“Listen to yourself and take time out if you need to without guilt”
St. Jude the Obscure are an electro art-pop duo featuring Adele Emmas and Christian Sandford. They’ve already received support from media including Radio 1 and 6 Music and their single ‘Wings Like Icarus’ was released earlier this year. We spoke to Adele Emmas about smoothies, yoga, and the importance of a good nights sleep.
What are you working on at the moment?
We’re just getting ready to release a couple of new tracks and a two-part film/video to come out alongside them. We were also recently commissioned by Bido Lito to write a piece of music based on a poem called ‘Futility’ by Wilfred Owen which we really enjoyed.
What has been your biggest life challenge and what did you do to overcome it?
I had a pretty tough time with my mental health starting from when I was 21, I had to take time off work, went away for a while and really went to ground in order to recover. It took me a long time to feel like myself again and it still returns to me sometimes but I’m strangely thankful of the experience, it helped me to get myself together in a way.
How important has music been to your mental health?
Massively so, music goes beyond words for me and can make me feel certain emotions that can’t be verbalised. I think it speaks to the soul and can help us relate on a deeper level, healing us even if we’re not conscious of it.
What would constitute a ‘perfect’ day for you?
Just a day of being totally free with no prior plans. I’m happiest when I’m just pottering about, listening to music or a podcast, reading, walking around in the sunshine, going for a nice breakfast and seeing good people. Just simple things really.
For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
Life itself.
Complete this sentence: “Ace mental health for me means…”
Freedom and peace of mind, not having to battle against your own thoughts.
What do you eat to stay healthy?
I make green smoothies as a way of getting my daily intake of fruit and veg and try not to drink too much alcohol either, it can affect my anxiety levels and mood for days after. I should definitely exercise and drink more water more though.
Who was your best friend at school? What was the funniest thing they did?
My best friend was and still is Katie. We’d have loads of fun sliding down the stairs inside our duvets or racing up and down the street with one roller blade on each.
What is your favourite motivational quote?
I’m not great with motivational quotes but here’s something by Oliver Sacks: “I cannot pretend I am without fear. But my predominant feeling is one of gratitude. I have loved and been loved; I have been given much and I have given something in return: I have read and travelled and thought and written. I have had an intercourse with the world.” Above all, I have been a sentient being, a thinking animal on this beautiful planet, and that in itself has been an enormous privilege and adventure.
What advice do you offer to friends when they are feeling overwhelmed?
To listen to yourself and take time out if you need to without guilt. Basic things like getting enough sleep, eating well, staying off social media and talking to people helps so much. I’d recommend yoga and meditation too.
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