Joy Crookes launches 'Feet Don't Fail Me Now' video
Image: Carlota Guerrero
Joy Crookes is one of the most impressive new talents to emerge from the UK in the past few years. Appearing on the BRITS Rising Star Award shortlist as well as placing fourth on the BBC Sound Of list in 2020, last week she returned with her first new music in a year with the single ‘Feet Don’t Fail Me Now’, a stunning pop track with lashes of soul and jazz all set to a primal, addictive baseline.
The track explores the pitfalls of online activism and how remaining silent on political issues is easier for some in a world where you can instantly be ‘cancelled’: “I cry like crocodile / Then drink opinions out / I've always got an answer, thе sun shines out my mouth / There ain't a rulе I'd wanna break / I'd rather kill than show my face,” she sings.
“This song is one of the most complicated songs I've ever written - in a good way,” Crookes says. “The track carries with it a deep sense of irony, it's written from the perspective of someone who finds it easier to remain complicit out of a fear of being cancelled. During the social and political turmoil of the last 12 months, performative behaviour has become prevalent alongside cancel culture. These two reactions I think are often intertwined as cancel culture can be a response to half hearted performatism.
“In some sense you can sympathise with the perspective I'm singing from because cancel culture is scary, as is re-educating yourself and challenging your friends and families. Ultimately I hope the song encourages people to be a bit braver, whilst the themes are clear in my head the chorus is universal - 'man I guess I was scared, feet don't fail me now, I got to stand my ground and though I'm down for trying, I am better in denial so I hush don't make a sound'. Open up a dialogue, speak out, make mistakes - that's okay and that's how progress happens.”
Crookes has also released the music video for ‘Feet Don’t Fail Me Now’, which is a sumptuous visual feast celebrating her Bangladeshi heritage mixed with the multi-faceted culture of London she grew up in. "I'm a sponge to everyone I grew up around and everything I heard,” she explains.
Inspired by black female musicians such as Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and Sarah Vaughan, Crookes creates outstanding music that is a lush mix of pop, soul and classic balladry, always warm, personal and deeply immersive. Her debut album, recorded at the legendary Abbey Road studios, is due later this year and all the signs suggest it will be one of 2021’s best debut albums. Joy Crookes has the potential to be the next British global superstar and we highly recommend diving into her divine music now.
‘Feet Don’t Fail Me Now’ is out now. You can download and stream here.
To keep up with all things Joy Crookes you can follow her on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
