Introducing: Sinead Campbell

Soulful, defiant, and unapologetically powerful — Sinead Campbell returns with ‘Stand’, a bold new anthem of self-worth and cultural pride. Out May 29th via Come Play With Me Records as part of their Next Up North development programme, the Bradford-based singer-songwriter delivers a stirring blend of vintage soul and contemporary edge. With commanding vocals and razor-sharp storytelling, ‘Stand’ marks the beginning of a new era for Campbell — one rooted in identity, healing, and radical self-belief.

'Stand' feels like a bold reclamation of identity and purpose. Can you talk about the moment or experience that sparked the creation of this track?

Yes, I reached a point in my journey where I realised I’d been dimming myself down to be more palatable to others. I was holding back my words, carrying resentment, and shrinking myself and eventually, I just had to say: enough. If I truly wanted to feel free and empowered, I had to stop caring so much about what others thought and start living in alignment with my truth.

‘Stand’ is about having the courage to get to know yourself, to honour what your soul wants for you, and to stand firmly in that, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s also a tribute to my ancestors and elders, who endured so much. Their strength paved the way for the freedom and opportunities I now have, and I feel deeply grateful for that. But freedom isn’t just physical: it’s mental & emotional too.

As someone of Irish, English, and African Caribbean heritage, I carry the weight and the wisdom of generations before me. Some of that includes painful histories of displacement and mental slavery, and this song is part of me reclaiming space, voice, and healing. It celebrates the power of self-expression for all, as long as it isn’t causing harm and encourages others to stand in their truth too. We all have a story. We all have something worth standing for.

You describe 'Stand' as part of a healing journey that's deeply tied to your heritage. How has exploring your Jamaican-Irish background shaped your sound and songwriting on this project?

The past few years have been transformative. I’ve been on a journey of reconnecting with Black history, African spirituality, and the untold stories that have been erased, hidden, or distorted. It’s been liberating, but also painful, because once you start digging, you realise just how much has been lost or taken.

But healing begins with acknowledgment. I’ve been reflecting on my ancestors’ experiences, especially on my Jamaican and Irish sides, and what it means to carry both. It’s given me a new sense of purpose as an artist, not to just entertain, but to remember, question, and express all parts of myself.

This journey cracked something open in me, creatively and spiritually. I feel like I’ve uncovered a powerful part of myself that had been waiting. The sounds on Sankofa are rooted in soul, rhythm, and truth. There’s an ancestral rhythm that pulses through it. And it’s not over, I’ll continue exploring, unlearning, listening, and evolving. I’ve got a trip to Ireland planned this summer to connect with sacred sites, loved ones, and hopefully collaborate with some amazing artists. This project is just the beginning.

3. The word 'Sankofa'—the title of your upcoming EP—holds powerful meaning about learning from the past. How has that idea influenced the way you see yourself as an artist today?

Sankofa comes from the Ghanaian Adinkra symbol of a bird looking back while flying forward. It means “go back and get it.” For me, it marked a turning point: a wake-up call. I was ready to reclaim the parts of myself that had been buried or silenced.

As an artist, this meant honouring my roots and allowing them to shape my sound, my message, and my presence. It’s not about staying stuck in the past, but recognising that true healing comes when we understand where we’ve come from. That reflection gives me the power to move forward with clarity and intention.This EP is me doing exactly that: reaching back, reclaiming and rising

From supporting legends like Soul II Soul to now leading your own vision, how does this new chapter as Sinead Campbell differ from your work as Premaura?

This feels like a whole new world. It became really clear to me that I needed a fresh start, to step fully into who I am now. Rebranding as Sinead Campbell wasn’t just a name change,  it was a declaration that I’m ready to show up as my whole self. As Premaura, I was still finding my voice. Now, I feel creatively free, confident and fired up. I know what I’m here to do. This chapter is about truth, visibility and taking up space: unapologetically.

Being part of the 'Next Up North' programme, which uplifts artists from marginalised genders and sexualities, what has that support meant to you creatively and personally?

It is really amazing to receive support- for me I felt like being in Yorkshire as a woman of colour from a working class background making music that there hasn't been as many pathways or infrastructure that has supported what I'm doing- so this feels really great. It's great to have people to confide in and hold accountable- and it feels like great timing for me especially with this EP coming out- I want as many people to hear this music as possible and connect with my message-and it's great to have Come Play With Me Records walking alongside me.