PREMIERE: Sam Wickens opens up about mental health struggles in video for new single 'Strange.24'

Following the release of his acclaimed album All I've Seen last year, Sam Wickens has returned with a brand new single 'Strange.24' – as well as a deeply reflective accompanying music video.

The release also coincides with the announcement of a new EP, Watson – set to be released on February 5.

Combining raw, blues-flavoured vocals with electronic touches, ‘Strange.24’ finds Sam expanding the powerful, genre-defying sound he introduced on the NI Music Prize-nominated All I’ve Seen. The single movingly captures his battle with mental illness – themes that are further explored in the accompanying music video, in which his struggles are depicted as a maze of darkness and despair.

"It's a song about the acceptance of recovering from a battle with mental illness," Sam reflects. "The feeling of something changing within my life and trying to accept that it is actually happening. After fighting with mental illnesses for such a long time, the possibility of it leaving was a complete myth to me. Life without deep hopelessness seemed strange to me as I was accustomed to the black hole that was my normality. Just as you would need to get used to living in a new home, I had to get used to living as a person that was no longer mentally ill. This song was a therapeutic way to help me move on with my recovery."

'Strange.24' further establishes the Bangor artist as one of Ireland's most compellingly original talents – and firmly positions him on the cusp of stardom. Ahead of the single's official release tomorrow, November 24, take a look at the video below:

Sam has also announced his first live date in over a year – with a headliner at the Workman's Club in Dublin on April 1. Tickets are available now.