In a spectacular surprise at Glastonbury’s West Holts Stage, Jessie Ware and Romy debuted their highly anticipated collaboration, “Lift You Up.” The track, now available via Interscope Records / PMR, features production from the renowned Stuart Price, known for his work with icons like Madonna and Kylie Minogue. This disco-infused house anthem showcases the dynamic blend of Ware’s and Romy’s distinct vocal styles, creating a track destined to become the soundtrack of the summer.
The collaboration between Ware and Romy has been long in the making. The two artists first connected when The xx performed an intimate show under the Westway in London during the early days of the band. Their friendship deepened when The xx invited Ware to perform at their Night & Day Festival in Berlin. Reflecting on their bond, Ware shared, “I felt like it was such a cool seal of approval – I sang with them on stage and I think from then on Romy and I became friends, she was a fan of my music and I was such a fan of her.”
Over the years, Ware and Romy have supported each other’s artistic endeavors, co-writing tracks like “Share It All” from the deluxe edition of Ware‘s album Tough Love. Their creative synergy has culminated in “Lift You Up,” a track Ware describes with pride. “It’s a song about both of us being too hard on ourselves and not believing enough in ourselves. I think anyone can relate to that.”
Romy echoed Ware’s sentiments, recalling a pivotal moment backstage at a festival where Ware’s encouragement bolstered her confidence. “She hyped me up and helped me believe in myself when I was feeling unsure. The conversation we had really stayed with me and was definitely in my mind when we were writing the lyrics.”
The collaboration also reunited Romy with Stuart Price, with whom she worked closely on her debut solo album Mid Air. The duo’s chemistry, alongside the contribution of songwriter Clarence Coffee Jr., has resulted in an uplifting track that celebrates friendship and togetherness. Romy remarked, “We wanted this song to be uplifting, celebrate togetherness and I can’t think of a better way to share it with everyone than at Glastonbury.”
Listen to “Lift You Up” here.
