Moving home to Walsall leads to a slower pace for singer Jorja Smith

Jorja Smith released her new album, Falling or Flying, on Friday

Singer Jorja Smith has said a move back to her home town has led to a slower pace of life and a chance to reconnect with friends.

The 26-year-old moved back to Walsall at the beginning of the year to work on her new album.

"I'm closer to my family, my friends, it's just a slower pace," she told BBC Radio 1.

Her third album, Falling or Flying, produced by Birmingham production duo DameDame, was released on Friday.

The album name reflected how she has felt over the past few years, she said.

"There's a lot that's gone on and sometimes it's a bit blurry."

Her debut album Lost and Found was released in 2018 and spent three weeks in the Top 20.

• Listen to Jorja Smith perform in BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge

Smith was born in Walsall in 1997 and began writing songs at the age of 11.

She earned a music scholarship at Aldridge School in Walsall before being scouted for a manager when she was 15.

The 26-year-old said she enjoyed living in London but had felt like it was time to return to the West Midlands.

She has won multiple awards including the BRIT Critics' Choice Award and Best British Female Artist.

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