Both visually and musically, the new single from Rachael Sage is just joyous. The sentiment is simple and direct – this is about the enduring, life-changing power of love: “I will be strong for you // I will belong to you.” Sage’s voice is suitably intimate – quiet, understated but purposeful – but the backing vocals from The Sequins make it something heavenly, rising up in beautiful harmony. The hymnal quality to the vocal performance is fitting for a song whose theme gives meaning to our lives. The gently fluid keys, plaintive harmonica, Hammond organ, and cello from Dave Eggar (Paul Simon) add depth to the song.
Sage says of the song: “I wrote ‘Belong To You’ as a gospel ballad, and it was really meaningful that so many of The Sequins ended up singing on it, versus just me singing all the harmonies myself. The Hammond organ and harmonica – played by Kevin J. Killen and Will Wilde, respectively – add so much, and Dave Eggar’s cello playing grounds the arrangement so beautifully. The devotion and loyalty of our friendships expressed in the lyrics is something I know we all genuinely feel for one another, and in that sense, it’s a very emotional song for me to sing.”
Directed and produced by Jenny He, the video is a delightful accompaniment to the song, strengthening the theme of love in all its forms. Everyday people were invited to participate, bringing their loved ones to the shoot. It’s impossible not to smile along, joining these couples, families and friends in celebration of their love for one another.
On the video, Sage adds: “It was such a wonderful experience working with director Jenny He again on our new video for ‘Belong To You’! We had previously collaborated on ‘Whistle Blow’ and I was so impressed and inspired by her very singular, focused vision, so it just felt like the perfect time to reunite. We knew we wanted to find a concept that reflected the timeless, unconditionally loving sensibility of the song – arguably my first gospel composition – and that ideally included as many types of loving relationships as possible…not only romantic but also parent/child, friendship, owners/pets, and so forth. Her idea to invite everyday people (and their pets!) to join us for a real-life portrait session that captured loving interactions between ‘soulmates’ – and then to also provide them those portraits for posterity – was brilliant and fit the song so well. It was such a joyful and altogether wholesome experience meeting these diverse individuals and capturing it all through Jenny’s unique perspective. Honestly, it was one of the most positive and uplifting days of 2025 for me – it felt hopeful, genuine, and spiritually uplifting. And of course, having members of The Sequins there to be part of my own ‘portrait’ was the perfect way to express my gratitude for simply being able to do what I do, day in and day out, as an artist surrounded by musicians who also happen to be people I deeply love.”
‘Belong to You’ is taken from the brand new album “Canopy”, which has just been released digitally. We can look forward to its physical release on 14th November 2025 – check it out and be absorbed by Sage’s soulful writing, hushed vocals, and rich blend of styles.
