Bishop Briggs and Jacob Banks have released a new version of Briggs’ “Someone Else” off CHAMPION from 2019. The duo additionally released a video directed by Matthew Siskin for the song today, Friday, February 12.

To incorporate Banks, this rendition of “Someone Else” shifts keys and is slowed down. The backing track is stripped to the basics – a simple piano track and some deep swells – remaining incredibly minimalistic. Thus, the voices are the forefront of this heartbreaking track, and the British and Nigerian singer Banks is the perfect addition.

On her YouTube, London-native Briggs writes about the 2021 re-release, “I wrote ‘Someone Else’ about feeling overwhelmed by existing in the world. I texted Jacob Banks this dream I had of hearing his voice on this song. Within a few hours he sent back a version of him singing along to the track full of his iconic vocal tone that you really only come across once or twice in your lifetime if you are lucky. I began tearing up within seconds of hearing his voice in the intro of the song. Jacob has one of those voices that you read about in the music history books… I hope you feel comfort and warmth.”

Watch “Someone Else” with Briggs and Banks here:

The video reflects the vulnerability of the song, showing the singers standing back-to-back, frequently cutting to close-ups of their faces as they trade lines. However, the final clip takes a quick pivot to show both artists sitting with each other, laughing blissfully.

Briggs has remained busy during the pandemic, continuing to release new music including “Higher” in October, and performing a virtual concert, the Champion Tour Live Stream, for fans in October as well.

Photo credit: Boston Lynn Schulz