Raegan Sealy has released her newest single, “Make ‘em Jealous” (ft. The Gang of Angels), an all-female choir from Nottingham, UK led by Honey Williams. This upbeat, indie soul piece breaks away from the typical narrative of a toxic relationship with a satirical spin.
“Make ‘em Jealous” sets out to reframe the cliché of being stuck in a toxic relationship. Fusing Sealy’s soul-pop vocals with an infectious recurring beat, the track shines a light of optimism on the self-delusion that so often keeps us from moving on. Through doing so, “Make ‘em Jealous” reclaims and celebrates that hopeful, second-and-third-chance-giving nature as a form of power – a display of empathy and strength, and a crucial part of the healing process – placing the shame in toxic dynamics back where it should be.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Raegan about the issues with picking a favorite song of all time, dream collabs, the latest single and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Are you able to choose a favorite song of all time? Or would you label this an impossible task? If yes, what’s the song? If no, what are your current Top 3?
A completely impossible task. I mean completely. There are so many genres, eras, so many songs in this world, and each one resonates with different people for different reasons at different times.
I’ve been melancholy lately and that’s drawn me to Celeste–who I’m properly digging into for the first time, Millie Jackson–an old fave, and Kendrick Lamar–who somehow always leaves me feeling both humbled and inspired.
What about this single / music video makes you most proud? Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with “Make ‘em Jealous?”
The goal of Make ‘em Jealous was to really lean into and satirize the shame that so many people in abusive relationships feel. I think music, art and performance are important for this: immersing ourselves in every true experience, however painful or shameful. It’s how we come to know we’re not alone. Someone else felt/feels like this too.
What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?
I think being human inspires me to create music! Lol. It’s how I express myself. It’s how I process emotions and feel connected to the universe. I think it’s more magic than anything, and that motivates me–there will always be a song to be sung, even at the end of the world.
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.
Kae Tempest–prophet, poet, rapper, and writer from the UK.
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
Instagram @raegansealy, or my website, www.raegansealy.com
I appreciate Your time. Want to say or plug any other projects before we part ways?
I have a new song out!. It’s called “Killing Song” and has a very different vibe to “Make ‘em Jealous.” It’s about mice and heartbreak. Check it out!
