Chess Smith is an alt-pop singer/songwriter based in Kent, and she has been a commanding presence on the Kent music scene for over a decade, most recently as critically acclaimed power vocalist for Salvation Jayne… until 2020, when an abuser tried to take her power. But they didn’t succeed. Despite enduring a devastating nervous breakdown at the time, Chess has rebuilt herself, become a new Mum, and is back & fighting in spectacular style with her most personal, relatable work to date.
Co-written and produced with the awesome Fuji Hideout, with guitars by Dan Leggatt, and Sam Stewart of Kent band The Worry People, “I’m Dead To You…” explores the very relatable fallout that occurs when relationships break down – and how women in particular often suffer the loss of friendships, support networks, and even their careers, in the process.
With raucous energy, lusciously layered power vocals, and a hook that stays with you for days, ‘I’m Dead To You’ is a delicious concoction of scalding social commentary, simmering vocal harmonies, and searingly celebratory choruses that meld to create a delectably upbeat musical morsel that leaves you wanting another slice… and then another…
Commenting more personally about the track, Chess shares:
“After a very traumatic relationship breakup and subsequent nervous breakdown 4 years ago, it shocked me to see how many of the people in my life that I thought I knew and could trust, suddenly turned their backs on me… sides were taken, battle lines were drawn, and so many people who I thought were my friends showed their true colours. The people who I gave so much of myself to, only for them to treat me like I never existed – and worse, tear me down, and drag my name through the mud. This song is about coming to that realisation,
understanding that I spent too long trying to please the wrong people, and ultimately, what it’s taken to build myself back up again, in spite of all of the networks & opportunities that I lost in the process.
More importantly though, ‘I’m Dead to You’ is about turning those painful realisations into positive self- affirmations – those people were never my friends… it’s about not wasting your energy missing something that you never truly had, and instead being happy that they’re no longer part of your life. Taking away their power, taking back your name, and concentrating on the people that do stick around… Because as the saying goes, you sure as hell find out who your real friends are after something like that! And I feel very lucky to have finally
found my people!”