Singer, songwriter, activist, and actress Paloma Faith is known for her distinctive, theatrical, and powerful voice and performances. With a career spanning more than a decade, she has released several critically acclaimed albums, including "Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful?" and "Fall to Grace," which have garnered numerous awards and nominations. Apart from her music, she is recognized for her bold fashion choices and her advocacy for various social causes. Her upcoming album, "The Glorification of Sadness," promises to showcase her unique blend of soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics, further solidifying her place as one of the United Kingdom's most captivating artists.

Rust Patent Leather Sheath Dress by Bibhu Mohapatra
Turtleneck Sweater by Bibhu Mohapatra
Large Crumple Post Earrings in Gold by Alexis Bittar
Gloves by Stylist Own

Before we jump into your extensive and impressive career, what sparked your initial interest in music?
Music was all around me growing up. I loved singing but only as a fan. My parents thought music was the greatest gift. I started singing in bands for fun more than anything. It wasn’t really something I felt I was good enough to do. I felt quite unworthy of it. I have sold millions of albums. Who knew?

Your new album, “The Glorification of Sadness,” shows themes of love, heartbreak, and everything in between. Can you give some insight behind your inspiration and process for creating the record?
It is a record that is a chronological account of my breakup with my children’s father after a decade together. It feels harrowing to listen to. That kind of relationship breakdown is so nuanced and so difficult to navigate because there are more people involved than just the two of us. The outcome is a harsh look at personal responsibility, shame, and grief. When I first began writing the music it was just therapy. I think the album as a whole shows the light and shade of my internal world from self-doubt to introspection, to the insane ramblings of a petulant child (my inner voice).

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Jacket by Falguni Shane Peacock

While the title “The Glorification of Sadness” may sound down, there are many upbeat pop and disco inspired tracks. What inspired this sharp contrast?
Life is a flurry of all feelings. You can be at your worst and feel euphoric and you can be into your finest hour and feel lonely and isolated. I don’t think anything is ever black and white. I also wanted to celebrate and pay homage to my sadness because in many ways our most formative and character-building moments are our best.

Who are your favorite artists and biggest inspirations when it comes to creating music?
Frank Ocean, Erykah Badu, Lil Wayne, Leonard Cohen, André 3000, Lana Del Rey, and Tyler, the Creator. They are all authentic and creative artists who see the deepest parts of themselves and the silliest most humorous parts, all as a whole entity.

Onyx Patent Leather Dress with Cut Out Rouching with
Drawstring Details and Crystal Embroidered Badges
By Bibhu Mohapatra
Boots by Atana at Flying Solo
Earrings by Pianegonda
Ring by Laruicci

While the album tells your journey through love and heartbreak, how do you hope listeners connect with the songs? What should fans take away from it?
I think my intention is always to give voice to the feelings we may not know how to explain, to make people feel seen and understood or just merely to move my listeners. The human condition is universal and there is always a place we can relate to irrespective of our differences.

This album is personal and heartfelt. How has putting this out to the public compared to previous records?
They are all personal. It’s just that this event was particularly damaging. Breaking up a home is devastating. I am experiencing a never-ending barrage of guilt and self-doubt even now. There is no hindsight; it continually feels like I’m present in the grief.

**Left:**
Shirt by NAMARA
Dress by Maison IRFE
Belt by Stylist own
Interchangeable Footwear by MOLLY
**Right:**
Jacket by Moschino
Shirt by NAMARA

Do any tracks on “The Glorification of Sadness” stick out as favorites or most meaningful? If so, why?

“Let it Ride” – the most fun to sing.

“Say my Name” – the most euphoric to hear.

“Cry on the Dancefloor” – the most fun to dance to.

“Eat Shit and Die” – the most lols I had.

In addition to being a platinum-selling, critically acclaimed musician, you also appear as a judge on “The Voice UK,” and you are an interior designer and are in the final stages of writing a book. How do you balance it all?
I’m probably just clinically insane. I like to work all the time so I don’t have to address all my deep and inner most unresolved fears! Ha-ha.

Last year, you were selected to perform at the Coronation Concert. What was the experience like, and how did it come to be?
Well, I was asked so I said yes. King Charles has a charity called “The Prince’s Trust,” which funds young people who aren’t financially able to achieve their goals, and I was awarded a prize by them at the age of 17 to complete my art project at college. I felt eternally grateful for this help and felt it was important I thank him as I have since done very well. It’s people doing things like that that help less wealthy families be able to achieve more of their potential when they otherwise may not. I am also a huge fan of the environmental work he does.

You often use your platform to promote and discuss activism, specifically women’s rights, equality, and global warming. What inspires you to be so vocal where many public figures are not?
It feels irresponsible not to use the platform I have to help influence awareness or change. I genuinely believe we all have a duty to look out for one another. One person’s sadness is also my own. I’m empathic and always been that way. My only issue is I can’t help everyone and that makes me sad. But I do what I can. At the moment climate change and promoting a ceasefire for Palestinians are my main focus.

Skirt by Laruicci
Jacket by Falguni Shane Peacock
Shoes by Gucci

Lastly, what’s next for Paloma Faith? Anything fans should look out for?
My book comes out this summer during festival season. Hopefully a United States tour (to be announced).

Social Media.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/palomafaith/

**Left:**
Philipp Plein Crystal Embellished Blazer by Philipp Plein
Livvy Leather Trouser by L’AGENCE
Interchangeable Footwear by MOLLY
**Right:**
Shirt by NAMARA
Dress by Maison IRFE @maisonirfe
Belt by Stylist own
Interchangeable Footwear by MOLLY

CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz
Talent: Paloma Faith
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon at Exclusive Artists
Hair: Bradley Irion
Makeup: Lan Nguyen-Grealis
Fashion Stylist Interns: Hanna Flores, Cole Sudduth, Yisha Li , Ana Mergil
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Ethan Engh, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine