SJ Mortimer Finds Peace in Her Own Pace on New Single “Late Bloomer”
UK singer-songwriter SJ Mortimer re-emerges as a solo artist with a reflective, folk-pop single about self-acceptance and timing.
LONDON, UK (May 13, 2026) — After years as the lead singer of the acclaimed UK Americana band Morganway, SJ Mortimer steps into a new chapter with “Late Bloomer,” arriving June 5. The single marks the first in a run of summer releases leading toward a larger project later this year.
“Late Bloomer” blends the warmth of folk-pop and country with a subtle rock edge. The song floats with a breeziness while holding emotional weight, pairing reflective songwriting with a grounded, rootsy sound. At its core, the track explores acceptance, self-compassion, and the understanding that growth does not follow a universal timeline. Mortimer describes the feeling underneath the song as acceptance in being a late bloomer, mixed with gratitude and a sense of future possibility in a world that often urges people to rush.
Photography by Michelle Fredericks
“Heard a rumour I’m peculiar, tryna hang me out to dry on the line
I’m no ruder for being cuter, in biding my sweet time, with my own human design future”
For Mortimer, this line reflects the idea that outside voices lose their power when a person trusts their own pace and integrity. The song arrived naturally during the writing process and felt like a moment of self-discovery, making it a clear choice to begin this new chapter.
Visually and emotionally, “Late Bloomer” introduces the world surrounding the upcoming larger project. A recurring floral theme runs throughout the wider record, symbolizing growth, blooming, and renewal. This solo material marks Mortimer’s most personal work to date. After years of contributing to a shared band identity, she now presents songs that are written from a more individual and reflective place. She shares that making this record felt like learning how to believe in herself without guilt, regret, or overthinking.
Recorded at The Nutthouse Recording Studio and written by Mortimer, the track was produced by Sol Philcox-Littlefield, and features keys and organ by Austin Motlow. With more singles to follow this summer, “Late Bloomer” offers the first glimpse into an artist rediscovering her voice on her own terms and inviting listeners to grant themselves the same patience and kindness.
MORE ABOUT SJ MORTIMER:
Part angel. Part banshee. All fire.
SJ Mortimer is not your typical singer-songwriter.
With a voice that can whisper like smoke and roar like thunder, SJ has built a reputation as one of the most compelling frontwomen in modern UK Americana rock. As the lead singer and songwriter of Morganway, she commands stages with raw power, emotional honesty and a magnetic presence that has seen her compared to Stevie Nicks, Janis Joplin and even a female-fronted Zeppelin.
From recording her debut album Nashville Sessions in Tennessee to touring across the UK, Europe, the US and China, SJ’s journey has been defined by fearless creativity and a refusal to be boxed in. Her songwriting moves effortlessly between grit and grace, heartache and defiance, country storytelling and soul-drenched rock.
With charting albums, major festival stages, international tours and four-time BCMA Band of the Year awards with Morganway, SJ now stands on the edge of a bold new chapter.
In 2026, SJ will release her most powerful and personal solo work to date—recorded in Muscle Shoals, featuring co-writes with Grammy-nominated Nashville writers, rooted in country, folk and soul. Written with a new level of truth, depth and fire, this is the sound of SJ Mortimer at her most open, honest and fearless.
Connect with SJ Mortimer: Website | Instagram | TikTok | Spotify
Press contact: Maria Herrera | maria@evergreenent.com
