as they had with so many incredible artists way before our time. I almost didn’t feel I deserved to be there, but I’m so grateful and it was the first time I really saw myself in this city and believed I could be here doing what I love.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
It’s a process and it takes time. Be patient with yourself and be forgiving. I haven’t done that enough, and I find the best things always happen when I’m patient and present.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
So many! The ones I have on repeat are Elizabeth M. Drummond, Muki, Sabiyha, Drew Jodi, Sour Sync and Sakr (who produced by album). There might be a few collabs in the works with some of these lot…

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Bullet EP by Elizabeth M. Drummond, 925 by Sorry, Belladonna of Sadness by Alexandra Savior and Humbug by Arctic Monkeys.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I’m have a real obsession with the emerging fashion industry. There are distinctly beautiful parallels between music and fashion so I’m always looking at the next designers coming through Naarm/ Melbourne (where I’m from). I want to try and to my best when it comes to shopping slowly and as consciously as I can.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

My harddrive because it literally has my life on it, I always need a cheeky little snack, and my diary.