Jarde Salase, the Ugandan-born, London-based artist, is making waves with his latest single, Dance With The Devil, released on March 3, 2025. A storyteller at heart, Jarde blends classic pop influences with deeply emotional narratives, crafting songs that feel both timeless and deeply personal. Dance With The Devil is no exception, bringing listeners into a world where love and war collide in a symphony of melody and meaning.
With inspirations ranging from The Beatles and Oasis to Badfinger, Billy Joel, and Gerry Rafferty, Jarde Salase’s sound is rooted in the rich traditions of pop songwriting. He has a knack for crafting melodies that feel instantly familiar yet refreshingly original, and Dance With The Devil is a perfect example of this musical alchemy. The single transports listeners to an era where storytelling in music was paramount, yet its production and sonic textures give it a modern edge that keeps it firmly planted in today’s musical landscape.
At its core, Dance With The Devil tells the story of love entangled in the turmoil of war. The track paints vivid imagery of two lovers torn apart by the chaos around them, struggling to hold on to something pure in an environment riddled with destruction. The song’s title hints at the dangerous dance between hope and despair, passion and survival. There’s an underlying tension in the lyrics, as if every note is teetering on the edge of a precipice, mirroring the emotional rollercoaster of wartime romance.
Recorded between London and Sydney, the single benefits from a diverse production approach that seamlessly blends international influences. Producer John Schiavo brings a polished, yet organic feel to the song, ensuring that every instrument has room to breathe while maintaining a rich, immersive atmosphere. Meanwhile, session drummer Nando Pettinato adds dynamic energy to the track, his rhythmic precision driving the song forward with a sense of urgency that perfectly complements its theme.
Jarde’s vocals are the true star of the track. His voice carries a nostalgic warmth, reminiscent of the golden era of pop, yet there’s a distinct vulnerability that makes Dance With The Devil feel deeply personal. He doesn’t just sing the story—he inhabits it, bringing a raw, heartfelt performance that lingers long after the song ends. His ability to weave emotion into his voice is what sets him apart as an artist, and this single showcases that gift in full force.
Sonically, Dance With The Devil captures the essence of classic pop songwriting while incorporating subtle contemporary elements. The melodies are lush and inviting, the instrumentation rich yet uncluttered. The piano-driven verses recall the elegance of Billy Joel, while the sweeping chorus channels the anthemic qualities of Oasis at their most heartfelt. The influence of The Beatles and Badfinger is undeniable, particularly in the harmonies and song structure, yet Jarde manages to infuse his own identity into every note, ensuring that the track never feels derivative.
Beyond its musical strengths, Dance With The Devil is a song that invites introspection. It explores the idea of love enduring through hardship, of holding on to something meaningful even when the world is falling apart. The lyrics are poetic yet accessible, allowing listeners to project their own experiences onto the story. Whether one interprets it as a literal war-time romance or as a metaphor for personal struggles, the song resonates on multiple levels.
Jarde Salase has long been dedicated to writing and performing in what he calls a “timeless style,” and Dance With The Devil is a testament to that ethos. It’s a song that could have been a hit in the 1970s, the 1990s, or even today—a rare quality that few artists can achieve.
As he continues to craft music that transcends generations, Jarde Salase is proving that great songwriting never goes out of style. Dance With The Devil is more than just a single; it’s an experience—one that reminds us of the power of music to tell stories, evoke emotion, and stand the test of time.
