Today sees the release of a brand new single from Richard Stirton, entitled “Rough Justice”. Richard – who shot to fame as winner of the first season of The Voice SA as well as The Voice Global in 2016 – now resides in London. “Rough Justice” is his first South African radio single since March 2019.
Since moving to the UK in 2019, Richard Stirton has been spending time refining his songwriting, whilst leaning into writing styles that feed his strengths as vocalist and musician, with the goal of finding his true sound, narrative and identity as an artist. The result: “Rough Justice” – an intimate and reflective offering with soaring choruses and anthemic vocals.
“Rough Justice” was recorded in Devon at a studio run by Jack Bowdenof the UK folk band, Tors. The song was written earlier in 2023 after Richard visited South Africa and reflected on some of the relationships he had been witness to and the dynamics he had seen.
Richard Stirton comments on the track
“The song is about the interplay between relationships and time. The idea that things are never smooth sailing and that there are certain factors that will always be out of your control. Time is one, the other person’s feelings are another. Where you decide to give love is ultimately on you. You cannot decide who you love, but you can decide whether it is worth pursuing. It is a two-way street and if your love is not being reciprocated, perhaps it is better to walk away, because regardless of your happiness or lack thereof, time marches on.”
Richard Stirton chose “Rough Justice” as the single to kick off his new body of work – an EP set for release early 2024. The song in itself serves as a representation of some of the topics his new work explores with the aim of making people reflect on life, themselves and their relationships in order to feel strong and fulfilled. Despite the more serious subject matter the production is powerful and uplifting.
Richard Stirton explains who “Rough Justice” is for
“’Rough Justice’ is for anybody who is in a relationship that has had its challenges – friendships, romantic relationships or relationships with family members. I am hoping my music makes them think about the bigger picture and that it energizes them, making them feel empowered and positive as they move forward in their relationships.”
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