Opening up about how she is assessing her life as her children get more independent, singer Jessie Ware has said she is “reclaiming” her sense of identity in her forties.
Jessie Ware is “reclaiming” her sense of identity in her forties.
Describing the period as a “frenzied” stage of life as her children grow older and her focus shifts back towards herself, the 41-year-old singer, who is married to Sam Burrows, opened up about changes in her personal life as her three children have become more independent.
Jessie, whose recent single Ride features a music video starring James Norton, said the shift has altered both her relationship and sense of self.
Speaking to The Times, Jessie described how parenting demands had eased, allowing her to reassess her own needs and identity.
She said: “You’re no longer up in the night. You’re not doing nappies. They are more independent and so maybe your relationship with your partner transitions from saying, ‘Are you doing that feed?’
“It is that reclaiming of your sexual identity, needs, wants. Also, you start to understand how you view your body again, which has been a vessel and a tool.
“It’s a really interesting time, your forties, because you are near midlife. You are nearing a time when you think about dying, but this is a sweet spot, where you want to cram in as much fun as possible. It’s a frenzied time.”
Jessie also spoke about reactions to the video for Ride, which features James in a stylised, provocative role as a “sexy cowboy”.
The video includes references to Fifty Shades of Grey and scenes inspired by that aesthetic.
She said other parents had responded positively, adding people at the school gates had said “thank you” to her for the video as it had “brought up conversations”.
The track samples music from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, composed by Ennio Morricone.
Jessie said she approached James directly about appearing in the video while attending a performance by Jack Peñate.
She added: “James is a friend, and we were recently at our friend Jack Peñate’s performance (who I made Ride with) and I asked him, ‘James, do you ride a horse, and would you be up for being a sexy cowboy in the video?’
“I sent him the song, he loved it, and I’m so grateful that he made this happen.”
Describing filming, Jessie said: “To be honest, I didn’t think I would be as involved in the video but James being the total gentleman and professional he is made it so easy.
“It was a freezing cold February day and by 10am I was licking his ear. Everything was shot on film so I think it looks so beautiful – props to Thomas our wonderful director, and to Caravan the horse.”
The role echoes a part James previously missed out on in Fifty Shades of Grey, which ultimately went to Jamie Dornan.
Jessie Ware ‘reclaiming’ her sense of identity in her forties
