Reading fivesome Saltwater Sun tackle self-belief on swaggering new single “The Great Deceiver”

Acknowledging your value in the face of unrelenting societal expectations: this might not be a new thing, but it’s certainly a conundrum that seems to be becoming ever harder in 21st century culture. It’s also something that Saltwater Sun’s vocalist Jen Stearnes has a personal history with, and so has a few words to say on the matter.

Leading with the empowering statement “You’ll never know your power in the world unless you trust yourself to yield it”, Stearnes’ advice revolves around the give and take required to feel truly comfortable with oneself. Whether it's love or a greater sense of self-belief, she's aware that in order to find such value, you need to open yourself up first. Bold and honest, Stearnes' advice holds its own because of this awareness, of her ability to remain critical despite her proximity to the issue she's discussing.

Set to a hazy indie swagger similar to something from the recent Calva Louise record, "The Great Deceiver" is a perceptive new single from the Reading quintet, and bodes well for the forthcoming EP.

Stearnes explains: “I wrote this song to my younger self. I always wanted to sing but doubted myself because I hated my appearance and feared it would be scrutinised if I put myself out there. We all grow up with unrealistic beauty standards, or expectations of how we should be and that makes me think about all the other people who have been held back, or made to feel small or like they don’t have a place by those ridiculous standards and expectations.

I’ve found confidence over time, but this song services as a little pep talk every now and then, and is here for anyone else who needs it; 'The Great Deceiver' is about finding your voice, not giving in to self doubt and learning to be comfortable in yourself, whoever that is”.