The xx's Romy recruits Fred again.. for new single "Strong"

"Strong" is Romy's first outing as the lead artist since her 2020 debut solo single "Lifetime", and is accompanied by a video directed by her wife Vic Lentaigne.

The new outing features Fred again.., marking their first collaboration since Romy appeared on his "Lights Out" single with HAAi back in January.

""Strong" came from a moment in my life when I was processing past grief," Romy explains. "Whilst writing the lyrics I was thinking about my cousin Luis, we both have the shared experience of our mums passing away when we were young. I recognise in him the same trait I have which is to try and hold emotions down and put on a brave face. The song was a way to connect with these feelings, offer support and ultimately find a sense of release in the euphoria of music. Luis is with me on the single cover and in the music video too which was really special."

She adds, "My friendship with Fred means a lot to me, our closeness helps me to feel safe to be honest and vulnerable lyrically and we definitely connect over our love of songwriting and emotions in dance music. It's amazing and inspiring seeing and hearing what Fred is doing in his solo work and I’m very excited to be releasing this song together."