Duchess - 'never burn bridges, you never know when you'll need to cross them again'

By Run That Again

Duchess really is an intriguing one. After already seeing rising success with her previous singles, from a premiere on Billboard.com to 1 million streams on her four original singles, her latest offering ‘Close’ is another great moment for the London-based artist.

Having used her music to tackle important social issues like domestic abuse and bullying, Close is about the complexity of intimacy itself. When speaking of the track and its remix, released this last week, Duchess says: “I wanted to represent a connection that is so deep that being close isn't close enough! I'm hoping people will listen to my track and enjoy a moment of closeness with loved ones. Especially during this unpredictable time where the world has to unite and remain safe at home, missing our loved ones."

We sat down with the singer-songwriter to get to know her a little better.

How did you get into music?

“I remember watching Lady Gaga’s debut, Just Dance in 2009 and remember thinking “OMG I wanna do that!”. I started in a girl group, which didn’t really work out… I started writing my own songs with the intention to pitch them but the performer in me took over and they quickly became songs for an artist project. I met my current collaborator Patch Boshell a few years ago and together we’ve shaped the Duchess project into what it is today.”

Who are your biggest influences?

“Tove lo, Zara Larson, Dua Lipa and Lana Del Rey. I love big, ballsy production mixed with ambient, delicate vocals.”

How are you keeping busy in lockdown? 

“Lockdown has allowed me to focus on myself and future projects. I have had a lot of ‘me time’, creating new music with Patch and I’m also learning Spanish! I’ve enjoyed staying sociable with friends and family with weekly quizzes which is great fun and gives me something to look forward to.”

Tell us more about Close and the remix?

“I love how a remix can really change the vibe of a song and give you a different perspective. Will did a great job, taking something delicate and reinventing it into something I’d happily stick on a summer dance playlist!”

Best piece of advice you've ever received?

“To never burn bridges, because you never know when you’ll need to cross them again.”

Favourite TV show and why?

“Friends, isn’t that everyone’s favourite? There is literally an episode for every mood and we all have a friend who depicts one of the characters.”

Dream collaboration?

“I would love to collaborate with Tove Lo, her music is really cool and I love the song she did with Charlie XCX.”

What's one thing people don't know about you?

“I am a great cook and I know it ;)”

Stream Close here.