Chess Smith - Drama King Release Press Kit
"Drama King"
New Single by Chess Smith
Release Date 27thMarch 2025
Drama King is the new single from alt-pop powerhouse Chess Smith. Following on from Chess' first single, Bounce Back, which was written from the perspective of a survivor of narcissistic abuse, Drama King is an electrifying takedown of the toxic, controlling people who perpetuate it... The narcissists themselves. It lays bare their psyche, strips them of their mask, and exposes their lies and manipulation for the world to see. This song is for anyone who's run the gauntlet with their own Drama King or Queen, and at its core is a message of support and hope: 'I've been there, I believe you, and I believe in you'.
When we stand shoulder to shoulder, support each other, and we call these people out, it strips them of their power and they have nowhere to hide... We know who they are, and the stream of destruction that they leave in their wake will eventually be their undoing.
Drama King is being exclusively premiered on radio by Loud Women on 25th March - please hold radio play until after this date. Thank you!
Single Release Show
27th March 2025 - Doors 7:00pm
THE MUSIC WORKSHOP - Folkestone
Following on from the success of the Bounce Back launch show, the official Drama King launch will be held at The Music Workshop in Folkestone on 27th March - with support from Iona McBain and Daisie.
Drama King
I am done
With Pinocchios
I’ve seen their noses grow
I am done
Asmodeous,
It’s not love nor lust, I am done
So take his crown, take his crown,
And burn it, burn it, burn it down.
Drama, drama king,
You think it’s the only way to communicate,
But it’s just f**king heartache,
Drama, drama king,
You manipulate, and then eat your cake, and it escalates,
In so many ways…
I’ve begun,
To forgive myself,
For knowing I’ll move further out of hell,
I am fun, woohoo
Once again, woohoo
Whether you win or lose,
I guess that’s just the conscience you choose.
I want it, I believe it,
I see it, you deceived it.
Lyrics
Drama, drama king,
You think it’s the only way to communicate,
But it’s just f**king heartache,
Drama drama king,
You manipulate, and then eat your cake, and it escalates,
In so many ways…
You chase
Manipulate
Create
participate
Erase
And if word escapes
You retaliate
Interrogate
Deny ever to participate
Proof overtakes
And It escalates
My worst mistake so far
Tired of living with drama
Cos proof overtakes
And it escalates
Drama, drama king,
Yeah you manipulate and then eat your cake…
And it escalates
ABOUT CHESS SMITH
Chess Smith is a British pop/rock singer-songwriter with a love for writing passionate, personal & positive songs about mental health and hitting back at toxic behaviour. With her soaring, emotive power vocals, engaging stage presence, and uncanny ability to write relatable songs with unforgettable hooks, Chess is ready to shake up the music scene in 2025. Her music is all about radical self-love, empowerment, and overcoming adversity – in a world full of competition, comparison, narcissism, and self-doubt, Chess' uplifting, anthemic songs are a welcome reminder that when we know our worth and love ourselves, we are unstoppable.
Chess began her career working with local rock bands in London and the Southeast, touring around the UK and experimenting with different genres along the way. Raised on ABBA & Led Zeppelin, with influence from artists like Alanis Morisette, Paper Route, Chappell Roan, Holly Humberstone & Maggie Rogers, Chess' sound is a refreshing amalgamation of diverse genres with an edgy alt-pop feel.
Chess has worked with music legends across numerous genres, including Jocelyn Brown, Emily Dolan Davies (Drummer of The Darkness/ Cher Lloyd), Paul Davis (Drummer of Sugababes/ Jericho), Ashley Kinsley (keys player for Beverly Knight), and Steve Harris (Gary Numan’s guitarist). She toured extensively with Mooli, and fronted Salvation Jayne to wild acclaim, before parting ways in 2022.
In 2020, Chess suffered a severe nervous breakdown as a result of narcissistic abuse, which forced her to take a long break from music. When she eventually started her recovery, it felt like the right time to solely focus on herself & her solo career. Realising that there was so little positive, uplifting messaging about surviving abuse & dealing with trauma, she chose to write music about her experiences in hopes it may help other people. Stepping away from rock and into an alternative pop musical kaleidoscope for a fresh start… A New Reign.
Since 2022 Chess has been working on a solo project called 'Saving Lilibet', co-writing with multi-talented Kent producer Fuji Hideout. Chess has already played an early preview of her new material to an enthralled crowd at The Live Lounge in Canterbury, and will be embarking on a series of live shows to celebrate the release of her new singles and EP, the first of which is on 8th February 2025 at the esteemed Art Club in Dover.
Follow for more news and updates, or contact Chess via email, or on social media, using the links below.
Chess Smith is an independent, self-managed artist
chess@chesssmith.co.uk
TikTok / Instagram / Facebook: @chesssmithmusic
Critics' Reviews
I'm Music Magazine
"Chess Smith’s voice is akin to the raw edge of ex-Estrons Tali Kallstrom and the soulful power of Yonaka’s Theresa Jarvis."
Fortitude Magazine
"Smith’s soaring vocal range … the parallels between Smith’s and Hayley Williams’ vocals can no longer be ignored"
Aural Aggravation
"There’s a confidence and coolness about Smith’s presentation which suggests she’s got big prospects"
The Zine UK
Back Seat Mafia
"The vocals of Chess Smith are strong and full of passion, range and power"
Get In Her Ears
"raw, impassioned vocals"