Jules Rendell fights mental health with ‘Imagine’
Written by Heartsong Live on 24th April 2018
Imagine the debut album from Jules Rendell is a 10 track album of electro classic soul capturing the pressures of living city life in 2018. Exploring themes of self worth, perfectionism and fear, Rendell has fused her soulful roots with electronic soundscapes, hints of funk and pop hooks.
According to Rendell, “Through my own mental health struggles, I’ve learned a lot about using my own imagination as a positive force for my life. Faith is visionary; it helps us to imagine good things happening for us to see them happening. I’ve had to change the way I think to push through the barriers of low self worth to even make this album. Each song is a reminder to myself for how to keep healthy in my mind; whether it be my selftalk, rest, letting go of fear or staying connected to friends. They are God’s words to me.”
Imagine was produced by Feranmi Oguns (Jake Isaac, Josh Record) and Bastian Testori from OL Music, and it is a departure from her soul-jazz offering The Lotusbloom EP (2014). The album begins with ‘Old Friend’, the catchy, emotive first single and riff driven second single ‘Let Go’, “an anthem for living in the moment.” (poprazzi.com). ‘The Return’ and ‘Troubles’ encompass the gritty city-life sounds that breathe new life to Jules’ natural ear for melody and story, with ‘Epiphany’ the only love song in the album, a fresh, soulful 6/8 ballad. It ends with an emotionally raw vocal/piano track ‘Remember’, inspired by poet Maya Angelou, co-written with Bianca Rose.
ABOUT JULES
Born in Birmingham, Rendell made London her home a decade ago, where she has been honing her craft as a singer, composer, vocal arranger and music entrepreneur with vocal group Get Gospel. Her live performances include a sell out show at the London Hippodrome, O2 Islington, Manchester Academy and a live performance on Robert Elms BBC London show. TV and film credits include London Live, OH TV, BBC 1Xtra live session (with Get Gospel), a placement on US feature film, ‘The Father’s Love’ for her song ‘Thank You’ and adverts for Dr. Oetker.
