Hackney-born singer, songwriter and guitarist Mychelle has released her new track ‘Hurts’. ‘Hurts’ is an emotionally downcast track about a love gone sour and the realization that the time has come to part ways. Acknowledging that the relationship is at the point of no return, Mychelle sings, “There’s still parts of us that I love but it’s obvious that we can’t carry on”.

‘Hurts’ marks Mychelle’s first track of 2023. Musically, a notable change in pace from her previous single ‘Tightrope’ which dropped towards the end of last year. Produced alongside Hugo M. Hardy (Poppy Ajudha, tinyumbrellas, David Gray, Sfven), ‘Hurts’ sees Mychelle engaging more closely with her indie, folk and alternative influences. In a vein similar to Corinne Bailey Rae, Lianne La Havas, Michael Kiwanuka and Sade’s rootsier offerings. Though, long-term supporters of Mychelle’s music will know she’s sonically traveled this path before with tracks like ‘Pressure’ and ‘Younger Self’.

Speaking on the song’s creative process, Mychelle said: “This song came together during my first session with Hugo. I really enjoyed working with him as he was able to draw out the indie sounds that I like. Having played guitar and been a busker for years, I’ve always enjoyed mixing the guitar vibes of folk and indie music with soul and R&B”.

The accompanying visual was directed by Thea Gajic (Stormzy, Jords, A2) who also helmed the video for ‘Tightrope’. Taking cues from their previous work together, ‘Hurts’ once again sees Mychelle undertake a secondary role as Abi Corbett and Kieran Taylor-Ford take the lead as the video’s protagonists showing the various stages of a break-up in a fly on the wall-esque fashion.

Speaking on the video’s conceptual direction, Mychelle said: “The music video is my second collaboration with Thea Gaji. After seeing how amazing the ‘Tightrope’ video turned out, I was very keen to work with her again. We used actors instead of me being the lead. I think this was the way to go as they have the ability to convey the emotions of the song much better than I probably could.