We had a chat with Lady Nade about her thoughtful and self-affirming new soul single ‘Sober’
A timeless retro-soul classic that we’ve already gushed about on the site (here), latest Lady Nade single ‘Sober’ is a powerful and brave new release that sees the artist delving into her sobriety in really vulnerable fashion, cementing her status as an artist who’s raw appeal and distinctive charm that feels authentic and real.
As important to the track as her smooth, timeless sound is the messaging that promotes putting yourself first and knowing what you need to do for you, regardless of societal pressures or what anybody else is doing. It never feels overbearing or preachy, but ‘Sober’ is a track that serves as a gentle reminder that we can change and transform over time, and we had a chat with Lady Nade to allow her to put that into words far better than we ever could.
Hey! We love your new single ‘Sober’, what more can you tell us about it?
HEYYY, Thank you so much. That’s great, I’m really pleased you do.
It feels like a brave move to release a song about sobriety in a culture that constantly promotes drinking. I never want to shame anyone or sound preachy through my music. In fact, even though I haven’t drunk for six years, some of my favorite songs are about drinking, like Loudon Wainwright’s White Winos, Mary Gauthier’s I Drink, and Nina Simone’s Lilac Wine. So writing a song about the other side, sobriety, felt uncertain.
My friends and co-writers Ferris and Archie Sylvester, who also produced the song alongside Michael Randell, created such a safe space while we were recording my new album. That allowed me to really express these thoughts honestly.
We talked about all the lives we’ve lost to addiction, and about my own journey. From those heavy conversations, we shaped the song into a love song. Music is such a powerful way to turn difficult emotions into something more approachable. Sometimes we need the hard messages, don’t get me wrong, but this felt right as something softer.
Amy Winehouse came to mind throughout the process, which helped shape its retro soul feel. I like to imagine this could have been the song she might have written if she’d had more time.
What was the process like putting it together?
Working with Ferris and Sylvester was very organic. We really allowed time for creativity to flow. We share a love of food and conversation, so we started there, talking things through before mapping out ideas and jamming. The hook came almost straight away. From conversations around my sobriety and thinking about Amy Winehouse, we naturally moved into shaping the verse lyrics.
We recorded an early demo and then gave it some breathing space, living with it for a while before coming back to it. The next step was bringing the song fully to life in the studio. Archie played acoustic and electric guitar, bass, and percussion on the record. He’s genuinely a multi-instrument wizard. We brought in good friends Ross Gordon on drums and Michael Randell on keys.
One of the most fun parts was me and Ferris calling ourselves ‘The girls,’ imagining ourselves as a retro soul girl group while layering backing vocals. We had the Supremes, The Ronettes, in mind. It was super fun to write and record this one.
What were your biggest influences when creating it?
Definitely my sobriety journey, and soul in all its forms. Working through Step 9 on an ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics) programme taught me to reflect on harm done to me and, importantly, to others and that the first person you make an apology to is yourself. It’s about looking back, learning, and moving forward with honesty and care.
When I did drink, I was fully functioning, I wasn’t your everyday drinker (well, I definitely went through periods like that in the evenings). But when I did, I drank to escape or self-soothe. Outside of work, most shows happened in pubs, with free drinks often offered, and in the early days at open mic nights, performers would get drinks in exchange for trying out material. It was just part of the culture.
My relationship with alcohol started young, and I didn’t fully understand how it shaped my adult life and relationships until I took a step back. I’m good at writing love songs, so that’s also where I found inspiration for romance, intimacy, and emotional truth. The song is about accountability, self-reflection, and is for anyone who’s had a complicated relationship with alcohol or substances, with themselves or loved ones.
Six years ago, I put down the wine glass and walked into my first recovery meeting. Best New Year’s resolution I never planned.
How do you find pouring such personal and intimate experiences into your work?
I feel incredibly lucky to be held by such a safe, supportive community, one that makes being vulnerable and sharing my truth possible.
I’m mixed heritage, and in my lineage there are healers, herbalists, and storytellers who practiced spoken word. So, you know what’s coming next…essentially, oils to go with my songs! That’s actually a great idea…watch this space.
What else do you have planned for the near future?
This song will be released as part of a fuller album coming out this October, and I’m incredibly excited about it. I’ve been teasing songs since last October the 3rd, which is a really significant date for me. It’s my grandad’s birthday, and this year marked his fourth heavenly anniversary. He was my hero, my friend, and my grandad all rolled into one.
October felt like the right time to start releasing music. With his birthday month in mind, it made sense for the full album to live there too. I’m quite spiritual like that, and it feels good to honour him through the timing of this release.
