Jessie Ware talks midlife reset and emotional shift in parenting and career

Jessie Ware talked about a new phase of life she describes as both “frenzied” and liberating as she navigates her forties, a changing family dynamic, and a renewed sense of identity.

The Jessie Ware singer, 41, said that as her three children become more independent, her day-to-day focus has shifted away from the demands of early parenting and back toward herself and her relationship with her husband, Sam Burrows.

Speaking to The Times, Ware reflected on how motherhood has evolved over the years. “You're no longer up in the night. You're not doing nappies,” she said. “They are more independent and so maybe your relationship with your partner transitions.”

She added that this stage of life has brought a deeper reconnection with her own identity.

“It is that reclaiming of your sexual identity, needs, wants. Also, you start to understand how you view your body again, which has been a vessel and a tool,” she explained.

Ware described her forties as a particularly intense but exciting period. “It’s a really interesting time… you are nearing a time when you think about dying, but this is a sweet spot, where you want to cram in as much fun as possible. It’s a frenzied time,” she said.

The singer also spoke about the response to her recent single Ride, which features a stylised, provocative music video starring James Norton as a “sexy cowboy.”

The visual drew inspiration from Western aesthetics and references, including the film Fifty Shades of Grey.

Ware said the reaction has been largely positive, even among other parents. “People at the school gates have said thank you to me,” she shared, adding that the video had sparked conversations.

The track, co-created with her friend and collaborator Jack Peñate, also samples music from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, originally composed by Ennio Morricone.

Recalling how the video came together, Ware said she personally invited Norton to take part after attending a performance by Peñate.

“I asked him, ‘James, do you ride a horse, and would you be up for being a sexy cowboy in the video?’” she said, adding that he immediately responded positively.

Despite not expecting to be heavily involved in the shoot, Ware said the experience was smooth and creatively fulfilling.

“James being the total gentleman and professional he is made it so easy,” she said, noting the video was filmed on a cold February day.

She added that working with director Thomas and the production team helped bring the vision to life, calling the final result “beautiful.”