Harper Starling Is Having An ‘Affair With Myself’ In Her New Single, Featuring Cindy Valentine

Harper Starling returns – accompanied by Cindy Valentine – with her new single, ‘Affair With Yourself’, as well as a storytelling music video.

While at first glance it might not sound like a very gratifying experience, to have an ‘Affair With Yourself’ – at least not as much as hooking up with that attractive stranger you’ve just peeped at the other end of the bar – but on deeper examination the song is not about random liaisons, but rather empowerment; the knowledge that you don’t have to be in a bad relationship, that you can love yourself, and be perfectly fine in your own company.

The track sees Harper team up once more with her frequent co-writer, Cindy Valentine, and the track is dedicated to Harper’s next three lovers – namely, “me, myself, and I”. It’s irreverent, sure, but underneath all the thigh slapping there’s a more serious message, and sadly, quite a relatable one, about verbal abuse, bullying, and disrespect. Harper takes us on a journey to reclaim our autonomy: to recognise bad behaviour and do something about it.

Cindy harmonises with Harper on the song’s bridge, matching Harper’s powerful vocals on a track that could be this summer’s feel good inspiration, and, like Harper’s other songs, it’s propulsive, wildly catchy, and more than a little bit cheeky.

The video continues the same narrative style as her other clips, with a story written by Cindy, who also coached Harper, while Director Luke Camozzi treats us to plenty of shots of Starling on a date with a boyfriend who isn’t making the grade. Rude, greedy, and loud, he’s clearly stifling his partner’s self-expression. Harper takes back her power, and we see her transformation of self confidence once she is on her own, and in the safety of her own home.

Harper regains her power in a way that she couldn’t when she was with a partner who was looking and talking over her, and sure enough, she – and we – soon learn that all she ever needed was herself.

You can watch the video for ‘Affair With Myself’ below, and check out Harper Starling and her music online on her official website, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram. Check out her Linktree too!

Harper Starling - Affair With Myself feat. Cindy Valentine (Official Video)

About the author

Lisa has been writing for over 20 years, starting as the entertainment editor on her university newspaper. Since then she's written for Popwrapped, Maximum Pop, Celebmix, and ListenOnRepeat.

Lisa loves all good music, with particular fondness for Jedward and David Bowie. She's interviewed Edward Grimes (Jedward), Kevin Godley, Trevor Horn, Paul Young, Peter Cox (Go West), Brendan B Brown (Wheatus), Bruce Foxton (The Jam), among many many more. Lisa is also available for freelance writing - please email lisa@essentiallypop.com