A Chat with JudeS (16.02.26)
Blending elements of pop, indie-folk and rock into a soulful stream of sound, singer-songwriter JudeS “…evokes the raw emotion and story telling of Amy Winehouse and the free-spirited energy of Daisy Jones.” We speak with the London-based musician about her new single, ‘Game Over, Over’, supergroups, what music means to her, and much more.
OSR: You are from Naples but are living in London, each having a specific culture. Do you find that your music incorporates the different cultures and how has the diverse cultural backgrounds contributed to your music
JudeS: I was born and raised in Naples. Despite being one of the most beautiful cities in the world, there can be a lot of pressure within the music industry there. Moving to London opened new doors for me, creatively and personally. Here, I immediately felt part of something bigger, something that inspired me.
The combination of these two cities shaped the woman and the artist I am today. Naples gave me intensity, and passion; but London gave me freedom and space to grow. Those two worlds blended naturally in my everyday life, and inevitably in my music.
OSR: You recently released your single, ‘Game Over, Over’ – a song described as “…the perfect break-up song if, in Wuthering Heights, Catherine would have chosen herself instead of Heathcliff’s toxic pattern.” Where did you find inspiration for this track, and what can you tell us about it regarding composition, writing and production?
JudeS: ‘Game Over, Over’ was born during a long healing process after a breakup. Songwriting became my therapy, my way of making sense of the pain. The track actually started as an experiment where I mixed English and Neapolitan. It began with the phrase “Jamm che cazz,” which in Neapolitan we use sarcastically when things aren’t going as planned — it roughly translates to “Oh great, we’re doing amazing,” when clearly, we’re not. That irony captured exactly how I felt at the time.
After the breakup, I realised that the real turning point in healing was choosing myself. That’s why I love the reference to Wuthering Heights – sometimes we stay stuck in toxic dynamics because we believe it’s the best we can have. But self-love changes everything. To me, the song is about breaking those patterns and reclaiming your power.
I first created it as a demo while attending a production workshop. Later, I recorded it at Bluebell Studios near Stansted, where producer Felicity truly understood my vision and helped bring this little piece of soul to life.
OSR: What do you hope people take from this song, and how is it significant for you?
JudeS: I hope it feels like a gentle reminder to keep loving yourself, even when it’s hard. To break free from toxic patterns. To let go of what no longer serves you so you can step into a new version of yourself.
For me, it marks a moment of empowerment. It’s not just a breakup song, it’s a self
reclamation anthem.
OSR: You also released your debut single, ‘Shadows, I See Them Now’, before ‘Game Over, Over’. I doubt you have a favourite, but if you had to choose which would you prefer and why?
JudeS: I genuinely don’t have a favourite because they represent two different chapters of the same healing journey.
‘Shadows, I See Them Now’ is about acknowledgement – accepting myself fully, including the parts I once labelled as “bad.” ‘Game Over, Over’ is about transformation – building the woman I was becoming and that I become by embracing those shadows instead of running from them. They’re connected. One is awareness; the other is empowerment.
OSR: Which do you find more difficult: melody or lyrics and why?
JudeS: As a songwriter who doesn’t play an instrument fluently, melody has definitely been the more challenging part for me. In the beginning, I used a few samples to build a foundation for the track, and from there I shaped the melody. That said, once I’m in my element, both melody and lyrics feel incredibly natural.
Writing is where I feel most at home – it’s instinctive, almost like speaking another language. This year, though, I’d love to collaborate more closely with musicians and build something more organic – maybe an intimate band with keys, guitar, and drums. I’m craving that live, breathing energy on stage. So, if anyone out there is ready to create something special, let’s talk.
OSR: How would you describe your music to a new listener?
JudeS: I would describe it as indie-folk-pop with touches of rock, but I don’t like putting strict labels on it. I believe music should be felt rather than categorised. In my work, I blend genres because emotions are never just one thing. I want listeners to experience the full range of those vibrations.
OSR: What does music mean to you?
JudeS: Music has always been my safe space. Since I was a child, whether I felt sad or happy, I would shut the world out and immerse myself in it. I always dreamed of being a singer, but for a long time I saw it as something unrealistic, just a hobby, like singing karaoke. Over the past few years, I’ve worked deeply on myself and my passions, and music became the driving force behind that growth. That’s when I finally allowed
myself to believe this could be more than just a dream.
OSR: If you could put together a supergroup to perform with, who would the band members be?
JudeS: As a teenager, I dreamed of being on stage with the Jonas Brothers – living my full Camp Rock fantasy. Honestly? I still think it would be so much fun. There’s something so electric about their energy, and I feel like we’d have an amazing time performing together. And of course, a collaboration with Beyoncé would absolutely crown the ultimate girlhood dream. She represents power, artistry, discipline, and vision on another level. Sharing a stage with her would be both surreal and incredibly inspiring.
OSR: What can we expect from you in the future?
JudeS: Definitely more music and more live shows. I’m currently exploring new sounds and continuing this journey of growth, both personally and artistically. There’s a lot more to come, so stay tuned.
OSR: Do you have a message for our readers?
JudeS: Believe in yourself, even when it feels impossible. You are more powerful than you think. Love is everything, and you are worthy of it in all its forms.
Find out more about JudeS on her Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
