SJ Mortimer Reclaims Her Power on Fiery New Single ‘Numb’

SJ Mortimer refuses to be held back on ‘Numb’, the bold, anthemic focus track from her Late Bloomer EP. Blending pop and rock with touches of electronic music, soul and blues, the single captures the moment self-doubt gives way to confidence.

The song began as a stripped-back ballad before Mortimer took the idea to Nashville, where she co-wrote it with Justyna Kelley. As the pair developed the track, it grew into something far bigger and more defiant, exploring the expectations placed on women in music and everyday life.

At its heart, ‘Numb’ is about reaching the point where constantly questioning yourself is no longer an option. Instead, Mortimer chooses to trust her instincts, reject outside pressure and reclaim her own power. That shift is reflected in the music, which moves with energy and purpose rather than lingering quietly in its original ballad form.

Just two days after writing the song, Mortimer travelled to Muscle Shoals, Alabama to record it with producer Sol Philcox-Littlefield. All of the instrumentation and vocals were completed in a single day, with Mortimer pushing her voice further than she had before. She describes the demanding session as her own “vocal Olympics”, and that effort can be heard in the track’s gritty, soulful performance.

Melodic hooks give ‘Numb’ an immediate pop pull, while the rock production brings weight and attitude. Its electronic, soul and blues influences add further character, allowing Mortimer’s vocals to move between vulnerability and full-throated determination.

The track was mixed by award-winning engineer Ash Howes, whose previous credits include Ellie Goulding, Kylie, Dido, Little Mix, Jack Savoretti and Thomas Rhett. His polished mix keeps the song’s different influences together without softening its fiery edge.

‘Numb’ is the song Mortimer is most proud of from the project, and it is easy to understand why. Powerful, emotional and unapologetic, it stands as a celebration of finding your voice and finally refusing to make yourself smaller for anybody else.