Out now: Indie Pop Talent Chess Smith Bares Soul on New Single ‘I’m Dead To You (And That’s OK)’

Chess Smith is an alt-pop singer/songwriter based in Kent, and she has been a commanding presence on the Kent music scene for over a decade, most recently as critically acclaimed power vocalist for Salvation Jayne… until 2020, when an abuser tried to take her power. But they didn’t succeed. Despite enduring a devastating nervous breakdown at the time, Chess has rebuilt herself, become a new Mum, and is back & fighting in spectacular style with her most personal, relatable work to date.

Co-written and produced with the awesome Fuji Hideout, with guitars by Dan Leggatt, and Sam Stewart of Kent band The Worry People, “I’m Dead To You…” explores the very relatable fallout that occurs when relationships break down – and how women in particular often suffer the loss of friendships, support networks, and even their careers, in the process.

With raucous energy, lusciously layered power vocals, and a hook that stays with you for days, ‘I’m Dead To You’ is a delicious concoction of scalding social commentary, simmering vocal harmonies, and searingly celebratory choruses that meld to create a delectably upbeat musical morsel that leaves you wanting another slice… and then another…

Commenting more personally about the track, Chess shares:

“After a very traumatic relationship breakup and subsequent nervous breakdown 4 years ago, it shocked me to see how many of the people in my life that I thought I knew and could trust, suddenly turned their backs on me… sides were taken, battle lines were drawn, and so many people who I thought were my friends showed their true colours. The people who I gave so much of myself to, only for them to treat me like I never existed – and worse, tear me down, and drag my name through the mud. This song is about coming to that realisation,
understanding that I spent too long trying to please the wrong people, and ultimately, what it’s taken to build myself back up again, in spite of all of the networks & opportunities that I lost in the process.

More importantly though, ‘I’m Dead to You’ is about turning those painful realisations into positive self- affirmations – those people were never my friends… it’s about not wasting your energy missing something that you never truly had, and instead being happy that they’re no longer part of your life. Taking away their power, taking back your name, and concentrating on the people that do stick around… Because as the saying goes, you sure as hell find out who your real friends are after something like that! And I feel very lucky to have finally
found my people!”

With her soaring, emotive power vocals, engaging stage presence, and uncanny ability to
write relatable songs with unforgettable hooks, Chess is ready to shake up the music scene and she’s not holding back. Her music is all about radical self-love, empowerment, and overcoming adversity – in a world full of competition, comparison, narcissism, and self-doubt, Chess‘ uplifting, anthemic songs are a welcome reminder that when we know our worth and love ourselves, we are unstoppable.

In 2020, Chess suffered a severe nervous breakdown as a result of narcissistic abuse, which forced her to take a long break from music. When she eventually started her recovery, realising that there was so little positive, uplifting messaging about surviving abuse & dealing with trauma, she chose to write music about her experiences in hopes it may help other people.

In 2025, Chess released her solo EP, ‘Saving Lilibet’ to great critical acclaim, co-writing with multi-talented Kent producer Fuji Hideout. Throughout the year, she embarked on a series of headline shows at numerous esteemed Kent venues, including the Art Club in Dover, The Music Workshop in Folkestone, and a final spectacular EP launch show at The Penny Theatre in Canterbury. More recently, she has performed at The Quarterhouse in Folkestone, and she is currently working with Screen South to produce a music video for her upcoming single, “I’m Dead To You (And That’s OK)”.

Chess began her career working with rock bands in London and the Southeast, touring around the UK and experimenting with different genres along the way. Raised on ABBA & Led Zeppelin, with influence from artists like Alanis Morisette, Paper Route, Chappell Roan, Holly Humberstone & Maggie Rogers, Chess‘ sound is a refreshing amalgamation of diverse genres with an edgy alt-pop feel.

She has worked with music legends across numerous genres, including Jocelyn Brown, Emily Dolan Davies (Drummer of The Darkness/ Cher Lloyd), Paul Davis (Drummer of Sugababes/ Jericho), Ashley Kinsley (keys player for Beverly Knight), and Steve Harris (Gary Numan’s guitarist). She toured extensively with Mooli, and fronted Salvation Jayne to wild acclaim, before parting ways in 2022.