Heidi Curtis addresses OCD and superstition on ‘Run’

Heidi Curtis has released ‘Run’, a song about OCD symptoms and the increasingly intrusive role of superstition in her life. Out today through AWAL, the single accompanies a new video and previews her forthcoming EP, Summon.

The Newcastle songwriter says rituals began controlling her everyday decisions after living with OCD symptoms for much of her life. Writing ‘Run’ helped her examine the signs and symbols she had followed.

“I wrote this song about OCD hiding behind my superstitions,” Heidi explains. “All of my witchy signs and symbols became obsessive and commanding of my mind.”

“This song answered all my questions when I needed it most,” she continues. “I just wanted to run away from my own head.”

‘Run’ is the second single from Summon, which arrives on 20th November. It follows September’s title track, written about confronting imposter syndrome and questioning whether she was being too loud or too grand as a woman in music.

Heidi described writing ‘Summon’ as a way of reconnecting with strength she had forgotten. ‘Run’ addresses another experience, focusing on the discomfort of thoughts and rituals beginning to dictate her actions.

Heidi produces Summon herself ahead of Blossoms shows

Summon is Heidi’s second EP and the first she has produced entirely herself. It follows Hollow Heart, released in May, which included ‘Siren’ and ‘What Am I Missing?’.

While the earlier EP centred on pain, Heidi presents Summon as a collection concerned with strength and backing her own judgement. Her production role extends across the whole release, alongside the personal experiences informing its songs.

The single follows her debut UK headline tour and European support dates with Rachel Chinouriri. Her October headline itinerary included London’s Lexington and Leeds’ Hyde Park Book Club, ending with a sold-out hometown date at The Grove in Newcastle.

Next month, Heidi joins Blossoms for three shows following the EP’s release. She supports the band at Cardiff’s Utilita Arena on 26th November, London’s Alexandra Palace on 27th November and Manchester’s Co-op Live on 28th November.

Those bookings follow appearances alongside Florence + The Machine, Self Esteem and Holly Humberstone earlier this year. The November dates take Heidi to audiences in Wales, London and Manchester after her own headline run.

BBC Introducing on Radio 1 has also named Heidi a ‘Need To Know’ artist. Meanwhile, Craig Charles and Emily Pilbeam have supported her music on BBC Radio 6 Music, with Craig premiering ‘Summon’ ahead of its September release.

‘Run’ is available now. Pre-order Summon ahead of its 20th November release and follow Heidi on Instagram.